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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Balboa Peninsula

Tacos

A taco stand that prioritizes the quality of the ingredients over the speed of the service.

Based on 505 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with flour tortillas and a quick service despite busy times. Taco Tuesdays offer tacos at about $2 each, making them both tasty and affordable.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and delicious."

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 with two pool tables, a large jukebox, and walls adorned with John Wayne throwback pictures. Atmosphere blends laid-back vibes with bursts of energetic enthusiasm, attracting a friendly, chill crowd. Outdoor patio adds space, while a nearby taco truck offers casual food options.

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

Tacos from the outdoor stand offer a satisfying and flavorful bite. The taco cart serves really delicious and awesome tacos that complete the visit.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos here 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
Tacos Cancun image 1
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.

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.

Shrimp, fish, and carne asada tacos stand out with fresh flavors and generous fillings. Tacos come with salsa and chips, and three tacos plus a soda cost about $10.

People are saying

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

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

"The tacos here are big, 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.

04
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.

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

Tacos here offer flavorful carne asada and absolutely delicious fish options. The spot feels like a fun fast food joint near the beach with consistently excellent tacos.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for Mexican food."

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

"I was blown away by how flavorful and fresh the fish tacos were."

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
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.

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.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with lightly fried and blackened mahi mahi options. Mango Mahi and Baja tacos offer bold flavors and fresh seafood tastes.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the fish tacos to be incredible."

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
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.

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.

Tacos come with generous fillings and a good amount of cheese, though some might find it a bit much. The Taco Langua stands out as a favorite dish.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good and delicious."

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

"The tacos here are generously filled."

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.

07
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.

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.

Floured tortillas hold filet mignon street tacos and short rib crunchy tacos packed with bold flavors. Halibut tacos come healthy and flavorful, paired well with ice cold Happy Dad Fruit Punch.

People are saying

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

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

"The filet mignon tacos here are outstanding."

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
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.

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.

Taco Tuesday offers all-you-can-eat tacos for around $10, making it a solid deal. The surf & turf tacos are gigantic, and the Baja style fish tacos stand out for their flavor.

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 loved the all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesday; it was a great deal."

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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