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New Yorkers 1st Choice
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Authentic tacos in Santa Ana

A taco that prioritizes traditional preparation over the modern tendency to overcomplicate the basics.

Based on 604 Opinions
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01
Bandito Taqueria • Tacos Estilo Tijuana image 1
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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 authentic asada and Al pastor con todo options. Unique choices like cheesy mushroom and pink tortillas add variety to the menu.

People are saying

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

"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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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.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and homemade tortillas add a fresh touch. Tacos like asada and menudo come with great customer service and consistent deliciousness.

People are saying

"The owner's hospitality made my taco experience amazing."

"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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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.

Halal tacos stand out with amazing meat and flavorful birria. Mulitas and carne asada tacos also deliver strong taste. Service is fast and consistent.

People are saying

"These tacos are so flavorful and seasoned well."

"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 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 here feature fresh ingredients and bold flavors. They come well-prepared and consistently deliver satisfying taste.

People are saying

"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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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.

Steamed tacos with shredded beef stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. The tacos al vapor are consistently delicious and worth a long drive.

People are saying

"The tacos al vapor are the best I've ever had."

"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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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 authentic flavors with a rotating spit for Al Pastor, offering a traditional taste. Fast service delivers delicious al pastor and asada tacos, plus a free beans taco option.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing."

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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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.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef tacos come wrapped in warm tortillas. Potato tacos and cheese enchiladas add variety with well-marinated meat and wonderful sauces.

People are saying

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

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

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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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 like tripita dorada and carne asada. Options include crispy and soft tortillas with choices like surf and turf, all served with attentive service.

People are saying

"I thought the tripita dorada tacos were the best I'd ever had."

"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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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 just $1.50 during happy hour on weekdays from 5pm to 11pm, making them very affordable. The fish tacos stand out as some of the best, with consistently delicious flavors across visits.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and a good deal."

"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 hard shell tacos stand out here with beef filling that many find memorable. Tacos Dorado and nachos also deliver solid flavor and value.

People are saying

"I'll definitely go back for more of their crunchy tacos."

"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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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 here feature high meat quality with standout options like ribeye, chorizo, pork belly, and tripa. Every bite delivers authentic flavor and rich taste that lives up to a strong reputation.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I 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.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas that stay true to their original flavor from thirty years ago. They are very large and packed with plenty of meat, including options like liver and onion or potato, all served with fresh red taco sauce.

People are saying

"The tacos here have handmade tortillas and are very large."

"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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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.

Tacos come with a good amount of meat and stay consistently fresh and delicious. Varieties like snout and carnitas offer flavorful and satisfying options.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be delicious and fresh."

"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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Santa Ana, California

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