We've got Trabuco Canyon's top Mexican restaurants covered for you.
“I adore all Mexican food. This place is the best I've had! Also, I have celiac disease and cannot eat gluten. Everything except burritos and pastries are gluten free!! Woohoo!!??Dietary restrictions: Tons of delicious gluten free options!“
Mexican • $
“The food is very yummy! We got the birria & shrimp tacos which have great flavor and broth in the meat.Would love to try the birria ramen & pretty much everything on their menu, it all looked so good. I also enjoyed that they seem to just specialize in the main staples you’d like to see at a Mexican restaurant and their menu wasn’t too expansive.Great atmosphere and service too!“
“I love this place, the food is delicious and exclusive, the chef does a great job. The atmosphere is perfect, you enjoy your stay in the restaurant. The welcome is always very friendly and the service is respectful, friendly and helpful. Super recommended, don't hesitate to enjoy a good dish and an incredible atmosphere, it's worth it.“
“OC Local is a big, clean, beautiful place to have fun and relax. Families, couples, singles, groups, and dogs are all welcome here. They have something for everyone!Troy and Patrick run the place, and they are wonderful people. Even when they're busy, they take the time to greet everyone personally.Good food and great drinks. The tacos and nachos are my go-to choices for food. They have so many beers on tap that is hard to pick a favorite.“
“This is our 3rd visit. We took a friend, she was very impressed! Definitely in our top 10 spots. The plates and presentations are unique. A real find for our area! Always memorable, staff is kind and well versed in presentations and ingredients.“
“Very pricey Mexican food, but worth every penny. A party of 4: after delicious chips, black bean dip, guacamole n salsa, one had a combo plate with custom selections, another had short rib enchiladas, and two of us had Chile Verde. Everyone loved the meal. Probably as good or better Chile Verde as I've ever eaten n we have spent a lot of time in Mexico for our entire adult lives. A quality experience all around.Kid-friendliness: Our 5th wheel was a 10 yr old who liked the rice and his carne asada taco very much. Wait staff catered to him n made him feel special.“
“Go to Franco's for happy hour. You'll get a decent margarita for $7 dollars and some tasty apps.m at decent prices. I am a sucker for a delicious large dinner plate. I always get the Tampiqueña. It takes me forever to finish my dinner but I enjoy every bite. The service is always prompt and friendly. It can get loud later on in the day which is why I enjoy going in before 5pm.“
“This turned out to be a great find. Everyone loved their food. It is clearly made with care and the recipes are delicious. Good portions at reasonable prices.They have a good size patio area as well as plenty of indoor space. We loved the fun repurposed seating like church pews and theater seats.Special shout out to a seriously spicy bloody Mary.My wife only at half her breakfast burrito as it was quite large. She loved the roasted green salsa.Myself and others enjoyed their take on shrimp and grits. Such a great combination of flavors.Not that many people there for Sunday brunch time which was surprising as so many people wait in line for brunch at other places not nearly as good.Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs, just curb at sidewalk“
“Sandwiches were fabulous, American Italian themed, I had the Pastrami, was delicious. The beer selection is excellent, and the wines were tasty too! We're planning to stop for breakfast, will update this list once we've tried it. ?“
“This is the best burger in Orange County! The people working here are genuinely kind and helpful.The location isn't great but they should not deter you from trying this gem out!I suggest the Hole in the Wall Burger and the Carne Asada Fries.“
“I was back at Angelo's Burgers for a breakfast sandwich. I got the steak, egg and cheese. Next time I will omit the lettuce and tomato but I like to try something new the way it is presented. It was a New York streak, not sliced meat. It was pretty good. The staff is helpful, patient and friendly. It's an order at the counter and have a seat kinda place. I got mine to go“
“I only come here for the flan. It is delicious!! Just like how my mom makes it at home. I live nearby, so I come as often as I can, and I always double check to make sure they have it. The man at the counter is SO sweet. Whether he remembers me or not, he makes me feel like family, which I don't feel a lot in this area. I would NEVER expect anyone to do this, but he even gave me a flan for free one time. He absolutely didn't have to do that, but it meant so much to me. I always come when I need a little flan to make me feel like I'm at home“
Mexican • $
“Found this great restaurant when I was picking up a pizza I order and decided to give it a try. I was so happy to have found an official Birria restaurant so close to my home. I normally would have to go to Santa Ana or L.A. just to get a good delicious birria dish. Now I am so happy I gave this restaurant a try birria is delicious and authentic and the customer service is good. The restaurant is small simple not much of a dine in place or have the ambience for staying to dine in but gave this place a 5 star still because the birria is just so delicious and authentic.“
“My favorite restaurant in all of RSM! Sitting lakeside with a tajin rimmed margarita and never ending chips & salsa/bean dip that my family can never get enough of, is my favorite way to spend a weekend afternoon/evening. All of the Margs are delicious and my favorite food recommendation is the Pollo Serrano, it's so good I order it almost every time I come. I couldn't recommend this restaurant enough!“
