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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Costa Mesa's best

Salsa spots

Made for those who judge a meal entirely by the complexity and freshness of the salsa served alongside it.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated July 2026
01
Bella Ballroom Dance Studio image 1
Bella Ballroom Dance Studio image 2
Bella Ballroom Dance Studio image 3
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Ballroom dance instructor

Studio has a beautiful interior and a fun atmosphere for dance lovers. Casual salsa lessons last about an hour and a half, blending fun with learning. Flexible scheduling and expert choreography help create confident wedding dances.

Casual lessons focus on salsa and other dance styles like bachata and swing. Sessions last about an hour and a half, mixing fun with learning.

People are saying

"This dance spot's lessons are fun, confidence-boosting, and tailored."

"I felt comfortable and confident, even as a total beginner."

"The Salsa lessons are so fun and you learn new moves."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for wedding dance lessons to secure your preferred time.

2

Flexible scheduling options are available for dance classes throughout the week.

3

Group classes are offered regularly, providing a fun way to learn with others.

02
La Carniceria Wagyu - Costa Mesa image 1

Butcher shop deli offers high-quality halal meats like Wagyu burgers and pastrami in a modern, clean space with small seating. Free chips and salsa include a pistachio matcha salsa with a flavorful kick, perfectly complementing the generous portions and gourmet taste.

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 Wagyu Pastrami sandwich is really good."

"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.

03
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout creates a casual, friendly vibe with a relaxed beach-town feel. Fresh salsa bar offers daily made-from-scratch salsas that pair well with fish tacos. Generous portions and a self-service soda machine blend fast food convenience with quality Mexican flavors.

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.

04
Great Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers fresh salsa bar with many options. Affordable tacos and breakfast burritos shine with varied fillings. Relaxed vibe includes a big screen TV and limited parking, encouraging biking or street parking.

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

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

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

"The salsa here is so fresh, especially the mild kind."

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
Los Primos Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Typical hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint offers large portions and reasonably priced dishes. Fresh salsa bar with bright flavors enhances meals. Enjoy breakfast burritos and carnitas tacos in a casual setting with limited seating.

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."

"The salsa and toppings bar adds delicious flavor."

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.

06
Elys Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small taco truck serves authentic Southern California flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Salsa options range from habanero heat to mild roja, with a popular green salsa sold by the bottle. Family-friendly vibe and late-night convenience make it a casual favorite despite limited parking and cash-only policy.

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 spicy salsa here really set the tacos off."

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.

07
Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and smoky salsas that lift every bite. Vibrant Frida Kahlo mural sets a lively, family-friendly mood. Fish tacos with crema and fresh salsa make it a casual local favorite.

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 carnitas here are super flavorful and taste homemade."

"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.

08
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with fresh margaritas and a lively vibe. Enjoy three free salsas including spicy habanero and green, all made in-house. Comfortable seats and outdoor tables add to the upbeat atmosphere.

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."

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

"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.

09
Rooster Cafe image 1

Cramped space with big glass walls offers a cozy, sunlit vibe. Fresh salsa adds a bright kick to tacos and breakfast burritos with bacon and Portuguese sausage. Laid back atmosphere with country rock music creates a welcoming, local feel.

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."

"It's a chill place with a casual atmosphere and friendly staff."

"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
Birrieria Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves authentic birria tacos in a clean, calm atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating. Salsas come in mild and hot varieties, offering good flavor and a noticeable kick. Fresh cilantro and onions add extra zest to the experience.

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.

11
El Toro Bravo Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large boilers make homemade tortillas and chips in a busy, no-frills spot with limited seating. Perfect spice and extreme heat in salsas mix well with fresh tortillas and crunchy chips. Generous portions and flavorful tacos draw long lines despite chaotic, unsanitary conditions.

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.

12
Wahoo's Fish Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual Mexican spot with skate and surf decor offers healthy fish tacos and burritos in generous portions. Salsa bar features lightly spicy salsa perfect with drinks. Seating is comfy with a simple order-at-counter system.

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.

13
El Campeon Carniceria #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall carniceria serves authentic Mexican street tacos with homemade tortillas and fresh meats. Salsas are homemade and mild, with red and green options plus fresh limes. Small space with lively local vibe and bilingual staff keeps prices very reasonable.

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 salsa here is stacked with meat and onions."

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.

14
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with top tier salsa and generous margaritas. Tropical patio with a fireplace and live music sets a lively, family-friendly vibe. Casual, beachy feel makes it perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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 brunch staff, especially Jesus and Ale, made my daughter feel so special."

"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.

15
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store offers fresh salsa and homemade guacamole made daily in view. Vibrant decor and live mariachi music create a lively, festive atmosphere. Outdoor seating and a full bar add to the unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

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."

"You can watch them making the fresh tortillas right on site."

"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.

16
Super A's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot feels like a big house with a family-oriented atmosphere and lively noise during sports. Enjoy authentic cuisine with many dishes at fair prices. Start with homemade red chips and fresh salsa that pairs well with soft tacos and Micheladas.

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 enchiladas here are delicious and Kid Friendly."

"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.

17
Amorelia Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a cozy atmosphere with candlelight and soft music. Salsa is fresh and spicy, served with chips at extra cost. TVs showing sports add a casual touch to the otherwise upscale decor.

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."

"I loved the sweet cafe de olla with cinnamon."

"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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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