FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Ortega's
Everything you need to know about dining at Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro in Hillcrest, San Diego. Pick a topic below to jump straight to your answer, or call us at (619) 692-4200.
Visiting Ortega's
Hours, location, parking & reservations
Menu & Takeout
Lobster, dietary needs & online ordering
Brunch, Bar & Specials
Brunch, happy hour & weekly deals
Private Events
Group dining, parties & banquet menus
Visiting Our Hillcrest Mexican Restaurant
Planning a visit to Ortega's at Third and University? Here's what to know about our hours, location, parking and reservations.
Related: Contact & Directions · Reservations · Neighborhoods We Serve
What are Ortega's hours?
We're open Monday through Thursday from 11:30am to 9:00pm and Friday through Sunday from 8:00am to 9:00pm. Brunch is served Friday through Sunday until 2:00pm. See our Happy Hour page for bar specials.
Where is Ortega's located?
Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro is at 141 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, on the corner of Third Avenue and University Avenue in the heart of Hillcrest. Find directions on our Contact page.
Is there parking near Ortega's?
Yes. Metered street parking is available along University Avenue and the surrounding Hillcrest streets, and there are several paid lots and garages within a short walk. Several MTS bus routes also stop along University Avenue, and rideshare drop-off is easy right at the corner of Third and University.
Do you take reservations?
Yes. Reserve a table online through Yelp Reservations or call us at (619) 692-4200. Walk-ins are always welcome. Planning for a large group? Visit our Group Events page.
Is Ortega's kid-friendly?
Absolutely, niños are welcome. We have a dedicated kids menu with smaller portions of family favorites. You'll find it on our Cuisine page.
Do you have outdoor or patio seating?
Yes. Our Bistro dining room opens onto a patio, so you can enjoy Hillcrest's weather while you dine. Patio tables are first come, first served. Call (619) 692-4200 if you'd like to request one.
Which San Diego neighborhoods is Ortega's close to?
We're in Hillcrest and just minutes from North Park, University Heights, Mission Hills and Bankers Hill. See all the neighborhoods we serve.
Menu, Dietary & Takeout FAQs
From Puerto Nuevo-style lobster to tableside guacamole, here's what's on the table at Ortega's and how to order it to go.
What kind of food does Ortega's serve?
What is Puerto Nuevo-style lobster?
It's our signature dish: lobster grilled Baja-style and served with Mexican rice, beans, drawn butter, grilled lime and a large handmade flour tortilla. It's the same way the Ortega family has served it in Puerto Nuevo for generations. Try it on Lobster Lovers Wednesday for the best value.
Do you make guacamole tableside?
Yes. Our guacamole is prepared fresh at your table, and it's one of our guests' favorite ways to start a meal.
Do you have vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes. Vegetarian dishes are marked (VG) on our menus, including several brunch favorites. Many dishes can be made with corn tortillas. Please tell your server about any allergies or dietary needs and our kitchen will guide you.
Can I order takeout or delivery?
Yes. Order online for pickup directly through our Toast ordering page, or call (619) 692-4200 to place an order.
Do you have a kids menu and desserts?
Yes to both. We offer a kids menu for little ones and a dessert menu featuring our homemade creamy coconut flan. Both are on our Cuisine page.
Brunch, Happy Hour & Weekly Specials FAQs
Bottomless mimosas, pomegranate margaritas and a special for almost every night of the week. Here's how it all works.
Related: Brunch Menu · La Cantina Bar · Happy Hour · Taco + Tequila Tuesdays
When is brunch served at Ortega's?
Brunch is served Friday through Sunday from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Favorites include chilaquiles, tres leches French toast, steak breakfast burritos and a surf-and-turf omelet. See the full brunch menu.
Do you have bottomless mimosas?
Yes! Bottomless mimosas are available during weekend brunch. Our brunch drink menu also includes margaritas, Latin classics and more.
When is happy hour?
Happy Hour runs 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all day on Mondays, with food and drink specials in La Cantina. On Tuesdays it's replaced by Taco + Tequila Tuesday. Details are on our Happy Hour page.
What is Taco + Tequila Tuesday?
Every Tuesday from 3:00pm to close, enjoy full-size tacos on freshly made tortillas for $4 to $6, plus margarita and tequila specials for $7 to $9. Learn more about Taco Tuesdays.
What is Lobster Lovers Wednesday?
Every Wednesday, couples can share a three-course dinner for $69 per couple: soup or salad, then Lobster & Steak, Lobster & Shrimp or Lobster Enchiladas, and a dessert to share. See all our weekly specials.
What is Thirsty Thursday?
Every Thursday, all night long, enjoy $5 tequila shots, cerveza Mexicana and classic margaritas in La Cantina. See our specials.
What drinks does La Cantina bar serve?
La Cantina pours 15 margaritas, including our signature pomegranate margarita, along with Latin classic cocktails, Mexican beers, wine and a large selection of tequila and mezcal. Relax by the fireplace under our stained glass.
Group Events & Private Dining FAQs
Birthdays, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties and business events. Ortega's has three private spaces for 20 to 75 guests.
Does Ortega's host private events and group parties?
Yes. With two kitchens, a full bar and two private rooms, Ortega's hosts birthdays, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, corporate events and more. Visit our Group Events page to see each space.
What private event spaces are available and how many guests do they hold?
We have three event spaces for parties of 20 to 75 guests:
- Veranda: our private second-floor room, seating up to 60 guests, with exposed brick, wood beams and private restrooms.
- Galeria/Cantina: up to 60 guests, ideal for cocktail parties and mixers by the bar and fireplace.
- Bistro: up to 75 guests, open to our patio and kitchen.
How do I book a private event?
Call (619) 692-4200 or email events@ortegas.com with your date, guest count and the type of event. Our team will help you choose a space and menu.
Do you have a banquet or group menu?
Yes. Our group menus feature Ortega's favorites served for your party. Download the banquet event menu (PDF) or ask our events team to customize one.
Can I reserve a table for a large group without booking a private room?
Yes. For larger parties in our main dining areas, call (619) 692-4200 so we can prepare your table. For 20 or more guests, we recommend one of our private event spaces.
Do you host holiday parties?
Yes. Our Veranda, Galeria/Cantina and Bistro are popular for holiday parties and year-end celebrations. December dates book early, so email events@ortegas.com as soon as you know your date.
Related: Group Events · Banquet Menu (PDF) · Contact Us
Still Have a Question?
Our team is happy to help. Call (619) 692-4200, email info@ortegas.com, or stop by 141 University Avenue in Hillcrest.