Jimmy Carter's Mexican Café
Jimmy Carter's Mexican Café things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Today’s experience was rather average. FOOD: 👍🏼Generally the food is very authentic & good. The margaritas🍓 are great as well! 👎🏼However today, my Chicken Mole was way too soupy being LESS than AVERAGE & the “refried beans” were NOT FRESH! 💨👃🏼 ATMOSPHERE: 👍🏼The interior of the restaurant has a real Mexican flair to it. 🇲🇽 RESTAURANT SEATING: 👎🏼Today I was with a party of 5. The only seating they had for 5 people was a table located on their outside street patio seating at the very back…. The BAD PART WAS our Table was exactly across from 2 LARGE SQUARE GARBAGE CANS used for the restaurant….. IT REAKED OF GARBAGE, SPOILED FOOD and TEQUILLA!! 👎🏼 We asked to be moved to another table that was at the front however, the HOSTESS said that the table was taken which I know it was not true, because there was nobody in line from the moment we arrived until the moment I asked for that Table, plus it wasn’t even cleared off yet, and there were no reservations! 👎🏼 …….. I guess THE HOSTESS is what you would CALL, “A Lazy Susan?”
MDM DMDM D
20
Update: can’t believe I reviewed this place six years ago! I still dig their breakfast, my wife and I are predictable. She loves the Chilaquiles rojos with scrambled eggs, I like the eggs florentine with hash browns. We added a house margarita and a cafe olla. They have outside dog friendly seating with heaters, and above average service, we’ll keep returning. Oh, and just throwing it out there, I would re-elect Jimmy Carter right now in his current situation…over the donald! Checked down to Jimmy Carter's solely based on the name and that we had failed to "tackle a table" at a local upscale bistro. What I got for the price of an entree at the other joint was a Chile Relleno , Shrimp tacos, and two awesome old school margaritas. Not having to hang with yuppies, campy Mexican decor, and the "nearly dead, or need to be fed" crowd make this place a winner. Take your date to the Spruce Street suspension bridge nearby, then get a pitcher of margaritas, you may go home a winner! con suerte
Spinner BSpinner B
10
Stepped through the doors and we weren’t greeted for a while…. The busser then came up and asked if we were doing take out and we said no. So then the busser said, “okay someone will help you out” waited for 5 min for a waitress to come up to us and pull out a pen and paper to take our order. I said I wasn’t doing take out…. So she gives me two menus and said you guys can sit out there (we had a dog) but had us sit ourselves. Sat down and waited TEN MINUTES for the busser to come to the table and ask , “are you guys still doing takeout?” 🤦🏻♀️ we told him we were never doing take out… we haven’t been helped ! The waitress comes 5 min later and just takes the order like nothing all happy…. Like girl don’t act like we haven’t been sitting here waiting. Anyway, service was horrible but the food was better, thankfully. I’m not too sure if I’ll return.
DAIS VEEDAIS VEE
00
Mexican food like it should be. Have you ever walked into a place where the employees greet you but you just know they're not being sincere? This is not the place. You know they're happy to see you. They want to serve you the best food their kitchen can put out, and they deliver. I was in San Diego for a conference and someone recommended Jimmy Carter's for breakfast. I made the mile trip (walking) and it was well worth it. The chorizo scramble was just the right serving size, along with rice and your choice of black or pinto beans. Corn tortillas sealed the deal. It was delicious, nutritious, and it did not ruin my budget for the day. The waiters were friendly, attentive, and offered good suggestions. I highly recommend this place if you want to have some authentic Mexican food.
Rene NajeraRene Najera
20
Dropped into the cafe for dinner after a long day of driving. We were promptly greeted with a smile and seated. We ordered waters and a pitcher of the house margarita while we perused the menu. The margaritas were very good and not overly sweet. Our awesome server kept us hydrated and was super attentive, kind, and helpful when we asked questions. I had the red snapper tacos with black beans and my husband had the steak Chile Colorado. Both were FANTASTIC! The tortillas were absolutely delicious. Everything was well cooked, flavorful, and fresh. We had the Tortuga pie for dessert and while we were absolutely stuffed, we didn't regret it even in the slightest! Definitely recommend for a delicious and filling dinner with a great local vibe.
Brianne HeiselBrianne Heisel
00
Walked here from a nearby hotel as it was recommended. Ordered a Chili Relleno and Burrito - came with a basket of chips and salsa which they kindly refilled for free (even though menu stated one per table). They chips were fresh and even still a little warm when brought out. The Chili Relleno was pretty good and a generous serving. The burrito was gigantic but it was so good I finished it off...although I was stuffed! I ordered my burrito with a side of the Guajillo sauce which was great but it's a little sad that they charge 2 bucks for that. But hey, it's still a huge serving and it made the dish that much better. Service was fast and so friendly. The decorations and paintings also make it a fun place to dine at.
WillWill
00
Nearby Attractions Of Jimmy Carter's Mexican Café
San Diego Zoo
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Inn at the Park
Nate's Point Dog Park
San Diego Smile Pros
Beauty Lounge
Quince Street Bridge
Orangetheory Fitness
The Knotstop
Omnia salon

San Diego Zoo
4.7
(21.7K)Click for details

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
4.7
(1.4K)Click for details

Inn at the Park
4.3
(592)Click for details

Nate's Point Dog Park
4.5
(446)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Jimmy Carter's Mexican Café
Hash House A Go Go
Extraordinary Desserts
Mister A's
CUCINA urbana
Azuki Sushi Lounge
Crest Cafe
Barrio Star
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS
Cafe Bassam
Parc Bistro-Brasserie

Hash House A Go Go
4.6
(2.1K)Click for details

Extraordinary Desserts
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details

Mister A's
4.6
(1K)Click for details

CUCINA urbana
4.6
(929)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
3172 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Map
Phone
(619) 295-2070
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Website
jimmycartersmexicancafeca.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(780 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
It's not owned by the former President, but this cheery spot lures locals with hearty Mexican eats.
attractions: San Diego Zoo, Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, Inn at the Park, Nate's Point Dog Park, San Diego Smile Pros, Beauty Lounge, Quince Street Bridge, Orangetheory Fitness, The Knotstop, Omnia salon, restaurants: Hash House A Go Go, Extraordinary Desserts, Mister A's, CUCINA urbana, Azuki Sushi Lounge, Crest Cafe, Barrio Star, La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS, Cafe Bassam, Parc Bistro-Brasserie
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