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Mexican food dinner spots in Santa Ana

An evening meal calls for the familiar comfort of Mexican dishes.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kabo Kitchen image 1
Kabo Kitchen image 2
Kabo Kitchen image 3
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean and Mexican flavors combine in a clean, lively space with drive-thru service and affordable prices. The atmosphere feels comfortable and welcoming, enhanced by 80's music and pleasant interior settings. Food options include freshly cooked dishes like lamb gyros, chicken kabobs, and fish tacos, served with flavorful sauces.

Tacos stand out with flavorful beef and shrimp tacos served with sharp sauce, guacamole, and salsa. Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, and both chicken plates and battered fish tacos are solid choices.

Dinner features chicken plate and battered fish tacos. It suits both lunch and dinner well.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh and delicious."

"The dinner spots here are fantastic and healthy."

"The tacos here are super flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

They offer Taco Tuesday with $2 tacos.

2

The chicken kabob plate only costs $14.

3

The steak bowl costs less than $10.

02
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.

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.

Offers a quick and satisfying option for last-minute dinners. Suitable for family meals and casual dining with Mexican-inspired dishes.

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."

"The birria tacos and consome are flavorful and exceptional."

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.

03
Fresh Off the Boat Fish Grill South Coast image 1

Eclectic Mediterranean spot offers outdoor patio seating with warm candlelight and dark red cushions, creating a cozy vibe. Indoor space features a bar with large TV for sports viewing and a lively atmosphere with loud music. Dining resembles fast-casual style with varied seating options including tables, bar, and patio.

Fish tacos come beer battered and fried, offering a filling and fresh taste. Taco Tuesday features a variety of tacos at affordable prices, including chicken and salmon options with crispy chips and savory salsa on the side.

Offers dinner options suitable for eating out close to home. Serves meals that encourage repeat visits and family sharing.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are the best I've had."

"The dinner spots here have delicious, flavorful seafood and great sauces."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great variety of tacos at discounted prices.

2

Dine-in specials on Taco Tuesday are not available for takeout.

3

Happy hour starts after 3:00 pm with beer specials.

04
Le Hut Dinette image 1
Restaurant

Renovated quonset hut offers a 1950s diner style with a modern twist and tiny, funky space. Atmosphere feels vibey yet homey, with outdoor seating preferred due to indoor temperature and loud music. Crowd tends to reserve ahead, drawn by unique ambiance and standout dishes.

Fish tacos with Macha sauce stand out for their flavor, alongside mole and barbacoa tacos. The wet burrito comes loaded and pairs well with sweet dishes like French toast. Wine selections complement the meal for enthusiasts.

Dinner offers a genuine experience with shareable dishes and standout lamb. Service is personable, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bread and lamb were standouts at this dinner spot."

"The American Food patty melt and fries were the best parts."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're loaded with meat."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely needed to dine here, especially during peak hours.

2

Street parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during busy times.

3

The fried chicken sandwich often sells out, so arrive early to get one.

05
Tacos Los Cholos - Santa ana image 1

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 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.

Tacos Los Cholos serves tacos for dinner and suits groups like families or friends. Service can be slow, which affected some diners' meal choices.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

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

"The food here is incredible, especially the rib eye tacos."

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.

06
El Barco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Black-painted walls create a super aesthetic Mexican restaurant with a laid-back, fun atmosphere. Music comes from a jukebox featuring 80's hits and oldies funk, adding to the bussing energy without overwhelming noise. Seating accommodates big parties, making it a lively spot for groups.

Tacos Gobernador and Pulpo Zarandeado bring bold flavors with plenty of kick. The green salsa and red salsa pair well with chips and guacamole, while dishes like tostadas de aguachiles and rib eye add variety.

Suitable for occasional dinners with friends or family, offering a relaxed spot to catch up. Local beer and drinks pair well with the dinner options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is fresh and authentic."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious, especially the pasta and ceviche."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Karaoke is available on Thursdays starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

3

There is ample parking available for guests.

07
Perla Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers live mariachi music that creates a lively atmosphere with occasional loud moments. Outdoor seating provides a bohemian vibe with Spanish music in the background. The space feels well-designed with good table spacing and a unique locale.

Fresh Mexican food features soft homemade tortillas and enchiladas with distinct flavors like mole with beef, shrimp, or chicken suizas. Fish tacos have a crunchy batter around flaky fish, and the torta ahogada stands out as special.

Dinner arrives promptly even when busy. Staff provide helpful service and create an intimate atmosphere with fun, not too loud music.

People are saying

"The live Mariachi music really made the Mexican food experience amazing."

"Our servers were friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything."

"The dinner spots here are amazing; the staff went above and beyond for our event."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Mariachi bands perform on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Parking is available at a garage right behind the restaurant.

08
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful interior design and a classy yet relaxed atmosphere. Music shifts from Mexican banda to reggaeton and salsa, creating a lively but sometimes loud environment. A popular salsa bar and variety of Mexican drinks attract crowds, especially during lunch and dinner.

Fish tacos stand out with their large size and fresh taste. The menu features shrimp burritos and carne asada enchiladas with generous portions and quick service.

Extremely busy during lunch and dinner, this spot serves solid meals for dine-in or takeout. It works well for both lunch or dinner occasions.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the blackened fish tacos; they're the best."

"The Dinner Spots here have amazing tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

The place can get very busy during peak times around lunch and dinner.

2

I suggest arriving early to avoid the busy times.

3

Baja Fish Tacos does not accept American Express credit cards.

09
Spoons Grill & Bar image 1

Big bar and grill with live entertainment and plenty of TVs creates a lively atmosphere. Bright lighting and separate seating areas offer options for both energetic and quieter experiences. Decor shows some wear but the space remains very clean and inviting.

Beef fajitas come big and sizzling hot, with shrimp and three meat options available. Street tacos include steak and Baja fish, both very good, paired well with Tamarind and cucumber margaritas.

Separate seating outside the bar offers a quieter dinner option. Drinks come first while deciding on dinner choices with friends.

People are saying

"The grilled chicken sandwich and fries were amazing."

"I went to the nightclub to dance."

"The Mexican food here has super friendly staff and fast service."

Good to know

1

Spoons Grill & Bar features live Mexican music and dancing on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

2

Dancing with a DJ starts at 9pm on weekends.

3

Expect high prices; a penne pasta and a beer cost $26.

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Santa Ana, California

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