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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Ana

Authentic Mexican food

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than traditional Mexican recipes prepared with integrity.

Based on 776 Opinions
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01
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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.

Tijuana-style tacos stand out with Al Pastor with pineapple and champiñones tacos that offer a tasty alternative to meat. Chicken tacos rate highly, and pink tortillas add a unique touch to the menu.

People are saying

"Their tacos de pastor are outstanding and incredibly tender."

"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.

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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.

Savory, juicy birria tacos come with tortillas that hold together well without falling apart. The carne asada burrito and mulitas offer amazing meat and flavorful combinations at affordable prices.

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."

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.

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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.

Tortas stand out with amazing Birria and Milanese sandwiches rated highly for flavor. Menudo, shrimp pozole, and breakfast burritos come with spicy salsas and fresh ingredients, all served with warm, attentive service.

People are saying

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

"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.

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Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican spot with a cozy Mom & Pop vibe. Handmade tortillas and flavorful $1.50 tacos stand out, with a spicy red salsa that demands caution. Limited online menu contrasts with a broader in-person selection.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors. Dishes taste genuine and traditional.

Authentic Mexican dishes come with handmade tortillas to order and flavorful $1.50 tacos paired with green salsa. Menudo stands out as a five-star dish, while the red salsa can be quite spicy for those unaccustomed.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and authentic."

"This Mexican food's menudo is surprisingly authentic and clean-tasting."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wider menu in person than on DoorDash.

2

Be cautious with the red salsa; it can be very spicy.

3

Expect a casual dining atmosphere with no strict dress code.

05
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Small and comfortable space offers authentic Mexican flavors with best tacos and chile relleno. Affordable prices complement a setting with great scenes. The atmosphere feels inviting and casual.

Authentic Mexican food shines with chile relleno and a salsa bar that stands out. Flavors stay true to tradition and bring a genuine taste experience.

Tacos stand out with authentic flavors and the chile relleno pairs well with a salsa bar offering variety. Sopes also deliver solid taste, all served with excellent service.

People are saying

"I loved the tacos; they were the best Mexican food."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic with amazing flavors."

Good to know

1

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

2

The menu offers a variety of options at reasonable prices.

3

Expect good value for the quality of food served.

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Small seating area creates an intimate setting with a family-friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like handmade tortillas and cheesy pupusas known for their quality and flavor. Service can be slow, so calling ahead is common, and parking varies by time.

Small spot serves real authentic Mexican food with best pupusas. It delivers on genuine flavors and traditional dishes.

Authentic Mexican food shines with hand-made tortillas and goat birria that tastes like perfection. Fresh, creamy guacamole and bright curtido complement dishes like the light, delicious Caldo de pollo broth.

People are saying

"I found authentic Mexican food with amazing hand-made tortillas and pupusas."

"The Mexican food here, especially the pupusas, is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to slow service during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially during lunch and dinner times.

3

They accept both cash and card payments for convenience.

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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.

Tacos feature USDA PRIME beef and authentic flavors, with tripita dorada tacos standing out for their quality. The habanero salsa delivers real heat, and the enchilada sauce adds a rich, amazing touch to burritos.

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."

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.

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Mexican restaurant with family-friendly atmosphere and live guitar music creates a vibrant yet quiet setting. It serves authentic tacos al vapor and other specialties made to order, attracting frequent crowds. The place maintains high cleanliness standards despite a simple setup.

Bold flavors define the authentic Mexican dishes here, especially the tacos de vapor. The cuisine stays true to traditional tastes with rich, flavorful options.

Tacos al vapor stand out for their extreme deliciousness and tender shredded beef. The pozole and burritos also offer strong flavors, with tasty beans enhancing the tostadas.

People are saying

"I drove an hour for these delicious tacos al vapor."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food with bold flavors."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a free taco with any order.

2

Expect the restaurant to get packed, especially on weekends.

3

The special costs $18 and is a popular choice.

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Small space fills quickly with loud music and lively energy. Authentic Mexican flavors come with homemade tortillas and fresh ceviche. Crowds are light, creating an intimate but vibrant setting.

