Orange County Mexican Restaurants


Congratulations! You have reached the #1 resource for information about Mexican restaurants and food in Orange County. There's a lot of information on this page but you'll find even more if you click around the site and find all the treasures it has to offer. Using the links in orange above is one good way to get started. # of restaurants reviewed so far: 243. See the list and a Google map.


HOT SEARCHES: Taco RosaGabbi'sTaleoSol CocinaJavier's


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Monday, March 20, 2006

(Mexican Restaurant Names)
Where have we been?

RULE #1: If you are overwhelmed by the amount of information here simply e-mail reviews@ocmexfood.com with your question. This entry is here to help you find the information you need on Mexican restaurants in Orange County and we have that information and want to help you find it. Tragically, all too often people don't find the information they are looking for here because they don't look around and make one or two clicks or they don't send an e-mail with their question.



Below is a table showing restaurants we have reviewed since late December 2005, the city they are in, and who reviewed them. They are placed in the order they were reviewed chronologically. Obviously there are more reviews on the way. This table is sortable, meaning you can click on the table header "Restaurant," or "City" at the top of the table and the table will be sorted in alphabetical order by the criteria you selected.


IMPORTANT NOTE: If you don't find what you are looking for right away please use the search tips posted at the end of the table. It seems that many people come here and leave before finding the information they need when the information they need really is here. (That applies to all the people who leave the site thinking we don't have information on Sharkeez in Huntington Beach when we actually do. It's #97 on the list.)


Mexican Restaurant Names

Once you see a restaurant you want to read about click on its name to read all about it.
Review Index

