Mitla Café: 76 and Going Strong

From family pictures lining the walls to the waitresses in their authentic Puebla dresses, Mitla Café is dedicated to providing traditionally great service and exceptional food. Since 1937 Mitla Café has been serving customers authentic homemade Mexican food with hot plates straight from the oven. The atmosphere has not changed throughout 76 years of business, making it the oldest restaurant still operating in San Bernardino. Many families that come to Mitla are not first timers—their families have been supporting the establishment since the early days. Todd Peters, a local resident and devoted Mitla guest, has been coming here since he was born and has brought his children and grandchildren. They are a family that has been dining here for five generations. “My dad used to come to Mitla on Fridays and buy 17 tacos, 10 enchiladas, 10 chiles rellenos, beans, and rice, all for under $20. He made that a special day for us. I was so excited as a young boy, getting to come here and sit at the counter, and now I see my grandkids doing the same things. It’s really quite amazing and emotional,” said Peters, who is now 57. His granddaughter Jayelene (8 years old) added, “We come here every Friday night. It’s a family tradition that I want to do with my kids (if I ever have any).” Peters and his family recall many memories here at Mitla Café, from birthday parties to anniversary parties. But one his wife Sheryl recalls best was bringing their now 29-year-old daughter here when she was 2 weeks old and putting guacamole on her pacifier. The minute it ran out, she began a blood-curdling scream until she received more. The Peters family is only one of many families with similar stories of their lifelong memories at Mitla Café. Not only is Mitla a family restaurant, they are also a community-oriented establishment. Co-owner Steven Oquendo tries his best to help the local residents and businesses. He gives them the opportunity to work on the surrounding areas of the building and parking lot in exchange for pay. He also recently donated a dinner of 80 enchiladas, beans, rice and chile verde to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald house, without any hesitation. “San Bernardino is a great city, with great people. There are some bad things going on, but if we all work together we can make a difference,” he said. Oquendo explained that he is excited to see what the next 75 years have in store for the restaurant. “We thank and appreciate each and every one of you who have been there supporting us along our journey; we are truly blessed to be a part of your lives.” Mitla Café is located at 602 N. Mt. Vernon Ave, San Bernardino. Be sure to stop by, say hello and get an authentic Mexican meal.