Tahona Bar

Name: Tahona Bar
Address: 2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA, United States, 92110
Telephone: (619) 255-2090
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

363 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

We are welcoming OpenTable online reservations for up to 8 guest for indoor and outdoor dining!
Parties of 9 or more, please email our large party coordinator at sales@tahonabar.com

Welcome to Tahona! We are the first mezcal bar and tasting room in San Diego. In our restaurant, we invite you to taste our incredible craft cocktails and our amazing contemporary Mexican cuisine featuring Oaxacan bites. In our tasting room, we welcome you to indulge on a mezcal tasting experience!

We are located next one of the most iconic historical landmark: the Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town. Inside Tahona, you will be transported to a modern Mexican hacienda designed with hand painted tiles, handmade rope seats, traditionally crafted fabric brought from Oaxaca, hand clayed walls and more.

We also have a cozy covered outdoor patio dining experience so you will have the choice to dine inside our hacienda or on the streets of Old Town!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 23, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Latin American
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:45 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(619) 255-2090
Website
http://tahonabar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Adrian Villarreal Mora
Catering
Choose from several venues at Tahona Bar for your next event!
Private party facilities
Book Your Next Event at Tahona Bar. Choose between our several venues at our restaurant for your next social or corporate event. We can accommodate groups from 8- 100 People in our Main Dining Room, Mezcal Tasting Room, Bar Area, Oculto 477 Speakeasy, and Patio. Please contact Sales@tahonabar.com.
Private party contact
Tahona Bar Sales Manager : (844) 977-1935

Location
2414 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood
Old Town
Cross street
Conde Street
Parking details
There is plenty of street parking in Old Town and some paid parking lots available within a couple blocks of the restaurant. In addition we have valet available for our dinner service Friday-Sunday.
Public transit
MTS (Trolly) has an Old Town station and then it is about a 10 minute walk south to our restaurant.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Chips & Salsa$4.00
Made in-house from scratch
Mole Flight$14.00
Mole Negro, Mole Colaradito, Mole Pipian, flauta de papa, hoja santa, Oaxacan Cheese
Shishito Peppers$8.00
Sautéed shishito peppers with queso fresco and corn nuts
Signature Guacamole$10.00
Chicharrón, valentína, tomato, red onion and chapulines. (Vegetarian option available)
Corn Croquetas$8.00
Corn, Oaxacan cheese, bechamel and flaked crust topped with morita aioli
Sopesitos de Pato$12.00
Duck confit, mushroom puree, dill crema, pickled red onion, cotija cheese
Empanadas$11.00
Morita smoked tuna, Oaxacan cheese, fried in corn masa topped with chile aioli, fresh herbs
Ahi Tostada$14.00
Fresh ahi tuna, citrus and chile ponzu, avocado, morita aioli, leeks, herbs

Ensaladas

Frisee Salad$14.00
Frisee lettuce, dried apricots, stone fruits, queso fresco, pepitas, mint and tahini dressing
Black Caesar Salad$13.00
Little gem lettuce, sourdough croutons, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, squid ink Caesar dressing

Del Mar

Served with Tortillas

Ceviche Veracruzana$15.00
Fresh catch of the day, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green olives, capers, olive oil, cilantro
Octopus Aguachile$15.00
Octopus, cherry tomatoes, red onions, charred citrus habanero salsa, organic English cucumbers

Chef's Tasting Menu

Chef's Tasting Menu
All guests at the table must participate in the tasting. Discover Tahona through a 6 course culinary journey crafted by Executive Chef Adrian Villarreal. One signature cocktail & dessert drink included. Mezcal tasting pairing available
- pp$70.00

Tacos

Three for $19

Quesabirria$8.00
Beef barbacoa, Oaxacan cheese, cilantro, onion, tomatillo salsa
Carnitas$7.00
Slow braised pork carnitas, red cabbage, pico de gallo
Camarones a la Diabla$8.00
Shrimp in a spicy diabla sauce served with Oaxacan cheese, pickled red onion, cilantro crema
Pollo Pastor$7.00
Grilled chicken, pineapple, cilantro, onions, tomatillo salsa
Maitake and Cauliflower$7.00
Maitake mushroom and cauliflower, mole negro, almond, pickled red onion, sesame seeds
Squash Blossom Taco$7.00
Masa tempura, fried lentils, pickled onions, rajas sauce, cream

