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Mexican food and enchiladas in Santa Ana

Enchiladas that focus on the depth of the sauce rather than burying the dish in melted cheese.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Chiquita Restaurant image 1
La Chiquita Restaurant image 2
La Chiquita Restaurant image 3
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Mexican restaurant

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.

Enchiladas come with rich red and green sauces, each packed with flavor and a bit of a kick. Cheese and chicken enchiladas stand out, especially with the sauce that many find worth the trip.

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 carnitas here to be addicting."

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

"The cheese enchiladas here are delicious."

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.

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.

Enchiladas feature flavorful shredded beef and pair well with Carne asada steak options. The Enchiladas Sunrise plate offers unexpected, rich flavors.

Authentic Mexican food shines with dishes like wet burrito with asada, chicken fajitas, and enchiladas sunrise. Killer salsas and excellent carne asada add strong flavor to the humble setting.

People are saying

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

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

"The Mexican food here is amazing, with rich, popping flavors."

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
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with intricate artwork and lush plants creates a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone performances bring a lively, sometimes nightclub-level energy. Spacious layout includes an outdoor patio and a well-appointed bar, attracting a crowd that enjoys music and socializing.

Mole enchiladas come with all rice and offer a rich flavor. Cheese enchiladas taste very tasty and sit alongside other authentic Mexican dishes like fajitas and tacos.

Tacos come with hand made tortillas and include options like fish tacos, mole, and molcajete. Salsas are excellent, and dishes suit both spice lovers and those with sensitive stomachs.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The fish tacos here are amazing, seriously a 10/10."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

04
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.

Mole enchiladas stand out with distinct flavors like beef, shrimp, and chicken suizas. The enchilada trio and enchiladas suizas offer a variety of rich, authentic tastes that keep people coming back.

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.

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 enchiladas here are delicious and look like art."

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.

05
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.

Ensenada style enchiladas come with red sauce and white rice instead of Spanish rice. Carne asada and chicken enchiladas feature delicious cheese and sauce served on the side.

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.

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 enchiladas here are tasty and the cheese is delicious."

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.

06
Sarinana's Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Enchiladas come with a sweet sauce that stands out as both cloying and unique. Cheese enchiladas and tamales also feature prominently, offering a different take from traditional flavors.

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 the best I'd ever tasted."

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

"I found the enchiladas here to be delicious and unique."

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.

07
Potzolcano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small outdoor patio offers lots of plants and shade, creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. Mexican dishes like pozole and enchiladas stand out for their flavor. Limited parking and occasional long waits affect the overall experience.

Chicken enchiladas come with green and red salsa and taste delicious. Breaded steak enchiladas also stand out for their rich flavor.

White pozole stands out with its authentic flavor and is highly recommended. Enchiladas come with both green and red salsa, offering a delicious variety. Green chilaquiles with meat also deliver a tasty experience.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is delicious, with a great homemade Mexican flavor."

"The enchiladas here are delicious with great seasoning."

"The Mexican food here, especially the pozole, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited during meal hours, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times, particularly on weekends, often up to an hour.

3

The restaurant does not have a system for to-go orders, which can be inconvenient.

08
Casa Oaxaca image 1
Oaxacan restaurant

Small space offers authentic Oaxacan decor and live music that varies from romantic guitar to louder singing. Atmosphere ranges from calm and pleasant to lively depending on music volume. Seating includes tables and booths suited for family dining.

Enchiladas feature Oaxaca-style and a mole coloradito sauce that stands out. They taste like authentic homemade recipes passed down through generations.

Authentic Oaxaca mole stands out with rich, traditional flavors. Large Tlayudas with tasajo and quesillo offer a genuine southern Mexican taste. Breakfast features chilaquiles praised for quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I loved their Oaxacan mole; it was delicious."

"The live music here creates a beautiful ambience."

"I loved the enchiladas, especially the mole."

Good to know

1

Casa Oaxaca features live bohemian music on Monday and Tuesday.

2

Parking is very limited at the location.

3

People with nut allergies should avoid the mole and tres leche cake.

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Santa Ana, California

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