Small, hole-in-the-wall spot serving authentic Mexican cuisine with big portions and genuine flavors.

Authentic Mexican cuisine features homemade tortillas and big portions. The flavors stay true to traditional recipes in a small, cozy setting.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Mexican food here had great flavor."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food with big portions."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens on certain nights; check the schedule for details.

2

Bottled water costs $3, but it's not listed on the menu.

3

Expect a 9.75% sales tax instead of the standard 7.75%.

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Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with old-time charm and a cozy, homey atmosphere in a residential setting. The vibe is kickback and chill, welcoming guests like part of the neighborhood. Outdoor seating adds a functional dining option beyond the intimate indoor space.

Food follows authentic, homemade recipes from the 50s and 60s. This spot serves local, stick to your ribs Mexican dishes without any fancy twists.

Ground beef tacos stand out with authentic flavor and tender meat. Carnitas and cheese enchiladas deliver rich, classic tastes, while enchiladas come with both spicy green and flavorful red sauces.

People are saying

"I found the ground beef tacos juicy and perfectly seasoned."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and homemade."

Good to know

1

La Chiquita Restaurant is within walking distance from the Santa Ana Amtrak and Metrolink train depot.

2

The restaurant has been in business since 1950, offering authentic Mexican cuisine.

3

Expect generous portion sizes for the price at La Chiquita Restaurant.

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Taco truck with rotating spit for Al Pastor offers affordable tacos and unlimited toppings and sauces. Outdoor seating creates a nostalgic Mexican atmosphere but can get cold and busy. Cash-only payments and a slightly sketchy surrounding area are notable.

Super reasonable prices make this spot easy for grabbing authentic Oaxacan street food. The authentic tacos stand out as a solid choice for craving genuine Mexican flavors.

Tacos feature a rotating spit for Al Pastor, delivering authentic flavor. The tacos al pastor and asada stand out as solid choices, paired well with excellent guacamole salsa and fire horchata.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has the most tender, juicy, flavorful meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash payments.

2

Taqueria Ayutla Oaxaca is open from 7 pm to 2 am, or until 3 am on weekends.

3

The tacos are offered at a reasonable price.

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Churros are freshly made in a charming food truck with a brick mural wall backdrop. Upbeat 80s music and a welcoming aroma create a lively, fun atmosphere where people often dance while waiting. The crowd is mixed and the vibe feels like an authentic Mexican street experience.

Churros here have a freshly fried texture and a Mexican style flavor that reminds of Yahualica in Jalisco. Some find them authentic and delicious, though others notice a strong oil taste.

Churros come out fresh and crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with authentic Mexican style. A variety of tacos are available, and the churros pair well with cajeta caramel and other dipping sauces.

People are saying

"These churros are the authentic Mexican deal, just like back home."

"These authentic Mexican churros are freshly fried and delicious."

Good to know

1

Get there early - the line gets long fast, especially after 7pm.

2

The wait time after 7pm could be 30 minutes or more.

3

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

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Spacious Mexican restaurant with a panaderia and tortilleria inside, featuring a self-serve hot sauce bar. Atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a lively and authentic vibe that reflects Mexican culture.

Food offers fresh, flavorful dishes with a homestyle touch. Atmosphere feels lively and authentic throughout.

Tamales stand out for their flavor and value. Torta cubana and súper gallo breakfast torta offer rich, satisfying options. Drinks like horchata and agua frescas are notably good.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the tortas; they never fail."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Free Slice Friday offers complimentary slices with any purchase.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

3

Prices for food items are generally affordable, but some may seem high.

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Spacious Mexican restaurant with painted murals reflecting Hispanic culture and an open kitchen where meats cook in view. The atmosphere is loud and lively, matching an asada on a weekend night with chill vibes inside and outside. Outdoor seating includes heated patio tables for comfort.

Tacos come with authentic Mexican flavors and a loaded salsa bar featuring all the essentials. The spot serves authentic street tacos but feels more like a sit-down restaurant now.

