What should I order at Old Juan's Cantina?
Old Juan's Cantina
Chicken mole
Recommended multiple times for its tender chicken and deep, complex mole sauce with well-balanced chiles, chocolate, and spices; several reviewers called it one of the best versions they've had.
Molcajete
Praised for its huge, sizzling presentation and rich flavor, with grilled steak, shrimp, bacon-wrapped bites, chorizo, sausage, vegetables, avocado, queso fresco, and smoky red sauce all coming together well.
Margaritas
Frequently highlighted as a standout drink, with reviewers saying the margaritas were some of the best on the Central Coast and especially enjoying the Cadillac and blended versions.
Chips and salsa
Mentioned repeatedly as a favorite starter, especially the green salsa, with reviewers praising the freshness, heat, and how often staff kept bringing more.
Bacon-wrapped jalapeños
Called a must-try appetizer and included in multiple positive meal descriptions, suggesting it is a popular and well-loved item.
Saute Del Mar
Specifically singled out as a favorite by one reviewer, who described it as having great flavor and being super yummy.
Calabaza Tacos
Praised as absolutely fantastic, with reviewers liking the flavorful butternut squash filling, coconut enchilada sauce, vegan mole sauce, and vegan feta crumble.
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 8:30 PM |
About Old Juan's Cantina
Old-fashioned, family-run eatery with rustic decor, traditional Mexican dishes & margaritas.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Old Juan's Cantina known for?
It is best known for chicken mole enchiladas, molcajete, and margaritas, with many reviews calling out the rich mole sauce and the sizzling, heavily loaded molcajete. People also mention that the portions are generous and the food feels authentic, which helps explain why it is a repeat spot for locals and visitors in Oceano.
What dishes are most recommended at Old Juan's Cantina?
Reviewers most often recommend the chicken mole, molcajete, Saute Del Mar, and bacon-wrapped jalapenos, and some also highlight the calabaza tacos for a vegan option. The chips and salsa, especially the green salsa, are also mentioned as strong starters, and the menu is described as large with good variety.
Is Old Juan's Cantina good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $20 to $30, and reviewers often say the portions are generous and the meals are fairly priced for the quality. People also point to the strong margaritas and full bar as part of the value, especially when dining near Pismo Beach or after a day at the dunes.
How busy does Old Juan's Cantina get, and when is the best time to go?
It can get busy on Friday nights and during dinner, but reviewers say the staff seats people quickly and food often comes out fast once ordered. Lunch is also a common time to visit, especially for people stopping in after a beach or dunes trip, and reservations are accepted.
Is parking available at Old Juan's Cantina?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Old Juan's Cantina have vegetarian options?
Yes, Old Juan's Cantina offers vegan options.
Is Old Juan's Cantina kid-friendly?
Yes, Old Juan's Cantina is good for kids.
Restaurants like Old Juan's Cantina in Oceano
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