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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Newport Beach

Cool Mexican food spots

Made for those who seek out Mexican food that carries a distinct sense of style and cultural relevance.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Todos Santos | Kitchen de Mexico | Balboa Island, Newport Beach image 1
Todos Santos | Kitchen de Mexico | Balboa Island, Newport Beach image 2
Todos Santos | Kitchen de Mexico | Balboa Island, Newport Beach image 3
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House-turned-restaurant offers outdoor patios with ocean breeze and picturesque views. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, suitable for relaxed gatherings. Bar serves excellent margaritas and coffee, enhancing the laid-back vibe.

Al pastor tacos and braised short rib enchiladas stand out for their rich flavors. The jalapeรฑo margarita pairs well with fish tacos and vegetarian options, all tasting like genuine Mexican food.

A very cool and relaxing spot with a great neighborhood location.

People are saying

"I'm still dreaming about the authentic Mexican food here."

"I thought the latte was amazing, the best I've ever had."

"The service here is really nice and friendly."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy Hour runs from 4-6pm with special drink prices.

3

Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it pet-friendly.

02
Juliette's Cafe' & Coffee Culture image 1

Large space with high ceilings and natural light offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels spa-like and cozy, blending a distressed look with French boutique style. Energy is relaxed, inviting guests to savor coffee and meals rather than rush.

Burritos come nicely grilled with great texture and taste. The tomatillo salsa adds a spicy kick that stands out.

Staff stay cool and collected, making eye contact and focusing fully on the moment. The overall vibe feels relaxed and genuinely present.

People are saying

"The cappuccino here is on point."

"I loved their breakfast burrito; it was tasty and grilled."

"The atmosphere here is so cool, like a spa-like rest."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful in the shopping center.

2

Expect a long line during weekend brunch hours.

3

Walk-up orders are the current model until full table service is available.

03
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.

An open roof covers half the space, letting in natural light and creating a fusion design vibe. The spot blends a cool atmosphere with tasty Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

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

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

"The food and drinks here are flavorful and expertly prepared."

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.

04
Stereoscope Coffee image 1

Small cafe with 3D-inspired art and European cathedral murals creates a unique visual setting. Indoor and outdoor seating offer options for work or conversation, with natural light and a generally pleasant, hip atmosphere. Music volume varies, sometimes requiring raised voices to talk.

Breakfast burritos stand out with meaty fillings and exceptional guacamole. Chipotle hot sauce adds a spicy kick that complements the flavors well.

Clean, cool aesthetic sets the tone. Designs and overall atmosphere bring strong, cool vibes throughout the space.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great, even comparable to Tokyo."

"You have to try their breakfast burrito, it's so meaty and flavorful."

"The coffee here is super smooth and the food is great."

Good to know

1

Validated parking is available for two hours at the structure across the street.

2

Parking can be difficult, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The coffee shop has limited indoor seating, especially during busy hours.

05
Newport Beach Whaler image 1

Expansive patio with gas fireplace and heat lamps creates a comfortable outdoor setting. Live DJs provide trendy music that fuels a cool party vibe attracting a diverse crowd, mostly in their 20s. Indoor space features a large bar and many TVs, supporting both lively nights and group gatherings.

Happy hour features bargain tacos priced between $4 and $7. The birria tacos stand out during Taco Tuesday specials.

A cool party vibe fills the bar with trendy music and stylish settings. Staff focus more on being cool than on professionalism.

People are saying

"The patio seating is gorgeous, especially with the fireplace."

"The fish tacos here are incredible, especially the birria."

"The party vibe here is so cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Valet parking is available for $10, with limited self-parking options nearby.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on Friday nights, especially for nightlife.

06
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.

A cool atmosphere defines the spot, making it a popular nightlife choice. Located in a prime area, it serves as a casual sports bar with a laid-back vibe.

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."

"It's a cool spot with a casual, laid-back beach bar vibe."

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
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.

Very cool atmosphere with cool ocean breezes and cool murals on the walls. Great staff add to the overall cool vibe.

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 a cool spot with ocean breezes and great views."

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.

08
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant with colorful decor inspired by El Dia de Los Muertos and graffiti art on some walls. Atmosphere is loud and lively, featuring reggaeton music and big screen TVs that create a party mood. Outdoor seating adds to the vibrant, funky environment.

Tacos come with bold and authentic flavors and soft, warm homemade tortillas. Mole Enchiladas blend chocolaty and spicy notes, while queso fundido offers a mushroom-rich, not greasy option.

Very cool vibe with colorful rooms and a bar. One area features bold graffiti and the artwork adds to the hip atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was awesome and very interesting."

"It's a super hip place with cool artwork and a colorful atmosphere."

"The Mexican Food's Mole Enchiladas were surprisingly chocolaty and spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

2

Taco Tuesday features 99ยข tacos, a great deal for budget-conscious diners.

3

Kalaveras closes at 10:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

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