Casa de Loma

RIP Casa de Loma. I will send you off into digital la-​la land with my only review, a 5-​star rating, after you’ve closed your doors.
I first came to you in 1988, a young Sailor from SUBASE, and for the last 24 years, retired Navy now married with kids, would stop by to enjoy the same meal, and Rudy’s delicious Cadillac’s. Many, many fond memories, the dim lights, the red booths, the carpet and décor that didn’t change one iota, the picture of San Diego at the bar, and the price of my favorite meal that stayed the same for a quarter of a century.
I don’t know what happened, But I’m hoping all you cool cats are soaking up some suds somewhere on an island in the Pacific with a smile on your face. You sure will be missed.

I will miss you Case de Loma; aka The Silversfish, as we warmly renamed you after having a silverfish crawl up the wall at our booth. This gem from another time will sadly closed it doors. But not the bar, though. You can probably still here tales from the «owner”/bartender about Portuguese coke-​heads.

You know, one needs to take Unilocal reviews with a grain of salt. It is hard to determine whether the reviewer is related or friends with an owner and just pumping up the place, or of it might be a former friend or employee with a grudge. So, you need to determine what the reviewers agenda might be.
However, one thing you can always count on is if an owner responds to the review, you get a solid feel for which reviews are accurate. Judging from this owner’s response to the negative reviews of their establishment, you can only guess that the terrible reviews are the only accurate reviews.
Why do owners of businesses believe that going on a public forum and calling people names and being disrespectful will earn them any goodwill?
Nice!

Loved this place!!! Been coming for over 20 years, but they are closed :(

I stopped by here while on vacation in San Diego because I was craving Mexican food and Unilocal reviews mentioned that it was almost authentic and quite affordable.
Overall, the service was good and the food was decent/​okay, but I don’t think it’s worth coming back to again. We were seated quickly and immediately received chips and salsa. The salsa was delicious with a slight kick but not too spicy.
I ordered the enchiladas plate (comes with 1 cheese enchilada, 1 beef enchilada, rice, refried beans) and my husband ordered the chicken chimichanga. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before the food arrived, nice and hot.
I’m well-​known to find his food far more tasty than mine and that was kind of the case at this restaurant too! I ended up eating more of my husband’s chimichanga than my enchilada. My beef enchilada was decent, but didn’t have much flavor until I put some salsa on it. My favorite part of the plate was the rice. The refried beans were bland but tasted ok. I think the whole meal would have been better with some more flavor. My husband’s chimichanga was deliciously crunchy and flaky, but his beans tasted the same as mine. The portions are generous and we had leftovers, so if you’re looking for something quick and cheap, this is the place – the food is only ok though.

Nothing fancy here, especially the old stereotypical décor, but the strawberry margarita was good along with a standard taco/​enchilada combo (partner had a very good chile verde). Cheap prices for the food, salsa was small but way more bang than most (watch out all you taco bell wimps).
Whole place looks like an old dive bar, pretty small overall, so watch out, large groups and style seekers. Great for late night mex within walk of local hotel.

Not a bad Mexican spot. I went here with some coworkers for lunch. The décor inside was old and I actually can’t remember if there was really any inside lighting. The front entrance was propped open which let in enough light to read the menu. Leaving the restaurant was blinding — like leaving a casino at 11am when you thought it was 11pm.
Their lunch specials weren’t bad. Lots of options for a reasonable price. The food took a while to come out, even though we were the only customers in the whole restaurant. However, I didn’t mind because the people were all friendly and I wasn’t in a big hurry. Food was not bad either. However, there are definitely better places out there in San Diego.

Worse than Taco Bell at 4 A.M. This place needs a make over from the ground up. Food is only good enough for dead dogs.

Food ok, very dark inside.

Great food, Fast service, and fair price. Needs better lighting. I got the chicken enchiladas A++.

I fell in love with the rice! I’ve never had better Spanish rice. I wanted to eat the rice alone. So 4 stars just for the awesome rice. Unfortunately, my boyfriend thought that the meat was a little tough. I didn’t have a problem with it though. Be careful with the salsa! It’s a bit spicy. Overall, the décor is nice, the service is great, and the food is decent. Order something with rice!

Decent Mexican food. I come for the salsa, mainly. Best I’ve found in San Diego. (I like Southern Mexican, not the CaliMex you find in SD a lot.)
The margaritas were pretty good, nice and strong like they should be. I think they have a small selection of beers, Bud, Bud Light, etc., but they had none on tap the last time I went, didn’t check this time.
Very dark, seems almost sketchy. Especially the bathrooms! Haha
The biggest problem I had was we were in a large group and it was very difficult to split the check up. All we wanted to do is take the full sum and split it evenly among our cards, it literally took over 20 minutes (This is after all of us are done eating and drinking and ready to head to the next stop, so we just sat there waiting for well over 20 minutes).
Other than that I love it.

Really big and delicious Mexican plates at EXTRA cheap prices… and the guy who runs and/​or owns the place is really nice and accommodating. Great service all around, plus a cool dark-​retro atmosphere. Definitely recommended!

Casa de Loma is the place if you want a substantial in size meal, decent food, even better price and margaritas that may require a DD after one. They staff knows how to make a mean margarita. I say this because I typically do not choose to get them out at dinner because too much sweet and sour is used and it gives you a sugar headache immediately. They do not do that here, you are able to have the balance of the flavors, without one being too overbearing. But I will note, they do have a heavy pour so please pay attention and drink responsibly :)
In regard to their food, yes it is 100% Original Mexican, however, they do know how to provide you with good food, good portions and a decent presentation. I enjoyed my meal of a taco salad and I have had enchiladas before. The best part of the meal? The price. Dinners usually range from $ 5.50 — $ 14, but most fall in the $ 8 range.
The staff doesn’t bother too much, but enough to feel loved and most people don’t know this place even exists unless you are a local or know someone who frequents here. The décor isn’t amazing and clearly not updated, however, if you can get passed that, you are in for a treat.

God I love this place! Best damn Mexican cantina in Point Loma!!! It’s even connected to a dive bar, so you can order any drink you want.
The place is easy to miss. When viewing the restaurant from the street, it’s hard to tell if it’s closed down or not.
The interior is everything you could ever hope for, red lights, cool-​ass chandeliers, large Mexican velvet paintings, intimate booths, dark with just the right amount of grime. Perfect.
Even the waiters are special. They’re these really tall, cool, old guys from Mexico. They look like wizards or something.
They claim that carne asada is their specialty, as they should because it is MUY SABROSO!
Casa de Loma forever!

I went to Casa de Loma for the first time on Friday night. Originally, I was thinking four stars. But, now on Tuesday I cannot stop thinking about it, so I think that bumps it up to five. This is also the kind of place I don’t want to review because I don’t want it to become crowded and «ruined.» However, it is my duty to let the people know how great it is here.
First things first — it is not authentic, at least not by my definition of authentic. Authentic is El Comal. Here, the style of food is like Nati’s in O.B., but thousands of times better than anything you’d get at El Torito. Call it American-​Mexican, call it Tex-​Mex, call it authentic if you must, all that matters to me is it is BOMB.
The chips and salsa are fresh, plentiful, and delicious. The salsa was noteworthy-​tasty.
I ordered the vegetarian combo which included a bean tostada, chile relleno, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans. For $ 8. $ 8 I tell you! The chile relleno was hands down the best I’d ever had, and they used a different sauce for the relleno and the enchilada, which was a great touch. This was easily enough for dinner, and lunch the next day. $ 8!
My old man got the fish tacos combo, which was also huge. I think it was $ 8 as well, for two tacos, beans, and rice. He liked it a lot.
We shared a pitcher of margaritas, for a mere $ 15! It was strong and tasty. Also, one of the best I’ve ever had I think.
The atmosphere is really dark, super old school. Think dive bar meets Mexican Restaurant circa 1975. I loved it and I cannot wait to go back. Let’s go NOW!

If you are looking for authentic, tasty Mexican food without pretenses; Casa De Loma is the spot for you. Easily bypassed on the busy street of Rosecrans, this little gem is marked by its infamous red door.
Upon entering this windowless establishment, you immediately feel as though you’ve been transported into 1971. Rudy, the owner/​waiter/​man in charge, has a consistent, pleasant demeanor, although not one that can be taught in any restaurant management class. The chips and salsa are fabulous and consistently replenished. The Margarita pitchers are delicious, surprisingly strong and only $ 14!
If you are lucky enough to make it in on a Tuesday, there is aspecial event you don’t want to miss out on Entitled «Tuesdays with Joe.» This is far better than ANY Taco Tuesday you can encounter in San Diego! Joe is nearly 95 years old and plays karaōke on an old piano behind the bar. Octogenarians arrive from all over San Diego with their own karaōke song books filled with tunes like; «Take Me out the Ball Game» and «MoonRiver.»
If you don’t believe me, you must go experience it for yourself! The dark, out of date atmosphere encourages the «come as you are» mentality. In sweatpants or pjs, a dress or in pearls you will always leave a satisfied costumer!

Lots of options and none are more than $ 10 for a couple of things on a plate. It’s DELISH and the atmosphere is low key. Don’t expect much in terms of personality with the waiters which is awesome because they’re not constantly bothering you.
Definitely going to go back.

Possibly the best enchiladas I’ve ever had in my life.
Also, beware! The salsa is very hot if you can’t handle spice well… I can handle spice and it was still pretty hot! I wish there was chunky salsa tho. that’s what I prefer.
But I never knew enchiladas could really taste any different, but these were just soooo amazing. Also, REALLY great prices!!! The menu is super confusing. it’s basically like:
Mexican combos:
More combos:
Other Mexican food:
all over the place in no real order… kinda funny. So yeah, read the whole menu before deciding LOL
I was laughing reading previous reviews about the stoic waiter, not expecting to see him when we went in, and then, there he was! He was kinda slow but I had a soft spot in my heart for him after reading reviews :)
Thanks Unilocalers, for the great food suggestion while my friend and I were wandering around before our concert at Humphreys! And thanks Unilocal for blackberry :)
Oh, and it took a lot of willpower to not get a mango margarita. especially after all the recommendations!!! Maybe another day if I ever find myself down there again :)

Casa de Loma has been around forEVER it seems. It’s really too bad that the place is so nondescript — it’s a fabulous place to eat!
The host (Rudy) is a quiet, stoic, older gentleman, but once you get to know him he’s got a great sense of humor.
The chef has been cooking the food so long he could do it with his eyes closed… and that’s good — because he never changes their high standard of quality. And the service is excellent.
It’s pretty quiet during the weekdays, but the weekends get kind of busy, as do family «holidays» … Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, etc.
The only problem is the parking. Street parking can be a pain, especially for the lunches. Dinner’s not so bad, but sometimes the parking can still be difficult.
If you’re a margarita drinker, you really MUST try the «fishbowl» margarita. 46 ounces of liquid bliss! And if you’re not — they have a full bar as well as a fair selection of domestic & import beers and regular sodas as well.
I have tried a lot of things on the menu and I’ve never been disappointed with any of it; my personal favorite is the carnitas plate. And dessert demands a «fried ice cream»!
Give this place a try… you won’t be disappointed!
Lunch: 11:30−1:00
Dinner: 5:30 –9:30
Closed Mondays & Major holidays