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Karina’s Cantina, San Diego, CA

Karina’s Cantina

4.5
4.5
43 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 8 times today
  • Good for groups
  • Great for happy hour
  • Hot spot
Simply entering a Karina’s establishment can be a sensory overload. Images, color, music, exquisite aromas and warm hospitality are surrounded by traditional Mexican figures, art and culture. Specially commissioned portraits of Frida Khalo and many of the superstars of classic Mexican cinema grace the walls of Karina’s. The sounds of Mexico with our engaging Mariachi, especially when singing of lost love, are a portrait of Mexico that our Mexican and American clientele alike delight in. Karina’s was founded on the idea of offering traditional Mexican style family cuisine made with the passion of the founding family to make everyone feel like familia.

For three generations, each member of the Contreras Curiel Family has passionately and diligently worked year round for over three decades to offer a personalized services that make each guest feel at home.

Wherever a Karina’s establishment is found, there will always be a piece of Mexico

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 12:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–23:00 Sun 09:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (619) 756-7333
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    We offer several options for private and semi-private events ranging from 15 guests to 100+.
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • Cross Street
    F STREET
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    We have validation for guests up to 3hrs. for only $12
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 43 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Karina's Cantina offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a beautifully decorated space. Guests rave about the "delicious food" and "great service," particularly praising the Special chilaquiles and drinks. However, the noise level can be high, and service varies. Ideal for lively gatherings with friends.

43 Reviews
  1. Brian

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a group of 8 and everyone tried something different. It was very enjoyable. The food was delicious and the staff was fantastic.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Karina’s for dinner on a Friday night! We came here with dinner reservations but they gave our table away. They sat us in a private room but there seemed to be confusion as to who our waitress was. Service was just ok, we were forgotten toward the middle of our visit which was during dinner(kind of important I would say). Food was great, drinks were good.

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  3. Nick

    San Diego5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Witnessed a server setting up a table and carried 4 glasses in 1 hand with his fingers inside all 4 glasses. Service was very poor…. Server did not regularly check on table. Music was too loud to have a conversation with the person across the table and this was at 7PM… can understand if it’s later for the club crowd but dinner was not pleasant not being able to communicate with people at the table because of the loud music. Overall 3 of of 10. Would not recommend.

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  4. Laura

    Philadelphia16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 1 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food and service were terrific. Music was way too loud for 6:30pm. The place was 1/2 empty and the music was cranked up for a full house.

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  5. Andrew

    Indiana3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 20 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was fantastic. The food was great. Make sure you try the civiche

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  6. JamieM

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 31 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Reserved a table for my bday party of 9. Karina's staff was really accommodating and had our table beautifully set up for our reservation. Instead of their usual music playing they had a live band and singer and they played a great variety of genres. The singer was very entertaining and a great addition to my bday celebration. All of my friends loved the ambiance, food and drinks. Staff was all very friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.

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  7. briyesmi VIP

    Las Vegas22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 21 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time eating brunch at Karina’s Downtown. The restaurant is well decorated with TVs at the bar. It has a welcoming ambiance. I had the Special chilaquiles and the sampler French toast. The food was delicious and the flights( mimosa & margarita) were good!! I highly recommend this restaurant for the service and food. Thank you to our servers for a great experience!

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  8. NickD VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 7 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    We ate early so there was not a big crowd and our server still was not friendly or attentive. Great food.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 22 March 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    We had a group dinner here during a conference. The food/drinks were good, nice setting, but much like a lot of other restaurants in the gas lamp, it got very loud at 7pm with live music. Not quite a club, no dancing happening, but louddd. The older folks in our group left as quick as possible once that started. Definitely a better place for a group of friends than older work colleagues.

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  10. XochitlP

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 29 December 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was incredible. Service was really good. Fun atmosphere. Love, love,love!!!

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FAQs

Karina’s Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 756-7333.

Karina’s Cantina is rated 4.5 stars by 43 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Karina’s Cantina

755 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6917

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    F STREET
  • Area
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 12:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–23:00 Sun 09:00–22:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    We have validation for guests up to 3hrs. for only $12
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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