Cantina Mayahuel

Phenomenal food. A tequila and mezcal selection like you've never seen. Friendly staff. Try the Peruvian beans!!!!!

Went this afternoon for a drink before we headed to Whiskers & Wine - we had six people showing up at different times so we decided to sit at the bar top. The inside is very nice but the reason for my low review is for the services. The bartender made it very apparent that we are unable to split checks, which was understandable, so I asked if the three of us who were present could be on one check, the bartender then stated if he sees us talking to others he would assume we were together and put us on one check. As a former bartender, this is bothersome as I already told the bartender that there were 6 people showing up at different times and that is why we sat at the bar, also there was no wait for a table and we didn't want to hold up an entire table. I did ask the bartender about this as it seemed strange and he replied, "it is better for us/ the business." I get it separating checks is time consuming but we are sitting at the bar top. This is what bartenders do, I was a bartender for 14 years, I get it. So do not talk to your neighbors or else your tabs will be combined. The guacamole was delicious however, based on the service we left after one drink.We continued drinking and have dinner elsewhere. Service should not be about what benefits the business or the bartender it should be about what benefits the customer. You are in a prime location with many different restaurants. People will choose to go somewhere else with this type of service. I recommend not sitting at the bar top. If you do decide to go maybe you will have a better experience. Fingers crossed

A very nice casual dining restaurant. The decor made me feel I was in a little cantina in Mexico. I found it very clean and the wait staff were very nice. We started with margaritas and chips with salsa and guacamole and serrano's. The serrano's mixed with the guacamole made a delicious combination. The salsa was so fresh and hands down the best salsa I have ever had. My margarita was delicious and refreshing.I ordered the steak plate with black beans and rice. The flavors were delicious, especially the black beans! I would eat here again in a heartbeat. Delicious!

The margarita was not too strong and not too sour! Paired with some steak and carnitas tacos. My favorite was the steak taco. The ambiance is very relaxed. They have outdoor seating as well. The food and wide variety of tequilas and mezcals make this place great! Service is attentive and quick. Ready to go back!

Food is good. This time I ordered the mole which comes with 4 different types and it's available only on Friday. Also had their tacos and mezcal drink. Sucks that indoor seating is limited so we had to eat in the makeshift patio area.

I was pretty disappointed by this place. As you can see, the plate looks incredibly underwhelming, and tasted as such. The beans and rice tasted bland and the carnitas was dry. My friend's fish was so rubbery to the point that she couldn't eat it. They "sat" my friend and I at the bar but there were no seats available for the first 25 mins of our meal, so we stood while having our appetizer. A few redeeming qualities of this place was the ambiance, it was a cool vibe. Also the ceviche was great and fresh.

I literally plan road trips for this place There is no better mole than Catina Mayahuel, I have had many come close, but the variety and dimensions of flavor are hard to beat. Most importantly, the limited availability only makes me want it more. Chicken Mole ( Tuesday and Friday)Our house made Moles (red, black and/or green) over chicken breast served with rice, beans and corn tortillas.$18

A taste of Mexico wine country without leaving San Diego! I went here on a Saturday night with my boyfriend. We ordered the Mascel tequila tasting and two La Polomas. We were also given complimentary chips and dip. The bartender was very knowledgeable and descriptive of the tequila tastings. The vibe and decor felt like you were Valle de Guadeloupe. Unfortunately, they close at 10p because we wanted to stay longer, but that just means we'll have to come back another time! Highly recommend for all tequila lovers.

Located in the vibrant University Heights area of San Diego, Cantina Mayahuel offers a taste of Mexico with its charming ambiance and lively bar. Let's dive into the details:Atmosphere and Charm: The restaurant exudes a cozy, rustic vibe, complete with colorful tiles and wooden accents. It's the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy a drink, and soak in the Mexican spirit.Bar Delights: The bar at Cantina Mayahuel is a highlight. With an impressive selection of tequilas and a variety of beers, it's a great spot for unwinding after a long day. Whether you're sipping a margarita or opting for a cold cerveza, the bar won't disappoint.The Food: Ceviche: Not bad at all! The tangy, citrus-marinated seafood is refreshing, especially on a warm San Diego day. The balance of flavors is commendable.Beef Tacos: Unfortunately, these didn't hit the mark. The beef was lackluster, and the overall flavor fell short. San Diego sets high standards for Mexican cuisine, and Cantina Mayahuel didn't quite meet them.Final Verdict:While Cantina Mayahuel has its moments of charm and decent offerings, it falls short in terms of food quality. If you're seeking an authentic Mexican culinary experience, you might want to explore other options in San Diego.Remember, taste is subjective, and what one person finds mediocre, another might adore. So, if you're in the mood for a laid-back evening with good drinks and a dash of Mexican flair, Cantina Mayahuel could still be worth a visit.

I'm sorry, I have been sitting on this review for a while! I gotta say the food/menu are good and the staff is always professional & attentive. But we have been here on numerous occasions, looking for a nice relaxing time together (wife and I) and the DJ mix starts wayyyyy earlier than it should! Maybe I'm too old, but it seems the crowd they are trying to attract with the loud DJ techno mix (college students with minimal amount of mom & dad's $$ to spend ) is not showing up until after I leave! Turn it down before 8:30pm and invite families to support your business! Or....maybe you make more $ on the alcohol sells once I leave and are satisfied with sub-par profits?!?