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Top picks in Huntington Beach

Authentic Mexican food

You want the specific, time-honored recipes that define real Mexican cooking.

Based on 838 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Oscar Cafe image 1
Oscar Cafe image 2
Oscar Cafe image 3
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Restaurant

Small corner cafe with indoor and outdoor seating offers a quiet, friendly atmosphere enhanced by a secret garden patio. Spacious parking and a salsa bar add to the relaxed, comfortable vibe. The setting suits casual meals with a pleasant, slightly hidden feel.

Breakfasts and dishes here show authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients. The food stays true to traditional styles, especially the Chillakillers dish.

Birria stands out with fresh daily preparation and rich flavor. Breakfast burritos and quesabirria offer authentic, tasty options alongside chilaquiles, pozole, and menudo.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I ever tasted."

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

Good to know

1

Oscar Cafe has weekly specials worth trying.

2

Pasta special is available on Fridays.

3

There is spacious parking available.

02
Fiesta Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating and a beachy, laid-back vibe. Locals gather for fresh fish tacos and unique enchilada sauce in a casual, friendly setting. Space fills quickly during rush hours, creating a lively, cramped atmosphere.

Mexican dishes come with vibrant flavors and generous portions. The food tastes authentic and stays true to traditional recipes.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, grilled fish and excellent flavor. Carnitas and carne asada tacos offer seasoned, flavorful meat. Salsa is fresh and complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is awesome, especially the chimichangas."

"The fish tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"I found the chicken flauta to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, but can be limited during busy times.

2

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

03
Pete's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with quaint exterior and cafe-style outdoor seating on a quiet street. Atmosphere feels beach-like and homey, attracting a crowd with authentic local cuisine and large portions. Outdoor dining offers a relaxed vibe with views of passing cars and a cool breeze.

Authentic Mexican food here feels like a trip to Rosarito, Mexico, with dishes made fresh and filling. Prices stay reasonable while delivering tasty, authentic flavors that stand out.

Super deluxe burritos come packed with lots of chicken and huge portions. Carnitas tacos and shredded beef enchiladas stand out for their flavor, paired with large tortilla chips perfect for dipping.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has really friendly service."

"This burrito was delicious and very filling."

"I was transported by the authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

2

Prices are reasonable, with most dishes under $15.

3

Seating is limited, making it less suitable for large parties.

04
Romanโ€™s Mexi-Cali Grill image 1

Counter-order setup serves authentic Mexicali dishes with generous portions and affordable prices. Atmosphere feels casual and family-owned, with fast, reliable service and complimentary hot chips and salsa. Popular for breakfast burritos and flavorful tacos, it stands out as a community staple.

Mexican food here tastes authentic and satisfying. The dishes capture true Mexi-Cali flavors well.

Al Pastor and Chorizo tacos stand out with authentic flavors. The Birria plate offers savory beef smothered in Au Jus. Chips and salsa arrive complimentary, with salsas that are consistently delicious.

People are saying

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

"The California burrito here is large and full of flavor."

"I found the Mexican food to be authentic and satisfying."

Good to know

1

The regular price for street tacos is $2.99.

2

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3

They charge $.50 extra for using a credit card.

05
Tacos Los Cholos image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with a loud, crowded dining area and multiple TVs showing football. A large salsa bar provides various salsas, onions, cilantro, and limes for customization. Outdoor patio seating accommodates diners with dogs but tends to be small and packed.

Fresh ingredients create an authentic Mexican flavor in every dish. The atmosphere matches the food, offering a truly genuine experience with top quality tacos.

Tacos come with plenty of meat and sometimes double tortillas. Salsas offer a range of spice and flavor without being overly spicy. Burritos blend ingredients perfectly without fillers, featuring options like pork belly tacos and asada cooked over flame.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, had great quality meat and salsas."

"I loved the salsa bar with so many fresh options."

"I found the Mexican food here to be the real deal."

Good to know

1

Tacos are $1.99 each on Taco Tuesday, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on Taco Tuesdays.

3

Parking structure across the street provides 90 minutes of free parking.

06
Agave Seasons image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open space with modern decor and boho vibes creates a welcoming atmosphere. Live piano music and a phenomenal playlist add lively energy. The spot blends bar and restaurant elements, attracting those who enjoy great drinks and vibrant ambiance.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines here with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. The food stays true to its roots, offering a genuine taste close to the beach.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor. Fresh tortilla chips come with best salsa and refried beans. Shrimp tacos earn a 10/10 rating. Desserts include butter cake and churros.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The carnitas tacos here are so fresh and tasty."

"The authentic seafood tacos here are bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and special drink prices all day.

3

Fajitas Thursday offers a buy-one-get-one deal on fajitas.

