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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Costa Mesa

Mexican food

You have a standard for authentic Mexican food that doesn't leave room for shortcuts.

Based on 715 Opinions
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01
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Glass windows show food prep in a clean, quiet space with handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients. Tacos feature slow-roasted Al Pastor and come with chips, guacamole, and pico de gallo at a low price. Seating feels open and home-like in an industrial setting.

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.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was phenomenal."

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.

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Enjoy authentic carnitas and traditional breakfast tacos with generous portions at great prices. Casual vibe in a small shopping center makes parking easy. Focus stays on genuine flavors over trendy twists.

Carnitas stand out as authentic Mexican and super delicious, with tacos loaded with meat. The menu includes chicken enchiladas and breakfast tacos that taste homemade, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were authentic Mexican and super delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in a small shopping center where parking is usually available.

2

The location is near the beach, making it a convenient spot to grab food.

3

The prices at Tacos & Carnitas Pepe’s are reasonable.

03
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Mexican restaurant offers authentic birria tacos with handmade tortillas in a clean, comfortable interior. Plenty of indoor seating and parking make it easy to enjoy a calm, fresh atmosphere. Focused dining spot with smoking good flavor.

Birria tacos stand out with smoking good flavor and handmade tortillas de maiz. The menu focuses heavily on birria, delivering some of the most delicious tacos around.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and consomé here are super delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

The consomé needs to be purchased separately.

3

The restaurant was always clean.

04
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Small Mexican spot shines with fresh margaritas and quality tacos like al Pastor and birria. Bar seating and outdoor tables create a lively vibe. Breakfast burrito and Birria Fries add tasty variety and great value.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

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Butcher shop deli offers high-quality halal meats like Wagyu burgers and pastrami in a modern, clean design with cozy seating. Mexican dishes shine with birria tacos and quesadillas topped with fresh guacamole and special cheese. Portion sizes are generous and flavors bold.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

06
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Tiny dessert shop serves authentic churros fresh from an open kitchen. Retro vibes and festive atmosphere shine with live music nearby. Staff wear cute bow tie uniforms, adding charm to the lively spot.

Piping hot churros deliver an authentic Mexican treat here. These churros stand out for their delicious, outstanding flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try the churros; they're the best Mexican Food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high demand.

2

A single churro costs $2.50, or 4 for $9.00.

3

The shop is located inside a bustling Mexican market with various food options.

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Small Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and birria pizza for food lovers. Vibrant Frida Kahlo mural and lively Spanish tunes create a family-friendly vibe. Limited seating keeps it cozy and local.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

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Lively Mexican spot shines with juicy carne asada tacos and fresh seafood. Loud conga music fuels an energetic vibe in a clean space. Not family-friendly but offers authentic Mexican flavors at great prices.

Carne asada tacos feature juicy, huge meat that stands out. Fresh shrimp and fish tacos come with great house salsa and chili pastes. The fajita and Tostada Mixta offer authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, especially the shrimp tacos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathroom.

2

Prices are reasonable and portions are big.

3

The restaurant is usually not very busy, making it a good option for a quiet meal.

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Hole-in-the-wall carniceria offers authentic Mexican street tacos with homemade tortillas and fresh meats. Narrow aisles and a few tables create a lively local vibe. Prices stay very reasonable, and bilingual staff help with ordering.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and are stacked with fresh meat, onions, and cilantro. Menudo, burritos with beans and rice, and al pastor and carnitas tacos are popular choices, served with homemade salsa and limes.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were unreal good, especially the al pastor."

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.

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Small spot with homey feel and dog-friendly patio offers vegan Mexican food with homemade tortillas. Burritos and tacos bring bold, traditional flavors. Limited indoor seating pushes guests to enjoy the clean, welcoming outdoor space.

Vegan Mexican food shines with homemade corn tortillas and traditional sauces. Burritos like hibiscus and al pastor, plus tacos such as carnitas and potato, offer rich, flavorful options.

People are saying

"The vegan Mexican food here is authentic and bursting with flavor."

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.

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Small sports bar buzzes with Diamond pool tables and big screen TVs showing games and UFC fights. Weekend carne quesadilla shines with a dedicated server, while patio tacos and pub burritos offer solid Mexican eats. Friendly vibe includes bikini-clad waitresses and a well-lit patio.

Carne quesadilla stands out on weekends with a dedicated server. Tacos served on the patio and burritos at the pub offer solid Mexican options alongside occasional grilled items and chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and the staff are friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with a small lot and street parking available after hours.

2

Prices for food and drinks are very affordable.

3

The bar shows NFL games and has the NFL ticket.

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Enjoy authentic Jalisco-style dishes like chilaquiles and barbacoa in a homey neighborhood vibe that feels like eating in a big house. The place buzzes with lively noise levels especially during sports events, making it perfect for families. Prices stay reasonable with a mammoth selection of Mexican favorites.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

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Bright space with indoor and outdoor seating creates a fun vibe. Burritos shine with authentic Zacatecas style and the birria burrito's rich flavor stands out. Seating is larger and newer, making it a welcoming spot for flavorful Mexican food.

