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Local picks

Taco spots in Newport Beach

A taco that feels like a meal rather than a quick snack you eat standing up.

Based on 592 Opinions
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01
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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.

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 food here is fresh and delicious."

"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.

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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 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

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"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.

03
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Large seating area offers a warm, local vibe with an adorable, charming space near shops and the bay. The atmosphere feels like a hidden gem known mostly by locals, combining authentic Mexican cuisine with exceptional margaritas made from fresh mixers.

Food here is fresh and authentic, with dishes like the shrimp cocktail standing out as especially good. The menu offers delicious and healthy options that appeal to all ages.

Tacos come with Carne Asada, fish, and Octopus options, each packed with flavor. The Surf & Turf and shrimp tacos include guacamole and pico de gallo, all served on soft flour tortillas.

People are saying

"The food here tastes so fresh and homemade."

"The carnitas and carne asada tacos were so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $5 tacos and drinks all day.

3

Margaritas are priced at $10.00 each.

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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.

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

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

"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
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Mexican restaurant with clean interior and a smoky atmosphere. Drive-thru is fast and easy to use, often busy during lunch hours. Known for affordable combos and fresh chicken dishes with consistently good flavor.

Food offers great quality and awesome flavor with a unique coleslaw salad that stands out. Family meals serve groups of 4, 8, and 12, and lunch rush hour still delivers fast service with little wait.

Tacos al carbon stand out with consistent flavor and quality. Crispy tacos pair well with horchata drinks for a classic combo.

People are saying

"The food here is awesome and the service is great."

"I believed their tacos had the best flavor."

Good to know

1

The combo prices at El Pollo Loco are quite affordable.

2

The drive-thru is fast and easy to use.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

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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.

Food comes out lightning fast and tastes consistently delicious. Service matches the quality with top notch hospitality.

Tacos come with blackened shrimp, fried cod, and halibut options that stand out. Happy hour features birria tacos and grilled fish tacos, while beef tacos tend to be chewy and lack flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and a step above."

"I loved the fish tacos, especially the blackened shrimp."

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.

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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.

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

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

"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.

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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.

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

"The food and service here are top notch."

"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.

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Outdoor seating offers a tropical vibe with live guitar music enhancing a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The space combines modern decor with coastal views, creating a resort-like feel ideal for leisurely dining.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and consistently high-quality dishes. The menu pairs well with great drinks in a setting that balances relaxed coastal elegance with polished dining.

Blackened fish tacos stand out with bold flavors, alongside Ahi Tacos that serve well as an appetizer. Options like Mahi Mahi and fajita tacos offer variety and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, bursting with fresh flavors."

"I enjoyed the blackened fish tacos at the bar."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm with food and drink specials.

2

Seating for happy hour is only available at the bar stools.

3

Parking is usually available nearby.

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Small, crowded space with large portions and excellent vegetarian and gluten-free options. Atmosphere is lively, especially with local college students frequenting the spot. Outdoor seating includes a small patio but tables may be unclean and seating uncomfortable.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients like rice, beans, meat, and guacamole. Meals come out quickly and maintain high quality and great taste.

Tacos feature incredibly flavorful meat and fresh-cooked fish. Options like carne asada, pollo asada, and potato tacos offer great taste at reasonable prices with fast, efficient walk-up service.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were outstanding and the best in Orange County."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is readily available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers takeout and outdoor seating.

3

Gluten-free items are clearly marked on the menu.

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Cozy bistro with outdoor seating and handy bag hooks at the bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere suited for dates or small groups. The vibe blends neighborhood charm with a city restaurant feel, featuring a wine and beer selection but no cocktails. It balances relaxed comfort with an elevated dining experience.

Food here is consistently delicious and wonderful, paired well with wine. Service matches the quality of the food, creating a spot on dining experience.

Steak tacos come with unseasoned meat and are often served cold. Some find them just okay, while others enjoy them without cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing, truly the best."

"The staff here are awesome and very welcoming."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups of 4 to 6.

2

The restaurant serves only wine and beer, with no cocktails available.

3

Parking can be challenging, so allow extra time.

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Bright, fun interior with cozy booths and a glass atrium creates a comfortable, beachy vibe. Outdoor patio offers a relaxing atmosphere with views under blue skies. The place fills with lively energy as people enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas and a friendly environment.

Food here is consistently fresh, flavorful, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Traditional dishes come with a genuine taste that stands out.

Tacos come with hand-made tortillas and feature flavors that stand out as incredible and super delicious. Watching the staff prepare tacos right in front of you adds a unique touch to the experience.

People are saying

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

"I thought the surf and turf tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is fairly easy for lunch at Avila's El Ranchito.

2

I recommend making a reservation.

3

Our total bill for dinner for four people was $190 before tip.

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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.

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."

"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.

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