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Top picks in Long Beach

Authentic salsa

Made for those who believe the quality of the salsa is the only true indicator of a kitchen's authenticity.

Based on 641 Opinions
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01
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Open kitchen reveals a cozy, family-owned space with homey decorations and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The environment stays quiet and calm, attracting families with high chairs available and a clean, friendly vibe.

Flavors come through as authentic and fresh, capturing true Mexican cuisine. Seafood dishes stand out with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere.

Fresh fish tacos pair well with the red salsa. The Sonoran salsa stands out for its flavor, which is tasty without being spicy.

People are saying

"I thought the complimentary chips and salsa were amazing."

"The flavors here are so authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

They celebrate Father's Day.

2

They have parking in the back, but street parking is limited.

3

The prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.

02
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Small dining room offers a comfy, family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful tables and a pleasant vibe. The place is known for authentic Mexican cuisine featuring standout dishes like pork shank and top-tier salsa. Busy and popular, it draws crowds with huge portions and delicious margaritas.

Food tastes much fresher and carries an authentic Mexican flavor. Dishes come with fresh ingredients and flavorful, traditional recipes.

Salsa features fresh tomatoes and roasted peppers for a deep charred flavor. The chunky texture stands out and pairs well with rice and chips.

People are saying

"I thought their table salsa was the best I had ever had."

"The food here tastes so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially for dinner.

2

Parking is generally easy in the strip mall area.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

03
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Small, cozy space with a homemade personal touch and comfortable chairs creates a welcoming, inviting atmosphere. The vibe feels like being in a grandmother's kitchen, with a lively yet relaxing energy. It stands out for its customizable dishes and a sense of being a hidden gem.

Small, hole-in-the-wall spot serving authentic homemade Mexican food with fresh ingredients. Dishes like green chilaquiles and asada have home-style flavors that remind you of childhood.

Salsa here ranges from tasty to spicy, with some versions like the Bubu salsa pairing well with fried shrimp tacos. Spiciness varies, sometimes less intense than expected.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and home-style."

"I found the salsa to be tasty and spicy."

Good to know

1

Customers should bring cash to avoid the card fee.

2

Bubu's Restaurant offers the option to customize dishes.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

04
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Outdoor patio offers a pleasantly cool atmosphere with live mariachi music enhancing the vibe. Spacious seating and multiple TVs create a lively setting for enjoying food and sports. Occasional street noise and presence of flies affect the outdoor experience.

Food features fresh, tasty flavors with a modern twist while staying true to authentic Mexican dishes.

Salsas here stand out for their smoky habanero flavor and great consistency. Fresh, slightly salted chips pair well with the very good salsa bar and flavorful guacamole.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are really very good."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour pricing is available on Mondays for the mocajete.

2

Mariachi music is featured on Sundays for two hours.

3

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for approximately $1.95 each.

05
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Small Mexican restaurant with a retro diner atmosphere and Mexican music playing softly. The vibe is welcoming and authentic, attracting those who appreciate fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos. Limited seating and parking make it mostly a spot for takeout or quick dine-in.

Fresh ingredients create authentic Mexican flavors in every taco. The menu focuses on traditional recipes that deliver a genuine taste experience.

Fresh chips come with two tasty salsas. The red salsa stands out as fiery and a clear favorite. The yellow habanero sauce and tomatillo-based salsa Verde add perfect flavor variety.

People are saying

"The red salsa here is the best Iโ€™ve ever had."

"I found the flavors here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Ordering online is recommended to avoid the lunch rush.

2

Parking is very limited, but there is a green zone for pickup.

3

The restaurant primarily serves takeout or delivery, with limited dine-in seating.

06
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Taco restaurant offers small indoor seating and a cute outdoor patio with heating for colder days. Atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming, with a cool vibe inside and a lively outdoor scene. Tacos stand out for their high-quality ingredients and authentic stews, attracting a crowd that appreciates variety and flavor.

Stews deliver authentic flavor that tastes just like abueitas cooking. Every dish carries a true traditional essence.

Salsas come in roja and verde varieties, with verde served on the side for those avoiding cilantro. The bistek en salsa roja and chuleta chile verde stand out as flavorful options.

People are saying

"I found the stews here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"The salsa here is authentic, just like abuela's cooking."

Good to know

1

Parking at Guisados can be difficult, so arrive early.

2

Expect to spend around $20 for four tacos.

3

The patio can get busy, so grab a table as soon as possible.

07
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Mexican restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with laid-back, family-run vibes. Music plays softly, enhancing the homey, quaint setting. The place stays quiet and calm, making it feel like a hidden gem for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with no white washing. Dishes taste homemade and follow traditional styles closely.

Salsas here are flavorful and a little spicy, with the jalapeรฑo salsa standing out as the spiciest ever tasted. The green salsa is distinct from guacamole and pairs well with the chips served.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is flavorful and a little spicy."

Good to know

1

Hacienda Ruan is kid friendly with a variety of menu options.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

08
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Small Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a lively atmosphere that shifts from deafening noise during large parties to a pleasant vibe afterward. Multiple TVs show sports in the bar area with comfortable booths. The place feels inviting despite its size and somewhat dark lighting.

Mexican dishes feature authentic flavors with fresh, hot ingredients. Chips, salsa, and chicken enchiladas showcase the true traditional taste.

