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Top picks in Santa Ana

Authentic carne asada

Carne asada that tastes like it came off a backyard grill, not a commercial flat-top.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
La Torta Loca image 1
La Torta Loca image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with a cozy, homey vibe and a cute patio. Crowded dining area fills with people enjoying generous portions of homemade tortillas and authentic dishes like birria and chilaquiles. Atmosphere feels welcoming and familiar, with a casual, unpretentious setup.

Mexican food here offers a homestyle, authentic taste with dishes that are fresh and full of flavor.

Carne asada tortas stand out with a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with a blueberry drink. Both the carne asada and al pastor options deliver a really good taste experience.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tortas, was delicious and packed with flavor."

"The Carne Asada here is so freaking good and fresh."

"The food here is delicious and has an authentic homestyle taste."

Good to know

1

Inside seating is limited, so there may be a wait when the place is busy.

2

The serving portions are very generous.

3

They offer many options from smoothies to breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, birria, and burgers.

02
Casa Ramos image 1
Restaurant

Cozy, family-run restaurant offers a casual, welcoming vibe with live music and a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere feels like home, with great margaritas and a relaxed setting for watching soccer. Thin, crispy chips and flavorful dishes like carne asada and enchiladas highlight the menu.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with homemade dishes and killer salsas. The setting feels humble yet elegant, matching the genuine taste.

Steak comes out tender and juicy with a fresh taste. Dishes like tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas highlight the quality carne asada well.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, with rich, flavorful sauces."

"The staff here is so sweet and amazing with the enchiladas."

"The Carne Asada here is so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $6 nachos and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Karaoke night starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups or special events.

03
Bandito Taqueria • Tacos Estilo Tijuana image 1

Mexican restaurant inside an old brick building offers a vibrant atmosphere with high energy and lively corridos music playing loudly. Plenty of seating fills the space, complemented by a free salsa bar and self-serve cucumber water. The vibe blends modern touches with authentic street-style taco culture.

Tacos feature charcoal-grilled meat with a Tijuana-style flavor that feels genuine. Guacamole, rice, beans, and mulitas all deliver authentic tastes true to traditional recipes.

Carne asada features a deep, rich mesquite flavor with beautiful charring. The meat can be a bit chewy but carries good flavor, appearing in tacos and burritos among a variety of options.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor tacos here are out of this world."

"The pink tortillas are fresh, handmade, and taste very good."

"I found the tacos here to be super authentic, tasting like Tijuana street style."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.50 each, making it a great deal.

2

Parking is available at 420 N. Main with free one-hour parking.

3

The taqueria does not serve alcohol, making it a relaxed spot after work.

04
Sals tacos a la mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a homey vibe with traditional artwork and a family atmosphere. Four TVs and a jukebox provide plenty of entertainment while fresh-made aguas and horchata complement authentic dishes. The place feels clean and comfortable for small groups.

Tacos and other dishes feature homemade recipes with high-quality ingredients. The menu serves authentic Mexican food that stays true to traditional flavors.

USDA quality beef stands out in the Carne Asada mulita and torta, both highly rated. The burrito and tacos also feature well-prepared carne asada with solid flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I'd find in Mexico."

"I found the food here to be great and authentic Mexican cuisine."

"The Carne Asada mulita was delicious and made with real USDA quality beef."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

2

Parking is easy and there is plenty of room inside to dine in.

3

The restrooms are very clean and available for customers.

05
Restaurant Primy's Mexican food image 1

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a comfy Mexican style vibe and calm atmosphere. Friendly hosts create a peaceful environment suitable for families and friends. Clean space offers authentic homemade food with a variety of dishes.

Mexican dishes here are homemade and capture the Guelaguetza style from Oaxaca. The food serves up authentic flavors true to traditional recipes.

Dinner features a carne asada plate with strong flavor. The wet carne asada burrito contains mostly rice and beans, with less meat, making it less balanced.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try the handmade tortillas here."

"I recommended the carne asada plate; it was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

The restaurant offers a buffet option on weekends.

3

They accept both cash and credit cards for payment.