Burritos here feature authentic Zacatecas style with flour tortillas considered the best around. The birria burrito stands out for its rich flavor, while the shredded chicken offers a unique smoky taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food burritos were some of the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a shared lot near the restaurant.

2

Burritos are priced around $5 each; 2-3 are recommended for a full meal.

3

Indoor and outdoor seating is available for larger groups.

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Small Mexican spot shines with pork belly tacos and a chill vibe. Live DJs create a modern, artful atmosphere. Outdoor patio with heaters makes it cozy year-round.

Pork belly tacos and ceviche tostada stand out with fresh, bold flavors. The flan offers a silky, light finish that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"Robert's Chimichurri & Artichoke Hummus was so good, we're still talking about it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

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Large boilers make fresh tortillas and authentic carnitas in a busy, no-frills spot. Generous portions of tacos and burritos come with crunchy chips and hot salsa. The place feels truly Mexican despite limited seating and a chaotic vibe.

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.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are delicious and not chewy."

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.

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Strip plaza spot serves all-day breakfast with a homely vibe. Mexican dishes shine with pozole rojo and torta al pastor topped by a bomb green sauce. Burritos feature textured chicken and cold bottled drinks fill numerous refrigerators.

Pozole rojo offers a very delicious and flavorful taste. Torta al pastor comes with a bomb green sauce that pairs well with stuffed jalapenos, and the chicken in the burrito has a lot of texture.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is tasty and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs $10.49 on DoorDash.

2

Roman's Mexican Restaurant offers all-day breakfast.

3

The total cost for a meal is around $16, including bottled water.

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Bright space with classic Mexican vibes offers fresh tacos like carnitas and grilled shrimp. Cozy, lively atmosphere features an in-house mariachi band for spontaneous music. Generous portions and reasonable prices make casual dining memorable.

Tacos stand out with options like carnitas, grilled shrimp with shredded cabbage and chipotle sauce, and a unique hard shell taco. Fresh, complimentary tortilla chips and salsa come with reasonable prices, and the pico and salsa are light and balanced.

People are saying

"Their tacos and grilled meats are amazing."

Good to know

1

Ample free parking is available for all diners.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

3

Complimentary tortilla chips and salsa are served with meals.

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Small Mexican spot offers affordable tacos like carnitas and fish with a fresh salsa bar for toppings. Relaxed vibe includes a big screen TV and limited parking, making biking a smart choice. Breakfast burritos, especially the Machaca, are a tasty morning pick.

Tacos stand out with carnitas, shredded beef hardshell, and fish tacos all offering distinct flavors. The salsa bar and guacamole add fresh, tasty options, while breakfast burritos like the Machaca shine for morning meals.

People are saying

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

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.

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Small Mexican spot blends upscale decor with a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy spicy mango margaritas and flavorful red pozole. TVs show sports, adding a casual vibe to the intimate, candlelit setting.

Upscale Mexican food offers chilaquiles with red or green sauce, spicy mango margaritas, and red pozole packed with flavor. Tacos come 3 for $10 starting at 4pm, paired well with margaritas for $7.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

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.

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Casual Mexican spot with fish tacos and Fuego carnitas offers tasty, healthy meals. Fun vibe with skate and surf decor makes dining lively. Seating is comfy and ordering is easy at the counter.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with a delicious and healthy profile, paired well with citrus slaw and Fuego carnitas tacos. The menu offers a solid variety including wet burritos and enchiladas, all at good prices with consistent quality.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is delicious."

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.

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Mexican street tacos shine with carne asada and flavorful salsas. Prices stay fair and stable. Casual vibe keeps atmosphere clean and inviting despite changing locations.

Street tacos feature carne asada, al pastor, and cecina with meat that is not fatty or cheap tasting. Flavorful salsas and horchata complement the menu, and prices remain stable over time.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican street tacos here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Call in advance to confirm the taco truck's location as they may not always be there.

2

An additional charge of 35% applies for using Apple Pay on certain items.

3

The owner aims to keep prices low to support customers during tough economic times.

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Old school Mexican spot offers classic tacos and taquitos with warm chips and salsa. Cozy, family-friendly vibe blends with a lively bar showing games on big screens. Strong margaritas served in pitchers complete the authentic experience locals love.

Taquitos stand out as a signature dish here. Warm chips and salsa come with the meal, and pitchers of margaritas add to the authentic Mexican experience.

People are saying

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

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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Offers fresh fish tacos with generous portions and a spicy salsa bar. Atmosphere is themed and clean with indoor and outdoor seating. Service stays quick and affordable, making it a great spot for casual dining.

Fish tacos stand out with freshness and generous portions, especially on Taco Tuesday. Burritos and chicken tortilla soup offer solid options, while the salsa bar stays clean and well-stocked with a notably spicy salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains cleanliness and has clean bathrooms.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

3

Dining options include inside, outside, or to go.

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Hole-in-the-wall spot offers authentic tacos with fresh ingredients and a varied salsa bar including guacamole. Patio seating creates a comfortable neighborhood vibe. Prices stay affordable, making it a great choice for casual Mexican dining.

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.

People are saying

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

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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