Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina
Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
374 reviews
#301 of 4,378 Restaurants in San Diego$$ - $$$, Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian friendly+1 619-260-8124+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Reserve a table
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Mexican, Southwestern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant accept reservations?
Details
About
The Old Town Tequila Factory is perched above the beautiful Hacienda Hotel in Historic Old Town San Diego. Whether you come for the amazing food or to take advantage of the incredible selection of Premium Tequilas, Craft Beers, or Signature Margaritas, the Tequila Factory will not disappoint. Our property is the only dining establishment in Old Town San Diego that offers both unparalleled views of the city and a private parking structure! Come relax and enjoy a delicious meal inside our brand new dining room or delight in breath taking views from either one of our sensational patios. The Old Town Tequila Factory boasts two amazing bars. Whether you are in the mood to enjoy a bottle of fine wine in an elegant atmosphere, or to party the night away in most energetic bar in Old Town, both options are available to you under one roof, at Old Town Tequila Factory!
CUISINES
Mexican, Southwestern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
374 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
106
Average
72
Poor
36
Terrible
18
JustBobL
Seattle129 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The people and food were exceptional. We tried Saturday night dinner because it was an easy walk from our hotel. The staff and food brought us back Sunday night. They have many dining areas including covered outdoor options with heat that made January sunset dining outside very comfortable and impressive. The food was tasty and filling, the staff was friendly and cheerful, mariachis were a nice touch. The appetizers and Margaritas were very nice. All of the morning staff made breakfasts a delight; they bent over backwards to be helpful, informative, and even entertaining.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeandJim
Ladysmith63 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We ate lunch here when we booked into The Best Western Hacienda in Old town. The view is amazing and the ambiance was very nice on an outdoor patio.
We shared a dish of enchiladas and the waiter was excellent. When I told him I was celiac- before ordering- he spoke to the chef and a few adaptations were made. We loved our meal!
BUT when we returned later during happy hour we had to eat in the bar because the restaurant was closed. They had specific food and the waitress knew nothing about the food. When I asked if the tacos were gluten free she went into the kitchen and came out saying, “yes, all the tacos have cheese”.
So for sure we didn’t eat there again.
If you are celiac, make sure you can talk to the chef.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DewPortland
376 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Parking available under the restaurant.
Good service with a smile.
Set up with a lunch buffet that would be good for the tour bus trade.
We ordered off the menu.
Chips and salsa provided with a thin salsa and chips that appeared to come from a bag. Cold and hard chips.
The entrees were quite good. The Chicken quesadilla was heavy with chicken.
The melted cheese dish was hot and spicy.
It doesn’t rate its 4 stars, but it’s not bad.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TankTucson
La Jolla82 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We live 1.5 miles away and have eaten at all the other old town restaurants. This was the worst food and drink we have experienced to date. The margaritas were terrible, the food was greasy and bland, the salsa was mediocre at best, and the service was the some of the slowest we have experienced. I am really not a hater.... BUT I hated this place. Total Tourist Trap!!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationers62
San Diego672 contributions
May 2021 • none
We were disappointed in this restaurant and expected better from an Old Town eatery! Three of us had the fajitas - mine was skirt steak (overdone, after I asked for medium rare!), my husband's was shrimp (tasteless) and the third person had steak, shrimp and chicken (also disappointing). Our margaritas were touted as "famous" and they were small and plain! No flavored margaritas, as in most restaurants in Old Town. The food is just so so, nothing to rave about. The view is great, but that's about all. At least there is free on-site parking, a rarity in Old Town. We won't be back to this restaurant - there are too many other great restaurants in Old Town.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
staledale
1428 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We stayed at the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel in Old Town which is part of the Tequila Factory Restaurant property. While we enjoyed the hotel, we did not enjoy the TFR. While sitting near the bar having drinks, the music that was playing had continuous foul language; m-f'n, etc. They changed the music when I brought it to their attention. Then, one of the kitchen staff walks to the bar handing the bartender something, and says $hit loudly. Classy joint.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
X9768TUscotts
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience at the Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant and Cantina. Please accept our sincerest apology for the inappropriate music. First and foremost, please know that the music you described is not acceptable anywhere in the Restaurant, the Cantina or the Adjacent Hotel. Thank you for addressing this with a team member. We would like to speak to you directly for further details so that we may take action with the team on duty at that time. Can you please advise via email the best way for Management to contact you directly offline. You may email Scott@oldtowntequilafactory.com.
Written October 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Usernamemaybe
Saint Louis37 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
Visited this restaurant as we were staying at the adjoining hotel. The margaritas were tiny and not very good (served in a rocks glass), and pretty much everyone at the table agreed the food was pretty bland. I did enjoy sitting outside and having the city view, but I’m disappointed I wasted a night of dinner here when San Diego has so much to offer when it comes to Mexican cuisine.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea S
1 contribution
May 2023 • friends
The restaurant was less than packed and we had a reservation. We asked to sit at a particular table but was told we couldn’t because it was reserved, in the two hours we were there the table was never set. We ordered margaritas and they were served in plastic cups. We tried to order guacamole and ceviche and apparently they were out of all seafood. We ordered nachos in place of the ceviche. The food came out 20 minutes before we received our margaritas, the server never brought water, although we asked several times, the chicken on the nachos was cold and unseasoned. It took an hour and 20 minutes to receive our meals, 3 taquitos, and the tapequena (carne asada with cheese enchilada). We order the carne asada medium and received it over well done, cooked to a crisp. Good Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen in San Diego, this is not one of them.
