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Top picks in Downey

Salsa spots

You know exactly how much a sharp, well-made salsa can elevate a meal.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Carniceria Los Compadres image 1
Carniceria Los Compadres image 2
Carniceria Los Compadres image 3
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Butcher shop offers premium meats including wagyu and tomahawk steaks alongside prepared items like carne asada and al pastor tacos. Atmosphere centers on quality and variety, with options for BBQ sides and flavorful salsas. Regulars appreciate the tender, clean cuts and occasional weekend ceviche.

Food here is full of flavor and consistently fresh. The dishes are good and tasty, making for a satisfying meal.

Salsas come in green, red, avocado, and habanero varieties with balanced flavor and spiciness. The salsa roja stands out as particularly fiery.

People are saying

"I'd make the drive just to pick up their amazing Mexican food."

"The carne asada is so tender, it's smooth like butter."

"I found the food here to be fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The butcher shop offers a wide selection of premium meats.

2

Prices are generally higher, reflecting the quality of the products.

3

They provide BBQ-related sides like chips, drinks, and tortillas.

02
Mariscos Choix image 1
Seafood restaurant

Live mariachi music creates a vibrant energy throughout the space, which includes a chic, recently remodeled interior with lush tropical greenery. Different areas offer varied moods, from a lively bar to a calming outdoor section and a cozy main dining room. The atmosphere feels safe and welcoming, blending festive sounds with comfortable, stylish seating.

Food features amazing quality and excellent service. The atmosphere complements the dining experience with great music and attentive staff.

Salsas here come in several varieties, including salsa negra and other flavorful sauces. Chips and dishes like fajitas and tacos pair well with these delicious salsas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really well prepared."

"The octopus and marlin tacos here are tender and unforgettable."

"The salsa they provided tasted delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, up to five hours, during peak dinner hours.

2

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

3

Live music is featured on Friday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

03
Maria's Bar & Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space combines bar and restaurant with multiple screens showing sports, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere during games. Bright and welcoming interior fills quickly, attracting a crowd that enjoys tall cans of beer alongside affordable Mexican food.

Food tastes fresh and homemade with a strong Mexican influence. Dishes consistently deliver great flavor and a homemade quality that stands out.

Salsa comes with homemade tortilla chips that are fresh and crunchy. The salsa itself is addictive and very tasty, making the chips even better.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the tacos dorados."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"I found the salsa here totally addictive."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is often crowded, especially during peak hours.

2

The prices for food items are generally affordable.

3

Parking may be limited due to the restaurant's small size.

04
Seรฑor Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with small but roomy space and outdoor seating in the back. Atmosphere includes chill vibes with Spanish music playing, though noise can be overwhelming at times. Known for best birria tacos with handmade tortillas and a condiments bar featuring lemons, red salsa, and habanero onions.

Food comes out fresh and perfectly cooked with a delicious and authentic taste. Waiting for the food feels worth it because the quality stays consistent and satisfying.

Spicy red salsa delivers a strong kick that can make you sweat but tastes good. A condiments bar offers some salsa options with limited variety.

People are saying

"The birria here is super delicious and tender."

"The food here is delicious and satisfying."

"The birria here is so flavorful and generously packed."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for only $1 each.

2

Seating is limited to about 30 people, so arrive early.

3

Parking is free but can be tough to find on busy days.

05
Mr. Menudo Oficial - Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with festive mariachi music that creates a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Space feels clean and nicely decorated despite being somewhat cramped. Micheladas and menudo stand out as notable offerings.

Food here features great flavors paired with excellent service. The menu consistently delivers good quality dishes that satisfy.

Chips come nice and warm with great salsa served alongside. Tortillas, chips, and salsa are provided for free, and extra rounds are available without issue.

People are saying

"I thought the menudo was delicious and the best I had."

"I thought the food was delicious, like grandma's cooking."

"The salsa here has the perfect amount of spice."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

2

Free parking is available for customers.

3

Breakfast specials are offered for $9.99 before 10:30 am.

06
El Cafetalito image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran restaurant offers authentic pupusas and Mexican dishes like burritos and tacos. Atmosphere stays chill and uncrowded with a few tables inside and plenty of parking. Prices remain very reasonable, making it a solid choice for casual dining.

Food here stays very consistent across dishes and tastes delicious every time. The quality is excellent and pairs well with attentive service.

Chips come with free salsa that tastes fire. Staff ask if you want the spicy or mild version.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"I tried their pupusas and other Mexican dishes like menudo."

"I found the chips and salsa to be fire."

Good to know

1

Expect about 20-minute wait times on Saturday evenings.

2

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

3

Pupusas are inexpensive, making them a popular choice.

07
Fatima's Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean restaurant with cozy seating and wall-to-wall art and decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. TVs show sports, adding a laid-back vibe for casual hangouts. Space feels intimate but lively, suited for relaxed dining and socializing.

Offers a unique fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisine with comfort food and halal options. Food quality is excellent and consistently amazing.

Salsas here stand out with a spicy and savory green salsa served with Birria and a Lebamex salsa that adds a distinct spicy kick. Generous portions come with meals, and the salsas consistently enhance the flavorful dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The seafood here is so good and full of flavor."

"The salsas here are delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Fatima's Grill is open late until 2am.

2

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos all day.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a surcharge may apply.

08
La Barca Restaurantes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a high ceiling and authentic decor creates an airy, intimate atmosphere. Seating favors large tables, supporting family-friendly and group dining. The vibe blends modern style with quietness, suitable for private conversations and date nights.

Mexican food here is authentic and delicious with original flavors. The dishes offer great taste and consistently satisfy.

Freshness stands out with freshly-made tortillas and salsa from molcajetes. The red salsa and chips are consistently very good and complement tender meat well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came with good portions."

