El Mercadito
Churro · San Diego
About El Mercadito
El Mercadito offers a warm and welcoming escape in San Diego's historic Old Town, perfectly situated among shops and live music. This casual spot is renowned for its freshly made churros, which are piped fresh into hot oil to ensure a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft interior. While ther...
El Mercadito offers a warm and welcoming escape in San Diego's historic Old Town, perfectly situated among shops and live music. This casual spot is renowned for its freshly made churros, which are piped fresh into hot oil to ensure a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft interior. While there may be a brief wait for these signature treats, the friendly staff makes every moment enjoyable. Guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere, including heaters for colder evenings, and the ability to customize orders like sampler platters or pairings with ice cream and margaritas. Whether enjoying a quick visit or a family meal, El Mercadito delivers an authentic taste of Mexico that feels like returning home.
What Customers Say About El Mercadito
El Mercadito is known for its freshly made churros, often described as the best customers have ever had. The churros are praised for being warm, soft inside, and crispy outside. Some customers experienced long waits and inconsistent quality.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Churros are made to order, so expect a short wait (3-10 minutes), but many reviewers say it's worth it for the fresh, delicious churros.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around El Mercadito
El Mercadito is located in San Diego, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Parks & Gardens
- San Diego Viejo Plaza (A 75m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
Other Points of Interest
- 2734 Calhoun Street, Old Town, San Diego (A 59m) — building in San Diego
- Congress Hall (A 63m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
- Johnson House, Old Town San Diego (A 94m) — building in San Diego, United States of America
- Casa de Carrillo House (A 128m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
- Casa de Machado y Silvas (A 139m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
- Casa de Pedrorena de Altamirano (A 206m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
- Mason Street School Museum (A 207m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
- Exchange Hotel (A 219m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
- Casa de Stewart (A 226m) — historical Landmark in San Diego, California, United States
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about El Mercadito
El Mercadito San Diego Reviews
Returning home from La Bufadora, Baja Mexico, and was so disappointed in their churros. Stopped in San Diego on my way home, found this little place and was taken back to my youth and so delighted to share an authentic CHURRO with my son who has only had those store bought stale ones. GREAT JOB! Delicious! Thank you for redeeming the authentic churro! Eaten only with cinnamon sugar that topped it. It was perfect.
While visiting Old Town and wanted something sweet.. stopped for a churro and ice cream.. this was the best churro we’ve ever eaten.. would recommend and definitely go back. I’m craving one now as I’m doing this review!!
Not good churros, THE BEST WE'VE EVER HAD churros!! Seriously, better than Disneyland churros, better than Bario Queen churros, so good..fresh, crunchy and soft. Staff was nice and friendly. We liked the carmel sauce, it was our favorite to pair with the churros. I'll be dreaming about these!
Stopped in for some delicious churros at El Mercadito in Old Town! Can be a 10 minute wait sometimes but worth it, one of the best churros I had in a while. Recommend!
Absolutely freshly made, with the dough piped right into the hot oil Amazingly delicious, just the absolute perfect churro 🤌🏿🤌🏿
Wonderful little spot in the middle of historic old town surrounded by shops and restaurants and live music. The churro was phenomenal and it paired well with ice cream. Simple and delicious dessert fare.
Amazing churros, so fresh and delicious
Returning home from La Bufadora, Baja Mexico, and was so disappointed in their churros. Stopped in San Diego on my way home, found this little place and was taken back to my youth and so delighted to share an authentic CHURRO with my son who has only had those store bought stale ones. GREAT JOB! Delicious! Thank you for redeeming the authentic churro! Eaten only with cinnamon sugar that topped it. It was perfect.
While visiting Old Town and wanted something sweet.. stopped for a churro and ice cream.. this was the best churro we’ve ever eaten.. would recommend and definitely go back. I’m craving one now as I’m doing this review!!
Stopped in for some delicious churros at El Mercadito in Old Town! Can be a 10 minute wait sometimes but worth it, one of the best churros I had in a while. Recommend!
Not good churros, THE BEST WE'VE EVER HAD churros!! Seriously, better than Disneyland churros, better than Bario Queen churros, so good..fresh, crunchy and soft. Staff was nice and friendly. We liked the carmel sauce, it was our favorite to pair with the churros. I'll be dreaming about these!
Absolutely freshly made, with the dough piped right into the hot oil Amazingly delicious, just the absolute perfect churro 🤌🏿🤌🏿
Wonderful little spot in the middle of historic old town surrounded by shops and restaurants and live music. The churro was phenomenal and it paired well with ice cream. Simple and delicious dessert fare.
Amazing churros, so fresh and delicious
I love churros, and these did not disappoint. It was so fresh and so delicious. She made them to order, so there is a wait 3 -4 min but worth the wait . The size was perfect.Staff was friendly and helpful. I'm definitely coming here next time we visit . Thank you . Side note they were unsure if the churro ingredients cintained milk in them for the dairy allergy people.
