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Guide to Downey

Salsa spots

A spicy kick of salsa is the only thing that will make the meal feel complete.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Carniceria Los Compadres image 1
Carniceria Los Compadres image 2
Carniceria Los Compadres image 3
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Butcher shop shines with premium wagyu and tomahawk steaks plus tasty tacos like al pastor. Salsas are a highlight, especially the fiery salsa roja and creamy avocado. Quality meats pair well with flavorful sides, making it a top spot for meat lovers and salsa fans.

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
Maria's Bar & Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space blends bar and restaurant with multiple screens showing sports, creating a lively vibe. Enjoy addictive salsa with fresh, crunchy homemade chips. Bright interior fills fast with fans sipping tall cans and savoring affordable Mexican food.

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.

03
Mariscos Choix image 1
Seafood restaurant

Live mariachi music fills a chic space with vibrant energy and lush greenery. Multiple areas offer moods from lively bar to calm outdoor seating. Salsas like salsa negra complement tasty fajitas and tacos, making it a safe, festive spot with flavorful sauces.

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.

04
Seรฑor Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot offers best birria tacos with handmade tortillas and a condiments bar featuring spicy red salsa that packs a punch. Small but roomy space includes outdoor seating and chill vibes with Spanish music, though noise can get loud.

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
El Cafetalito image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran spot serves authentic pupusas and tasty Mexican dishes like burritos. Free chips come with fire salsa, offered in spicy or mild. Chill vibe with plenty of parking and reasonable prices make it great for casual meals.

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.

06
Fatima's Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean spot offers spicy green salsa that pairs well with Birria. Cozy seating and wall-to-wall art create a warm vibe. TVs showing sports add a laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual dining and socializing.

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.

07
Tacos Estilo Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Authentic Guadalajara-style tacos shine with excellent cabeza and pastor. Two distinct green salsas and a fiery habanero salsa add bold flavor. Clean, peaceful dining supports quiet conversations despite occasional noise, and a cash-only policy keeps things simple.

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.

08
Xecora Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and spicy green salsa that hooks you fast. Enjoy lively Mariachi music and a chill vibe on the large terrace. Chips and salsa come free, making every bite a treat.

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.

09
Beso image 1
Night club

Large venue pulses with retro and salsa music creating a lively vibe. Upstairs lounge offers a cool bar space while downstairs hosts a small, crowded dance floor. Tuesdays bring salsa and bachata classes followed by energetic dance nights.

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 nightclub's music and vibes are awesome."

"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.

10
La Barca Restaurantes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers an airy vibe with authentic decor and high ceilings. Freshly-made tortillas and molcajete salsa shine, pairing well with tender meats. Large tables suit families and groups, making it great for private conversations and date nights.

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.

11
Mr. Menudo Oficial - Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers warm chips with free, tasty salsa and extra rounds. Festive mariachi music adds to the family-friendly vibe in a clean, cozy space. Micheladas and menudo are standout drinks and dishes that complete the experience.

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.

12
Tacos Don Goyo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small outdoor spot shines with fresh handmade tortillas and a green salsa bar that adds zest. Tight space and parking create a compact casual vibe. Authentic Mexican tacos make it a true hole-in-the-wall experience.

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.

13
El Atacor #9 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot open 24/7 serves affordable prices and consistent flavors like Pozole and potato tacos. Red salsa is mild spice but can be watery and varies in quality. Quiet space has limited seating and some air flow issues.

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."

"This late night spot is open 24 hours, always there when you need it."

"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.

14
Mariscos La Chula -Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers a lively vibe with a spacious patio and a DJ spinning tunes. Fresh seafood shines on the menu, all at reasonable prices. Salsa lovers get a roasted chile salsa with varying heat, but only red salsa is served.

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 bottomless mimosas were non-stop and very good."

"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.

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Downey, California

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