Written May 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah-Ryan1
Las Vegas167 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
We avoided the food here because of mediocre reviews. But, we did want to stop for a drink & the view. There are two outdoor spaces--one is entirely covered so it isn't really "outside" at all, but thankfully we were able to move to the uncovered portion which was better.
The space has potential, although the view is kind of obscured by truly filthy windows/plexiglass? I'm not sure why it needs to be so tall, so you are looking through it no matter where you sit. That was a little disappointing...maybe so drunk people can't fall off? Still, seems like it could be a bit lower so you can actually see like on a normal patio.
The drinks are fine, the Tamarindo margarita was yummy but nothing special. If you want to check out the space/get a drink then this is an acceptable option. But I would skip the food here (we saw some other plates that did not look great). Also, the vibe really isn't all that. Just seems like a tourist trap.
They also have a photographer who comes to take your photo for a "complimentary postcard." We agreed to the photo & got our free postcard. They are trying to sell a $20 4x8 photo of you with a cheesy little envelope. She wasn't pushy about it, just trying to do her job, but this is the kind of thing you may encounter here.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott S
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for stopping for drinks and your comment on our view and the yummy Tamarind Margarita. We apologize that you caught us on a day when the glass windows had not been recently cleaned! Yes, the windows are tall to keep our valued guests from tripping and/or falling from our high altitude location. Thanks for noticing our concern for safety! We would like to invite you to try our delicious Mexican Cuisine for yourself. The vast majority of our reviews are quite positive and you won't really know for sure how great it is until you try it. If you contact jerry@oldtowntequilafactory.com he will personally oversee a selection for you on the house! Please let him know if you are interested in a complimentary visit on us. Thanks again for visiting us and for taking the time to post your thoughts. We are always looking to improve and hope to serve you soon!
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William N
Aurora22 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
Stayed for 10 days and ate breakfast buffet there. Everything was poorly cooked and presented.
I was a bit surprised, as they charged full price (15.00 each)to guests for the meal. Never did eat any other meal there, if they can't cook eggs, sausage and pancakes...Can't see how there would be a chance at a good Dinner
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott S
Hello William, We apologize for your poor experience with the American Buffet Breakfast that is offered to The Best Western Plus Hotel Guests. We would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience but need your contact information. Would you kindly contact Jerry@oldtowntequilafactory.com so that he may offer you his personal apology and a more formal expression of our concern by way of a credit and a gift certificate for a future dining experience that truly reflects the best of The Old Town Tequila Factory and our authentic Mexican cuisine. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lys_Foodie
Harrisburg386 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I stayed at the Hacienda hotel and got breakfast, dinner and a drink included with the room. The first night I had the tortilla soup, which was ok and the tequila noir margarita. They make their own mix and it was super sour. I couldn’t taste the tequila and I didn’t think they would let me try something else. They did let me switch to a Moscow mule, which was also sour, but I drank. The breakfast was good, but they ran out of coffee cups and it took forever to get them. Lunch was good. I ordered seafood enchiladas off the regular menu. The last night was excellent. I stuck to vodka and diet and shocktops. They have a nice outside area where we hung out for a while, next to the fire.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty S
San Diego365 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Great location, has a nice view to downtown San Diego and mission bay. Street parking available. Restaurant wasn’t very clean. Service was poor, our waiter was handsome and apologetic but forgot to place our order, took long to just get our drinks and didn’t come by unless we flagged him. Food was good, prices were reasonable.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelly0225
Bay City141 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
I feel bad giving a bad review but the food we ordered was not very good. The guacamole was very disappointing. I have never ordered guacamole and had it taste bad until this place. Our main entree was exactly the same. Bland and not a good taste. Maybe others have had a better experience. I was told it is authentic Mexican food and maybe that is it and I am just not use to eating authentic. Would not go back to this place to eat.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConradWeaver
Washington DC97 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Walking a few hundred feet up the hill from down town Old Town sits the Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant. The views are about the only thing we enjoyed about this place. The chips and salsa were ok, but the food was very bland and had no taste. It was pretty much standard frozen/re-heated "Mexican Fare"
Nothing made from scratch for sure. There are other spots in town we wish we would have tried for our first visit. Avoid the hike up the hill. You'll thank us.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CyndiMom
Manhattan Beach307 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
You can do better. The inside, especially the bar, is nice. The outside patios were not well cared for; peeling table tops, dirty tables etc. - maybe they are short staffed. The food was very mediocre. We had tacos and enchiladas and they were nothing special. There is not much on the menu; one of the smallest menus I have seen for a Mexican restaurant. Skip this place.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 351
Related Stories
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all Best nearby restaurants
See all Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing