Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Huntington Beach

Authentic salsa spots

You know that a meal is only as good as the salsa that accompanies it.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Oscar Cafe image 1
Oscar Cafe image 2
Oscar Cafe image 3
View all
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.

A salsa bar offers red salsa, jalapeรฑos, and a make-your-own-salsa stand. Fresh salsa and salsa verde come with made-to-order chips and tasty guacamole.

People are saying

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

"You've gotta try their homemade salsa; it's really good."

"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
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.

Chips arrive hot and crispy with every meal, served alongside spicy salsa that stands out. Complimentary nachos and salsa welcome guests, making the start flavorful and fresh.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"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.

03
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.

A large salsa bar offers a variety of salsas, onions, cilantro, limes, and cucumbers. Salsas have balanced flavor and sazรณn without being overly spicy, appealing to many tastes.

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.

04
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.

Fresh salsa features pieces of jalapeรฑo for a flavorful kick. Chips come crispy and pair well with pico salsa. The salsa complements dishes like fish tacos and shredded chicken enchiladas.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are incredible and crispy."

"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.

05
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.

Salsas here bring a decent level of spice and authentic flavor. Options include a homemade spicy salsa and a fresh green salsa that enhance tacos and breakfast dishes alike.

People are saying

"I forgot how good this Mexican food is."

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

"The salsas here are authentically spicy and amazing."

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.

06
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.

A huge salsa selection stands out here, bigger than anywhere else. The food and salsa bar offers a great variety of salsas to enjoy.

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.

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.

Chips come with flavorful salsa that balances spice well. Salsa ranges from mild to a bit spicy, pairing nicely with guacamole to adjust heat.

People are saying

"The food here is so good and authentic."

"The salsa here is flavorful and balanced in spice."

"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
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 come with flavorful salsa and a hot bean dip. The salsa stands out enough to take extra home. Chips and dips start the meal with delicious, bold flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"I loved the complimentary chips, beans, and salsa."

"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.

09
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.

Chips come in palm-sized portions and taste delicious. Salsa is served on the side and is very good, with options for fresh refills.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has really friendly service."

"This burrito was delicious and very filling."

"Their chips and salsa were very good."

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.

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.

Chips come with fresh handmade tortillas and two salsas, green and red, both flavorful and slightly spicy. The green salsa stands out as bursting with flavor and pairs well with tacos.

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."

"These enchiladas are packed with seafood and utterly 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
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.

Salsa comes with fresh tortilla chips and a small side of refried beans. The salsa stands out as excellent and pairs well with homemade tortillas and bean dip.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is awesome, especially with the fresh tortilla chips."

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.

12
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.

Chips and salsa arrive quickly after seating, with the salsa offering a good kick. Two types, Giro and red salsa, provide excellent flavor alongside fresh pico de gallo.

People are saying

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

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

"The chips and salsa here are served almost immediately and are delicious."

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.

13
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.

Salsas here have bold flavors and are not just spicy. The red salsa stands out as especially good. A limited salsa bar offers small cups to control portions, but it is uncovered and open to direct contact.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are delicious and flavored well, not just spicy."

"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.

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.

Plenty of salsa, cilantro, onion, and limes sit on the bar. The red salsa tastes good and is not too spicy, but other salsas taste like nothing.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the tacos during Taco Tuesday."

"The carne asada here is the best I've ever tasted."

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
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.

Chips come with fresh salsa that tastes delicious. Red salsa covers the chilaquiles instead of enchilada sauce.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is delicious and fresh."

"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.

Discover more

Huntington Beach, California

Area guide
Loading Map...