Mexican • $$
“We had no idea we were sitting on a gold mine. We had eaten near by a number of times and never thought to try it - another neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Friendly neighbors mentioned it, they got a big thank you. My chicken mole was so beautifully presented, unlike any I've had before and the taste was equal to its looks. My wife's order of enchiladas suizas de Pollo was incredible but she only gave me one, despite my begging. We were there for brunch but neglected to try the mimosas, a mistake we won't make again. Fellow diners near us did have them and we became very jealous. Our waiter was very attentive and flawless. As we left I wanted to tell the manager how good he was but gave up too soon. Bottom line - we're going back!“
“OMG I think I've just discovered one of the best place in Orange County to eat authentic Mexican breakfast food. I ordered the "Carne Asada, Chili Relleno and Eggs" , fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. The dish came out looking so yummy and tasted beyond my expectations. My bill was $32.84 (plus tip) which is a bit higher than I'm used to paying but given the awesome service and food, I'll gladly pay this price since the gas and time to go to Mexico (for authentic Mexican food) would be much higher :). I got here a bit early for Sunday morning around 9am but people gradually piled in to take all the seats. I can see why too. I don't usually give a 5 star rating and reserve this rating only for the best experience. I'll be coming back soon.“
“Fabulous food. We did door dash for the menudo and it was so good. That evening I went in for a quick margarita and chimichanga! SO GOOD! Mario was my server at the bar! He was quick, pleasant, and made a perfect strawberry margarita! Highly recommended ?Parking: I was able to parknright in front of the entrance and the time I arrived was at 8 pm“
“So nice this location is finally open. Simple, fresh, good....no....great food. Had chicken, al pastor and cactus tacos this time. All equally good. A corn on the cob and a side of fries. All made to order and therefore super fresh. Couldn't eat it there but even after slightly cooling off, super delicious. I recommend to eat on site whenever possible. Staff was very friendly and the whole team was hustling to get the food out quickly. Expect a little wait to place your order especially around dinner time but it's definitely worth the wait.“
“This is gem quickly has become my ‘Go To’ spot for margaritas and sports viewing. The drinks are fantastic and the service is exceptional! You can not beat the weekend buffet and made to order food items. They have a great happy hour and an amazing taco Tuesday! Please see for yourself! I promise you will not be disappointed!Parking: Parking is available in abundance“
“Everything is amazing A-Z from staff to food to service! Food is delicious and most importantly dessert can’t forget that. I am a huge fan of their taco with choice of meat and horchata, flan , churros. Best Mexican authentic restaurant in town WAY TO GO!!! if you wanna try you will say many thanks to “
“I can't believe I've lived only 5 minutes away from this place for 7+ years and this is the first time I've been! I've missed out though. It was very busy on a Friday night (a good sign) but we got seated faster than anticipated and the food is very delicious, proportions are big, and service was friendly. A step above El Torito, which closed anyway. The cocktails are fairly priced as well! My husband and I had a date night but will definitely come back with our kdis.“
“thought I'd have some tacos while I wait for the rain to pass. They were nice enough to let me Put my e-bike under the tent outside as I enjoyed their great food for a great price With wonderful service. Highly recommend bringing the family here.“
“I was driving by around lunchtime and this placed was packed with 100% guys wearing neon yellow and orange shirts on...you know the food is going to be the bomb. It was! This is the kind of spot I've been looking for with good prices too. My new spot. 5 stars“
“This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in this area. It's fast, consistent, and great portions. I have been coming to the Lake Forest location since 2006 and haven't had a single bad experience. I mostly order the Carne Enchiladas combo and a side of guacamole. My #2 choice is the chicken platter. Comes with tortillas and a big portion of chicken. You can make little tacos with it and mix the remainder together. If you get the fish options, it's better when it's blackened.“
“I don't know what was the best, the service, the taste of the food or the prices. This place has everything, starting with first-class service, the cashier helped us and recommended us the best dishes, the atmosphere of the place is excellent, music, decoration, etc. The food tastes 100% homemade. The taco de alambre and their horchata are a must, you won't regret it! The hygiene definitely sets them apart. There is good parking availability. It was our first time here, we will definitely return. Totally recommend this place!“
