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Top picks in Costa Mesa

Salsa spots

You are looking for a meal that is defined by the quality of its salsa. You know that the right heat and flavor can make or break the dish.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Carniceria Wagyu - Costa Mesa image 1
La Carniceria Wagyu - Costa Mesa image 2
La Carniceria Wagyu - Costa Mesa image 3
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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.

Free chips and salsa come with a chance to try the pistachio matcha salsa, which has a flavorful kick at the end. The stellar dips and salsas pair well with burritos and stand out for their taste.

People are saying

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

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The mac and cheese was amazing, the highlight of my meal."

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.

02
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout creates a casual, friendly atmosphere with a relaxed beach-town vibe. Busy and noisy during lunchtime, it offers a big salsa bar and self-service soda machine. Known for fresh fish tacos and generous portions, it blends fast food convenience with quality Mexican flavors.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic flavors with consistently excellent quality. Mexican dishes come out quickly and maintain a high standard every time.

A fresh salsa bar offers a variety of daily made-from-scratch salsas. The salsas complement dishes like ensenada style fish and come with warm tortillas and seasoned beans.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and consistently excellent."

"These fish tacos are the best I've ever eaten."

"I loved their awesome salsa bar!"

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

2

The portions are generous and satisfying.

3

The menu includes burritos, bowls, enchiladas, and vegetarian options.

03
Elys Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small street taco truck offers authentic Southern California vibe with fresh, local ingredients in tacos like al pastor and chorizo. Atmosphere stays family-friendly and straightforward, with limited parking and cash-only payment. Late-night presence near other food options adds to its convenient, casual energy.

Small food truck serves authentic Mexican street tacos with good value. Bottled Mexican sodas pair well with the flavorful tacos that offer a true SoCal vibe.

Habanero salsa adds strong heat to tacos while the salsa roja stays mild. Green salsa is notable enough that people want to buy it by the bottle. Salsa servings come in small to-go containers rather than self-serve options.

People are saying

"These street tacos are delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"These food truck tacos are delicious, especially the carne asada."

"The street tacos here are delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Elys Tacos accepts only cash.

2

Parking is very limited with only three or four spaces.

3

Elys Tacos is open late.

04
Great Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a salsa bar for fresh toppings. A big screen TV adds to the casual vibe, while limited parking encourages biking or street parking. The menu features affordable tacos and breakfast burritos with a variety of fillings.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with consistently fresh ingredients and high quality preparation. Dishes deliver a reliably good and delicious experience.

Freshness stands out with a salsa bar offering a variety of options. Mild salsa pairs well with carnitas tacos, while other salsas complement the super fresh tacos nicely.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the shredded beef hardshell tacos for Mexican Food."

"I found the breakfast burritos to be the best."

"The food here is delicious and a great staple."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos and $2.50 beers.

2

Parking is limited, especially for dine-in customers.

3

Takeout wait times are usually under 15 minutes.

05
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 here stands out for its freshness and delicious flavors. Quality remains consistently top notch across dishes.

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 food here is super delicious and very fresh."

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

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.

06
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.

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 delicious and authentic."

"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.

07
Birrieria Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with clean, comfortable interior and a calm atmosphere. It draws people who enjoy authentic birria tacos and offers plenty of indoor seating and parking. The space feels fresh and organized, making it a straightforward spot for focused dining.

Food features great quality and fresh ingredients with delicious handmade tortillas. Service is consistently fast and attentive.

Salsas come in mild and hot varieties, both offering good flavor with the hot salsa delivering a noticeable kick. Plenty of salsa is provided, and adding cilantro and onions enhances the taste.

People are saying

"Leo gave great food recommendations and was super friendly."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're incredible."

"The birria here is flavorful and tender, some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available, including off-street parking.

2

The consomรฉ needs to be purchased separately.

3

The restaurant was always clean.

08
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.

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."

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

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

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.

09
Rooster Cafe image 1

Cramped space with both indoor and outdoor seating creates a cozy setting filled with sunlight and big glass walls. The atmosphere feels welcoming and laid back, with a chill vibe enhanced by country rock music. It offers a local, homey energy reminiscent of downtown California spots.

Food comes out quickly even when the place is packed. Fresh ingredients create amazing comfort breakfast food with great quality. Staff accommodate allergies and food issues carefully.

Fresh salsa adds a bright kick to dishes here. It pairs well with seasoned meats, avocado, and eggs, especially in tacos and breakfast burritos with options like bacon and Portuguese sausage.

People are saying

"I had the greatest breakfast burrito ever."