07
Molcajete Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean space offers a comfortable and quiet atmosphere with ample room. Mexican dishes feature authentic flavors, generous portions, and fresh ingredients like olive oil in refried beans. Known for excellent fish and shrimp tacos, the place serves affordable meals with consistent quality.

Mexican dishes taste fresh and authentic with quick service that keeps flavors vibrant.

Shrimp tacos stand out with generous shrimp filling and excellent flavor. Fish tacos are consistently good and often praised as authentic Baja style. Other dishes like chicken chimichangas and carne asada options offer hearty portions and solid taste.

People are saying

"The food here is so good and authentic."

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

"I thought the food tasted fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes that are shareable.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other local options.

3

To-go orders do not include chips and salsa.

08
Primecut Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Beachfront setting offers ocean views and a lively vibe with music and laughter in the kitchen. A self-serve salsa bar provides fresh ingredients to customize tacos. Seating includes tall bar stools, and the atmosphere feels uplifting and cool.

Tacos feature authentic wood grilled high quality meats. Mexican dishes taste very authentic and delicious. This spot serves genuine Mexican cuisine downtown.

Tacos feature generous portions of meat with standout options like asada, pollo, and arrachera. The quesadillas and horchata also deliver strong, authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was the best I ever had."

"The salsa bar here is delicious and impressive."

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

Good to know

1

Parking spaces near Primecut Taqueria can be sparse because it is next to the pier.

2

The skirt steak burrito with cheese costs $30.

3

They give a lot of guacamole for the $9 price.

09
Don Ramon's Mexican Restaurant image 1

White box design with vibrant Mexican decor and a modern, clean feel creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Noise levels rise due to concrete floors, adding to a lively energy. A spacious bar area complements the dining sections, each styled differently.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with every dish. Ingredients stay fresh and meals come out delicious and true to tradition.

Fresh tortilla chips with salsa and bean dip start the meal. The menu features enchiladas, taquitos with rice and beans, and chilaquiles con salsa verde that stand out for their flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"The Mexican Food here is amazing, with super friendly staff."

"The food here is delicious and tastes so authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour specials are available in the bar area from Tuesday through Thursday nights.

2

Lunch specials are offered on Saturdays.

3

There is plenty of parking at the new location.

10
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1

Spacious restaurant with an open kitchen and big patio offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Mellow live music including mariachi and saxophone creates a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Top shelf tequila and creative margaritas complement authentic Mexican vibes.

Dishes feature authentic flavors that remind of home cooking. The menu offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes prepared with care and love.

Juicy carnitas and seafood enchiladas stand out with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The green and red salsas bring a slightly spicy kick, and the churro dessert with vanilla ice cream adds a sweet finish.

People are saying

"I loved their salsa so much I bought some to take home."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic, just like my abuelita's cooking."

"The Mexican food here is outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas.

3

Live music occurs on Mondays in the main room.

11
Trejo's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area with extensive outdoor seating offers views of the sunset and a cool breeze. Atmosphere feels comfortable and busy, with light, authentic Mexican flavors. Unique dishes like Birria Ramen and handmade tortillas distinguish the menu.

Mexican food here stays true to its roots with authentic flavors and excellent quality. The pastor is tasty, though adding pineapple would boost its authenticity.

Offers handmade tortillas and a variety of tacos like carnitas and pastor street tacos with generous portions. Includes dishes like burritos, menudo, and a unique Birria Ramen, all served with sides like beans, rice, salsas, and flan.

People are saying

"I forgot how good this Mexican food is."

"The flavorful tacos and homemade salsa are amazing with outdoor seating."

"I found the Mexican food here to be pretty authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.50 after 5 PM, making it a great evening deal.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak dining hours.

3

There is only one restroom available inside the restaurant.

12
Chelos Panaderia image 1

Family-owned bakery offers wide variety of baked goods and daily tacos except Wednesday with great prices. Atmosphere feels homey and welcoming rather than elegant. Tacos stand out as some of the best in the area, filled generously with flavorful meat.

Bread here is fresh but does not match authentic Mexican bread styles. Tacos carry some authentic Mexican flavor.

Tacos come generously filled with juicy, flavorful meat and cost $1.50 each. Options like al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada stand out, alongside fresh tamales and a variety of baked goods.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fabulous and cost-effective."

"The sweet bread here is so fresh and delicious."

"The bread here is authentic, fresh, and tastes like childhood."

Good to know

1

Chelos Panaderia is a cash-only business; Zelle is also accepted.

2

Tacos cost $1.50 each and are available daily except Wednesday.

3

The panaderรญa sells tamales and menudo on weekends.

13
Tacos Frida image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers fresh, piping hot tacos loaded with meat and affordable prices. Atmosphere feels intimate with limited seating and minimal background music. Regulars appreciate authentic flavors in dishes like burritos and menudo served on weekends.