Fuertes

Served with tortillas

Vegetales del Huerto$15.00
Daily grilled vegetables, guajillo, hummus, crudites, chimichurri de hoja santa
Beef Barbacoa$23.00
Slow braised beef barbacoa with Mexican style rice, frijoles de olla, seasonal greens
Pulpo Pipian$23.00
Grilled octopus, mole pipian, braised lentils. Vegetarian option available
Tuna Leaf Wellington$22.00
Hoja Santa leaf, mole coloradito, caramelized cherries, polenta and chimichurri

Brunch Specials

Food

Chilaquiles$12.00
Choice between rojos (red) or verdes (green). Fried corn tortilla chips, fied egg, avocado sour cream, cotija, red onion, cilantro
Breakfast Burrito$11.00
Eggs, carnitas, roasted potatoes, guacamole, beans.
French Toast$10.00
Brioche bread, whipped cream, powdered sugar, berries, piloncillo syrup
Seasonal Fruit Plate$9.00

Brunch - Cocktails

Oj Mimosa$8.00
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Cava.
Prickly Pear Mimosa$8.00
The Garibaldi$10.00
Fluffy OJ and Campari
Michelada$8.00
Michelada Mix and Choice of Mexican Lager
Bloody Maria$10.00
Tequila or Mezcal, Bloody Mary Mix, Serrano Bitters, Fresh Lime

Happy Hour

5:00PM - 6:30PM Wed-Friday. All Day Tuesday

Food

Signature Guacamole$7.00
Corn & Chile Poblano Croquetas$5.00
Ahi Tuna Tostada$8.00
Empanas de Pescado$8.00
Shishito Peppers$5.00
Quesabirria Taco$4.00
Pollo Pastor Taco$4.00
Maitake and Cauliflower Taco$4.00

Happy Hour - Drinks

$2 off Bottled Mexican Lager
$2 off Glasses of Wine
$2 off Margarita, Paloma & Frozen Cocktails

Refreshing & Creative

Margarita$11.00
RDV Tequila, Homemade Triple Sec, Fresh Lime
Paloma de la Casa$11.00
RDV Tequila, Pamplemousse, Fresh Grapefruit, Organic Agave, Fresh Lime, Salt, Soda
Oaxacan Firing Squad$12.00
El Silencio Mezcal, Homemade Mole Grenadine, Fresh Lime, Mole Bitters
San Elote$12.00
Abasolo Mexican Whiskey, D'Aristi Liqueur, Hoja Santa, Oaxacan Honey, Fresh Lemon
Highland Cooler$12.00
Verde Mezcal, Tomatillo Shrub, Strega Liqueur, Fresh Lemon
Head Ancho$12.00
Metiche Salmiana, Ancho Reyes Verde, Lemongrass, Vanilla, Pineapple, Serrano Bitters, Fresh Lemon
Wicked Swizzle$12.00
Strega, Montenegro, Tepatche, Ginger, Fresh Lemon, Angostura Bitters
Oaxacan Lady$12.00
Paranubes Oaxacan Rum, Chinola Passion Fruit, Lo fi Amaro, Fresh Lemon, Egg White
El Morindo$12.00
RDV Tequila, Tamarindo, Spiced Pear Liqueur, Fresh Lemon
Bien Picado$12.00
El Silencio Mezcal, Watermelon Juice, Ginger, Mole Grenadine, Rock Steady Spirit Tepache, Serrano Bitters & Fresh Lime
The Spaniard$12.00
Oloroso Sherry, El Silencio Mezcal, Charred Pineapple, Guava, Fresh Lemon

Stirred & Boozy

Old Town Fashioned$13.00
Verde Mezcal, Lapsang Infused Demerara, Scotch Rinse, Angostura and Grapefruit Bitters
Plaza Maguey$13.00
Cacao Butter Fat Washed Mezcal, Marigold Infused Vermouth, Cynar, Banana Liqueur
Stirred Not Shaken$13.00
La Luna Cupreata, Dolin Blanc, Aloe Vera Liqueur, Saline

Draft & Frozen

Frozen Naked & Famous$11.00
Mezcal, Aperol, Strega Lime
Frozen Sangria$11.00
Red Wine, Homemade Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Fresh Lime
Carajillo #2 on Nitro$11.00
RDV Tequila, Licor 43, Espresso

Beer

Draft

Duet Alpine$8.00
394 Pale Ale$8.00
Thorn Mexican Lager$8.00

16 oz Can

Pizza Port Chornic Amber Ale$7.00
Mikkeler New English IPA$7.00
Mikkeler Passion Pool Gose$7.00
Modern Times Black House Coffee Stout$7.00
Tepache Hiball$7.00

