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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Balboa Peninsula's best

Mexican Food

A specific craving for Mexican food is taking over. It is time to sit down and eat.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Cancun image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small beachfront taco joint offers a warm, artistic atmosphere with pleasant background music and sunset views from outdoor tables. The place draws a diverse crowd enjoying quick, authentic Mexican food with many plant-based options. Limited indoor seating contrasts with busy sidewalk tables near the beach.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh with authentic Mexican flavors. Chips and salsa complement affordable, delicious tacos made right by the pier.

Tacos come with authentic Mexican flavors like carne asada, shrimp, and fish, all served fresh and filling. Prices stay low with combos like three tacos and a soda for $10, making it a solid spot for quick, tasty Mexican food near the beach.

People are saying

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

"You can get great vegan chicken and ground beef tacos here."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a separate vegan menu with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and torta.

2

Vegan meats available are beef, chicken, and soyrizo.

3

Expect a casual beachside dining experience with outdoor seating.

02
Great Mex Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room creates a crowded, lively atmosphere with decorative, chill vibes. Authentic Sonoran style cuisine draws a casual crowd seeking wide variety of Mexican dishes and house-made margaritas.

Food here is consistently filling and delicious with a focus on Mexican flavors. Breakfast options stand out as fabulous and the quality remains strong across visits.

Shrimp tacos come with flour tortillas and stand out as a favorite. Tamales show up with a sign and deliver excellent flavor. Burritos arrive with generous portions of guacamole, chips, and salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is outstanding and tasty."

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

"I thought the food here was amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays and Fridays offer $2 street tacos.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long lines.

03
Chronic Tacos Newport Beach Balboa image 1

Small space with cozy seating and beach city music creates a relaxed vibe. Energy stays calm as many order to go, making it less crowded inside. Known for flavorful Baja-style tacos and fresh churros, it offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere near the beach.

Phenomenal flavor and fair prices define the food here. The menu offers delicious Mexican dishes served quickly with friendly service.

Burritos stand out with amazing flavor and freshness. Tacos, including carne asada and fish, offer excellent taste. Churro bites come fresh and delicious.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for Mexican food."

"I thought the burritos here were amazing and packed with flavor."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, especially during peak hours.

2

Restrooms are frequently out of order, so plan accordingly.

3

You can customize your plate with various fillings.

04
Arc Butcher & Baker image 1
New American restaurant

Tiny indoor dining room feels cozy and comforting while covered patio offers charming outdoor seating with shade and a breeze. Atmosphere ranges from comfortable and friendly to festive and lively, though it can get noisy. Seating is limited, so planning ahead is wise.

Food here is consistently delicious and fantastic with excellent drink pairings. The patio dining setup adds a great atmosphere to the meal.

Freshly made corn tortillas stand out alongside excellent quesadillas and a humongous burrito. Fajitas pair well with beer, and breakfast options like the Breakfast Burrito and Eggs and Bacon impress.

People are saying

"The American Food here, like the nachos and corn dogs, is amazing."

"The food here is delicious and incredible."

"The Mexican food here has such robust flavors and freshness."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on Saturday evenings due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait if you arrive without a reservation, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; plan for potential delays when arriving.

05
Baja Sharkeez image 1
Restaurant

Sports bar with numerous TVs and an open seating layout creates a lively party atmosphere that fills up later in the night. Unlimited self-serve chips and salsa complement strong drinks like margaritas and Bloody Marys. The decor features a beach theme with impressive art and views toward the ocean.

Mexican food stands out with authentic flavors and strong drinks complementing the menu. The spot combines a pub vibe with solid Mexican dishes.

Fish tacos and birria burritos stand out with fresh flavors and solid portions. Unlimited chips come with a variety of salsas, including a notably good green salsa.

People are saying

"It's a fun bar with a lively, casual beach vibe."

"The food here was amazing and the portions were big."

"The Mexican food's self-serve chips and salsa are tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Monday Night Football features happy hour pricing for drinks.

3

Minors are not allowed after a certain time.

06
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with retractable roof and island-like giant table offers an open-air dining experience with Cabo vibes. Atmosphere is lively and loud, featuring perfect lighting and music with a DJ, creating a cozy yet energetic mood. Comfortable seating includes a communal bar table, attracting a crowd that enjoys socializing and people watching.

Immaculate food features hot tortillas served with a trio of salsa, guacamole, and sweet butter. Drinks and service stay consistently excellent, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Homemade tortillas come fresh with a trio of salsa, guacamole, and whipped honey butter. The menu features crab enchiladas, shrimp and short rib taquitos, plus a frozen margarita unlike any other.

People are saying

"You have to try the crab enchiladas; they're amazing."

"The food and service here are top notch."

"I found my new go-to spot for crab enchiladas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded.

2

Valet parking is available for $8, making access easier.

3

The restaurant turns into a bar at night with house and electronic music.

07
Carnitas La Villa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with affordable prices and generous portions. The atmosphere feels family owned and welcoming, with authentic dishes like carnitas and salsa standing out. It offers a straightforward, clean setting without extra frills.

Food features authentic Mexican dishes with generous chips and salsa that complement the meals. Quality remains consistent and prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for tasty, affordable Mexican food.

Carnitas stand out with melty meat and generous fillings in tacos and burritos. Chips and salsa come in large portions, and dishes like tostada ceviche add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good and delicious."

"I thought this was the best Mexican food on the peninsula."

"I'm still thinking about that amazing breakfast burrito."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across the street in front of West Marine.

2

The restaurant is family owned and offers affordable prices.

3

Tuesday deals are available, making it a good day to visit.

08
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and ocean breeze from open windows creates a lively, party-like atmosphere. Multiple TVs show sports games, attracting a mix of young and middle-aged crowds. Known for giant margaritas and generous nachos, it offers a fun beachside vibe.

Food comes with large portions and is consistently delicious and amazing. Drinks and service match the quality of the food.

Large portions of fajitas and taquitos stand out alongside all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesdays. Cold beer, margaritas, and nachos complement the Mexican food, all served with exceptional service and a beachfront view.

People are saying

"You have to try the giant margaritas with the Mexican food."

"The happy hour drinks here are two for one and really tasty."

"I enjoyed the good food here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM with buy one, get one free beers.

2

Two-for-one cocktails are available during happy hour.

3

Expect confusion around happy hour promotions; they may not always apply.

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Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach

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