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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of East Side Costa Mesa

Mexican food spots

A plate of Mexican food is the only thing that will do when the craving hits.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated May 2026
01
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 2
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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.

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

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."

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

"The food here is super delicious and very fresh."

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
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.

Blackened fish and shrimp tacos stand out with fresh, flaky fish and juicy, well-seasoned shrimp. Ensenada style tacos feature lightly battered fish, crisp cabbage, and creamy sauce made from scratch daily.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and consistently excellent."

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

"This Mexican food is so fresh, I loved the blackened fish tacos."

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
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with a chill vibe and live DJs spinning records. Outdoor patio seating adds a relaxing atmosphere complemented by heaters when needed. The space feels modern and artful, creating a welcoming and lighthearted environment.

Comfort food menu offers a satisfying variety with generous portions. Owners act as chef and server, ensuring excellent service and a focus on the customer experience.

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

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"The staff's wine knowledge and passion really impressed me."

"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.

04
Coffee Dose image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with kitschy decor and throwback diner vibe creates a fun, intimate atmosphere filled with sarcastic humor and loud music. Lines form during busy times, reflecting its popularity. The place caters to a health-conscious crowd with gluten-free options and a cashless policy.

Breakfast dishes stand out with fresh flavors and careful construction. Coffee pairs well with the great food and adds to the overall experience.

Chilaquiles feature ridiculously tender chicken and come in large portions that feel worth the price. The breakfast burrito shows masterful flavor and construction, though the chilaquiles could use a bit more spice.

People are saying

"The breakfast burrito here is top-notch, especially with those crispy potatoes."

"The food here is delicious and nicely done."

"The breakfast burrito is a masterclass in flavor and construction."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

05
Hola Adios Coffeeshop image 1

Quirky, stylish decor fills a small space with lively, youthful energy and great music. Many locals gather here, creating a welcoming, chill vibe ideal for remote work with free Wi-Fi and ample seating. The atmosphere balances fun and comfort, making it a hidden gem for breakfast and coffee.

Breakfast options include biscuit sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and Irish tacos. Food pairs well with exceptional coffee and comes with attentive service.

Breakfast burritos stand out with flavorful carnitas and a tasty blend of ingredients. Pastries and the espresso complement the Mexican-inspired breakfast offerings well.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee options were great and the Spanish lattes excellent."

"I plan to return for the great coffee and amazing breakfast burritos."

"I found the food and coffee here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Their kitchen closes at 2pm.

2

Parking can sometimes be challenging, but street parking is available.

3

Food might require a wait if itโ€™s busy.

06
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner space combines retro remodel with cozy interior and ample outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays lively with loud country music and occasional live bands. Back room features a personal bar, adding to the vintage vibe.

Food comes out fast and tastes consistently fresh and homemade. Breakfast dishes are cooked very well, offering great comfort food with friendly service.

Breakfast tacos stand out with their unique flavor and lightness. Chilaquiles come highly praised for being really good and to die for, while the breakfast burrito is solid and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I thought the home-style comfort food was delicious."

"This diner has really friendly service and homemade food."

"The breakfast tacos here have a unique flavor and are so light."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hectic during peak hours, but there is a large free parking lot attached.

2

The diner offers a classic diner-style meal at a decent price.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and casual.

07
Roman's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Strip plaza restaurant offers all-day breakfast with a homely, authentic feeling. Numerous refrigerators provide a wide selection of cold bottled beverages. Dishes feature delicious green salsa and textured chicken in burritos.

Mexican cuisine stands out with tasty and reasonably priced dishes. The food pairs well with a solid beer selection.

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."

"The food here is tasty and delicious."

"I had a breakfast burrito that was very good."

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.

08
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.

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."

"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.

09
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.

Authentic Mexican food shines with dishes like Burrito Gigante, carne asada, and steak and shrimp fajitas served sizzling. The menu also features tortilla soup, menudo with tortillas, and $3 margaritas on Mondays.

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 food here tasted authentic and was made from scratch."

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.

10
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.

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."

"It's so kid-friendly; we celebrated all our birthdays here for years."

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

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.

11
Plums Cafe image 1

Casual cafe with modern design and ample outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and vibrant indoors to loud and lively on the patio, making it suitable for social occasions. Crowds are common, so reservations help avoid waits.

Food comes fresh, light, and beautifully presented. Meals offer a unique and delicious taste with consistently excellent quality.

Huevos Rancheros deliver a burst of flavors with well-balanced ingredients in every bite. Burritos also stand out as a wonderful choice on the menu.

People are saying

"The food, especially the Eggs Benedict, was perfect."

"The Dutch Baby at brunch is impressive and full of berries."

"The huevos rancheros here are amazing and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

The wait time can be quite long during busy brunch hours.

3

Parking is limited and can be frustrating to find.

12
Tacos El Compita image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck offers Mexican street tacos with flavorful salsas and fair prices that have barely increased over years. Atmosphere stays clean with a typical casual vibe. Customers sometimes need to confirm presence as location varies.

Food here offers freshness, flavor, and good texture with reasonable prices and generous serving sizes. The truck maintains a clean atmosphere and consistently delivers delicious meals.

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

"The food here is amazing, with great flavor and freshness."

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

"The taco staff here is super friendly and kind."

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.

13
Miguel's Jr. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with positive energy and an immaculate setting. Offers a variety of flavorful dishes including well-portioned chicken and fresh carne asada. Menu prices sometimes differ from listed prices, but the online ordering process is easy.

Food stands out for its authentic Mexican flavors and good value. The menu offers a variety of well-prepared items that keep people coming back.

Shredded beef tacos and breakfast tacos de chorizo and eggs stand out with rich flavors. The garbage burrito offers a generous portion and bold taste, while salsas add a fresh kick to beans and rice.

People are saying

"I found the food to be good, fresh, and tasty."

"The garbage burrito here is spectacular and the best option."

"I enjoyed the great tasting breakfast burrito and garbage burrito."

Good to know

1

The menu prices may not match the actual prices at checkout.

2

Breakfast burritos are not served after 11am.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are consistently clean.

14
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.

Breakfast burritos stand out with generous portions and fresh ingredients. The salsa and toppings bar adds vibrant flavor to dishes like carnitas tacos and birria wet burritos, all served with friendly service and authentic taste.

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.

15
Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican image 1

Brightly lit space offers freshly made flour tortillas and large portions with a focus on quesadillas and burritos. The atmosphere feels straightforward with a casual, unpretentious vibe. Food includes tasty barbacoa tacos and a variety of salsas, catering to a broad range of tastes.

Food here is consistently fresh, flavorful, and delicious. It suits all ages and stands out for quality in a fast food setting.

Sweet pork barbacoa stands out with its incredible flavor and versatility for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Handmade fresh flour tortillas complement the menu, which also features tasty quesadillas and horchata.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and flavorful."

"This Mexican food's sweet pork barbacoa is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor."

"The sweet pork barbacoa taco practically melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant often runs out of popular items like black beans.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special deals, making it a popular choice.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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