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Guide to Santa Ana

Steak at Mexican restaurants

A Mexican kitchen that treats a steak with the same reverence as their traditional braised meats.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Barco image 1
El Barco image 2
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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.

Rib Eye stands out with a delicious flavor. The steak comes with potatoes that complement it well.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I can't stop thinking about the crunchy fish tacos."

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.

02
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.

Ribeye, filet, and tripe tacos stand out as the main steak options. Tripa and ribeye tacos get specific recommendations for their flavor and texture.

People are saying

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

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

"I found all the tacos I picked to be delicious."

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.

03
La Carniceria Meat Market image 1

Modern butcher shop with a well-organized layout and clean facilities creates a pleasant atmosphere. It draws people looking for high-quality meat cuts and authentic Latin American groceries. Prices stay affordable while offering a genuine cultural shopping experience.

Carne asada stands out as the best meat for tacos here, often compared favorably to other well-known spots. Salsas and guacamole range from fantastic to average, with some salsas noted as the best.

Prime rib eye and wagyu steaks stand out with rich marbling. Steak cuts come in a good selection, but some pieces have heavy fat coverage requiring trimming. Staff may adjust thickness on arrival.

People are saying

"I found the meat at this market to be delicious and amazing quality."

"The Mexican food here has the best carne asada meat."

"I found the prime rib eye steak here to be some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The market offers a good selection of steak cuts.

2

Prices at the market are affordable.

3

The facilities are very clean and organized.

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.

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.

Ribeye steak matches quality found at other restaurants. Steak and eggs show mixed results, sometimes perfectly cooked, other times less impressive.

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."

"I ordered the steak and eggs, and it was perfectly cooked."

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
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.

Ribeye Aguachile stands out with its spicy and flavorful profile, featuring a dark chile and lime sauce and avocado. Handmade tortillas accompany the steak, adding an exquisite touch to the dish.

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 Ribeye Aguachile steak was spicy and flavorful."

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.

06
Santa Ana Brunch Club image 1
Brunch restaurant

Small, clean space with an open-concept design and eclectic decor blends East and West styles. Atmosphere feels laid-back and trendy with old school R&B music setting a relaxed vibe. Staff contribute to an off-beat cool energy, making it a spot where people gather to enjoy unique food presentations.

Chilaquiles divorciados stand out with their rich flavors. Brisket scramble and horchata add hearty and sweet touches to the menu.

Steak and eggs come with two great sauces and deliver solid flavor. Steaks arrive with crispy fries and a tasty chimichurri, though sometimes served slightly cold.

People are saying

"The food for brunch was delicious and top tier."

"The brisket breakfast burrito is super delicious and tender."

"The steak and eggs here are perfect."

Good to know

1

There is a small parking lot behind the building.

2

Seating is limited, and you might have to wait before being seated.

3

Dinner is only available on weekends.

07
Loaded Cafe Restaurants Santa Ana First Street image 1

Tiny spot with a fast-paced, family-friendly atmosphere that feels welcoming and casual. Crowded but comfortable, it suits relaxed meals with friends. Music plays in the background, adding to the lively vibe.

Red chilaquiles with steak bits and red sauce stand out as a flavorful and consistent choice. Variations like chilaquiles con salsa verde and dishes like asada add to the delicious Mexican food options.

Steak dishes range from tender steak and eggs to a delicious sirloin and amazing chicken fried steak. Some items like the steak omelette and chilaquiles come off as mediocre.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The chilaquiles here are divine, especially with steak."

"The steak here is cooked just right and tender."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect extra charges for cashless payments and additional toppings.

3

The restaurant fills up quickly, so visiting early is advised.

08
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.

Country fried steak stands out with good-sized portions and reasonable prices. The steak and eggs breakfast offers a delicious start to the day.

People are saying

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

"I loved the chilaquiles verdes with steak."

"I found the country fried steak to be the best."

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.

09
Cowgirls Cafe image 1
Brunch restaurant

Old skool American diner with western decor and a license plate wall creates a homey, family-friendly atmosphere. The space feels crowded and noisy during peak hours but maintains a cozy, friendly vibe with locals and families. Seating includes booths, tables, and a counter, reflecting a classic diner setup.

Huevos rancheros stand out with rich flavors. The salsa verde and homemade salsa add a fresh kick. Dishes like carne asada with egg, rice, and beans offer hearty, filling options.

Country Fried Steak stands out with its tender texture and light breading that keeps the meaty flavor intact. Ribeye and steak and eggs options deliver flavorful, well-cooked meals without being overly fried.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and homemade."

"The country fried steak here is great and not overly fried."

"The Mexican Food here is great, with super fast and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect long wait times on weekends after 10AM.

2

The cafe opens at 6AM daily, making it a great early breakfast spot.

3

Portions are large, providing good value for the price.

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