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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Ana's best

Salsa spots

You judge a kitchen by the complexity and heat of its salsa, and you know when it has been made with care.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Luci image 1
Tacos Luci image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves fresh handmade tortillas with three homemade salsas including a fiery red one. Tacos like Carne Asada are hot and well-seasoned. Casual vibe and affordable prices keep crowds coming for big, tasty portions.

Three homemade salsas come in mild green, orange peanut, and fiery red varieties. The red salsa is notably spicy, and all salsas are fresh and flavorful, complementing dishes like carne asada tacos and picaditas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is seriously amazing."

"I found the tacos here to be fresh, big, and flavorful."

"The homemade salsas here are so tasty, you can't pass them up."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost only $2 each, making them an affordable option.

2

The lunch truck serves a variety of tacos, burritos, and picaditas.

3

Desserts are available and highly praised by customers.

02
Tacos Gutierrez image 1
Taco restaurant

Family-owned taco truck serves handmade tortillas with spicy jalapeño salsa that packs a punch. Casual spot offers affordable prices and a self-service condiment area. Plenty of seating and phone orders make it easy for families and groups.

Salsas here pack a really good and spicy punch. The jalapeño salsa stands out with strong flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The pastor tacos are seasoned well and tasty."

"I found the salsas to be really good and spicy."

Good to know

1

The prices are cheap, making it budget-friendly.

2

Phone orders are accepted for easy pickup.

3

The food truck is kept clean and well-maintained.

03
Carniceria Los Musicos image 1

Butcher shop offers premium cuts like picanha and tomahawk with housemade salsas that pack a flavorful punch. Small produce section makes grabbing fresh veggies easy. In-house marinades boost meats for perfect carne asada.

Housemade salsas stand out with a perfect kick in the salsa roja and a smooth, flavorful aguacate salsa. A small produce section makes grabbing veggies and salsa easy in one stop.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here features high-quality, fresh meats."

"Their salsa game is on point; it's got the perfect kick."

Good to know

1

Carniceria Los Músicos offers high quality meats and custom cuts upon request.

2

The butcher shop is one of the cleanest I've visited.

3

They have a small produce section for easy veggie shopping.

04
Tacompadre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican eats shine with verde salsa and tacos like Al Pastor. Arcade games add a lively vibe while a hidden Tiki Bar keeps things hip. Music swings from live jazz to upbeat tunes, making it fun for all ages.

A detached salsa bar offers green, red, and spicy salsas with the verde salsa standing out. Customizable salsas and sides pair well with tacos like Al Pastor and quesabirria.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and meat."

"The salsa bar here is a game-changer with tons of fresh fixings."

"You have to try these hidden gems; the birria is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $2.50 each.

2

Karaoke runs from 6 to 10 pm on Taco Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant serves Halal tacos for those with dietary restrictions.

05
Tacos Camila’s image 1
Taco restaurant

Lonchera offers a casual vibe with no tables, just chairs for quick bites. Well-seasoned tacos shine alongside a wide meat selection. Salsas are fresh and flavorful, making it a lively spot for groups and families.

Salsas here are consistently fresh and delicious. They have a really good flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were very good and well-seasoned."

"The Mexican food here is so delicious and well-seasoned."

"The salsas here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

You can order your plate to go.

2

You can call to place your order in advance.

06
Casa Ramos image 1
Restaurant

Cozy, family-run spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine with homemade piquante salsa and thin, crispy chips. Enjoy great margaritas in a relaxed vibe with live music and soccer on TV. Perfect for casual dining with bold flavors.

Complimentary chips come with homemade salsa that is beautifully piquante. The salsas have an authentic Mexican flavor that stands out.

People are saying

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

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

"You'll find killer salsas with authentic Mexican food here."

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.

07
Birria El Tapatio image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck offers flavorful birria tacos with a variety of hot sauces including mild green, medium red, and spicy smoky orange. Casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a great spot. Rich consomé and queso birria tacos are popular highlights.

Lots of consume sauce options come with the meal. Hot sauces include a green mild salsa, a medium red salsa, and a spicy orange salsa with smoky heat. All salsas are very flavorful.

People are saying

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

"The birria tacos here are amazing and flavorful."

