All of the great Mexican Restaurants in San Diego’s historic Old Town have joined together to celebrate El Grito, which is Mexico’s official Independence Day. It’s like having two Cinco de Mayos a year with the same festive atmosphere surrounding Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates the victorious Battle of Pueblo by The Mexican Freedom fighters a hundred years ago. In the process of celebration, Americans got confused and thought it was for Mexico’s independence.

This year every restaurant on the list is doing something special including drink and food specials. The restaurant putting out the most effort for authenticity is Cafe Coyote. At approximately 7:50 p.m. a priest will make the famous El Grito “shout” declaring Mexico’s fight for independence followed by the ringing of a loud church bell. Moments later a live Television stream from Mexico City will be aired real time. So everyone will be able to celebrate the beginning of Mexico’s official two day independence day around the world together.

Spearheading the revival of El Grito is Thurston Coe, who is the owner of the oldest and dearly loved Mexican Restaurant on Juan Street in Old Town and some say the oldest Mexican Restaurant in San Diego.

Other crowd pleasing Mexican restaurant offering their own specials on food and drink include Old Town Mexican Cafe, Miguel’s Cocina, Fred’s Mexican Cafe, The Cosmopolitan Restaurant and hotel and the lovely and romantic El Fandango Mexican Restaurant fronting the Old Town Plaza. This annual event just keeps getting bigger and better every year, and is just like having two Cinco de Mayos a year. So come to historic Old Town for food and drink specials and the warm Friendly atmosphere that constitutes a Mexican fiesta September 14 & 15.