“Nice spot in Rancho Mission Viejo. We stopped in to Morena's for an early dinner. Carlos B. and Carlos R. helped us out and were both fantastic servers with excellent customer service and people skills. We started with drinks and guacamole, which were great. The Don Julio Blanco with club soda and three limes muddled were mixed to perfection. My wife ordered the chicken enchiladas verdes with rice and beans and loved the dish. The chicken was well cooked and the food tasty. I had the asada asada platter, which was good but more like a NY steak but still tasty with rice, beans, and a cheese enchilada. The chips, salsa, and tortillas were also fresh and tasty. The ambiance was positive, and the establishment appeared to be popular amongst the locals. We also found out that Morena's is also in Lake Forest, where Mimi's Cafe used to be. Highly recommended.“
“Went to the Ronaldo's off of Crown Valley Parkway. The food is so delicious! Whatever you get. You can't go wrong. Great salsa bar, and delicious pickled carrots and onions too. In the pictures here we got the special for tonight which was the three taquito plate with rice and beans. We also got a couple crispy potato tacos, and we got the Hot Cheeto burrito, but we changed the meat from carne asada to carnitas. Everything was so good! The employees are also very nice here! They also serve our favorite drink here..... Orange Bang!“
“Man, let me tell ya about Lupe's Mexican Eatery in Aliso Viejo. It's like they brought a slice of LA right into the heart of this place. I walked in and thought, "Am I in ALISO Viejo or Venice Beach, man?"Now, let's talk about the El Pastor burrito – it's like a flavor fiesta in my mouth. I took a bite, and I was transported to a Mexican beach party with mariachi music playing in the background. The seasoning on that meat, it's like they got a little magic in there, you know?And speaking of being near Chipotle, Taco Bell, and Wahoo Tacos, Lupes is like the cool kid on the block. It's got that LA style and fun that sets it apart. I mean, you can't compare Lupes to the fast-food giants. It's like comparing a classic rock concert to elevator music – no contest, man.So, if you're in Aliso Viejo and craving some real Mexican flavor, Lupes is the spot. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey, and you might just find yourself saying, “ Delicioso man!"“
“Cuca's is an excellent mexican restaurant in Foothill Ranch. My family has been eating here for years and never had a bad meal. The customer service is always great and the food is awesome. My go to is the taco & enchilata combo, but everything we've had there has been good! It's a small, uassuming little restaurant in a strip mall, which is well worth checking out.“
“I used to come here years ago when I lived in California and they haven't changed a bit. The food is great, especially the cheese with rice. Good food and good staff.Dietary restrictions: Not sure, sorry.Parking: Parking lot right next to the buildingKid-friendliness: Kid friendlyWheelchair accessibility: Accessible“
“This place has some delicious authentic Mexican food. San Diego Mexican native here, and I am glad, with my recent move to Orange County, to have found a place that feels like a good ol’ taco shop. We ordered the carne asada fries, the chicken enchiladas and some rolled tacos with guac and sour cream (for good measure) and we were def happy with them all! Not to mention the salsas were also fire.“
“I went here for lunch with my family. The staff was friendly and courteous, and the food was amazing. The place was spacious and cozy inside. There's some outdoor seating as well but we didn't try those seats. Those tortilla chips are awesome, and definitely order some to go after your meal.“
“I want to give a shout out to the older gentleman with the grey hair who was so kind today 3/13/24 at 5:30pm. Our order had issues and we ended up waiting a while and this gentleman was so kind and apologetic and I really appreciated his customer service. I believe he may be the manager or owner and I wish I by it his name but I wanted to give him a shout out!“
“Best shrimp tacos because these shrimp are HUGE. It's like heaven, basically. The steak enchiladas always hit the spot & have a great sauce to cheese to protein ratio! Casual restaurant located around the business plazas. Great service!“
“I visit this place at least once a week, the food is always great and comes out fast, the service is great and the employees are so accommodating and nice and the vibe of the place is great. IF YOU GO TRY THE MANGO SALSA IS SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!“
“Wow! Great asada tacos with lots of meat, grilled veggies, limes and just the right seasonings! Been by this taco truck 100s of times, because we live nearby, first time trying the fantastic food. It's a no frills place, but I took an offered plastic seat to wait while our order was freshly prepared. The gentleman who waited on me was very nice and service was quick to go. So, if you are in the mood for authentic Mexican food in Lake Forest get on over to the Mexifornia taco truck on Raymond Way across from the library. You have a real treat for your taste buds waiting for you! I will certainly be back.“
“If you want quality, authentic Mexican food, this is the place. My wife and I go probably twice a month and it’s over ten miles from our house. The best guacamole we’ve had out, everything from their fish, to soup, to tacos is fresh and clean tasting. You can’t go wrong at La Rana. The owner runs the place like a tight ship.“
“Delicious, authentic tacos (carne asada, Al pastor, barbacoa) with sauces of your choice bar. Service was fast and food came out hot. Ambiance is casual with tables and bench seats. Highly recommended! Tuesday tacos are only $2.95 instead of $4.96.“
“The best lunch tostada ever! Filled with a large helping of chicken which was cooked in a wonderful sauce. with refried beans in the bottom of the eatable tostada bowl. A huge helping of both sour cream and the most delicious guacamole. Beautifully presented with super service., great chips and salsa, Lovely ambiance. Came home "stuffed".“
