Mitla Cafe was founded in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez and her then husband, Vicente Montaño. What started as a simple lunch counter on Route 66, quickly began to grow in popularity. After being widowed, Lucia later remarried to Salvador Rodriguez, and in the mid-1940’s helped expand Mitla Cafe to its current size. Along with help from her children, Theresa, Helen, Vera, and Frank, Lucia turned Mitla Cafe into a community staple on the Westside of San Bernardino, serving celebrities, local dignitaries, politicians and people from all walks of life.
After Lucia’s passing in 1981, the restaurant remained owned and operated by her children, Vera, until her passing in 1984, then Frank along with his wife Irene Montaño. It wasn’t until 2013 that ownership changed again, this time with Lucia’s youngest grandson and her great-grandson assuming the mantle of ownership. Now, almost 80 years and four generations later, Mitla Cafe remains family owned and operated in the same location as in 1937.
The City of San Bernardino has changed over the years but Mitla Cafe remain a constant. Serving the same community for generations means we’ve grown up together. As Mitla Cafe continues to 80 years and beyond, our mission remains the same: Serving you great food with that home cooked feel. .
Mitla Cafe is open for business Wednesday – Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesday. Our hours of operation are 9:00am to 7:00pm. Come join our family, and generations of San Bernardinoans, and bring your appetite!