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

"The chips and salsa here are always fresh."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not accept American Express for payment.

3

On Fridays and weekends, expect a wait for seating and food.

09
Tacos Estilo Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Guadalajara-style tacos with excellent cabeza and pastor options. Dining space stays clean and peaceful, supporting quiet conversations despite occasional loud moments. Cash-only policy and two distinct green salsas add to the straightforward, focused experience.

Greatest street tacos come with delicious flavor and a habanero salsa on point. Food is consistently ready for to-go orders and worth the price.

Habanero salsa stands out with its great flavor and very spicy kick. Two green salsas come with tacos, one soft and mild, the other spicy, both complementing the food well.

People are saying

"I found the steamed tacos to be delicious."

"The food here has the best flavor."

"The salsa here is really spicy."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so bring cash to avoid extra fees.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially in the morning.

3

Parking is very limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

10
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a spacious layout and vibrant bar atmosphere featuring a DJ and lively music. The front patio offers a warm fire feature ideal for relaxing while watching sports. Music varies from upbeat rhythms to reggaeton, creating an energetic vibe that fills the space.

Beef and chicken fajitas come with rice, beans, and salad. The food tastes consistently tasty and satisfying.

Free chips and salsa come constantly and are a highlight. The salsa tastes good and pairs well with the chips, making it easy to eat a lot.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"Juan made our lunch experience so special and attentive."

"I loved the salsa and chips; they were so good."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available on weekdays in the bar only.

2

Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet.

3

Expect long wait times during busy brunch hours.

11
Mariscos La Chula -Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a small indoor space and a spacious outdoor patio featuring many umbrellas. Atmosphere is lively and fun with a DJ playing music that can be loud at times. Known for fresh seafood and reasonably priced dishes.

Food here is consistently delicious and tasty with a strong reputation for being very good. The experience includes friendly service that adds to the overall enjoyment.

Chips come with a roasted chile salsa that has a lot of flavor. Only red salsa is available, no salsa Verde. Heat levels vary from mild to too spicy depending on the day.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and mango ceviche tostada were delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I loved their chips and salsa; it was the best part."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday features $0.99 fish tacos all day.

3

Bottomless mimosas are available for 90 minutes from ordering.

12
El Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and hard shell tacos praised for quality. Atmosphere includes a convenient drive-thru and evening staff friendliness. Prices tend to be on the higher side compared to similar fast food options.

Food here is authentic Mexican and consistently fresh and delicious. The menu offers high quality dishes that stay true to traditional flavors.

Salsa here tends to be mild with a lack of spicy kick and often diluted flavor. It includes iceberg lettuce and tomatoes that feel out of place, making the meat taste watered down.

People are saying

"I had the best tacos I've ever had in my life."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I loved the salsa and the asada quesadilla."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru at El Taco is convenient for quick orders.

2

There are no restrooms available for customers at El Taco.

3

Tacos and flautas cost around $35.

13
Tacos Don Goyo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small outdoor setup includes a salsa bar and limited bench seating. Atmosphere feels hole-in-the-wall with a focus on handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican tacos. Space and parking are tight, creating a compact, casual vibe.

Food offers real authentic Mexican flavors with a focus on tacos and burritos. Dishes like Al Pastor stand out for being delicious and fresh at a good price.

Green salsa stands out with its fresh, handmade quality. The salsa bar offers a variety that complements the fresh tortillas well.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were amazing."

"You've got to try the handmade corn tortillas here."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

Parking is scarce when the body shop next door is open.

2

They prefer cash payments and offer a 4% discount for cash.

3

I was charged extra for each food item when I used my debit or credit card.

14
El Atacor #9 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant operates 24/7, offering affordable prices and consistent flavors. Atmosphere is quiet with limited space and occasional issues with air circulation. Popular dishes include Pozole and potato tacos.

Authentic Mexican dishes offer a wide variety with great flavor and tasty profiles. The food suits sharing and group meals well.

Red salsa has a mild spice level and a watery texture at times. Extra salsa costs more and flavor quality varies due to inconsistent preparation.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and tasty."

"I found the red salsa to be delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

El Atacor is open 24 hours, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

Prices for meals at El Atacor are generally affordable.

3

There is an extra charge of $1.75 for a small container of sour cream.

15
Xecora Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with modern minimalist decor and live Mariachi music on some days. Atmosphere stays busy but not noisy, featuring an indoor seating area and large terrace with umbrellas. Offers handmade tortillas and dishes like fish skin chicharon and ceviches.

Tacos gobernador stand out with fresh oysters and unique flavors. Handmade tortillas and well-prepared seafood add to the delicious food and great service.

Chips come with spicy salsa that is addictive and hard to stop eating. Three salsas are offered, with the green salsa standing out. Complimentary chips and salsa add to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of unique flavors."

"I loved the shrimp tacos; they didn't disappoint."

"Their spicy salsa with chips is addictive!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11am to 5pm with discounted drinks.

2

Mariachi performances occur every Sunday.

3

On Thursdays, there's a 2-for-1 drinks promotion.

16
Beso image 1
Night club

Large venue with retro and salsa music creates a celebratory vibe. Upstairs lounge offers a cool bar space separate from the small, crowded dance floor downstairs. Lighting and interior design contribute to a magical atmosphere enjoyed by an attractive crowd.

Food here is consistently delicious and good. It pairs well with the overall ambiance and hospitality.

Tuesdays feature salsa and bachata classes followed by a night with salsa and bachata music. The events combine dancing and drinks for a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a great dance spot with a beautiful atmosphere."

"The food here is great, and the atmosphere is wonderful."

"I enjoyed the salsa and bachata music."

Good to know

1

Beso offers free parking for guests.

2

A table at Beso costs $500 and requires bottle service to sit.

3

The club gets really busy on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Downey, California

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