Ive had a lot of churros, these were definitely the best ive ever had. Super soft slightly salty center
We had great service. We were set next to a heater that kept us warm. We got a sampler platter that was more than enough and could have fed up to 4 people. We also had yummy margaritas. The place had lots of cute umbrellas, and the employees attire added to the overall experience.
This was the best churro I’ve ever had! It was warm and soft on the inside while crispy and sugary on the outside.
Seriously, the best churro I’ve ever had. Soft and chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside. I already want an other one.
Ive had a lot of churros, these were definitely the best ive ever had. Super soft slightly salty center
This was the best churro I’ve ever had! It was warm and soft on the inside while crispy and sugary on the outside.
I love churros, and these did not disappoint. It was so fresh and so delicious. She made them to order, so there is a wait 3 -4 min but worth the wait . The size was perfect.Staff was friendly and helpful. I'm definitely coming here next time we visit . Thank you . Side note they were unsure if the churro ingredients cintained milk in them for the dairy allergy people.
Seriously, the best churro I’ve ever had. Soft and chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside. I already want an other one.
We had great service. We were set next to a heater that kept us warm. We got a sampler platter that was more than enough and could have fed up to 4 people. We also had yummy margaritas. The place had lots of cute umbrellas, and the employees attire added to the overall experience.
We love the decoration set up during "Dia de los muertos" which during the month of Oct/Nov. A Mexican tradition to remember our love one's that have passed away. 😇🙏
Went on for churros. They actually make them after you order which is great. You get fresh made churros. They are hot so proceed with caution haha Each churros is $4.50 Take your churro and have a seat listening to music in Friday evenings.
We love the decoration set up during "Dia de los muertos" which during the month of Oct/Nov. A Mexican tradition to remember our love one's that have passed away. 😇🙏
Went on for churros. They actually make them after you order which is great. You get fresh made churros. They are hot so proceed with caution haha Each churros is $4.50 Take your churro and have a seat listening to music in Friday evenings.
Delicious churros and ice cream but the rudest staff attending, he didn’t offer the extra dipping cream included when I came back for it he just dropped it with the worst attitude. Everyone in San Diego is super friendly but this guy was terrible, if you don’t like serving to customers why are you there ? :(
Delicious churros and ice cream but the rudest staff attending, he didn’t offer the extra dipping cream included when I came back for it he just dropped it with the worst attitude. Everyone in San Diego is super friendly but this guy was terrible, if you don’t like serving to customers why are you there ? :(
$5.50 for one churro with a side of chocolate or caramel dip
$5.50 for one churro with a side of chocolate or caramel dip
I waited patiently in a long line for churros and ice cream. The courtyard’s atmosphere especially with live music was awesome, so I didn’t mind the wait. However, the treats themselves were just ok.
I waited patiently in a long line for churros and ice cream. The courtyard’s atmosphere especially with live music was awesome, so I didn’t mind the wait. However, the treats themselves were just ok.
Stale and dense. Maybe they were having an off day but I would avoid at all cost. Ice cream was also not great, a bit freezer burnt.
Stale and dense. Maybe they were having an off day but I would avoid at all cost. Ice cream was also not great, a bit freezer burnt.
So I went yesterday to “El Mercadito” (ice cream shop) in Old Town San Diego, whe the costumer in front of me ordered Ice cream and at the moment of paying with cash the cashier mentioned they only accept card, when the costumer ask them What happens with the ice cream if the costumer doesn’t take it or can’t pay? And the girl mentioned “We just put it back in the container” wich is totally gross, personally I walked out, hopefully you can check what type of costumer service you give and do proper sanitary procedures
So I went yesterday to “El Mercadito” (ice cream shop) in Old Town San Diego, whe the costumer in front of me ordered Ice cream and at the moment of paying with cash the cashier mentioned they only accept card, when the costumer ask them What happens with the ice cream if the costumer doesn’t take it or can’t pay? And the girl mentioned “We just put it back in the container” wich is totally gross, personally I walked out, hopefully you can check what type of costumer service you give and do proper sanitary procedures
People who say this is the best churro must have never had a churro before? The churro we got here was the worst we’ve ever had. I would say it’s maybe because we weren’t cooked a fresh one but I’ve had ones out of a window before from Rubio’s that were way better This one was slightly burnt. Shame because they smelled good and the chocolate sauce was decent
People who say this is the best churro must have never had a churro before? The churro we got here was the worst we’ve ever had. I would say it’s maybe because we weren’t cooked a fresh one but I’ve had ones out of a window before from Rubio’s that were way better This one was slightly burnt. Shame because they smelled good and the chocolate sauce was decent
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About El Mercadito
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2754 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
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2754 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
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