Old Town in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
El Pico Dining Room
Congress Hall Site
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026
1. El Pico Dining Room Marker
1942 · Opened as the dining room of the Casa de Pico Motor Hotel across the walkway. El Pico provided meals to the motel's guests and local defense workers during World War II.
1948 · Renamed El Nopal Dining Room.
1968 · Acquired by California State Parks.
Erected by California State Parks. (Marker Number 66.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 32° 45.302′ N, 117° 11.869′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It can be reached from Wallace Street near Calhoun Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4016 Wallace St, San Diego CA 92110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Town San Diego (here, next to this marker); La Casa de Machado y Wrightington (within shouting distance of this marker); First Raising of U.S. Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Machado y Silvas (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Alvarado (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); La Casa de Pico (about 300 feet away); La Casa de Rodriguez (about 300 feet away); Kearney Trail (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
Regarding El Pico Dining Room. Today this is the Barra Barra restaurant/bar. This was the location of Congress Hall, a historical wooden building built in 1867 at 2734 Calhoun Street. It was moved 200 feet to this location in 1870. From this building one of the last survivors of the pony express rode north. Declared California Historical Landmark No. 66 in 1932. Demolished in 1939.
Today this restaurant has a plaque for California Historical Landmark
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026
2. El Pico Dining Room Marker
At lower right, near the Barra Barra restaurant/bar.
courtesy San Diego Historical Society, circa 1930
3. Congress Hall - 1930
Built in 1867. Declared California Historical Landmark No. 66 in 1932. Demolished in 1939.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on April 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on April 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