Tacos feature high-quality meat like ribeye, chorizo, pork belly, and tripa with authentic flavors that stand out. The intense salsa bar offers a range of spicy options that add depth to every bite.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've ever had."

"I found the tacos to be authentic and really good."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during weekends as the restaurant gains popularity.

2

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak hours.

3

Payment is required at the table before sending orders to the kitchen.

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Mexican restaurant with live mariachi music creates a loud, energetic atmosphere that fills the small space. Friendly vibes attract diners who enjoy authentic dishes with large portions. Noise levels can make conversation difficult during performances.

Offers authentic Mexican food with dishes like the verde cheese enchilada and asada breakfast burrito featuring great sauces. The overall menu stays true to traditional flavors.

Mexican food here features handmade tortillas and large tacos with consistent flavor over decades. Burritos like carne asada and al pastor offer authentic, flavorful sauces and reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent."

"I found the food here to be very authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $6 each.

2

Lunch for two costs over $40 including tip.

3

Gratuity is added for parties of six or more.

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Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes with large portions and a lively atmosphere marked by very loud music and karaoke. Locals frequent the place, creating a familiar, interpersonal vibe. Noise levels often make conversation difficult, especially during karaoke or DJ sessions.

Food reflects authentic Michoacán flavors with delicious, genuine dishes. Service and vibes also feel authentic and welcoming.

Freshly made handmade tortillas stand out, adding authenticity to the dishes. Menudo features clean, tender tripe with great flavor, and the birria tacos stay moist and flavorful.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and tasty."

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights happen every Tuesday evening, starting at 8pm.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during karaoke nights with friendly patrons.

3

The restaurant serves authentic Mexican food with generous portions.

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Small indoor space offers outdoor seating and a relaxing music vibe. A notable salsa bar adds to the atmosphere. Prices remain affordable with large portions available.

Mexican dishes here have a genuine flavor and authentic taste that stands out. The food consistently delivers a true Mexican experience.

Tacos cost $1.50 during happy hour and come with hand-made tortillas and a variety of salsas. Burritos include cheese without extra charge, and dishes like carne asada and Al pastor are well-seasoned and moist.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be consistently delicious."

"The Mexican food here tastes amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1.50 tacos from Monday to Friday, 5pm to 11pm.

2

Taco special available every day after 5pm for $1.50.

3

Parking can be challenging when the restaurant is busy.

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Converted house with four small tables and murals by Jose Ortiz creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Quiet and unpretentious, it feels like a family kitchen where familiar faces often gather. The vibe is tranquil and steeped in history, offering a genuine taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Food features fresh, authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like the Taco Plate that taste traditional and familiar. The menu consistently delivers delicious, genuine Mexican cuisine.

Crunchy beef hard shell tacos stand out with a unique salsa in squirt bottles that adds a fun twist. Tamales receive high praise for their quality and flavor, alongside excellent menudo and satisfying nachos.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were great and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing all day on Tuesday.

2

Parking is limited; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.

3

Tamales cost $3 each, which may be considered pricey by some.

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Small storefront with limited seating creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowds gather, especially on weekends, giving the place a busy, lively vibe. Authentic Guerrerense Mexican flavors stand out despite the compact space.

Food delivers authentic Guerrerense flavor with traditional Mexican spices. Dishes taste genuinely Mexican and stay true to regional roots.

Authentic Guerrerense Mexican food shines with dishes like green pozole, birria de chivo tacos on handmade tortillas, and hearty menudo. The menu goes beyond basics, offering soulful soups and sweet fruit drinks that capture coastal flavors with a spicy touch.

People are saying

"I tasted authentic Guerrero flavor in their Mexican food."

"I found the most authentic Guerrerense Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Expect limited parking availability near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant can get busy during weekends, so arrive early.

3

Prices are generally high, with meals costing around $35.

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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.

Tacos come huge with ample meat in varieties like carnitas, birria, lengua, and carne asada. Freshly made hot corn tortillas and pork tamales with good masa and meat fill out the menu alongside burritos and consommé.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food carnitas were the best I've ever had."

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

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.

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