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Carne asada in Costa Mesa

Carne asada that focuses on the quality of the sear rather than masking the meat with heavy seasoning.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 2
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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 here stands out for its freshness and delicious flavors. Quality remains consistently top notch across dishes.

Carne asada stands out with very good tacos and a 2 taco combo option. The burrito gets strong reviews, and the carne asada is part of multiple taco plates including pollo, fish, and shrimp.

People are saying

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

"The food here is super delicious and very fresh."

"The carne asada here is ridiculously good, with massive portions."

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.

02
La Carniceria Wagyu - Costa Mesa image 1

Butcher shop deli with modern, clean design and small indoor and outdoor seating offers a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. It serves high-quality halal meats, including Wagyu burgers and pastrami, known for freshness and gourmet taste. Portion sizes are generous, and the place maintains impeccable standards.

Menu offers a mix of comfort food and lighter options. Food quality stays top-notch with consistently good halal choices and amazing service.

Wagyu Carne Asada melts in your mouth with a rich, tender texture. The marinated carne asada delivers an intense, flavorful punch that stands out.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing flavors and superb quality meat."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The marinated Carne Asada here is unreal and so tender."

Good to know

1

$5 Wagyu Tacos are available every Tuesday.

2

The restaurant accepts cash only due to a down credit card machine.

3

Everything on the menu is Halal.

03
Tacos La Pina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Glass windows reveal food preparation in a clean, quiet space with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients. Seating feels open and controlled, creating a home-like vibe in an industrial setting. The place draws a steady crowd on limited days, known for exceptionally priced, high-quality tacos.

Food arrives quickly, with a wait time around 7 minutes even when busy. Staff provide excellent service and the dishes are consistently delicious and well-prepared.

Tender and juicy chunks of steak define the Carne Asada Taco here. It stands out alongside Al Pastor and Chorizo with Cheese as top choices.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were phenomenal."

"Their carne asada tacos were the best."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos La Pina operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

2

Expect to arrive early as they often sell out quickly.

3

The wait time for food is about 7 minutes even when busy.

04
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.

Authentic Jalisco-style dishes deliver truly delicious and amazing flavors. Friendly staff provide excellent service in a family-friendly setting with great pricing.

Carne asada comes as a plate and as fries, both offering satisfying flavors. The plate features hearty portions that stand out for their taste.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The carne asada plate was heavenly good and delicious."

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.

05
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 food options stand out with a variety of choices. The selection includes desserts, beer, and groceries all in one spot.

Carne asada appears in tacos, burritos, and tortas with a flavorful, satisfying taste. The carne asada torta stands out as a shared favorite that people order again.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The carne asada tacos and burritos were perfectly simple and delicious."

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.

06
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.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with fresh ingredients and large serving sizes at reasonable prices. The tortillas taste like they come straight from Mexico, making the meals very satisfying.

Carne asada stands out with strong flavor and quality in tacos and burritos. Meals often include generous portions paired with fresh corn tortillas and varied salsas.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the tortillas; they're made fresh on the spot."

"I thought the carne asada tacos and burritos were the best I ever had."

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.

07
Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina image 1
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.

Authentic Mexican dishes come with stupendous quality and delicious flavors. Food arrives hot and fresh, with service rated as amazing and attentive.

Carne asada dishes come juicy and flavorful with tender, well-seasoned meat. Options include plates, burritos with extra cheese, tortas, and chilaquiles, all packed with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The Carne Asada here is so juicy and flavorful."

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.

08
Alejandro's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican fast food spot with a drive-thru and great portions at very fair prices. Atmosphere feels a bit run down but the food draws a steady crowd. Known for loaded burritos and flavorful tacos with generous meat servings.

Food features huge portions and great prices with consistently tasty Mexican dishes like crunchy tacos and chicken burritos.

Carne asada burrito stands out as a highlight with options to customize, including breakfast versions. Carne asada fries and quesadillas also feature prominently and receive positive mentions.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best ever."

"I found the food here to be pretty tasty."

"I thought the carne asada burrito was the best part."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is fast and convenient for quick meals.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Prices are fair for the quality of food offered.

09
Fresca's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a pleasant patio and ample salsa bar. Atmosphere feels like a comfortable neighborhood spot with affordable prices. Food includes fresh, authentic tacos and standout hot sauces.

Food comes out fresh and made to order with consistently good quality. Prices stay fair while the menu offers great Mexican flavors.

Carne asada tastes good and comes in a burrito or fries. The fries portion is small with about 10 pieces, some carne asada bits, and a little cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"I found the Mexican food here to be fresh and made to order."

"The Carne Asada here is perfect."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, you can get a free taco with a purchase.

2

Fresca's Mexican Grill offers regular specials that include free tacos.

3

The regular price of a taco is around $5.

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Costa Mesa, California

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