Bottle

Dos Equis Lager$6.00
Modelo Lager$6.00
Negra Modelo$6.00
Corona Lager$6.00
Julian Hard Cider$7.00

Wine

Poema Cava, Catalonia, Espana$7.00
Three Pears Pinto Grigio, California$9.00
Michael David Chardonnay, California$9.00
Maison Saleya Rose, France$9.00
Cloud Fall Pinot Noir, California$9.00
Raimat Tempranillo, Spain$9.00
Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentin$9.00

Spirit Free Cocktails

Spicy Piña$8.00
Lemon Grass, Vanilla, Pineapple Juice, Serrano, Fresh Lemon
Grapefruit Zing$8.00
Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Ginger, Fresh Lemon
Virgin Colada$8.00
Coco Lopez, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime

Non Alcoholic Drinks

Fresh Squeezed Juice$5.00
Ask Server for Availability
7-Up$4.00
Squirt$4.00
Coca-Cola$4.00
Topo Chico
- Small$4.00
- Large$6.00

Tasting Flights

Ask your server for one of our table-side Mezcal flights

Mexican States Flight$30.00
Explore three of the nine producing states of mezcal and their regional agave varietals. Amarás Cupreata, Guerrero; Derrumbes Salmiana, San Luis Potosí; Don Amado Rústico, Oaxaca
Destilados de Tequilana$40.00
For the tequila lovers, enjoy the versatility of the Blue Weber agave in tequila and mezcal. Bañuelos, Zacatecas; Derrumbes, Zacatecas; La Luna, Michoacán
Mezcalier's Selection$65.00
For the mezcal drinkers who want to taste rare agaves and special production methods, these are some of our favorites. Tosba Warash; Pal'alma Salmiana; Lalocura San Martinero

Mezcal of the Month

The Dixeebe Mezcal project is rooted in gratitude, as the word Dixeebe itself means "to give thanks" in Zapotec. Maestro Mezcalero Don Valentín Cortés is a 5th generation maestro, and with sustainability and spirituality at the forefront of production, this mezcal is really something special. With nine different expressions, this family shows us the diversity of agave in Santiago Matatlán, as well as how generations of tradition can bring us such stunning craftsmanship

Dixeebe Flight$40.00
Maestro Mezcalero Don Valentín Cortés Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca; Coyote (Americana Var. Oaxacensis) 48% | Special Edition | 2020; Tepeztate 48.5% | Special Edition | 2017. Aged 4 years in glass; Maestro Sotolero Pedro Vásquez El Palmar Miahuatlán, Oaxaca; Cucharillo (Dasylirion SP.) 48.7% | Special Edition | 2020

Try Our Dessert Pairing

Dixeebe Coyote Mezcal + Maya Moon Collective Sun Cacao$15.00
Single origin cacao from a fifth-generation family farm in Ecuador blended to a fine, silky smooth texture with local wildflower honey. These botanical-infused cacao truffles feature calendula, ginger and turmeric to ignite your inner fire and activate your taste buds