Authentic tacos stand out here, making it a go-to spot for genuine Mexican flavors. Beans and salsa exist but lack the traditional herbs and spices that define true authenticity.

Tacos come with perfect taste and quality, especially the tacos de asada and carnitas plates. Burritos like Mar y tierra pack asada, shrimp, and bold flavor at great value, around $10 per plate.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is loaded with meat and not greasy at all."

"I found the most authentic tacos here, generously filled with meat."

"The food here is delicious and so affordable."

Good to know

1

The value is excellent, with tacos priced around $10 each.

2

All dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request.

3

Parking is available in the lot next to the restaurant.

14
Taqueria De Anda-Grill image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers authentic Mexican flavors with standout items like birria and lengua burritos. The space feels hot inside due to non-functioning air conditioning. Prices vary, with discounted tacos on Tuesdays but some items feel small or dry.

Mexican food here shows authentic flavors with the al pastor standing out as more genuine than many nearby spots. The dishes offer flavorful and traditional tastes that reflect true Mexican cooking.

Authentic Mexican dishes like al pastor, birria, and carne asada stand out here. Taco Tuesday offers great value with tasty tacos, horchata, and churros, while burritos and pork tamales add flavorful variety.

People are saying

"The pork tamales here are moist and full of flavor."

"I enjoyed the tacos during Taco Tuesday."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos, but only chicken and carnitas qualify.

2

Regular tacos are priced at $3.60 each, while burritos cost $7.00.

3

The restaurant provides plenty of salsa, cilantro, onion, and limes at the bar.

15
Taqueria Don Victor image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes with large portions and rich flavors like mole and carnitas. Atmosphere feels clean but loud, with multiple TVs creating an echo. Prices run high, reflecting quality and portion size, attracting those seeking genuine Mexican cuisine.

Very authentic Mexican food with huge portions and great flavor defines this spot. It consistently delivers genuine Mexican plates that satisfy those seeking true authenticity.

Authentic Mexican dishes like carnitas special and mole stand out for their rich flavors. Traditional drinks such as horchata and Jamaica complement a menu that includes a highly praised breakfast burrito and reliable tacos.

People are saying

"I experienced very authentic Mexican food here."

"I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food with great flavor."

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

Good to know

1

They charge a fee for credit card use, which is almost $2.

2

Chips with salsa incur an extra charge.

3

Expect high prices for dishes, with some costing around $30.

16
Cancun Authentic Mexican Food image 1

Small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with loud music and a cozy, warm atmosphere. It caters mainly to Spanish speakers and offers authentic dishes like carnitas and shrimp tacos with well-flavored salsas. Seating is limited but prices remain reasonable.

Chorizo breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros come up even midday, showing a commitment to authentic Mexican food.

Mexican food here feels very homemade with well-seasoned dishes like the carnitas and carne asada burritos. Salsas are flavorful and not just spicy, and the shrimp tacos have larger, fresh shrimp.

People are saying

"I loved the asada burrito; it was so good."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a limited salsa bar with tiny cups to control portions.

2

Prices are reasonable and affordable for large groups.

3

There is plenty of seating and parking available.

17
Casa Jimenez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful murals with a rustic feel create a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere. Multiple TVs show sports, adding energy without overwhelming quiet moments. Family-owned with generous portions and well-regarded margaritas, it balances local charm and consistent Mexican staples.

Authentic taste of Mexico shines through in the dishes here. The kitchen takes pride in making really good authentic Mexican food.

Generous portions of pozole and menudo come with excellent in-house made chips, salsa, and pico de gallo served right after seating. The menu features authentic dishes like carnitas, shrimp enchiladas, and Chile rellenos, alongside seafood options such as oysters and ceviche.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's salsa and chips are delicious and made from scratch."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and made from scratch."

"I was truly eating authentic Mexican food made from scratch."

Good to know

1

Casa Jimenez offers late-hour availability for to-go orders.

2

Parking is available, but the asphalt is very old and bumpy.

3

There is typically no wait for seats at Casa Jimenez.

18
Rancho Viejo Mexican Grill & Taco shop image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with friendly vibe and authentic flavors. Food preparation takes time during busy hours, and lunch specials provide good value. Beer complements the menu well.

Authentic Mexican flavors shine through every dish here. The food tastes delicious and true to tradition.

Tacos stand out with huge size and loaded meat offering strong flavor. Burritos like shrimp and chili verde impress with amazing taste, while menudo and green chilaquiles deliver authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"You'll be thinking about these amazing Mexican Food tacos for a while."

"This Lunch Spot offers incredible value for about ten dollars."

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

Good to know

1

They are not serving food after 8pm, even though their hours say they are open until 9.

2

They offer happy hour deals from 3 to 6 PM.

3

The price was amazing during Taco Tuesday.

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