Didn’t think I’d find legit chilaquiles inside a market, but here we are. Red sauce had some real depth, not just heat. Staff was cool, gave me recs without being pushy. It’s part café, part shop, part hangout spot — kinda weird setup, but it works. Chill energy all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jami White
I had a pleasure of stumbling across this treasure today from organic real spices, beautiful, smelling food, authentic ingredients, as well as people, and very excited to have found this gem and to dig into this delicious bottle of wine
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marco Lopez
Amazing hostess. A very friendly and warm welcome from the moment we walked in. We came to Alta Baja Market to have a brunch with our besties so the ratings may be benefiting from the company we shared. This is a market so you will find beans, spices, and a fabulous selection of Mexican wines (yes Mexico has wine regions ). The food is what I call a craft. I think the cook wants you to taste the subtle flavors and freshness. Not quite farm-to-table, but very close. She did mention flying to Mexico to pick up 300 lbs of Chiles. The chilaquiles are served in a bowl with tortillas so that you can taste the corn, the beans need a bit more salt. That seemed to be a common piece of feedback among the group. The French toast ordered by wifey was very tasty, the bread seemed to be a light egg brioche type. The corn pancakes are well-covered with oats and bananas. Overall we had a very satisfying meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Toast, Nathalie's Chilaquiles
Barbara Tomita
A group of 7 of us met for lunch at Alta Baja. E had such a good time. The food was great, ambiance nice (you can eat, shop for amazing Rancho Gordo beans, peruse books). The owner visited with us. She was delightful and so helpful. She recommended some beans and when I asked how to cook them, she returned with a recipe. Can’t wait to try them. A really nice place to meet friends for food and fun.
Kimi K
We tried the breakfast burritos, French toast, quesadillas, pinche miraz , and lentil chili with corn bread. Everything was delicious. Cute shop with lots of eclectic items for sale including spices and organic chocolate. Definitely worth coming to if you’re visiting downtown Santa Ana.
Mike Hoechst
If you like eating garbage this will be your favorite restaurant.
Samuel Dominguez
Very kind service and delicious food. Pozole last Sunday of every month
Tristan Neptune
The first time I stepped into Alta Baja Market back in 2019, I was absolutely floored by the experience. This isn’t just a store or a café – it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and incredible flavors. From the moment you walk in, the cleanliness, warmth, and inviting atmosphere set the tone for something truly special.
As a self-proclaimed hot sauce aficionado, I was immediately impressed by their massive variety. Whether you're looking for something mild or daringly spicy, Alta Baja Market has you covered. Their curated selection shows they’re passionate about what they offer, and it’s clear they’re dedicated to quality.
On my most recent visit, I tried the Lady C's Eggchilada, and I’m still thinking about it! The flavors were beyond amazing—comforting yet exciting, with every bite leaving me wanting more. It's clear their menu is created with love and intention.
The staff? Absolutely top-notch. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely happy to share recommendations or just chat about the menu. It’s rare to find a place where every interaction feels like a conversation with an old friend.
Alta Baja Market is more than just a spot to grab a bite; it’s a community hub and a showcase of local creativity. If you’re in Santa Ana and you haven’t stopped by, you’re truly missing out. This place is a gem in every sense of the word, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Whether you’re a foodie, a lover of unique finds, or someone looking to support local businesses, Alta Baja Market is an absolute must-visit. It’s places like this that make Santa Ana shine!
D. Gonzales
Unique restaurant/store for great meals, bottled wine selection and more!
Rachael Callahan
This is an underrated gem in Santa Ana. Gorgeous market/cafe. The staff is so friendly and helpful.
Awesome community institution with gourmet southwest food and alcohol. Also has an affordable restaurant that uses fresh ingredients. And hosts awesome events. You should support this place!
Parking: Affordable and convenient city lot a half block east.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Quesadilla
James Edwards
Alta Baja Market is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of the store. The selection of products is thoughtfully curated, with an incredible variety of unique, high-quality items that celebrate the flavors and cultures of the Southwest and Mexico.
The food is always fresh and delicious.Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or looking to stock up on pantry staples you won’t find anywhere else, Alta Baja has something special to offer.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and always eager to share their recommendations. It’s clear that they’re passionate about what they do, and their love for the community shines through in every interaction.
Alta Baja Market is more than just a store; it’s an experience. I’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pozole
Linda Bentley (The Packed Bag)
CULTURAL MARKET WITH EVERY KIND OF DELICACY AND CRAFT
Located inside the 4th Street Market, Alta Baja Market is “a specialty grocery store, cafe and community space dedicated to celebrating the foods and crafts of California, Mexico and the American Southwest.”
Owner Delilah Snell (image bottom right at left) is a proud Santañera who promotes her home town and local artists and artisans, giving them a space to perform and sell their wares. I’m glad the Art Walking Tour led by Alicia Roja’s (image bottom right at right) started here otherwise I might have missed it.
