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Eat & DrinkLocal GemFoodie Favorite

Casa de Bandini

1901 Calle Barcelona · Carlsbad, CA

Why you should go…

Restaurateur Diane Powers opened Casa de Bandini in 1971 inside the historic Bandini adobe in Old Town San Diego as part of her Bazaar del Mundo concept, serving traditional Mexican food with live mariachi music for 25 years. The restaurant closed at that location in 2005 when the lease ended and the building reverted to its Cosmopolitan Hotel restoration. Powers relocated the Casa de Bandini name and concept to The Forum Shopping Center in Carlsbad, California, where it continues to operate today.

  • #mexican food
  • #restaurant
  • #margaritas
  • #live music
  • #family

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Casa de Bandini, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    LEGOLAND California

    $50+

    A build-themed theme park for younger kids, with an entire Miniland USA built from millions of LEGO bricks.

    4.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Museum of Making Music

    Under $25

    Hands-on museum exploring the history of musical instruments and the people who make, sell and play them.

    4.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    California Watersports

    $25–$50

    Waverunner, boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Carlsbad's Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Broken Yolk Cafe

    Under $25

    San Diego born diner chain serving American breakfast, brunch and lunch with a Tex-Mex twist.

    8.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Fiesta de Reyes

    Free

    An open-air Mexican-themed marketplace in Old Town San Diego with restaurants, specialty shops and free weekend live entertainment.

    22 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Liberty Public Market

    Under $25

    A restored 1940s naval commissary turned indoor food hall at Liberty Station in Point Loma.

    23 mi awayMore like this