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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Balboa Peninsula

Mexican food

Mexican food that captures the depth of the culture rather than just checking a box for a spicy meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Mexican restaurant

Small dining room creates a lively vibe with authentic Sonoran style and house-made margaritas. Shrimp tacos with flour tortillas are a favorite, while tamales offer excellent flavor. Burritos come with generous guacamole, chips, and salsa.

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."

"The chips and salsa here are 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.

02
Class of 47 image 1
Cocktail bar

Classic dive bar offers laid-back vibes with bursts of energy and a friendly crowd. Two pool tables and a large jukebox keep the fun going. Tacos from the nearby cart are delicious and consistent, making it a great spot for casual Mexican food.

Tacos stand out with delicious flavor and consistent quality. The taco cart offers a great variety that completes the visit.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

"It's a cool, chill place with laid-back people."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to its location in the Fun Zone.

2

No food is served, but a taco truck is available on weekends.

3

Expect a fun, lively crowd, especially on weekends.

03
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Mexican restaurant

Small beachfront taco joint offers authentic Mexican flavors like carne asada and shrimp with many plant-based options. Outdoor tables provide sunset views and a warm, artistic vibe with pleasant music. Prices stay low with combos, making it a quick, tasty spot near the beach.

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 seafood tacos here are fresh and cooked just right."

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.

04
Chronic Tacos Newport Beach Balboa image 1

Cozy spot near the beach offers Baja-style tacos and fresh churros in a calm, family-friendly setting. Burritos pack amazing flavor and freshness. Soft beach city music adds to the relaxed vibe while many choose to order to go.

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."

"I tried the churros and they were 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.

05
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New American restaurant

Cozy indoor and charming patio seating create a comfortable atmosphere that can get lively. Fresh corn tortillas and a humongous burrito highlight the Mexican menu. Breakfast Burrito and Eggs and Bacon offer impressive morning choices. Seating is limited, so plan ahead.

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 outdoor seating is charming with a lovely atmosphere."

"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.

06
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Restaurant

Sports bar buzzes with numerous TVs and a lively crowd. Mexican dishes shine with fish tacos and birria burritos, paired with unlimited chips and green salsa. Beach-themed decor and ocean views add a fresh vibe to strong drinks like margaritas.

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."

"I found the fish tacos here to be incredible."

"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.

07
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican flavors shine with homemade tortillas and unique frozen margaritas. Open-air dining under a retractable roof creates lively Cabo vibes. Social energy flows around the island-like giant table and communal bar seating, perfect for people watching.

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."

"You have to try the fresh seafood, especially the shrimp taquitos."

"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.

08
Carnitas La Villa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot with authentic carnitas and generous portions. Family-owned vibe shines through in every dish. Simple, clean setting keeps focus on affordable prices and tasty chips and salsa.

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.

09
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican dishes shine with large fajitas and all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesdays. Giant margaritas and cold beer boost the lively, beachside vibe. Multiple TVs create a party atmosphere that draws a mixed crowd enjoying ocean breezes.

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."

"It's right on the beach, perfect for sunset drinks."

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.

10
My Galley image 1

Small cafe near the beach offers outdoor seating and a lively vibe. Breakfast burritos feature a classic flavor but may have long wait times. Limited seating adds to the quaint atmosphere perfect for morning crowds.

Breakfast burritos stand out with a classic flavor and a thin wrap. Wait times can be long, sometimes over 45 minutes, and some burritos may miss key ingredients like pico.

People are saying

"The breakfast staff here is super friendly and kind."

"I thought the coffee here was awesome."

"The breakfast burrito here is a perfect 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Expect the place to get busy around 9 a.m. on weekends.

2

Street parking is available nearby for easy access.

3

They serve breakfast and lunch with a variety of options.

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Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach

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