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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Clemente

Salsa dancing

A bowl of fresh salsa is the only thing that hits the spot when the craving for something sharp and bright kicks in.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Luna image 1
Taqueria Luna image 2
Taqueria Luna image 3
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Restaurant

Tiny spot with a cozy patio and warm vibe serves fresh tacos and Mexican dishes late. Staff speak Spanish, adding authentic atmosphere. Salsas shine with a red classic and an orange spicy kick, perfect for fish tacos and guacamole.

Salsas come in two main types here: a red salsa that pairs well with everything and an orange salsa with a noticeable kick. Both are fresh and flavorful, complementing dishes like fish tacos and guacamole perfectly.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best."

"I thought this burrito might have been the best I've had."

"You have to try the yummy salsa with fresh tortilla chips."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos all day.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight on weekends.

3

Limited seating is available inside and in the shared walkway.

02
Ricos Mexican Food image 1

Small spot with freshly made food offers a casual vibe and fast Mexican dishes. Spicy green salsa adds bold flavor to burritos and pastor. Limited seating keeps it cozy and comfortable.

Salsas here come in green and pico varieties with a spicy kick. They pair well with burritos and pastor, adding great flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"I loved the huge burritos with great salsa."

"The burritos here have great salsa and amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

It can take a few minutes from ordering until the food is ready, so calling your order in advance is recommended.

2

There is seating inside and a few tables outside if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather.

3

The small bottle of water costs $2.35.

03
Primo Foods image 1
Grocery store

Local grocery store offers affordable street tacos and a relaxed atmosphere with a strong neighborhood vibe. Salsa features authentic Mexican flavors that pair perfectly with chips and guacamole. Expect long lines on discount days but enjoy free samples and smooth shopping.

Salsa comes in a great selection with authentic Mexican flavors. It pairs well with chips and guacamole and stands out as a delicious part of the menu.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"The tacos here are cheap and delicious."

"I found the salsa and chips to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $0.69 on Tuesdays and Fridays, $0.99 on other days.

2

Expect long lines on Taco Tuesdays and Fridays, sometimes wrapping around the corner.

3

Parking options are limited and can be quite challenging.

04
Surfin' Chicken Grill image 1
Chicken restaurant

Family-run spot serves fresh grilled chicken with bold green salsa that packs a punch. Burritos and tacos come with homemade guacamole and mild salsas, all in a dog-friendly setting. Prices stay fair for quality and flavor.

Green spicy salsa stands out with its bold flavor. Chicken dishes come with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa that complement each other well. Other salsas are generally mild.

People are saying

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

"The fish here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"The green spicy salsa was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a good selection of dishes to choose from.

2

Prices at Surfin' Chicken Grill are reasonable and not outrageous.

3

The restaurant is clean and has seating inside and outside.

05
Baja Fresh image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating welcomes guests and dogs, creating a casual vibe. A large salsa bar offers many fresh options that complement the menu. Food portions are generous and the menu changes often to keep variety high.

A large variety of fresh salsas sits at the salsa bar, offering many options. The selection stays consistent and complements the fresh ingredients used throughout.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The salsa bar has a nice selection and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes, including burritos and tacos.

2

Expect to pay around $17 per person for a meal without drinks.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes suitable for sharing.

06
Chelas Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers generous portions of flavorful dishes like burritos and rib eye tacos in a chill atmosphere with outdoor seating and contemporary music. Homemade chips come with phenomenal habanero salsa and fresh green salsa, perfect for pairing with taquitos and chipotle salsa.

Homemade chips come with phenomenal habanero salsa and fresh green salsa. Taquitos pair well with chipotle salsa, and bags of chips are available for purchase.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and fresh."

"The tacos and rice and beans here are so good for Date Spots."

"The salsa here is fresh and flavorful, a perfect complement to the gigantic burritos."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3 pm to close on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and is popular among locals.

3

On Wednesdays, enjoy fresh fish tacos with chips and salsa for $6 during Happy Hour.

07
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 1

Spacious Mexican spot features an airy patio and pet-friendly courtyard for comfort. Fresh chips with house-made salsa arrive quickly, adding a slight spice. Enjoy lively bar vibes and standout margaritas in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Fresh chips arrive right after seating, paired with house-made salsa that has a slight spice. Both chips and salsa taste very good and come served immediately.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very well priced."

"The airy patio is a delightful spot for tasty Mexican food."

"The chips and salsa here are excellent and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm and all evening on Tuesdays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers an affordable menu with great options.

3

Expect a small wait for seating during popular happy hour times.

08
Los Patios Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot shines with homemade tortillas and a dog-friendly patio. Salsa bursts with fresh, rich flavor served alongside crispy chips. Old downtown charm adds to the relaxed, inviting vibe perfect for casual dining.

Homemade salsa stands out with a rich, fresh flavor. Large servings come with crispy chips that complement the salsa well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, and Roxy is such a delight."

"This taco spot is a cute, cozy gem."

"I thought the homemade salsa was the best I'd ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, making it easy to drop in.

2

Parking can be tight, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly on the patio.

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San Clemente, California

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