"I found the food here to be pretty good and fresh."

"The salsa with the breakfast burrito was incredible."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot or on the street.

2

Expect limited parking availability during busy hours.

3

The menu includes pancakes, salads, and omelets.

10
Los Primos Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Typical hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint with limited seating and large portions. Atmosphere includes a fresh salsa and toppings bar that adds flavor to dishes. Menu features reasonably priced items with a mix of flavorful options like breakfast burritos and carnitas tacos.

Food here is authentic Mexican and completely homemade. Dishes come at fair prices and taste consistently good to great.

Fresh vegetables and a varied salsa bar add bright flavors to dishes. Salsa has great taste but leans toward a thinner consistency.

People are saying

"The tacos here are huge, cheap, and delicious."

"I found the breakfast burritos to be to die for."

"I found the food here to be excellent and completely homemade."

Good to know

1

The prices at Los Primos Cantina are reasonable for the portion sizes.

2

There is limited seating available, so arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

The portions are very large, making it a good value for the price.

11
El Campeon Carniceria #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall carniceria and market offers authentic Mexican street tacos and homemade tortillas alongside fresh meats and produce. Small space with narrow aisles and a few tables creates a lively, local vibe. Prices stay very reasonable, and bilingual staff assist with ordering.

Food tastes incredibly fresh and authentic to Mexico. Menu features delicious Mexican dishes like tortas and tacos served with consistent quality.

Salsas come homemade and include both red and green varieties. They are flavorful but lean toward mild, with complimentary limes offered alongside.

People are saying

"I thought their al pastor tacos were stellar."

"The tacos at this market are unreal good, especially the carnitas."

"The food here, especially the tacos, is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Prices average around $50 per week for protein purchases.

2

Bilingual staff are available to assist with ordering.

3

The market offers a variety of fresh meats, vegetables, and hot food by the pound.

12
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.

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 Mexican food here is 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.

13
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.

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."

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

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

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.

14
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.

Offers authentic vegan Mexican food with incredible flavor and all 100% vegan ingredients. Dishes like nachos and potato tacos taste very close to traditional Mexican food, always fresh and made to order with top notch quality.

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."

"The plant-based Mexican food here is authentic and incredibly flavorful."

"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.

15
Wahoo's Fish Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual Mexican restaurant with skate and surf decorations creates a fun atmosphere. Menu offers generous portions and a good variety of fish tacos and burritos, often described as healthy and tasty. Seating is comfortable, and the place maintains a reliable, order-at-the-counter setup.

Food arrives quickly and tastes fresh. Expect great flavor with a SoCal vibe that stands out from competitors.

Chips come with a lightly spicy salsa that pairs well with drinks. A salsa bar offers a variety of options alongside rice and beans.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be yummy and delicious."

"The fish tacos are delicious and healthy."

"I thought the salsa bar was pretty good."

Good to know

1

Wahoo's Fish Taco offers a good variety of menu options.

2

The portions at Wahoo's Fish Taco are generous.

3

Wahoo's Fish Taco is a casual, order-at-the-counter setup.

16
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.

Authentic Mexican food features Mexican meats, side dishes, and desserts served with excellent service. The atmosphere complements the food, creating a satisfying dining 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 food here tasted authentic and was made from scratch."

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

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.

17
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.

Food arrives quickly and shows authentic Mexican flavors with outstanding quality. The cafe de olla stands out as a delicious highlight.

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 food here is delicious and 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.

18
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.

An ample salsa bar offers free chips and salsa, a feature that's become rare since COVID. Salsas served with burritos tend to be bland.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

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

"The salsa here is surprisingly good and affordable."

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.

19
Mi Casa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican restaurant with an open, airy layout after recent renovations. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and cozy, with a bar area showing games on large screens. Known for classic tacos and strong margaritas, it draws locals who appreciate its long-standing community presence.

Food arrives quickly and stays consistently fresh and delicious. Expect spectacular Mexican dishes with great flavor and reliable quality every time.

Warm chips come with a big bowl of homemade salsa. Staff often offer more chips and salsa, creating a welcoming vibe. A secret salsa recipe adds a unique touch to the experience.

People are saying

"I've loved their Mexican food since I was a kid; it's a favorite."

"I loved the food here; it tasted awesome."

"I've been eating their classic salsa since I was a kid."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers all-day specials during happy hour with $4 bowls.

2

Happy hour features great prices on food and drinks from 4-7pm.

3

Parking can get hectic, so arrive early to find a spot.

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Costa Mesa, California

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