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Mexican food and salsa in Downey

Mexican food where the salsa is treated as a signature component rather than an afterthought from a jar.

Based on 678 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.

Carne asada is tender and smooth like butter with rich flavor. Quesadilla con carnitas comes with crema and guacamole. Salsas include green, red, avocado, and habanero, all with balanced spiciness.

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 thought their salsas were great and had amazing 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
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.

Birria tacos stand out with perfect crispiness and tender, savory meat. Fresh tortillas and dishes like birria empanadas and birria bowls add variety, all served with professional, friendly service.

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.

03
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.

Tacos stand out with tender octopus and a charred finish. The sizzling NY steak fajitas come cooked just right. Service is steady and attentive, with quick seating and a steady flow of tostadas.

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 amazing."

"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.

04
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.

Tacos dorados de pollo stand out with crispy texture and rich flavor. The salsa is addictive and pairs well with tortilla chips. Burritos like the green wet and chile verde offer affordable, satisfying options.

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.

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.

Menudo stands out with its authentic flavor and rich broth that many find unmatched. The dish pairs well with a good cup of coffee and comes with friendly, attentive service.

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."

"It's a clean, cozy, and comfortable place with authentic Mexican charm."

"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
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.

Steamed tacos and head tacos stand out for their tender, juicy meat and authentic Guadalajara style. Menudo and burritos also feature, with the tacos praised as some of the best street tacos around.

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 Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is really delicious."

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.

07
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.

Menu includes menudo, Chile Colorado, and Chile verde alongside Salvadoran dishes. Mexican staples like molcajetes, burritos, and tacos are also available.

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.

08
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.

A huge menu blends Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like birria tacos and halal Lebanese-Mexican burritos. Quesadillas feature melting cheese and Middle Eastern spices, while fusion items like Cheetos fries add variety.

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."

"You have to try the crunch wraps; they're so flavorful."

"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.

09
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.

Authentic Mexican food features handmade masa tortillas, flavorful beef birria, and tasty horchata. Dishes include shrimp, rice, and margaritas, creating a genuine, home-style vibe.

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 thought the enchiladas and burritos were really good."

"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.

10
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.

Tacos come with freshly made tortillas and feature standout options like Tacos Al Pastor and queso tacos. Pickled onions add a spicy, sour kick that complements the shredded carnitas and flavorful carne asada.

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 salsas here are pretty spicy and really great."

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.

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.

Fish tacos stand out with Baja flavor and come at a great price on Taco Tuesday. The roasted chile salsa adds a lot of flavor, and the mango tostada offers a delicious twist.

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."

"The fish tacos and mango tostada are delicious Mexican food."

"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 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.

Pozole stands out for its flavor, portion size, and value. The wet burrito is a specialty here, along with potato tacos and breakfast burritos that are both tasty and affordable.

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 highly recommend these delicious tacos."

"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.

13
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.

Shrimp and crab enchiladas stand out with rich flavors. The menu offers beef birria, tostadas, tacos, and freshly made corn tortillas. Menudo and pozole are prepared fresh, alongside tasty beef and chicken fajitas with rice and beans.

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."

"The Mexican food here has bottomless mimosas."

"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.

14
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.

Hard shell tacos stand out with fresh, great flavor. Burritos, quesadillas, and flautas come with tasty guacamole and cheese. The menu includes Chili Relleno carne asada burritos and Pollo hard shell tacos that keep the flavors consistent over decades.

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 consider the Mexican food here the original and best."

"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.

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 stand out with options like octopus, Caesar Asada, and vegan battered mushrooms. Spicy salsa and handmade tortillas complement dishes, while micheladas and chips with addictive salsa add to the experience.

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."

"The tacos here are so good, especially the gobernador."

"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.

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