The once active streetcar that houses El Carrito was retired in the 1940s when Barrio community spokesperson Al Johnston found it at a construction lot and purchased it. Inspired by Hollywood and the unique types of restaurants that were converted from train cars, Johnston opened El Carrito as a restaurant and shoe shine stand a block away from the historic Chicano Park in San Diego's Barrio Logan in 1948. At one point in its long history, El Carrito was also a space for local politicians and a gathering place for community concerns to be discussed. The eatery has changed hands numerous times over its decades in business but closed nearly a year ago. The owners of neighboring Por Vida Collective coffee shop and gallery - Carolina Santana and Milo Lorenzana - who also were part of the team that started nearby Salud Taqueria, took over the space and will reopen El Carrito on Friday, June 1, offering a revamped design and new menu of traditional Mexican fare.
El Carrito will be serving a menu of authentic Mexican comfort foods and breakfasts, including five different kinds of chilaquiles, build-your-own omelets, pancakes, tortas and more. There will also be tacos, burritos, menudo, entrees and Mexican soft drinks. The eatery will be open for breakfast and lunch, possibly expanding to dinner service in the future with the addition of a beer and wine license. Adding to a few booths located inside the restaurant, there will also be an outdoor sidewalk patio.
El Carrito is located at 2154 Logan Avenue in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood. The webiste is under construction but will be reachable soon at elcarritobarriologan.com. The restaurant will be open from 7am-3pm starting on Friday, June 1. Check out the menu below.