"I found the birria tacos to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The prices are very reasonable.

2

Expect a casual dining experience with outdoor seating.

3

The food truck is popular, so there may be a wait during peak hours.

08
Taco Connection image 1
Restaurant

Taco joint offers authentic Mexican vibe with spicy salsas that brighten tacos and burritos. Meats stay tender and flavorful, paired with fresh ingredients. Prices remain fair and reasonable, drawing a lively crowd.

Salsas come fresh and spicy with finely diced onions and cilantro. They perfectly season tacos de chamberete, gringas, and burritos, adding a proper, tasty kick to each bite.

People are saying

"You're missing out if you haven't tried this Mexican food."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The salsas here are perfectly seasoned and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open past 10 pm for late-night cravings.

2

Credit cards are accepted, making payments convenient.

3

The menu frequently changes, offering new items regularly.

09
Sals tacos a la mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves authentic dishes with a habanero salsa that packs real heat. Enjoy a family atmosphere with traditional art and four TVs for entertainment. Fresh-made aguas and horchata add a refreshing touch to the clean, cozy space.

A habanero salsa stands out for its real heat and flavor. A salsa roja adds a spicy, delicious kick. The salsa and condiment bar offers a solid variety to complement the food.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I'd find in Mexico."

"The salsas here are amazing and fresh."

"I found plenty of parking available and space."

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.

10
Restaurante Las Cazuelas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with handmade corn tortillas and spicy salsa that fires up your tongue. Tacos loaded with carnitas and chile relleno offer bold flavors. Warm, easy-going atmosphere invites quality time with family and friends.

Salsa brings a spicy kick that really stands out. Chips and salsa come together for an amazing combo that fires up your tongue.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, like my abuelita made it."

"You've got to try the carnitas plate; it's so good."

"This salsa is chef's kiss spicy!"

Good to know

1

Parking is not available, so plan to arrive early to find street parking.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are generally high for the portion sizes offered.

11
Carnitas Don Julián image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small spot serves authentic carnitas with tender, flavorful meat. Salsas offer a spicy kick in red and green varieties. Casual, clean setting with limited seating makes it perfect for quick, genuine tacos.

Salsas come in red and green varieties with a spicy yet flavorful kick. Portions are small but pack a punch in taste.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I've ever had."

"I found the carnitas here to be the most authentic style I ever had."

"The carnitas here are tender, flavorful, and melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers at this restaurant.

2

They accept Visa, Mastercard, and cash for payments.

3

Parking can be a little bit of an issue, but there is some available nearby.

12
Fresh Off the Boat Fish Grill South Coast image 1

Eclectic Mediterranean spot shines with warm candlelight on the outdoor patio and a lively indoor bar featuring a large TV for sports. Chips arrive warm and crispy, paired with salsa ranging from spicy to diablo hot and smooth avocado dip. Fast-casual dining offers varied seating for a cozy yet energetic vibe.

Chips come warm and crispy, paired with savory salsa and a smooth, tangy avocado dip. The salsa ranges from spicy to diablo hot, adding a bold kick to dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"They had a salsa bar with a delicious mix of salsas."

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.

13
La Torta Loca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned spot with a cozy patio and homemade tortillas fills with locals enjoying fresh, spicy salsa and authentic dishes like birria. Casual vibe feels welcoming and familiar, perfect for savoring multiple salsas including mole and grilled jalapeños.

Salsa here is fresh and spicy, served alongside chips and beans that taste homemade. Meals often come with multiple salsas, including complementary mole and grilled jalapeños for extra kick.

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 owner's hospitality made my taco experience amazing."

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.

14
Tacos Los Cholos - Santa ana image 1

Spacious Mexican spot boasts painted murals and an open kitchen grilling meats. Salsa bar offers authentic flavors from mild to intense. Outdoor heated patios add comfort to the lively, weekend asada vibe.

Salsa options come with a loaded bar featuring all the authentic necessities and more. The salsas range from mild to intense, delivering excellent flavor that stands out.

People are saying

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

"This burrito is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying."

"The salsa bar had so many flavorful options."

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.

