What should I order first at Casa Octavio?

Start with the mole and a Mezcal margarita—both get consistent praise. The homemade chips and heated salsa are solid, and if you're going on a weekend brunch, the endless mimosas with Jamaica and Tamarindo juice are why people come back. Skip the quesadillas unless you're just grazing; the real draw here is the tequila selection and cocktails.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, Casa Octavio has an outdoor section in East Village, and it's worth requesting if you want that vibe. Just note that outdoor service can be inconsistent—some reports mention staff being less attentive out there, so don't hesitate to flag down your server if you need something.

Do I need a reservation or can I walk in?

They take reservations, which is smart for weekends and brunch service when the spot fills up. Walk-ins are possible, but you might hit a wait during peak times. If you're planning to come for their drag shows or weekend brunch, definitely call ahead.

Is Casa Octavio good for kids?

Yes, it's marked as kid-friendly. The casual Mexican spot vibe and outdoor seating make it work for families, though the bar-heavy menu means it's also a legitimate adult hangout, so noise levels can swing depending on when you go.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

They have vegetarian options on the menu, so there's something beyond just beans and rice. If you have specific dietary needs, call ahead or ask your server—the kitchen seems flexible based on reviews mentioning good service and customization.

What's the vibe like on different days?

Weekends are when Casa Octavio really shines—drag shows, endless mimosa brunches, and packed tables. Weeknight dinner is more relaxed but service quality varies. The bartender makes or breaks the experience here, so you might have an amazing night or a forgettable one depending on who's working.

The spot is pet-friendly, so bring your dog to the patio if you want. Just keep it manageable given the outdoor seating shares space with other diners.

What's the dress code?

It's casual—East Village Mexican restaurant energy. No fancy dress needed; just come as you are. If there's a special event like a drag show happening, you might see more dressed-up crowds, but nothing enforced.

Casa Octavio — Mexican in East Village, San Diego

“Casa Octavio treats tequila like a serious spirit collection and brunch like a drag show—two missions that somehow coexist perfectly under one East Village roof.”

**What makes this different:** While The Blind Burro orbits Petco Park and Punch Bowl Social asks you to bowl between bites, Casa Octavio commits to two very specific moments—Sunday brunch with drag queens and any night you want to explore mezcal beyond the basics. The tequila and mezcal section draws consistent praise for depth, not just variety. The drag brunch isn't a gimmick tacked onto a restaurant; it's a full production with endless mimosas spiked with jamaica or tamarindo juice, homemade chips, and heated salsa that reviewers remember days later.

The mole shows up in multiple reviews as the anchor dish—rich, complex, the kind of thing you order when you want to know if a kitchen can actually cook. Pair it with a mezcal margarita and you're in the zone. The margaritas in general land hard: reviewers who rarely call out drinks specifically mention them here, which tells you something about execution. Service swings wide—some servers treat you like family (Alex behind the bar gets called out by name), others vanish mid-shift for breaks that leave tables stranded. It's inconsistent enough to notice, but the highs are high enough that regulars keep coming back.

The outdoor seating works for groups, dates, or bringing the dog. Food ranges from excellent (that mole) to forgettable (dinner plates skew "meh" according to one honest review). Come for the tequila, stay for the spectacle, and if you're here on a Sunday, lean into the brunch chaos. This is one of those spots where the vibe carries as much weight as what's on the plate—sometimes more.

Casa Octavio

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