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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Ana

Mexican food with outdoor seating

You want to enjoy your Mexican meal in the open air, exactly as it was meant to be eaten.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
Le Hut Dinette image 1
Le Hut Dinette image 2
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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.

Patio seating offers a nice spot for lunch. Both indoor and outdoor options are available for dining.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the delicious food I had with the outdoor seating."

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.

02
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.

Outdoor seating features a Middle Eastern ambiance with warm lights from carved candles and dark red cushions. The patio is pet friendly and includes propane heaters and an outdoor fireplace for a pleasant atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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

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.

03
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.

Outdoor seating includes a patio area with a great atmosphere. Music often plays outside, including Spanish tunes and event-specific celebrations like a Cinco de Mayo party.

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 outdoor seating has a great atmosphere."

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.

04
Hidden House Coffee image 1

Coffee shop features a coffee roasting machine at the front and a tree-covered patio with large tables for groups. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy with a mix of warm and hospital blue lighting. Space suits both chilling and working, with Wi-Fi available and a peaceful vibe.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their delicious flavor and are especially popular on weekends. Burritos overall offer a very tasty experience.

A tree-covered patio offers plenty of shade and seating, including large tables for big groups. The outdoor area has a peaceful atmosphere with chirping birds enhancing the charm.

People are saying

"The coffee here is so smooth and flavorful."

"The pastries here are delicious and incredibly flaky."

"You have to try their delicious Mexican food, especially the breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

Parking is free if parked in the HHC lane right by the coffee shop.

2

Expect to pay for parking if the reserved lot is full.

3

They only serve avocado toast from Friday to Sunday.

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.

Patio tables offer comfortable outdoor seating with heaters that keep the temperature pleasant. Street parking is available nearby, making access to the patio area easy.

People are saying

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

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

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying the incredible 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
La Torta Loca image 1
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.

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.

A small patio offers outdoor seating with a cute vibe. Tables sit both inside and outside, and staff sometimes bring a fruit drink before ordering.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tortas."

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.

07
Club 616 image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers live music every night and a spacious outdoor patio with a fire pit and taco vendors. Seating includes booths, bar stools, and lounges inside and outside, creating a relaxed yet chic atmosphere. The place stands out for its unique vibe and well-crafted cocktails.

Taco vendors serve asada multias and birria nachos with solid flavors and preparation. A taco truck in the back offers plenty of space, a DJ, and heaters for a lively atmosphere.

A chic patio sits in the back with a fire pit and a smoking area. Plenty of seating fills the outdoor space.

People are saying

"I thought the cocktails were crafted to perfection."

"The taco stand in the back serves tasty Mexican food."

"The outdoor seating has a taco stand and occasional DJs."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough to find, so arrive early.

2

Happy hour runs daily with great drink specials.

3

Live jazz performances happen every Wednesday from 8-11pm.

08
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.

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.

Patio offers ample seating with a heater available for chilly weather. Outdoor space feels enjoyable and comfortable.

People are saying

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

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

"The outdoor seating has great vibes and unique flavors."

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.

09
Gees Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot with outdoor seating shaded by large umbrellas and huge smokers visible outside. Atmosphere feels cool and casual despite occasional loud country music. Popular for early sell-outs, drawing crowds who arrive before noon to get fresh barbecue.

Lamb barbacoa stands out with its delectable flavor and comes with hot sauce and a large flour tortilla. Beef quality and shredded lamb barbacoa make up for the absence of pork.

Huge smokers sit outside with large umbrellas shading the seating area. The setup creates a traditional BBQ vibe even on hot days.

People are saying

"The beef ribs here are gigantic and incredibly tender."

"You should get there early; they sell out quickly."

"The lamb barbacoa at this Mexican food spot was truly delectable."

Good to know

1

Arrive by 11:30 AM to avoid long lines before opening at 12 PM.

2

Most items sell out within a few hours of opening.

3

Street parking is available, making it convenient for visitors.

10
Country Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small indoor space offers cramped seating but makes best use of space. Outdoor area provides pleasant patio seating despite nearby traffic noise. Inside features loud oldies music creating a diner-like vibe with a simple, quaint atmosphere.

Breakfast includes a burrito and banana pancakes. Chilaquiles verdes feature meat that recently changed but remain flavorful.

Patio space offers a great spot to sit outside. The owner often stays outside and thanks people for joining, creating a welcoming vibe despite the nearby traffic.

People are saying

"You'll find delicious, traditional breakfast options with good-sized portions."

"I loved the chilaquiles verdes with steak."

"The food at the outdoor seating was good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait to be seated during peak breakfast hours.

2

Credit card usage incurs extra fees, so bring cash if possible.

3

Breakfast items are generally priced higher than average, with some dishes costing over $15.

11
Cafรฉ Cultura image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old theatre setting creates a cozy, welcoming vibe with Day of the Dead decor featuring sugar skulls and loterรญa card accents. Small space includes indoor and covered outdoor seating with a patio for dining. Modern Mexican music enhances the warm, artsy atmosphere reflecting strong Mexican heritage.

Chilaquiles come in red sauce or green salsa, both flavorful and satisfying. Steak quesadillas and the vegan breakfast burrito offer solid options, while the breakfast torta is thick and juicy.

A cute bar area complements the outdoor patio for dining. The space includes a dedicated outside seating area.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are amazing Mexican food."

"I loved the abuelita coffee; it's so chocolatey."

"They added a cute bar area and an outdoor patio."

Good to know

1

Cafรฉ Cultura closes at 2 AM, and they start cleaning as early as 12:30 AM.

2

Parking is scarce, so plan ahead for your visit.

3

Cafรฉ Cultura has a separate line at the bar for drink orders.

12
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.

Chimichangas and breakfast burritos stand out for their size and flavor. The tamales often surpass others in taste, and dishes like carne asada burritos with pico de gallo and costilla en salsa verde offer rich, satisfying flavors.

Tables set up for eating outside create a fun vibe. The outside look draws attention and invites stopping by.

People are saying

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

"I found the tamales here to be the best I had ever had."

"The pork burrito was huge and delicious."

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.

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Santa Ana, California

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