Mitla Café: 76 and Going Strong by Stacey Peters-Hernandez - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Mitla Café: 76 and Going Strong

By Stacey Peters-Hernandez, Community Writer
October 18, 2013 at 08:32am. Views: 141

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.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:13am. Views: 1199

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra celebrates its founding in style with a Roaring Twenties-themed gala fundraiser on October 17 at 5p.m. The orchestra invites supporters to celebrate the community, music, and legacy it has built over nearly a century.

Photo Courtesy of: Colton Joint Unified School District

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 149

Music students at Colton High School will soon enjoy a larger space with more storage, practice rooms, better acoustics and better space for creating, learning and performing. Construction on the Buildings is Set to Start in 2027

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:05am. Views: 721

State, Local Education Leaders Highlight Nearly $162 Million in CalKIDS Scholarships Available to San Bernardino County Students.

Photo Courtesy of: CIty News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 192

An October 2026 study from Loma Linda University suggests a simple dietary change may influence inflammation-related measures in older adults. A bowl of walnuts sits alongside a nutritious breakfast, illustrating the everyday dietary choice examined in Loma Linda University research.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:28pm. Views: 171

San Bernardino Drug Take Back Day 2026, prescription medication disposal, San Bernardino Police Department, October 24, medication safety, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Community collection efforts offer families a convenient way to remove unwanted prescription drugs from their homes while promoting public safety and protecting the environment.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:24pm. Views: 163

Long before modern freeways reshaped the Inland Empire, the railroad helped establish San Bernardino as a transportation center. Trains brought passengers, goods, workers and new business opportunities into the region, connecting a growing Southern California community with destinations across the country.

Photo Courtesy of: California Historical Society Collection, USC Libraries Special Collections.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:22pm. Views: 160

As Redlands continues to grow, its surviving citrus groves offer a living connection to the industry that shaped the city's neighborhoods, economy and identity. Orange trees heavy with fruit line a grove in Redlands around 1900, with snow-covered Mount San Bernardino visible in the distance. The photograph documents the citrus industry that played a central role in the city's early development.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:19pm. Views: 173

The City of Redlands will host Plane-or-Treat at Redlands Municipal Airport on October 25, featuring trick-or-treating, entertainment and family activities. An AI-generated illustration

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 545

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 166

Moreno Valley is preparing to celebrate one of Mexico's most meaningful cultural traditions with an evening dedicated to remembrance, family and community.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 166

Moreno Valley Unified School District is continuing its parent education efforts with an October workshop focused on social-emotional learning, positive behavior and bullying prevention.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 179

A new chapter in Moreno Valley's cultural development is taking shape as the city introduces residents to its Museum & ArtSpace, a destination intended to bring visual art, creative experiences and community engagement into greater focus.

--> -->