What 363 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

BG
BrianG
San Diego
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down the best Mexican food in Old Town. Aside from the Michelin starred sushi place that's impossible to get into, I can't see myself going anywhere else for dinner prior to a show @ The Cygnet Theatre.
MJ
MikeJan
Cleveland
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
We travel the world and eat out almost every night. The atmosphere here has potential. However, service was slow took over 10min to place a drink order. 3 of the 4 of us got our food first... 2 of us finished our meals once the 4th plate came out. They said nothing just that it was a different side of a kitchen... one expects this at In and Out Burger but not at place where you are paying $10 a Taco or $14 a Tostada. The food had good flavor and unique taste but the bone marrow was no where close to the best we have had. We were an after thought with service. Clearly a 5 out of 10 we should have realized this when it was not rated highly in the San Diego area.
GT
GriffinT
San Diego
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall2food1service1ambience3
Really awesome drinks made up for an otherwise forgettable evening/dining experience. The tacos were good but not enough to be the centerpiece of the menu.
DS
DeniseS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our party of four was delighted with our server, Wendy, and the young waiters who seated us on the patio and moved heaters closer to our table. TAHONA'S appetizers were incredible, especially the Empanadas. Main courses were also outstanding. We believe TAHONA will become a destination restaurant in San Diego with its Michelin quality food at very reasonable prices. Special thanks to Mike, who I met on an airplane. He was friends with the owner and highly recommended Tahona along with the Fortaleza to pair with our dinner. He was right. What a wonderful evening out.
J
Jamilah
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambiance was perfect. It's such a beautiful space to unwind and have great conversations. The food had an explosion of flavor especially the tacos. The guacamole was different in that the onions and tomatoes were not mixed in but laid atop the creamy avocado. It was a nice change from what I'm used to! Thank you for a wonderful night!
JE
JohnnyE
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was wonderful, the food amazing and we really enjoyed our visit.
LW
LizW
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Disappointed. Inside is very noisy but glad we were able to eat outside. It required several requests to get the heaters turned on. The staff is pleasant but challenged us on what was on our digital menus (we had to show them there was no dessert) which felt odd. When they didn’t have the second taco ordered anymore, they just assumed I’d want two of the same. Wrong. The drinks and mezcal were fun and I think that’s the priority here. The food was rather limited. Better as appetizers to absorb the tequila rather than a meal.
BO
BobO
San Diego
10 reviews
vip
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
This review has absolutely nothing to do with the food or service....because we couldn't stay long enough because of the noise! We made reservations for 2 on a "Taco Tuesday". No issues with getting a reservation as we requested to be seated inside, but they crammed all the patrons into one small area where the seating is within inches of one another. There were plenty of other tables available throughout the restaurant and they sat us between two parties. You could not have a conversation with the person seated in front of you as other parties (4 on one side, and 2 on the other) were having their conversations ( which is their right) and were so loud in was unbearable and uncomfortable. We asked to be seated elsewhere, but we were given a time limit if we decided to move. No other accommodations were given, so we left and walked to Miguel's and were seated immediately, in a booth, which was more comfortable, and you could actually have a conversation and hear the person seated next to you. On a side note: This place used to be Café Pacifica which a family friend owned the building and my family were regular patrons at this location over the years they were in operation. Definitely times have changed, and so has customer service and decorum.
C
Cindy
San Diego
43 reviews
4.0
43 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
Cute ambiance and fun decor. Food was good; menu is limited, but taco selections were imaginative and pretty tasty. Corn tortillas. Service was slow, but staff shortages seem to be the new normal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is absolutely amazing! High quality ingredients are clearly used. The squash blossom taco blew me away! And the service was great!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
10/10 amazing food and experience. Will definitely come back soon
w
wen916
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
We went to Tahona before our reservation at Oculto. The waitstaff was very friendly, but there were some really weird aspects of service. Not sure if our server was brand new, but everything we ordered was either put in front of the wrong person, doubled, questioned, or apologized for. The thing that bothered one of my friends the most was that we ordered the Churro S’mores, which was described as having chocolate and marshmallow, and were given a plate of churros on a bed of passionfruit and fruit foam. We asked about it, and our waiter said, “those are the churro s’mores!” Very weird. Maybe their menu was out of date?
c
craveman
Cincinnati
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience4
Good cocktails. Good food except the octopus was a trifle tough. Bar was out of sprite 7up squirt etc. Churros DIY were a hit. Menu is not extensive but sufficient to encompass most tastes.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good atmosphere and drinks.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 23, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Good experience, great food. Wanted to try the Speakeasy but it’s only open a few days a week.
j
jleetahoe
San Francisco
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
I really liked this place because it was above your typical Mexican fare. The ambience is really nice. The service is outstanding, with all wait people so friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We tried the Molé flight which was really interesting. We also had a house guacamole which, served with pork rinds, was excellent and just a little different. I had the vegetable and hummus platter which was also excellent. Mexican Asian fusion means there was bok choy on the platter along with carrots, lettuce, really good hummus and other vegetables. I also had the Gem salad with black Caesar dressing. Good! My husband had three different tacos and they were good as well. Nothing was incredibly expensive and it was a lot of fun.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Have been here twice now and been very happy with the food, atmosphere and drinks! Very good. Will be back again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mitch absolutely killed it at the bar and the tacos were amazing! I can’t wait to go back the next time we’re in SD.
h
hana
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience2
I used to really like this place, but it's clear there is horrible communication amongst the wait staff. Something we order is always forgotten and we continuously had to ask multiple times for our drinks, food items, etc. Also super inappropriate that the server will complain to u if they do not find your tip sufficient, even though they do not provide good service. It is incredibly rude and the amount of entitlement you feel is ridiculous.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the wait staff to the chef, everyone was very friendly and passionate. The food was complex and unexpected. Being introduced to mezcal alongside some authentic regional mexican foods, with the chef’s custom twist, was fantastic. Sunny was there throughout the service, teaching us about the regions of mezcal and keeping the ambiance casual and friendly. Overall, I think Tahona bar is an absolute gem that everyone should check out!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and great drink it was a bit unorganized with the different waiters but other than that it was wonderful. My mom loved celebrating her birthday here will definitely come dine here again
