# Salsa spots in Costa Mesa > 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. Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/california/costa-mesa/best-food-salsa ## Places (18) ### 1. Baja Fish Tacos 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. - Address: 171 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/BajaFishTacos6 ### 2. Elys Tacos 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. - Address: 1489-1483 Dale Way, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElysTacos ### 3. Great Mex 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. - Address: 2360 Newport Blvd Unit E, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/GreatMex ### 4. Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa 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. - Address: 271 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/QueVidaTacosCostaMesa ### 5. Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina 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. - Address: 2629 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TacosMadreMexicanCocina ### 6. Birrieria Guadalajara 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. - Address: 1875 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/BirrieriaGuadalajara5 ### 7. Rooster Cafe 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. - Address: 750 St Clair St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/RoosterCafe ### 8. Mercado González Northgate Market 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. - Address: 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Mercado-González-Northgate-Market ### 9. Los Primos Cantina 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. - Address: 488 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LosPrimosCantina ### 10. El Campeon Carniceria #2 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. - Address: 517 W Wilson St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/El-Campeon-Carniceria-2 ### 11. Super A's Mexican Food 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. - Address: 2949 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Super-A's-Mexican-Food ### 12. El Toro Bravo Tortilleria 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. - Address: 745 W 19th St Ste. G, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElToroBravoTortilleria ### 13. Vegan By El Zamorano 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. - Address: 3011 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/VeganByElZamorano ### 14. Wahoo's Fish Taco 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. - Address: 3333 Bear St #211, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Wahoo's-Fish-Taco3 ### 15. Acapulco 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. - Address: 1262 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Acapulco3 ### 16. Amorelia Mexican Cafe 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. - Address: 2200 Harbor Blvd C-110, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/AmoreliaMexicanCafe ### 17. Fresca's Mexican Grill 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. - Address: 20060 Santa Ana Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Fresca's-Mexican-Grill ### 18. Mi Casa 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. - Address: 296 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MiCasa4 ## Get this data directly This page comes from the Atly Places API, which scores close to 2 million places against more than 1,400 intents — "nice view", "work friendly", "gluten free", "dog friendly" — from what real reviewers say, with the statements behind every score. - **MCP server:** `https://agentic-api.atly.com/mcp` — connect it in ChatGPT or Claude. Nothing to install. - **Guide for agents:** - **OpenAPI contract:** - **No key needed to start.** `POST https://agentic-api.atly.com/v0/keys` with an email raises the quota. Coverage is densest in the United States, with pockets in Mexico, Israel and Thailand.