History

Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, originally opened in 1960 by Abel & Ophelia Garcia, has an established legacy as a family owned and operated restaurant.

In those days, Garcia’s was the only authentic Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad. Originally opened by Abel (who was known for his reputation as Carlsbad’s “singing barber” – hence the barber shop next door) and Ophelia (who operated the restaurant, starting at the age of 49), the restaurant saw its share of busy nights, sometimes with lines around the building.

In the mid seventies, the location was leased for a couple of years, as the demands of the business became too great. In 1978, Garcia’s was re-opened by Belynn R. Gonzales, granddaughter to Abel and Ophelia, as she was wrapping up her final year at SDSU with a Bachelor’s in Accounting.

Entering the restaurant industry at 7 years old, as a busser for Garcia’s, Belynn has “lived” the restaurant industry; more accurately, Belynn has lived Garcia’s. At 11 years old, she became the restaurant’s only waitress. Eventually, she moved to the back-of-house (BOH) where she developed her love of culinary. Spending a few years as the head cook with Marron’s, a former Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad, it was only a matter of time before Belynn took on the challenge of re-opening Garcia’s…

Today, Garcia’s enjoys a strong reputation amongst its Carlsbad citizens as quaint, charming Mexican restaurant that provides fresh, high quality food in a family-oriented, “soulful” environment. With 10 catering vehicles that cater throughout San Diego County, Garcia’s Creative Catering enjoys whipping up food that’s all across the board, from Italian to sandwiches, salads, wraps, All-American food … you name it!