15
Oc Great Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating under a tent creates a bright, clean space to enjoy bold flavors in small tacos with varied meats. Four tasty salsas add fresh, vibrant notes, though sometimes salty. Prices are high for portions, and payment is by cash or Zelle only.

Four varied salsas come with the tacos, offering a range of flavors. The salsas are generally tasty with fresh vegetables, though sometimes a bit salty.

People are saying

"The tacos here are so tasty and flavorful."

"The food here is superbly flavorful and great."

"The salsas here are so tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash and Zelle as payment methods.

2

There are tables and seating available for outdoor dining.

3

Tacos are priced at $2.00 each.

16
Taqueria El Taquero Guzman image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic homemade tortillas and well-regarded tacos in a cozy, vibrant setting. Salsas balance cilantro and onions with mild spice, enhancing fresh flavors. Intimate seating and limited parking add to the bustling, welcoming vibe.

Salsas here offer a good balance of cilantro and onions without being overly spicy. Homemade varieties bring nice, flavorful options that complement fresh-pressed tortillas and well-seasoned meat.

People are saying

"The tacos here are really great and delicious."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be fantastic."

"The meats were well marinated, tender, juicy, and seasoned nicely."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three small tacos for $8.99.

2

They only accept cash or Venmo for payment.

3

Parking is limited, with about eight stalls available.

17
Papi Tacos & Churros image 1
Taco restaurant

Bright, clean space with large windows and cozy industrial style suits both quiet afternoons and lively evenings. Halal Mexican food offers flavorful tacos and birria that attract a diverse crowd. Salsa adds a refreshing kick with balanced, spicy notes enhancing every bite.

Salsa delivers a great kick with flavorful and spicy notes. It balances refreshing heat without just being spicy.

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 salsa here has a great kick and really good flavor."

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.

18
Alebrijes grill taco truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican taco truck serves freshly made tacos with a standout al pastor and affordable prices. Salsas offer authentic flavors with a spicy red salsa that packs a punch. Expect a bustling atmosphere and bring cash due to limited parking.

Salsas come in a selection with authentic flavors made from real ingredients. The red salsa has a spicy kick that can be intense going down.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and delicious."

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

"I thought the salsa here was delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The taco truck does not accept credit or debit card payments, only cash.

2

The prices at the taco truck are affordable, with 8 tacos costing around $15.

3

Parking near the taco truck can be difficult, but street parking is available.

19
Taco Pronto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves homemade tacos and house-made salsas with heat from mild to fiery. Generous portions and all-day breakfast keep guests coming early. Family-owned vibe shines in a clean, simple space with traditional dishes made from scratch.

House-made salsas come in a variety of heat levels, from mild to extremely spicy. The salsa verde offers a balanced kick and pairs well with asada, while the hot salsa can cause a strong heat reaction.

People are saying

"Their breakfast burritos are so good and well-seasoned."

"It's a family owned place with the best welcome."

"The burritos here are so flavorful and generously topped."

Good to know

1

Credit cards are accepted, but some vendors may only take cash.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes, making meals quite filling.

3

Breakfast options are available all day, catering to various tastes.

20
Cowgirls Cafe image 1
Brunch restaurant

Old skool American diner offers a homey atmosphere with western decor and a license plate wall. Homemade salsas like salsa verde add bold flavor to dishes such as chilaquiles and country fried steak. Seating includes booths, tables, and a counter, perfect for families and locals.

Homemade salsas stand out here, especially the salsa verde and spicy salsa options. They add strong flavor to dishes like chilaquiles and country fried steak.

People are saying

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

"This diner's country fried steak is tender with perfect breading."

"You've got to try the homemade salsa; it's really good."

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.

21
Tacos El Panzas image 1
Taco restaurant

Tacos feature crispy shells and flavorful meats like asada and chorizo. Red salsa shines as the best choice, with green salsa also tasty. Friendly cook and fresh sides make for a comfortable atmosphere and satisfying meal.

Red salsa stands out as the best choice here. Green salsa also tastes really good. Some orders come with no salsa, but others have salsa on all tacos by default.

People are saying

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

"The food here is seasoned so well, I thought it was amazing."

"I found the red salsa to be the best choice."

Good to know

1

The taco plate is offered at a great price.

2

Prices at Tacos El Panzas are very affordable.

