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Guide to Costa Mesa

Mexican food carne asada

Carne asada that respects the cut of meat instead of burying it in heavy toppings.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 2
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 3
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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.

Tacos here stand out with al Pastor, birria, and carnitas options that taste very fresh and flavorful. The breakfast burrito and Birria Fries offer solid variety and value, making it a solid spot for Mexican food.

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."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be muy bueno."

"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
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.

Tacos come with freshly handmade tortillas and flavorful meat like slow-roasted Al Pastor and chorizo y queso. Complimentary chips, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo add to the experience, all at a low price with friendly service.

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."

"I thought the Mexican food here was phenomenal."

"Their carne asada tacos were the best."

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.

03
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.

Birria tacos and quesadillas stand out with fresh toppings like guacamole and a special cheese. Burritos come fresh and flavorful, with the Asada and California Burrito showing strong quality.

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 Wagyu Pastrami sandwich is really good."

"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.

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 like chilaquiles with house-made chorizo and beef barbacoa stand out. Weekend specials include pozole and menudo, with satisfying options like chile verde tacos and carne asada fries.

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 enchiladas here are delicious and Kid Friendly."

"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.

Menus include enchiladas rojo, chili relleno, and mole tamales. Staples like asada and pollo tacos come with rice and beans. Fresh drinks like jamaica and cucumber lime fresca are available.

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."

"I found this huge Mexican grocery store filled with tons of fresh food."

"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.

Tacos stand out with fresh tortillas and authentic carnitas that many consider the best in the area. Crunchy tortilla chips come with extremely hot salsa, completing a solid, flavorful Mexican meal.

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."

"The carnitas here are delicious and not chewy."

"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
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.

Burritos stand out with loaded chorizo and carne asada packed full of meat. Tacos come with the right amount of toppings and include options like shredded beef and chicken. Breakfast burritos can be customized with carne asada, and carne asada fries are a notable item.

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."

"This Mexican Food loads up the chorizo in the burritos."

"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.

08
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.

Birria pizza stands out as a unique dish alongside handmade tortillas and authentic fish tacos. Tacos come with smoky and fresh salsas, and options like the Taco El Gobernador and torta de carne asada offer juicy, flavorful choices.

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."

"I thought the Mexican food tacos tasted homemade and delicious."

"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.

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.

Tacos and burritos come fresh and made to order with authentic flavors. The salsa bar offers a variety of options including chips and guacamole, and specials often include free tacos with meat choices.

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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