Restaurant
Click anywhere in here to sort list alphabetically by restaurant name.
City
Click anywhere in here to sort list alphabetically by city name.
Reviewer
1.Taco RosaNewport BeachChristian
2.Little OnionSanta AnaChristian
3.Las BrisasLaguna BeachChristian
4.Azteca'sFountain ValleyChristian
5.On the BorderIrvineChristian
6.Jugos AcapulcoCosta MesaChristian
7.El Pollo LocoTustinChristian
8.Rubio'sFountain ValleyChristian
9.California Fish GrillIrvineChristian
10.Old MexicoAnaheimChristian
11.Anita'sFullertonChristian
12.Los SanchezGarden GroveChristian
13.Taco FactoryIrvineChristian
14.Las BarcasHuntington BeachJames/Christian
15.El FarolitoPlacentiaChristian
16.Tia Juana'sIrvineChristian
17.Taco BellFountain ValleyChristian
19.KnowlwoodOld Town IrvineChristian
20.Baja FreshIrvineChristian
21.Normita'sHuntington BeachChristian
22.Blue AgaveYorba LindaChristian
23.Taco RosaNewport BeachJoy
24.El FortinStantonChristian
25.Sharky'sIrvineChristian
27.Playas de SinaloaSanta AnaChristian
28.Taqueria el GranjenalCosta MesaChristian
29.Flamingo'sLaguna HillsChristian
30.Las FajitasIrvineChristian
31.Miguel's Jr.Corona (OOC)James
33.Don CarlosAnaheim HillsJames
35.Moreno'sOrangePhil/Matt/Johnny
38.Ricardo's Don JoseTustinJoy
40.El ConejitoLake ForestChristian
41.Los GallosPlacentiaJames
42.Taleo Mexican GrillIrvine (Park Place)Christian/Joy
44.El Gallo GiroSanta AnaVeronica/Christian
45.Taqueria de AndaOrangeChristian
46.Taco MesaLadera RanchChristian
47.Javier'sIrvine SpectrumChristian
51.Mexi-CasaAnaheimJames
52.AcapulcoCosta MesaChristian
53.La Cocina de IsabelCosta MesaChristian
54.La CapillaHuntington BeachChristian
55.Charo ChickenSeal BeachChristian
56.Las Fajitas GrillIrvineChristian
57.El ToritoIrvineChristian
59.Del TacoFountain ValleyChristian
60.Jalapeno'sIrvineChristian
62.Cocina CucamongaAnaheim (DCA)Christian
65.La ProvinciaTustinChristian
66.Carnitas La VillaNewport BeachChristian
67.Baja Fish TacosLaguna HillsChristian
68.Tacos AcapulcoSanta AnaChristian
69.Fresca's Mexican GrillLake ForestChristian
70.Avila's El RanchitoLake ForestChristian
71.Taco MesaOrangeChristian
72.Durango Mexican GrillBreaChristian
73.La SalsaFashion IslandChristian
74.Mario's Fiesta MayaHuntington BeachChristian
75.Mexi-CasaAnaheimGrindzHound
76.El Cholo CantinaIrvineChristian
78.Pedro's TacosSan Juan CapistranoChristian
79.La FogataCorona del MarChristian
80.El Torito GrillIrvineChristian
81.Tortilla Jo'sAnaheim (DD)Christian
83.Fiesta GrillHuntington BeachChristian
84.Chronic CantinaCosta MesaChristian
85.Super MexHuntington BeachChristian
86.Rose Canyon Cantina & GrillTrabuco CanyonChristian
87.La Sirena GrillLaguna BeachChristian
88.Rancho del ZocaloAnaheim (DP)Christian
91.Lindo Michoacan #2AnaheimChristian
93.Chili PepperOrangeChristian
93.The Chili PepperOrangeChristian
94.Avila's El RanchitoLake ForestChristian
95.Olamendi'sCapistrano BeachJohnny/Christian
96.CancunHuntington BeachChristian
97.Sharkeez (aka Baja Sharkeez)Huntington BeachChristian
98.El Torito GrillAnaheimChristian
99.Azteca'sHuntington BeachChristian
100.Taqueria TiscarenoOrangeChristian
102.Taco MesaCosta MesaChristian
103.Los CabosOrangeChaz
104.El Rincon ChilangoSanta AnaAlex
105.La RanaAliso ViejoChristian
106.Taco SurfSurfsideChristian/Dave
107.ChipotleSanta AnaChristian
108.Rockin' BajaOceanside (OOC)Brekkie Fan
110.Gabbi'sOrangeChristian/WC
111.El MagueySan Juan CapistranoMatt
112.Mario'sHuntington BeachChristian
113.El Torito GrillFashion IslandChristian
114.El Farolito Jr.AnaheimChristian
115.Taco AdobeOrangeChristian
116.The Veggie GrillIrvineChristian
117.Tortilla FlatsMission ViejoChristian
118.El ZocaloSanta AnaChristian
119.Las CotijasTustinElmoMonster
120.Tortilla Jo's TaqueriaAnaheim (DD)Christian
121.La Reyna de MichoacanSanta AnaChristian
122.La Sirena GrillIrvineChristian
123.Molcajete GrillHuntington BeachChristian
124.Mi TierraLaguna NiguelChristian
125.Chronic TacosNewport BeachChristian
126.Cancun Fresh Mexican GrillFountain ValleyChristian