3

Expect long wait times if there are many orders ahead.

22
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant shines with fresh salsa served promptly alongside chips. Intricate artwork and lush plants create a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone add lively energy, making it perfect for music lovers and socializing.

Chips come with fresh salsa at the table, served right away with water. The salsas are excellent and pair well with the chips.

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 chips and salsa here are great."

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.

23
Taqueria El Gordito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot with a hole in the wall vibe and lively outdoor seating. Offers authentic tamales and tacos with a soundtrack of 90s funk and lowrider jams. Salsas shine with a spicy red salsa and creamy avocado option, balancing heat and flavor perfectly.

Salsas come in a solid variety including avocado salsa, green salsa, and a spicy red one that stands out. The sauces range from mild to spicy, satisfying chile lovers with their heat and flavor.

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 salsas here are good and complement the tacos."

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.

24
El Vaquero Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with outdoor seating and a relaxing music vibe creates a cozy atmosphere. The salsa bar offers a wide variety, with the orange salsa standing out as a highlight. Prices stay affordable with large portions to enjoy.

A wide variety of salsas fills the salsa bar. The orange salsa stands out as one of the best. The salsa is consistently on point.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very tasty and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be consistently delicious."

"I found the tacos to be good and affordable."

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.

25
Tacos Manuel image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco trailer serves phenomenal street tacos like cabeza and tripa at affordable prices. Lines move fast in a simple setting. Salsas shine with a popular green salsa and a spicy red salsa that surprises.

Green salsa stands out as the most liked. One red salsa packs a very spicy punch that can surprise you. Overall, the salsas are pretty good.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be really good and flavorful."

"The food here is seasoned well and has great flavor."

"I found the carne asada here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Tacos Manuel operates almost all day from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

2

The tacos cost about $1 each, making it affordable for families.

3

Expect long lines, but they move pretty fast.

26
El Barco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Black-painted walls set a super aesthetic vibe in this Mexican spot with a laid-back atmosphere. Red salsa and guacamole come with chips, while the spicy green salsa pairs well with marlin tacos. A jukebox plays 80's hits, keeping energy lively for big groups.

Red salsa comes with chips and guacamole. Green salsa is very spicy and pairs well with marlin tacos and ceviche. Chips and salsa come with a charge.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The green salsa is incredibly spicy, so try a little first."

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.

27
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with beautiful interior and a lively salsa bar offering a variety of salsas, especially the hot salsa loved with fish tacos. Music shifts from banda to reggaeton, creating a classy yet relaxed atmosphere that draws crowds at lunch and dinner.

Chips come with an assortment of salsas at a salsa bar that offers a variety of options. The hot salsa stands out as a favorite, and the salsa pairs well with fish tacos and guacamole.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh Mexican food that's not too heavy."

"The salsa bar here is an extra bonus with so many options."

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.

28
Tacos Y Birria El Guero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves authentic Michoacan flavors with big portions of birria and asada. Salsa bar offers varied heat levels, including a mild avocado salsa with a kick. Family-friendly vibe thrives in a busy, Spanish-speaking space with a worn interior and small parking.

A salsa bar offers a range from mild to very spicy options. The avocado salsa has a nice kick without heat. Salsas come in generous portions and pack flavorful heat.

People are saying

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

"I thought the birria tacos here were the best I ever tasted."

"The salsas here are delicious and they aren't stingy with them."

Good to know

1

Expect a brief wait time even when the restaurant is packed.

2

Prices for tacos range from $3 to $4 each.

3

Parking can be challenging due to a small shared lot.

29
Adalberto's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with a fresh salsa bar featuring standout red and verde salsas. Food hits highs with carne asada fries and giant chorizo burritos, though some dishes can be dry or salty. Space stays super clean but atmosphere feels quite sad.

A salsa & chips bar offers fresh options. Both the red salsa and verde salsa taste fresh and stand out.

People are saying

"I loved the huge, meaty burritos and delicious tacos."

"I drove from a different city just for their verde salsa."

"I thought the super burrito was three meals in one."

Good to know

1

$1.49 tacos are available every Tuesday during Taco Tuesday specials.

2

Prices are affordable, with small tortilla tacos priced at $1.25 all day.

3

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness, including restrooms.

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