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Local picks in Huntington Beach

Authentic taco spots

A taco that relies on authentic technique rather than the heavy-handed toppings used to mask a lack of flavor.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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01
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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 here stand out for their pork belly and asada options, both rich and flavorful. Mushroom and chicken tacos also show solid variety, making the menu well-rounded and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were excellent and definitely worth the hype."

"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.

02
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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.

Tacos come in shredded beef, chicken, and carnitas varieties, all cooked well. Potato tacos stand out for their crispy texture. The beef taco is solid and satisfying.

People are saying

"I was transported by the authentic Mexican food."

"I thought the tacos here were the best in California."

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.

03
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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.

Shrimp and Birria tacos stand out with bold flavors. Other options include Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Carnitas, and grilled fish tacos, all packed with meat and affordable prices.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos are tender, juicy, 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.

04
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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 juicy, tender meat like ribeye, arrachera, and pork belly with authentic flavors. Options include Al pastor, asada, and pollo, all served with generous portions and rich taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"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.

05
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Simple, clean dining room with a diner feel and local artwork on display creates a welcoming atmosphere. Lively, family-friendly vibe attracts casual gatherings and supports community values. Extensive menu includes all-day breakfast and well-regarded Mexican dishes like pozole and tacos.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with a focus on delicious, traditional dishes. The menu stays true to classic recipes and tastes.

Tacos come with light and crispy shells loaded with lettuce and cheese. Shredded beef and chicken options taste fresh and pair well with creamy habanero sauce and salsas. Taco Tuesday offers a very affordable special with junior tacos under $2 each.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious and a great deal on Tuesdays."

"I thought the food was good and authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos.

2

Daily specials provide good value for money.

3

The menu includes breakfast options served all day.

06
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Taco truck offers late-night hours and a party-friendly vibe with generous portions at low prices. The menu features birria and pastor tacos praised for flavor and quality, alongside standout items like birria fries and surf and turf burritos. The atmosphere suits casual gatherings with smooth, relaxed energy.

Tacos come with lots of meat for just $2, featuring standout options like quesobirria, al pastor, and carne asada. The birria works well on both tacos and fries, with well-seasoned, tender fillings.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

Brotherstacos is open late for late-night cravings.

2

Expect no seating available; it's primarily a takeout spot.

3

Prices are affordable and competitive compared to other food trucks.

07
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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, carne asada, and barbacoa stand out for their taste and size.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos here to be the best tasting."

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.

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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.

Tacos come with two kinds of meat like pastor and carnitas, served in good-sized portions. Street tacos cost around $2 to $3 each and come with authentically spicy homemade salsa that adds a perfect kick.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful pastor and birria tacos."

"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.

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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.

Tacos come with authentic al pastor, Asada, chicken, and carnitas options. Taco Tuesday offers great value with tasty tacos, horchata, and churros, plus fried onions and chilis on request.

People are saying

"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.

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Huntington Beach, California

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