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Wow this place is truly an unexpected gem in old town. The ambiance is upscale Mexican without being obvious which is refreshing. I didn’t have any expectations of the place and was completely blown away by my experience here along with the food and mezcal! Some of the staff are really attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drinks which really helps with the whole experience of Tahona. This is my new favorite food food spot in San Diego and I can’t wait to come back for the spicy octopus aguachile and mezcal!
JT
JenniferT
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
The food was pretty bland and portions were small. The drinks are too strong and not flavorful. Service was good and the place itself is beautiful. Will probably not return again or recommend the place.
C
Cosmo4
Seattle
29 reviews
vip
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
Food was authentic Mexican but quality was a little disappointing . Meats for the tacos was not that nice, margaritas for national margarita were excluded from happy hour which wasn’t clear . Felt v Mexican and nice atmosphere
LT
LaminTuray
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall4food4service2ambience5
Food and ambiance were excellent. The service however, was sub-par. With so many servers working we were astounded how long it took to get chips & salsa as well as drink refills. It may have been an off night, but it stood out tremendously. It wasn't so bad that I wouldn't go back. The food made up for the service. Definitely interested in going back to see the speakeasy too. 4 Stars!
W
Want2bfoodie
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We chose the tasting menu-the executive chef explained every course and was a fabulous host to share how he combined flavors to finalize each dish. Our only wish was that the courses came too fast, we barely finished one and the next plate was waiting.
A
Adam
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Trevor was an amazing server and created a menu for us. We told him the flavors we liked and he kept the drinks and dishes coming to the table. We had such a great time and will definitely be back.
G
doctorG
San Diego
93 reviews
vip
5.0
93 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. Food was outstanding as was service. This is not the typical Old Town restaurant. The food is truly a step above.
AG
AllisonG
San Diego
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2022
overall3food3service1ambience3
We did the tasting menu - food was good - not great. Chef came out and explained one course well. Waitress had no real idea what she was serving each course and was really lacking in her knowledge. Kind of pricey for small plates and did not expect 2 of the courses to be dessert - not really enough food.
RB
RexB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Favorite spot! Best drinks in town, good is just a good!
JM
JessM
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was pretty good, took all of our dinner service to get a drink I had to order twice. Overall a cool spot might’ve just been a short staffed night. Would go back for happy hour/taco Tuesday.
JM
JordanM
San Diego
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
It was Valentine’s Day so with all things considered, our experience was alright. We were sat about 20 minutes after our reservation, but we were given complimentary tequila as a thank you for waiting. Because of the holiday, the small restaurant space was pretty jam packed in terms of space between tables/diners. The food was fine. The drinks were great! Would definitely go back just for the cocktails.
JG
JeffG
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
The food was fine. It was our first time at Tahona and we were looking forward to the Chef's tasting menu. I will say that the server was friendly. But that's about all I can give them. We were given no instructions or expectations, and no food allergies or preferences were requested (one of us doesn't eat sugar). Just an acknowledgement that we were getting the tasting and that he'd get our drinks (we didn't even know what was coming.) On several occasions when one of the two servers brought our food, he couldn't remember what it was or what was in it as he was describing the food. The food was okay. It wasn't bad. It wasn't exceptional. And it certainly wasn't special. It was just a sampling from the existing menu. I've been to other chef tastings that were similar, but more dressed up than this. It felt really phoned in. Service was also really sparse--as if they were busy. But it wasn't. The restaurant was almost empty. It's not a fancy place, but I did expect more attention than we got. In short, it was alright but we won't be eating here again. San Diego has so many great and good restaurants--Tahona didn't give us a reason to believe that it was really one of them.
N
Nate
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience4
Super bowl Sunday but took my girlfriend out for an early valentine's dinner. Had a reservation for 6pm, Hostess instead told us to wait ten minutes for a pretty empty dining room to be seated. Instead was on her phone scrolling throughout dinner service. We had the 6 course chefs special which was good. Major highlight were the cocktails, we had the Oaxacan Firing Squad which is now one of the top mezcal drinks I've ever had. Dinner was good, but we also had a reservation at Occulto after dinner, the speakeasy portion of the restaurant. I motioned to the waitstaff asking when we would be seated inside the speakeasy and they said they might not be able to accommodate us even though we had a reservation and had already waited 30 minutes past our reservation time. We just decided to cut our losses instead of waiting longer and thankfully Carlo was nice enough to comp some of our dinner. Will still return for drinks and happy hour because this place has great mezcal selections.
AG
AngelaG
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Valentine’s Day dinner date. We did the 7 course tasting menu and The Chef was very accommodating to our food needs and requests. He sent us delicious food that we have never tried before, and you can tell he wanted to please us from the moment we sat down. Was a great experience! And the cocktails were smokey and yum. Would recommend!
EP
ElizabethP
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Tahona Bar exceeded expectations. The appetizers were phenomenal. I didn’t love my entree, but next time I’ll try the tacos and I’m sure that’ll make up for it. The drinks were some of the best I’ve had in San Diego.
J
Jenjade
San Diego
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We booked the chef’s dinner and our expectations were exceeded! A true culinary delight.
TH
TheresaH
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great tequila tastings!
TB
TheBadger
San Diego
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. You can definitely tell that the chef is proud of their creations and takes pride in the presentation, flavor, and customer satisfaction.
DP
DebiP
San Diego
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. Only complaint was that I couldn’t get anyone to respond to what was included in the chef meal prior to arrival, but everything was great. Two of the entrees are dessert.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Tahona Bar is rated 4.4 stars by 363 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 23, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

