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.
"The Mexican food here is so fresh and delicious."
"The tacos here are big, fresh, and delicious."
Good to know
The restaurant has a separate vegan menu with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and torta.
Vegan meats available are beef, chicken, and soyrizo.
Expect a casual beachside dining experience with outdoor seating.
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.
"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is outstanding and tasty."
"I found the tacos here to be amazing and delicious."
Good to know
Taco Tuesdays and Fridays offer $2 street tacos.
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Online ordering is recommended to avoid long lines.
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.
Tacos stand out with carne asada, surf and turf, and chicken options all tasting fresh and flavorful. Guacamole and black beans feel homemade, while drinks like passion fruit margaritas and Micheladas add a nice touch.
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.
"The Mexican food here is so fresh and delicious."
"The carnitas and carne asada tacos were so tender and flavorful."
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Taco Tuesday offers $5 tacos and drinks all day.
Margaritas are priced at $10.00 each.
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.
"I highly recommend this place for Mexican food."
"I was blown away by how flavorful and fresh the fish tacos were."
Good to know
The restaurant has limited seating, especially during peak hours.
Restrooms are frequently out of order, so plan accordingly.
You can customize your plate with various fillings.
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.
"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be really delicious."
"I found the tacos here to be really delicious."
Good to know
Parking can be challenging due to its location in the Fun Zone.
No food is served, but a taco truck is available on weekends.
Expect a fun, lively crowd, especially on weekends.
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.
"The Mexican food's self-serve chips and salsa are tasty."
"I found the fish tacos to be incredible."
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.
Monday Night Football features happy hour pricing for drinks.
Minors are not allowed after a certain time.
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.
Tacos and burritos feature incredibly flavorful meat and come in super big portions. The menu includes authentic Mexican staples like tortilla soup, rice, beans, and guacamole, served with fast, efficient walk-up service.
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.
"I thought the tacos here were outstanding and the best in Orange County."
"I thought the Mexican food here had the best tacos and burritos."
Good to know
Parking is readily available near the restaurant.
The restaurant offers takeout and outdoor seating.
Gluten-free items are clearly marked on the menu.
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.
"I found my new go-to spot for crab enchiladas."
"The filet mignon tacos here are outstanding."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded.
Valet parking is available for $8, making access easier.
The restaurant turns into a bar at night with house and electronic music.
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.
Fire-grilled combo offers a filling chicken burrito with chips and a drink at a good price. Burritos and bowls feature pinto beans and cheese with well-cooked fillings. Tacos al carbon and tostadas come with moist, tender chicken and fresh salsas.
Tacos al carbon stand out with consistent flavor and quality. Crispy tacos pair well with horchata drinks for a classic combo.
"Their grilled chicken burritos are so good, I could eat them every day."
"I believed their tacos had the best flavor."
Good to know
The combo prices at El Pollo Loco are quite affordable.
The drive-thru is fast and easy to use.
The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.
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.
Steak tacos and carnitas stand out with fresh preparation visible at the bar. The queso in the quesadilla adds a rich touch, and margaritas complement the meal well.
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.
"The Mexican food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentic."
"I thought the surf and turf tacos were the best."
Good to know
Parking is fairly easy for lunch at Avila's El Ranchito.
I recommend making a reservation.
Our total bill for dinner for four people was $190 before tip.
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.
"I thought this was the best Mexican food on the peninsula."
"The tacos here are generously filled."
Good to know
Parking is available across the street in front of West Marine.
The restaurant is family owned and offers affordable prices.
Tuesday deals are available, making it a good day to visit.
Small interior with open windows brings in an ocean breeze and gorgeous views. Offers boozy Baja Blast drinks and a margarita slurpy machine alongside typical fast food fare. Atmosphere varies from upbeat to cramped depending on crowd and events.
Offers Mexican food with items like beefy crunch burritos and quesadillas. Serves alcoholic drinks including Baja Blast with tequila and beer alongside the food.
"You can get alcohol with your Mexican food here."
Good to know
Taco Bell Cantina offers alcohol and Cheez-It items not found at standard locations.
Expect higher prices for alcohol and Cheez-It items compared to regular menu items.
This location is a good option for late-night food and drinks.