127.Chronic TacosOrangeJohnny
128.Wahoo's Fish TacoCosta MesaChristian
129.Taqueria JanitzioOrangeJohnny
130.Avila's El RanchitoCorona del MarChristian
131.Cafe El CholoLa HabraChristian
133.The Lazy Dog CafeWestminsterChristian
134.Carnitas Los ReyesOrangeJohnny
135.ChevysAnaheimChristian
136.El Moctezuma #3OrangeJohnny
137.Taco RosaIrvineShelly
138.El Molino de OroSan Juan CapistranoChristian
139.Mi CasaCosta MesaJohnny
140.Whole FoodsTustin/IrvineChristian
141.El MatadorCosta MesaShelly/Christian
142.Tacos JaliscoOrangeJohnny
143.Wahoo'sIrvine SpectrumChristian
144.Rainforest CafeAnaheim (DD)Christian
145.Los PrimosLake ForestJohnny
146.La ChiquitaSanta AnaChristian
147.ChipotleIrvine SpectrumChristian
148.La SiestaSan ClementeChristian
150.Market BroilerHuntington BeachChristian
151.La FonditaPlacentiaChristian
153.Mollie's Country KitchenLaguna NiguelChristian
154.El Torito GrillBreaChristian
155.El ChinacoCosta MesaShelly
157.Sharky'sTustin/IrvineChristian
158.Taco AdobeSanta AnaJohnny
159.Taco FactoryIrvineChristian
162.Alerto'sWestminsterElmoMonster
163.Tacos EnsenadaLake ForestChristian
164.Green BurritoLa HabraChristian
165.Arsenio'sSanta AnaJohnny
166.Taco Joe'sGarden GroveChristian
167.ZorritoLaguna HillsChristian
168.Super PolloCosta MesaShelly
169.Rodrigo'sHuntington BeachChristian
170.Dave & Buster'sIrvineChristian
171.El Maguey ExpressSan Juan CapistranoChristian
172.El FortinFullertonChristian/Johnny
173.Taqueria La PoblanaOrangeJohnny
174.Mariscos Playa AzulAnaheimChristian
175.Pepe'sFullertonJohnny
176.AlbatrosLake ForestGriffin
177.Yucatan GrillSeal BeachChristian
179.Javier's (Crystal Cove)Newport BeachChristian
180.Tacos & Co.IrvineChristian
181.El Pollo FinoPlacentiaJohnny
182.Taqueria MexicoOrangeGriffin
183.Avila's El RanchitoNewport BeachChristian
184.El PatioAnaheimJohnny
186.El Torito GrillRancho Santa MargaritaChristian
187.Taco LocoLaguna BeachChristian
188.Bobby D'sOrangeJohnny
189.Carrusel PanaderiaAnaheimGriffin
190.Cafe MaizMission ViejoChristian
191.AztecaGarden GroveChristian
192.Tacos PepeOrangeJohnny
193.Zack'sHuntington BeachChristian
194.Taqueria el ChilitoTustinGriffin
195.El TarascoFullertonChristian
196.Rollie'sTustinChristian
197.Nacho Taco/Mi TierraGarden GroveChristian
198.Dave'sSan ClementeJack
198.Azteca'sAnaheimChristian
200.Frio DivinoSanta AnaChristian
201.Alebrije's GrillSanta AnaChristian
202.El Patio CafeCapistrano BeachJack
203.Celinda'sRancho Santa MargaritaJohnny
204.Peña'sSanta AnaChristian
205.Miguel's To GoFoothill RanchChristian
206.Coyote GrillLaguna BeachChristian
207.El Toro BravoCosta MesaShelly
208.Las Brisas de ApatzinganSanta AnaChristian
210.Cantina LoungeFullertonJohnny/Christian
211.Gammy's CafeSanta AnaChristian
212.Mosaic BarLaguna BeachChristian
213.Charo ChickenTustinChristian
214.El SuahayoCypressChristian
215.Duke'sHuntington BeachChristian
216.Hacienda FloresOrangeJohnny
217.La Cocina de RicardoLake ForestChristian
218.Señor CamposLa HabraChristian
219.La Casa GarciaAnaheimJohnny
220.Pacific Whey CafeNewport BeachChristian
221.Fresca'sTustinChristian
222.Baja Fish TacosSanta AnaElmoMonster
223.Ruby'sTustinChristian
224.Zov'sIrvineChristian
225.Taco FactoryTustinJudy the Foodie
226.La TerrazaSanta AnaChristian
227.Alexa CateringIrvineChristian
228.Rita's/MissionAnaheim (DCA)Christian
229.Tacos el VaqueroVariousJohnny
230.BlancaNewport BeachJudy the Foodie
232.Casa GaminoAnaheimChristian
233.El Chavito TacosHuntington BeachChristian
234.Alberto'sHuntington BeachChristian
235.Storyteller's CafeAnaheim (DCA)Christian
236.El Adobe de CapistranoSan Juan CapistranoChristian
237.Eat ChowCosta MesaChristian
238.El Buen SaborTustinChristian
239.Matador CantinaFullertonChristian
240.Mi CasaOrangeJohnny
241.Olamendi's: Pop's Tacos and SandwichesDana PointChristian
242.Sol CocinaNewport BeachChristian
243.Buns & TortsVisalia (OOC)Eric/Christian
244.Sombrero'sStantonJohnny
245.Esther's Taco HousePlacentiaChristian