“Food is so good. Had 2 mini (street) carne asada tacos, wife had 2 carnitas, there was enough extra meat to make a third taco using one of the double tortillas from our 2 tacos. Couldn't finish the 5 rolled tacos (taquitos), big portions. Horchata is muy bueno. Definately be back, wanted to try this place for a while. Worth it....“
“First-time client here,I went in for lunch and got two pieces with two sides.I opted for the frijoles charros and rice, I was asked for I wanted homemade salsa, pickled onions, and pickled carrots. The beans and rice were not warm enough to be served. However, they were edible. Everything had good flavor and will definitely come back to give it another try. The girl at the front had a good attitude. The atmosphere was a chill one.Parking: Good luck finding parking in the middle of the day as there are more restaurants in this little plaza it's full. There is a side parking lot, so plan ahead.“
“Undoubtedly the finest Mexican bakery in town, this establishment boasts a reputation for consistently delivering the freshest and most delectable bread. The aroma that greets you upon entering is a testament to the quality within these walls. Not only is the bread freshly baked, but it's also bursting with authentic flavors that transport you to the heart of Mexico with each bite. What's more, the prices are incredibly wallet-friendly, making it not just a culinary delight but also a budget-conscious choice for those seeking delicious baked goods. Whether you're craving a traditional bolillo or a sweet concha, this bakery is a haven for those who appreciate the art of baking done right.“
“Been many years since i've been back to this little place. Since a Tesla charger here, I'm back. This place deserves stars and credit for what it is. The prices are very reasonable for this day and age. It's not fair to compare it to Javier's or El Ranchito. It's Just good, takeout, old school Mexican food cooked fresh. Salsa is very good.“
“Best Mexican food in Lake Forest. The price and portions are awesome, too much food you might say. Taco Tuesday specials are a hit. Mexican Coca-Cola available along with Aguas frescas options. The owner is very friendly and polite. Definitely a hole-in-the-wall treasure in Lake Forest. Give them a “
“Amazing food! I love the Ensenada fish burrito and my girlfriend loves the chicken bowls. The service is always great! The beans and rice are phenomenal. The only issue is no matter how many times we ask for extra beans we are unable to get them. Amazing restaurant, great food and service, just please give us our beans.“
“People were amazing, excellent service and food was best out of all of that, I love this place and their habanero sauce, gives me chill vibes.Vegetarian options: they have more vegetarian options than most people in their menuParking: parking is free and lots of spots.Kid-friendliness: the people are very nice and will never give you an attitude.“
“Wahoos is one of many places my man and I love to eat. It's healthy, has great options! Thursday February 28th 2024 I will say had the best customer service! We were greeted with Kassandra P (says on the receipt hehe) Before us she was with a customer and did multitasking. When it was our turn She didn't hesitate to greet us at all! There was another woman that was working with her that also provide great customer service while we received our food and she checked up on us to make sure everything is ok. Kassandra also did that as well and kindly took our plate/trash. We both thank her and the other woman. The food was amazing! I think my man and I agree this location of wahoos might be the best we've been at. I say give it a try!“
“Whether you’re on the go or have some time you have to try this place. The coffee is always rich,smooth and hot not nasty or watered down like other places.Linda makes some bomb authentic boba drinks that are very good. The doughnuts are freshly made daily and the breakfast sandwiches or burritos are made and grilled or toasted to perfection. They make these Guatemala style tamales with the banana leaf that are so good that my mouth just waters when I think about it plus they’re always so nice with a smile and accommodating to your craving.You won’t be disappointed.“
“It's my favorite place to get carne asada fries! My husband doesn't eat red meat, so he loves getting their breakfast burritos and cheese quesadillas. Whenever I go with him I order my carne asada meet on the side so he can enjoy my fries too. Since we go here so often and order the same thing, they know our orders already. Food is amazing, and it always hits the spot. Also, don't forget to get a horchata w cinnamon sprinkled on top ? it's delicious.“
“Wow I'm surprised by the negative reviews and the only reason I'm dropping a star is because of the high prices... let's be honest you can get amazing mexican food for cheaper in OC but this restaurant has the beauty. 5/5 just for the scenic location alone. Unfortunately usually when I go, families will bring small loud children and that's definitely no fault to the restaurant but it does take away from the peaceful tranquility of sitting outside. I've had some wonderful margaritas here although they don't exactly compare to San Antonio margs they are some of the best I can think of for OC. All the food I've had here was pretty yummy. It's not exactly the authentic stuff but it still taste very fresh and with each plate looking like art. The chips and salsa is addicting. I definitely will keep coming back to this true gem.“