Complimentary chips come with smoky, spicy roasted salsa that packs a lot of flavor. The salsa casera stands out as spicier and better than the one served with the chips.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and full of flavor."

"The salsa here tasted wonderfully fresh and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3-6 p.m. Monday to Friday with select dishes for $12.

2

Parking may get limited when it's busy, so arrive early.

3

The restaurant gets very crowded during weekends, expect longer wait times.

09
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Small space with vibrant colors and a lively atmosphere creates an energetic dining environment. Sauce bar and patio seating add variety to the experience. Tacos stand out for their juicy meats and flavorful toppings.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors that require some Spanish to fully understand the menu. Dishes are consistently flavorful and tasty with a great price point.

Green salsa stands out with its spicy and flavorful kick. Red salsa hits with an extreme heat level. Chips come with salsa, but salsa portions can be limited even on large orders.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and flavorful."

"Their green salsa is so spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Factory offers affordable midweek deals on tacos.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early.

10
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Mexican restaurant with comfortable booths and two TVs playing low-level Mexican music creates a warm, family-owned vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and accommodating, with friendly service and a busy, casual setting. Traditional dishes and flavorful cocktails add to the genuine experience.

Warm atmosphere sets the stage for authentic Mexican flavor in every dish. Fireworks add to the lively vibe while the food delivers incredible authenticity.

Salsa here stands out for its super spicy kick with chopped cabbage and oregano. The bread is soft enough to soak up the salsa well, and the green salsa base in the carne en su jugo adds a tender, flavorful touch.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Mexican, and the flavor is amazing."

"I've never tasted salsa this amazing, it's spicy with cabbage and oregano."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers free parking for customers.

3

A 2.75% service charge applies to all card payments.

11
Tito's Restaurant. Cash Only image 1
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Hole-in-the-wall Mexican counter service spot with no indoor seating but a few outdoor tables under umbrellas. Atmosphere includes rock en espaรฑol music and a new room with boba teas and games like UNO and dominoes. The place is known for authentic Mexican food and cash-only policy.

Daily plates feature authentic Mexican dishes alongside a regular menu. The food captures authentic California burrito flavors and offers a quick, genuine bite.

Salsa here is authentic and comes in sufficient portions with orders. It has a spicy kick that pairs well with tacos and breakfast burritos.

People are saying

"The salsa here is authentic and spicy."

"I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Tito's Restaurant only accepts cash.

2

The restaurant accepts ZELLE and CASHAPP payments.

3

Every day, there is a different authentic Mexican dish available.

12
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Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a warm, family-friendly setting and a comfortable atmosphere. The place feels welcoming and lively but not overcrowded, offering authentic flavors in a casual environment.

Mexican dishes here offer flavorful, authentic cuisine with a strong sense of tradition. Corn tortillas taste like store-bought Maseca and resemble pancakes rather than fresh handmade ones.

Molcajete style salsa stands out with its roasted chile and tomato blend, offering a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Chips and salsa taste homemade and are very addictive.

People are saying

"I found the chips and salsa to be really addictive."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a free lot across the street.

2

Expect prices to be over $20 for most dishes.

3

A tip is automatically added for groups of six or more.

13
Baja Sonora Mexican Restaurant image 1
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Mexican restaurant offers a laid-back, cozy atmosphere with bright, easygoing vibes and a self-serve salsa bar with free chips. Space feels tight with a low ceiling, creating an intimate setting. Prices are fair, and tacos come in generous portions, making it a casual spot for hearty meals.

Some dishes show authentic Mexican flavors with fresh salsa and traditional preparation. However, authenticity varies across the menu, with some items not reflecting true Mexican cuisine.

An incredible salsa bar offers four kinds of homemade salsa, free tostada shells, pickled jalapeรฑos, and lemon/lime wedges. Chips stay fresh and crunchy, and each salsa works well alone or mixed for different flavors.

People are saying

"I loved helping myself to the fresh chips and amazing salsa bar."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted prices on tacos all day.

2

Happy hour features special taco prices on select nights.

3

Tacos are discounted during happy hour when ordered inside.

14
Tacos La Revancha Kitchen & Beer image 1
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Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and a seed oil free kitchen using avocado oil and beef tallow. Atmosphere is family-run and welcoming, often quiet with late hours. Menu includes vegan options and standout dishes like garlic short rib fries and quesadilla de lengua.

Mexican dishes show good authenticity in some cases, but overall the food does not consistently taste authentic.

Chips come fresh with salsa that has the right amount of spice. The salsa macha stands out as fire and they serve chips and salsa while you wait.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are perfectly spiced."

"The food here is amazing and authentic, with all the right flavors."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

2

The restaurant is open until 12 am on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging, but staff offers suggestions for nearby options.

15
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Traditional Mexican decor creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a lively vibe during karaoke nights. Outdoor seating includes a gas heater, making it comfortable for late visits. The place draws a crowd looking for authentic street tacos, affordable prices, and late-night hours.

Tacos and other dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors with a flavorful and traditional taste. The menu focuses on genuine Mexican cuisine throughout.

Salsas here come with dishes and tortilla chips, showing a sweet service touch. The salsa with el pastor is perfectly balanced, and the late night fish tacos feature a hot, excellent salsa.

People are saying

"I tasted authentic Mexican dishes and flavors here."

"The salsas here were excellent, especially the hot green one."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Taco Tuesday offers unbeatable deals on tacos all night long.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a great spot after parties.

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