Search by City

Click any of the following city links to read our complete coverage so far of Mexican restaurants in that city:

Aliso ViejoAnaheim (includes Anaheim Hills)BreaCapistrano BeachCorona del MarCosta MesaDana PointDisneylandFountain ValleyFullertonGarden GroveHuntington BeachIrvineLa HabraLadera RanchLaguna BeachLaguna HillsLaguna NiguelLake ForestMission ViejoNewport BeachOrange (includes Orange Park Acres)PlacentiaRancho Santa MargaritaSan ClementeSan Juan CapistranoSanta AnaSeal BeachStantonSunset Beach/SurfsideTrabuco CanyonTustinWestminsterYorba Linda

Search Tips

  1. Make sure you know the name of the place you are looking for. If you are looking for "Sharkeez" in Huntington Beach and you sort the table alphabetically by restaurant name and you look under 'S' you won't find it and you will leave thinking we don't have the information you need (yes, people have done this). But if you sort the table alphabetically by city name and look under 'Huntington Beach' you will see that it is correctly listed as "Baja Sharkeez."
  2. Make sure you know the city the restaurant you are looking for is in. If you are trying to find information on Gabbi's (and we have plenty of information on Gabbi's) and you think it is in Tustin and you sort the table alphabetically by city name and look under 'Tustin' then you won't find it and you will leave thinking we don't have the information you need (yes, people have done this). But if you sort the table alphabetically by restaurant name and look under 'G' you will find Gabbi's and see that it is in the city of Orange.
  3. We have reviewed almost 200 Mexican restaurants so far in Orange County so there is a very good chance we have information on almost any Mexican restaurant you are trying to find out more about. If you simply haven't yet been able to find a review here on a particular restaurant please e-mail reviews@ocmexfood.com and usually we will be able to respond quickly with the information you need. On the slim chance that we haven't yet covered a restaurant you are inquiring about it then we will add it to our "Go To" list and try to cover it as soon as possible.

Here we have a new Google Map made specifically for this blog. This is good for if you are looking for a restaurant in a particular region (non-city specific). Just hone in on the region and start clicking on thumbtacks, each of which represents a restaurant we have reviewed. If you click on a thumbtack and you want to find out more about that restaurant then just click on the restaurant's name in the word balloon above the thumbtack and you will be taken directly to our review:





Restaurants we have reviewed that have since closed down:

Graveyard

RestaurantCityReviewer
32.Javier'sLaguna BeachChristian
34.El Torito GrillMission ViejoChristian
43.Agave Mexican GrillRancho Santa MargaritaChristian
48.Nancy PueblaSanta AnaChristian/Omar
58.El ConejoIrvineChristian
61.KantinaNewport BeachJonathon/Joy
149.Taco SurfCosta MesaShelly
152.Lucia's Tacos y MulitasHuntington BeachChubbyPanda
156.Fresca'sFoothill RanchJohnny
178.Erazo'sAnaheimJames
185.Rasta TacoCapistrano BeachChristian
231.ContodoOrangeChristian

35 Comments:

  • Has anyone visited El Sabor DE MI Tierra (I think everyone just calls it Mi Tierra) at 23976 Aliso Creek Rd, Laguna Niguel? Would be interested in your review, especially if you like spicy!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At December 28, 2006 8:39 PM  

  • I haven't been there yet but i will add it to my list of places to go. I've been overwhelmed lately just thinking about the number of places I still have to review. Remember that we take guest reviews here!

