About Our History and Story of Los Fandangos

Located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, El Fandango serves Mexican dishes influenced by the foods and preparation commonly found in this part of California at the turn-of-the-century.

El Fandango is named after the dance parties that were common the 1800s. These Fandangos, featured many guests, guitar players, singing and the clapping of hands, would sometimes last for days and always would include delicious, Mexican-inspired cuisine. El Fandango restaurant captures the ambiance and cuisine of these parties and allows its guests to feel like a true Californio at a 1800s fandango.

The present day El Fandango restaurant is built on the site of the former Jose Manuel Machado home that was destroyed by a fire in 1858. Machado, one of the first settlers of Old Town, was also one of the first soldiers stationed at the Presidio of San Diego. The site has also previously served as a billiard hall, bakery and residence.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, two lush patios and a private upstairs dining hall that seats up to 50 people, El Fandango is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion big or small. Contact us for details about reserving rooms or space for parties, meetings or other functions.