San Diego, Culinarily Speaking

It’s hard to miss Café Coyote y Cantina, an Old Town landmark that seems to throw a party every evening. With its bright Mexican murals, outdoor courtyard, second-floor balconies and crowds spilling out onto the street, the place doesn’t exactly keep a low profile. Tortilla ladies make fresh tortillas by hand in outdoor kitchens up front right along the sidewalk, and mariachis drift among the tables entertaining guests. While the mood is light-hearted, Café Coyote takes its regional Mexican cuisine seriously and even hosts Tequila Ambassadors Thursday evenings to educate diners about the traditional liquor.