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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in East Side Costa Mesa

Mexican food spots

The specific heat and spice of Mexican food is exactly what the palate is asking for.

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
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 3
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Mexican restaurant

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."

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

"The chips and salsa here are amazing, with three delicious levels of heat."

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 vibe with a relaxed beach-town feel. Fresh fish tacos shine with blackened fish and Ensenada style options. Big salsa bar and self-service soda add to the fast food convenience while keeping quality Mexican flavors.

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
Coffee Dose image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with kitschy decor offers a fun vibe and loud music. Mexican dishes shine with tender chicken chilaquiles and a flavorful breakfast burrito. Health-conscious options include gluten-free choices and a cashless policy.

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 coffee here is phenomenal, so smooth and delicious."

"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.

04
Hola Adios Coffeeshop image 1

Quirky decor and lively energy create a welcoming vibe perfect for remote work with free Wi-Fi and ample seating. Breakfast burritos with flavorful carnitas shine alongside fresh pastries and rich espresso. Locals gather here, making it a hidden gem for coffee and Mexican-inspired breakfast.

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 thought the breakfast biscuits were amazing and balanced."

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

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.

05
Roman's Mexican Restaurant image 1

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."

"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.

06
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

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

"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.

07
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner blends retro remodel with a cozy vibe and lively country music. Outdoor seating and a personal bar add charm. Mexican dishes shine with breakfast tacos and chilaquiles praised for unique flavor and lightness.

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.

08
Great Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

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."

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

"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.

09
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot boasts authentic dishes like Burrito Gigante and carne asada. Tropical patio with live music and a fireplace creates a lively atmosphere. Generous margaritas and family-friendly vibe make it perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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 outdoor seating area is so tropical and colorful."

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
Tacos El Compita image 1
Taco restaurant

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

"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.

11
Plums Cafe image 1

Casual cafe offers Huevos Rancheros and Burritos with bold flavors. Modern design and ample outdoor seating create a lively vibe. Dog-friendly patio suits social gatherings with a vibrant atmosphere indoors and lively crowd outside.

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
Mi Casa image 1
Mexican restaurant

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."

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

"You have to try the queso dip; it's phenomenal."

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.

13
Miguel's Jr. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with positive energy and an immaculate setting serves bold Mexican flavors like shredded beef tacos and a garbage burrito with fresh salsas. Portions are generous, especially the chicken and carne asada, while online ordering stays simple despite price quirks.

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
Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican image 1

Brightly lit spot serves fresh flour tortillas and sweet pork barbacoa with bold flavor. Casual vibe suits quick bites like quesadillas and barbacoa tacos. Large portions and varied salsas make it great for Mexican food lovers.

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.

15
Los Primos Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy generous portions of breakfast burritos and carnitas tacos with a fresh salsa bar that brightens every bite. Expect authentic flavors in a cozy, hole-in-the-wall setting with friendly service and great value.

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."

"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.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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