This is the kind of place you could browse for hours, grab a meal and a Michelada (beer cocktail), then browse some more. You’re guaranteed to find something unusual/fun that you can’t believe you’ve lived without!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lillian M
This is a great place to purchase unique gifts! I’m coming back. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lilly M
This is a great place to purchase unique gifts! I’m coming back. 💯
Didn’t think I’d find legit chilaquiles inside a market, but here we are. Red sauce had some real depth, not just heat. Staff was cool, gave me recs without being pushy. It’s part café, part shop, part hangout spot — kinda weird setup, but it works. Chill energy all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a pleasure of stumbling across this treasure today from organic real spices, beautiful, smelling food, authentic ingredients, as well as people, and very excited to have found this gem and to dig into this delicious bottle of wine
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing hostess. A very friendly and warm welcome from the moment we walked in. We came to Alta Baja Market to have a brunch with our besties so the ratings may be benefiting from the company we shared. This is a market so you will find beans, spices, and a fabulous selection of Mexican wines (yes Mexico has wine regions ). The food is what I call a craft. I think the cook wants you to taste the subtle flavors and freshness. Not quite farm-to-table, but very close. She did mention flying to Mexico to pick up 300 lbs of Chiles. The chilaquiles are served in a bowl with tortillas so that you can taste the corn, the beans need a bit more salt. That seemed to be a common piece of feedback among the group. The French toast ordered by wifey was very tasty, the bread seemed to be a light egg brioche type. The corn pancakes are well-covered with oats and bananas. Overall we had a very satisfying meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Toast, Nathalie's Chilaquiles
A group of 7 of us met for lunch at Alta Baja. E had such a good time. The food was great, ambiance nice (you can eat, shop for amazing Rancho Gordo beans, peruse books). The owner visited with us. She was delightful and so helpful. She recommended some beans and when I asked how to cook them, she returned with a recipe. Can’t wait to try them. A really nice place to meet friends for food and fun.
We tried the breakfast burritos, French toast, quesadillas, pinche miraz , and lentil chili with corn bread. Everything was delicious. Cute shop with lots of eclectic items for sale including spices and organic chocolate. Definitely worth coming to if you’re visiting downtown Santa Ana.
If you like eating garbage this will be your favorite restaurant.
Very kind service and delicious food. Pozole last Sunday of every month
The first time I stepped into Alta Baja Market back in 2019, I was absolutely floored by the experience. This isn’t just a store or a café – it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and incredible flavors. From the moment you walk in, the cleanliness, warmth, and inviting atmosphere set the tone for something truly special.
As a self-proclaimed hot sauce aficionado, I was immediately impressed by their massive variety. Whether you're looking for something mild or daringly spicy, Alta Baja Market has you covered. Their curated selection shows they’re passionate about what they offer, and it’s clear they’re dedicated to quality.
On my most recent visit, I tried the Lady C's Eggchilada, and I’m still thinking about it! The flavors were beyond amazing—comforting yet exciting, with every bite leaving me wanting more. It's clear their menu is created with love and intention.
The staff? Absolutely top-notch. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely happy to share recommendations or just chat about the menu. It’s rare to find a place where every interaction feels like a conversation with an old friend.
Alta Baja Market is more than just a spot to grab a bite; it’s a community hub and a showcase of local creativity. If you’re in Santa Ana and you haven’t stopped by, you’re truly missing out. This place is a gem in every sense of the word, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Whether you’re a foodie, a lover of unique finds, or someone looking to support local businesses, Alta Baja Market is an absolute must-visit. It’s places like this that make Santa Ana shine!
Unique restaurant/store for great meals, bottled wine selection and more!
This is an underrated gem in Santa Ana. Gorgeous market/cafe. The staff is so friendly and helpful.
Restaurantji Recommends
Awesome community institution with gourmet southwest food and alcohol. Also has an affordable restaurant that uses fresh ingredients. And hosts awesome events. You should support this place!
Parking: Affordable and convenient city lot a half block east.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Quesadilla
Alta Baja Market is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of the store. The selection of products is thoughtfully curated, with an incredible variety of unique, high-quality items that celebrate the flavors and cultures of the Southwest and Mexico.
The food is always fresh and delicious.Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or looking to stock up on pantry staples you won’t find anywhere else, Alta Baja has something special to offer.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and always eager to share their recommendations. It’s clear that they’re passionate about what they do, and their love for the community shines through in every interaction.
Alta Baja Market is more than just a store; it’s an experience. I’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pozole
CULTURAL MARKET WITH EVERY KIND OF DELICACY AND CRAFT
Located inside the 4th Street Market, Alta Baja Market is “a specialty grocery store, cafe and community space dedicated to celebrating the foods and crafts of California, Mexico and the American Southwest.”
Owner Delilah Snell (image bottom right at left) is a proud Santañera who promotes her home town and local artists and artisans, giving them a space to perform and sell their wares. I’m glad the Art Walking Tour led by Alicia Roja’s (image bottom right at right) started here otherwise I might have missed it.
This is the kind of place you could browse for hours, grab a meal and a Michelada (beer cocktail), then browse some more. You’re guaranteed to find something unusual/fun that you can’t believe you’ve lived without!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a great place to purchase unique gifts! I’m coming back. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a great place to purchase unique gifts! I’m coming back. 💯
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