2414 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110

Additional information

Cross street
Conde Street
Neighborhood
Old Town
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:45 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:45 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Latin American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is plenty of street parking in Old Town and some paid parking lots available within a couple blocks of the restaurant. In addition we have valet available for our dinner service Friday-Sunday.
Public transit
MTS (Trolly) has an Old Town station and then it is about a 10 minute walk south to our restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Adrian Villarreal Mora
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://tahonabar.com/
Phone number
(619) 255-2090
Catering
Choose from several venues at Tahona Bar for your next event!
Private party facilities
Book Your Next Event at Tahona Bar. Choose between our several venues at our restaurant for your next social or corporate event. We can accommodate groups from 8- 100 People in our Main Dining Room, Mezcal Tasting Room, Bar Area, Oculto 477 Speakeasy, and Patio. Please contact Sales@tahonabar.com.
Private party contact
Tahona Bar Sales Manager : (844) 977-1935

Tahona Bar

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

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Food

Los Antojitos

Chips & Salsa$4.00

Mole Flight$14.00

Shishito Peppers$8.00

Signature Guacamole$10.00

Corn Croquetas$8.00

Sopesitos de Pato$12.00

Empanadas$11.00

Ahi Tostada$14.00

Ensaladas

Frisee Salad$14.00

Black Caesar Salad$13.00

Del Mar

Ceviche Veracruzana$15.00

Octopus Aguachile$15.00

Chef's Tasting Menu

Chef's Tasting Menu

Tacos

Quesabirria$8.00

Carnitas$7.00

Camarones a la Diabla$8.00

Pollo Pastor$7.00

Maitake and Cauliflower$7.00

Squash Blossom Taco$7.00

Fuertes

Vegetales del Huerto$15.00

Beef Barbacoa$23.00

Pulpo Pipian$23.00

Tuna Leaf Wellington$22.00

Brunch Specials

Food

Chilaquiles$12.00

Breakfast Burrito$11.00

French Toast$10.00

Seasonal Fruit Plate$9.00

Brunch - Cocktails

Oj Mimosa$8.00

Prickly Pear Mimosa$8.00

The Garibaldi$10.00

Michelada$8.00

Bloody Maria$10.00

Happy Hour

Food

Signature Guacamole$7.00

Corn & Chile Poblano Croquetas$5.00

Ahi Tuna Tostada$8.00

Empanas de Pescado$8.00

Shishito Peppers$5.00

Quesabirria Taco$4.00

Pollo Pastor Taco$4.00

Maitake and Cauliflower Taco$4.00

Happy Hour - Drinks

$2 off Bottled Mexican Lager

$2 off Glasses of Wine

$2 off Margarita, Paloma & Frozen Cocktails

Refreshing & Creative

Margarita$11.00

Paloma de la Casa$11.00

Oaxacan Firing Squad$12.00

San Elote$12.00

Highland Cooler$12.00

Head Ancho$12.00

Wicked Swizzle$12.00

Oaxacan Lady$12.00

El Morindo$12.00

Bien Picado$12.00

The Spaniard$12.00

Stirred & Boozy

Old Town Fashioned$13.00