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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Costa Mesa

Salsa dancing

The sharp, bright heat of a salsa that actually lingers.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina image 1
Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina image 2
Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic decor featuring a Frida Kahlo mural and lively Spanish music. Atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming, creating a chill, family-friendly vibe. Known for handmade tortillas and excellent fish tacos, it offers a casual spot with limited seating and a local feel.

Tacos feature tender carnitas and carne asada with seasoned, authentic flavors. Freshly made tortillas add to the genuine Mexican taste throughout the menu.

Salsas here bring smoky and fresh flavors that stand out. They pair well with dishes like fish tacos, which come with a nice crema and great salsa.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing."

"The food here is authentic and tastes like home-cooked meals."

"The salsa here has great smoky and fresh flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant is very limited, so arrive early.

2

Expect wait times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer great deals on tacos.

02
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with bar seating and outdoor tables offers an upbeat atmosphere and fresh margaritas. The space feels clean and open with comfortable seats. Regulars enjoy quality tacos and a lively vibe.

Food tastes fresh and full of flavor with a clear focus on authentic Mexican recipes.

Three delicious salsas come free with meals, paired with warm, salted chips. The salsa flight offers a variety, including a spicy habanero and a green salsa option, all made in-house.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"The salsa flight with house-made chips is amazing."

"I found the most authentic Mexican food, full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for the price of two.

2

The Taco Tuesday deal costs $11.50 for three tacos.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

03
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Fresh ingredients create authentic Mexican flavors throughout the market. Street tacos and tamales showcase the careful preparation behind each dish.

Fresh salsa and guacamole come in many varieties daily, made in a small salsa assembly plant visible to customers. Homemade guacamole, salsa, and gluten-free chips accompany dishes like tacos and burritos.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"You can get fresh salsa and guacamole made right here."

"The food here is so authentic and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

04
El Toro Bravo Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large boilers produce homemade tortillas and chips in a busy, chaotic space with limited seating focused on takeout. The atmosphere feels authentically Mexican despite unsanitary conditions and a no-frills setup. Generous portions and flavorful tacos, burritos, and carnitas draw long lines.

Offers authentic Mexican food with flavorful tacos and a genuine atmosphere from the workers and location.

Salsas here stand out for their perfect spice and extreme heat. Mixing the hot salsa with pico de gallo creates a flavorful combo that complements fresh tortillas and crunchy chips.

People are saying

"The food portions here are generous and a great value."

"Their salsa is outstanding, especially with the crunchy tortilla chips."

"I found the Mexican food here to be completely authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

El Toro Bravo Tortilleria is a take-out only place with no seating available.

2

Masa sells out quickly, so arrive in the morning for the best chance.

3

Expect long wait times during lunch hours due to high demand.

05
Super A's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a homey neighborhood vibe and family-oriented atmosphere feels like eating in a big house. Energy stays top notch with loud, lively noise levels, especially during sports events. Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a mammoth selection of dishes and reasonable prices.

Food features authentic Jalisco-style flavors with very authentic beans and rice. Staff explain dishes to help choose based on taste, ensuring an authentic Mexican cuisine experience.

Homemade red chips come with fresh salsa served in a basket before meals. The salsa pairs well with soft tacos and Micheladas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is awesome, with delicious enchiladas."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I enjoyed the homemade chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Lunch specials are available daily, providing good value for money.

3

The restaurant is family-owned, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

06
Amorelia Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and upscale decor offers an intimate setting with candlelight and background music. The space feels warm and authentic, suited for relaxed conversations despite occasional loud music. TVs show sports, adding a casual touch to the otherwise refined vibe.

Diverse plates deliver authentic Mexican flavors that match traditional tastes. The atmosphere feels genuinely authentic, enhancing the overall experience.

Chips and salsa come as an appetizer or can be ordered separately. Salsa has a fresh taste with the right amount of spice. Chips and salsa are not complimentary and cost extra.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and 100% authentic."

"The salsa tastes fresh with just the right amount of spice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6:30pm with food and drink discounts.

2

Taco Tuesday specials start at 3pm with tacos priced at 3 for $10.

3

Chips and salsa are no longer complimentary and come with an additional charge.

07
Vegan By El Zamorano image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small space with homey feel and counter-style setup offers spacious outdoor patio featuring dog-friendly seating and Mexican-themed decor. Atmosphere resembles typical Mexican fast food with clean, welcoming environment outside. Indoor seating is limited to high-top tables for two, encouraging outdoor dining.

Vegan Mexican dishes deliver authentic flavors that match traditional taqueria tastes. Nachos and potato tacos stand out with incredibly flavorful plant-based ingredients.

Homemade chips come with green salsa that tastes fresh and flavorful. Salsa varies often and leans mild, so asking for extra salsa is common to get enough heat and flavor.

People are saying

"Their authentic, flavorful plant-based Mexican cuisine is a must-visit."

"I found the vegan Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"The salsa here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday and Torta Thursdays offer special menu items.

2

The restaurant is 100% vegan with no meat options available.

3

Prices are higher compared to typical fast food options.

08
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a tropical outdoor patio featuring a fireplace and live music. Upbeat cantina atmosphere blends casual, beachy interior with a family-friendly vibe. Generous margaritas and colorful patio make it a lively spot for relaxing and socializing.

Food offers tasty authentic Mexican flavors with dishes that consistently taste genuine. Service is friendly, enhancing the overall experience.

Chips and salsa stand out with top tier quality and a fantastic flavor that complements the menu well.

People are saying

"I found the handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican food to be great."

"The salsa here has a little kick and tasty tomato chunks."

"The food here is so authentic, it tastes like it's made from scratch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 8pm with drinks starting at $4.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

3

The lunch buffet costs $14 for all-you-can-eat options.

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Costa Mesa, California

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