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At December 28, 2006 8:51 PM  

  • Hello. Jalapenos Grille in Fullerton should be added to your list. It's similar to the Jalapeno's in Irvine but I think their menu is a little different. I just think there better and friendlier. Love their Chipotle Chicken Salad. There address is 516 N. State College Blvd, Fullerton CA 92831. I got it from their website, Jalapenosgrille.com.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At January 20, 2007 11:28 PM  

  • Christian,
    You've got to try the mexican breakfast selections at Molly's Country Kitchen in Laguna Niguel. I know what you're thinking, but no joke, really! They have a good amount of mexican or "south of the border" breakfast entrees that are great. Example: Chile Verde Huevos Rancheros, served with beans and potatoes and side of tortillas. Pretty sure the place is owned and run by latinos.

    By Anonymous BabbyDaddy, At March 23, 2007 10:27 PM  

  • Hey, it doesn't have to be a Mexican place for me to cover it, as long as it has Mexican food. I'll add it to my "Go To" list.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At March 24, 2007 4:19 PM  

  • Has anyone visted the Naugles in Rialto at 1169 N Riverside Ave
    Rialto, CA 92376? I would be interested in your review!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At April 19, 2007 7:22 PM  

  • We have an entry on Naugles here at this blog. I'm going to try to get to that Naugles sometime but it's like fifty miles away, so it won't be ijn the next day or two.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At April 19, 2007 9:51 PM  

  • You have to try El Cortez on Crown Valley in Laguna Niguel. Best secret in town!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At May 20, 2007 11:49 AM  

  • Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think I've covered any place in Laguna Niguel yet so that'll be a good first place to go to there.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At May 20, 2007 10:26 PM  

  • El Molino de Oro in San Juan would be a great one to add to your list -great taquerilla, with a Mexican bakery attached to it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At July 02, 2007 10:05 AM  

  • Going to try to make it to El Molino de Oro and Mi Tierra real soon. Don't know though what one will come first.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At July 05, 2007 12:15 PM  

  • I am looking for any places that serve "New Mexican" style food in the O.C.

    http://www.answers.com/topic/new-mexican-cuisine

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At July 19, 2007 5:12 AM  

  • Look at the review for Anita's here. It's #11 on the list. They serve New Mexican food.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At July 19, 2007 8:18 AM  

  • Hello. You should try La Cocina de Ricardo on El Toro in Lake Forest. I think it is some of the best Mexican food in South Orange County.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At January 05, 2008 10:36 PM  

  • Thank you for the recommendation.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At January 05, 2008 10:46 PM  

  • Would love to read your thoughts on Rodrigo's in Corona (OOC). Personally, I would say it's similar to Ricardo's Don Jose in Tustin, but better. Newer, larger, and the consistency in food seem better. I've moved away from CA, but frequent Mexican restaurants whenever I visit and this one is a fave! (Besides, CA really has some of the best Mex food I've come accross in my travels.) Keep up the great work! Thanks!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At May 09, 2008 4:59 PM  

  • Did you see my review on Rodrigo's other location in Huntington Beach?

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At May 09, 2008 6:04 PM  

  • Hi,
    Anybody knows about a dollar tacos restaurants on Tuesdays? Im trying to find the list of places where my friends and I can go for fun places and good deal bites.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At September 15, 2008 3:46 PM  

  • Yes, we have a special entry for that right here:

    Taco Tuesday

    Thanks for asking rather than assuming we didn't have this information then leaving as so many do.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At September 15, 2008 4:08 PM  

  • Christian, you need to try/add El Adboe in San juan Capistrano (a landmark restaurant) and Tia Juanas Long Bar and Grill in Irvine off of Sand Canyon and try TJ's Original Carne Asada, yummy!

