Rust General Store
Jars of candy and spices line the shelves of this country store replica, and the staff dresses in 19th-century costumes to accentuate the Wild West aesthetic. They also carry hot sauces and gourmet kitchen items, and have a fridge full of old-timey tonics like sarsaparilla. Grab a hot pretzel or prickly pear lemonade from the takeout counter. rustgeneral
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Old Town
Oculto 477 | Photo: Haley Hill
A secret door behind the bar at Tahona leads to this spooky speakeasy, opened just in time for Halloween. It’s right next door to one of San Diego’s oldest graveyards, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the intimate space (just 25 seats) is illuminated by 477 lights—each one a tribute to a person laid to rest. tahonamezcal
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Old Town
Coral Tree Tea House | Photo: Sydney Prather
Thrilled about the next season of The Crown on Netflix? You can live out your English tea-party fantasy here. It’s in a real Victorian home on Heritage Park Row, serving high and afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches presented on elegant tiered stands. There’s also a “prince and princess tea” menu for kids. Pinkies up!
Every day is the Day of the Dead at this store, which is stocked with an array of artwork, ornaments, and clothing to celebrate the Mexican holiday all year.
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Old Town
Home & Away | Photo: Sydney Prather
The sports bar is one of the few non-touristy watering holes in the neighborhood. Come for the wings, Totchos (Tater Tot nachos), old-school arcade games, and dog-friendly patio.
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Old Town
Bazaar del Mundo | Photo: Sydney Prather
The market next to Casa Guadalajara is an Old Town shopping staple. It’s filled with fine arts and crafts imported from Mexico, and is the exclusive US retailer for some unique items, like these jute shoes (pictured above) made by cobbler Sara Gutierrez in Hidalgo. bazaardelmundo
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Old Town
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant | Photo: Sydney Prather
The hotel has been a fixture since the 1870s, and has been restored and modernized to reflect its heyday. Have Sunday brunch or happy hour on the terrace surrounded by fruit and olive trees. oldtowncosmo
A three-acre plot on Taylor and Juan streets is being turned into a state park. It’s expected to open March 2020.
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Old Town
Tienda de Reyes | Photo: Sydney Prather