06
Papi Tacos & Churros image 1
Taco restaurant

Bright, clean space with large windows and a cozy industrial style layout offers seating for small and large groups. Atmosphere shifts from quiet afternoons to busy, lively times with modern Mexican music playing. Halal Mexican food draws a diverse crowd seeking flavorful tacos and birria.

Mexican dishes here deliver authentic flavors with a focus on halal ingredients. The consume and tacos stand out for their genuine taste and traditional preparation.

Carne asada here is perfectly tender with a rich smokiness. Burritos and tacos feature this delicious, affordable meat that stands out among many others.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and packed with meat."

"I found the authentic Mexican halal food here to be awesome."

"I tasted the best carne asada burrito I have ever had."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they have a pop-up BBQ menu served from the side window.

2

The burritos are made with halal meat, but certification is not visibly displayed.

3

The place is very clean, providing a pleasant dining experience.

07
Navarro’s Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco restaurant offers authentic Mexican vibes with a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a home kitchen. A salsa and sides bar lets diners customize their meals, while seating avoids road noise. Music varies from loud to comfortable, shaping the overall energy inside.

Small spot with a strong authentic feel and fresh, flavorful dishes. Food stays true to traditional Mexican flavors and vibes.

Carne asada shows up in tacos, burritos, and huaraches with generous portions and good prices. The meat tastes delicious across different dishes like nachos and combo plates.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and torta were delicious Mexican food."

"I loved the salsa and sides bar to dress my tacos."

"I ordered the carne asada burritos and found them delicious."

Good to know

1

The cost is over $20 per person for a meal.

2

Parking can get tight when busy, but there's a private spot available.

3

You need to purchase the consommé separately.

08
Taqueria El Gordito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery offers outdoor seating with a hole in the wall vibe and 90s funk and lowrider jams playing. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, with a focus on authentic tamales and tacos. The space lacks indoor seating but creates a fun, informal dining experience.

Authentic Mexican food shines through with tasty tamales and fresh tortillas. Flavors stay true to tradition throughout the menu.

Super fries with carne asada stand out as delicious and filling. Carne asada burritos come large enough to share and pair well with pico de gallo.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the pork burrito, to be huge and delicious."

"I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food."

"The carne asada burrito with pico de gallo is excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 3am, making it a late-night option.

2

There is no indoor seating available for customers.

3

Expect small taco portions for nearly $3 each.

09
El Toro Carniceria image 1
Butcher shop

Small, crowded butcher shop with a strong, sometimes unpleasant meat smell and loud noise. Offers wide variety of Mexican products including fresh fruit, vegetables, and authentic groceries. Known for best carnitas and tacos, with fresh hot corn tortillas and delicious tamales.

Fresh authentic Mexican products fill the shelves, including spices, sauces, and produce. Carnitas, carne asada tacos, and tamales showcase genuine Mexican flavors.

Carne asada tacos come with fresh tortillas and flavorful salsas. A wide selection of meats includes carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, and chorizo. Carne asada fries are available but often do not match promotional images.

People are saying

"This market has outstanding meats and authentic Mexican products."

"I found authentic Mexican products and ingredients for traditional dishes here."

"I thought the carne asada tacos were the best around."

Good to know

1

Parking is often hard to find near the market.

2

The market has a wide variety of Mexican products, including groceries and liquor.

3

Fresh fruit and vegetables are available at affordable prices.

10
Taqueria Los Grandes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican music fills a cozy space with a strong, traditional aroma and warm interior lacking air conditioning. Small outdoor seating offers an alternative to the indoor heat. The atmosphere recalls a classic fonda, creating a familiar and authentic vibe.

Mexican dishes here aim for authentic flavors but the meat lacks true taste. The overall food feels less genuine than expected.

Carne asada shines in plates and tacos with rich flavor and tender texture. Carne asada nachos stand out for their generous toppings and bold taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was really authentic and flavorful."

"I thought the carne asada here was some of the best Mexican food."

"I found authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Parking spaces are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Indoor seating is limited, but outdoor seating is available on nice days.

3

Prices for tacos are around $4.50, which is higher than average.

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Santa Ana, California

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