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Guide to Costa Mesa

Carne asada and tacos

You know exactly what a proper carne asada taco should taste like, and you aren't willing to settle for anything less.

Based on 641 Opinions
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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.

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.

Steak, al Pastor, and carnitas tacos stand out with bold flavors and a next level corn mix. Fish, birria, and cochinita pibil tacos also offer solid options for variety.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

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.

Steak and Al Pastor tacos stand out with freshly handmade tortillas and meat marinated for 12 hours in 24 ingredients. The tacos combine flavorful meat and veggies with incredible pricing and a chill vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were phenomenal."

"I was so impressed with the delicious food at this lunch spot."

"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.

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

Birria tacos stand out as exceptionally flavorful and tender. The menu also features prime wagyu ribeye tacos that offer a rich, high-quality beef experience.

People are saying

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

"I thought these tacos were outstanding and the best I ever had."

"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.

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

Tacos come with Chile Verde and lunch specials that include soup. Taco Tuesday offers a bargain and the tacos pair well with favorite beers.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos to be really good."

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
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.

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.

Shredded beef and crispy chicken tacos come loaded with meat and have the right amount of toppings. Rolled tacos with guacamole add a tasty twist, making them a solid choice for taco lovers.

People are saying

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

"I've never had a chorizo burrito loaded up like this before."

"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.

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.

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.

Tacos come with a massive amount of meat, often enough for two or three tacos. Carnitas tacos stand out with tender, juicy meat packed full of flavor. The surtido taco offers a mix that many find exceptional.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were delicious and large."

"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
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.

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.

Fish tacos near the sushi corner stand out with fresh flavors. Tacos come with fresh-made salsas that add a vibrant kick. Options include asada and pollo tacos, all served with classic sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

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

"I loved their chicken tacos and fish tacos."

"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.

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.

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.

Fish tacos stand out as amazing and rival other well-known spots. Keto tacos offer a variety of delicious meats. The Taco El Gobernador and barbecue tacos also deliver excellent authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing."

"I thought the 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.

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.

Tacos come fresh and authentic with a choice of meats. Specials include free tacos on Fridays and crispy tacos stand out as favorites.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The Carne Asada here is perfect."

"I found the tacos to be fresh and delicious."

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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