    By Anonymous Laina, At September 19, 2008 4:06 PM  

  • Laina, thanks for the comment. I'm definitely trying to get to El Adobe. My cousin's been bugging me to go so hopefully our schedules align soon. BTW, I've been to Tia Juana's a number of times. They are #16 on the list here. Next time I go I'll try their carne asada.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At September 19, 2008 4:25 PM  

  • I notice my review of El patio #2 doesn't show up in the list of restaurants reviewed. The review is still there but it is not on the list.

    By Blogger Johnny Automatic, At October 14, 2008 6:32 AM  

  • You're right. It was missing. Just added it in.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At October 14, 2008 2:24 PM  

  • Hi, just found your site, it is really useful! You should check out Las Golondrinas in Laguna Niguel or their other locations http://www.lasgolondrinas.biz/
    You should also check out Papa's Tacos on PCH in Laguna Beach, they stuff their tacos with cabbage and onion, great stuff!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 22, 2008 5:51 AM  

  • Thanks. I know about Las Golondrinas and plan on making it there sometime. Don't think I've heard of Papa's Tacos though. Thanks for the recommendations.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At October 22, 2008 10:01 AM  

  • ChristianZ,
    Just found your site. Great idea, to review Mexican Food & Restaurants for the OC!! Obviously, there are many more to visit. Chould you creat a listing where we can post restaurants to visit? There are many missing from all over Santa Ana. How about lunch wagons/catering trucks and small taco stands or do you expect more of a sit down experience?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At December 05, 2008 3:36 PM  

  • Thanks for the comment. I cover Mexican food from absolutely anywhere within the borders of Orange County. It can come from a fine sit-down restaurant or it can come from a "roach coach" or from anywhere else. Keep exploring the site and you'll see that many types of places have been covered and will continue to be covered. As far as recommendations go you can make them by simply commenting in this thread or sending me an e-mail to reviews@ocmexfood.com. If you send me an e-mail and don't get a response within 48 hours then leave a comment here. But, yes, there are definitely many more places I'm trying to get to. I know a lot of people come here and judge the whole site by whatever review is at the top of the blog (which is why sometimes I put disclaimers into the entries), but I really do cover all kinds of places.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At December 05, 2008 3:54 PM  

  • Have you tried Tiajuana Gillies or Casa Franco? Both are in Mission Viejo. If you don't have time to try/review them I will gladly do a guest review for you. :)
    -Angela
    http://ninemoremonths.blogspot.com
    http://ocartsandculture.com

    By Blogger itsahumanzoo, At March 13, 2009 4:59 PM  

  • Personally, I am trying to get to every place I can but in some cases a guest reviewer will be able to get to a particular spot and review it before I can. Plus, any guest review that's submitted frees up time for me to focus on all the ancillary issues I have to tend to to keep the site running. So, yeah, go for it!

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At March 13, 2009 5:08 PM  

  • Casa De soto in Garden Grove. Great family owned place that's been around forever.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At April 17, 2009 6:05 PM  

  • Thanks for the recommendation. Will add to my Go To list.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At April 17, 2009 6:20 PM  

  • Jalapenos in Fullerton is my favorite lunch time place. My girlfriends and I are there every friday for their Fish Taco Special. We just love it. Would like to know what you think. Thanks.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At June 15, 2009 10:40 PM  

  • I will go sometime. Hopefully it's better than the one in Irvine.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At June 15, 2009 10:49 PM  

  • I guess you haven't been to Rose Canyon Cantina! The best kept secret in Orange County. It's hidden away in Trabuco Canyon. Great food, great people & beautiful patio to enjoy in the summer!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At August 21, 2009 11:18 AM  

  • Actually Rose Canyon Cantina is on the list and I have three reviews of it. Check out #86. I try to go every November. Thanks for the comment.

    By Blogger ChristianZ, At August 21, 2009 12:51 PM  

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