Forget the Flowers…Buy Her Tacos.
Southern California may be known for its sandy shores, but the food scene is in a league of its own. California cuisine is the result of pairing fresh local agriculture with deliciously multicultural roots—and a large part of these roots stem from Mexico and Latin America.
While we’re fans of all kinds of Mexican food (duh!), we want to taco ‘bout a dish that’s near and dear to our hearts. Whether you like them doused in salsa or piled so high the tortilla nearly splits, tacos are a quintessential part of Orange County’s culinary culture. So, without further ado, here are 10 must-try tacos in Orange County.
Tacos Los Cholos
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Arrachera Taco
Winner of LA Taco’s Taco Madness in 2023, Tacos Los Cholos has been wowing locals since opening in Anaheim in 2019. And lucky for OC locals, they can also now enjoy their mouthwatering creations at locations in Fullerton and Huntington Beach too!
Their success lies in their dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients. This is evident in the Black Angus prime ribeye and Arrachera (skirt steak), cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill. The Arrachera Taco is the must-try, showcasing the rich, smoky flavors that have made this spot a fan favorite. Beyond tacos, the menu offers burritos, quesadillas, mulitas, tortas and inventive specialties like the indulgent Papa Loka and the one-of-a-kind Cholo Pizza. Tacos Los Cholos delivers an authentic south-of-the-border experience, making it one of the best Mexican restaurants in Orange County.
Local Insight: Ask about their secret menu!
Locations: Anaheim, Fullerton, Huntington Beach and Santa Ana (coming soon)
The Taco Stand
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Nopal Taco
Hailing from the vibrant border city of Tijuana, founders Aram and Julian share a deep passion for capturing the authentic flavors of their homeland. They’ve drawn inspiration from the bustling taco stands that dot the city and their culinary journeys through the Baja Peninsula. This led them to launch The Taco Stand in San Diego in 2013, determined to share a true taste of Mexico with locals. Since its inception, The Taco Stand has won over San Diego’s (and now Orange County’s) hearts with its vibrant menu, including the beloved nopal taco. Featuring tender and slightly tart cactus topped with tomato, avocado and melted cheese, all drizzled with cilantro sauce, this vegetarian option is a standout. Want to fully vegan-ize it? No problem! Substitute the cheese with beans for a tasty and flavorful twist.
Location: Orange, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo
Playa Mesa
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Birria Taco
The only thing that could make Playa Mesa’s mouthwatering birria short rib better is topping it with melty Oaxaca cheese, savory consommé, and fresh onions and cilantro. And if you’re wondering where to get birria tacos, this award-winning Mexican restaurant in Orange County has you covered. They take this flavorful mix and encase it in freshly made corn tortillas from the comal. Playa Mesa is inspired by the flavors of mainland Mexico and coastal Baja, so get ready for a refreshed interpretation of authentic recipes that still respect tradition.
Local Insight: Stop by for Taco Tuesday to enjoy $4-6 street tacos!
Location: Costa Mesa
Puesto
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Filet Mignon Taco
Founded by first-generation Mexican Americans, Puesto has rocked the SoCal taco world with its inspired flavors and chef-forward dishes. One taco we simply can’t get out of our minds is the filet mignon taco. It starts with a signature, hand-pressed blue corn tortilla smothered in a layer of crispy melted cheese. The tender marinated filet mignon is then topped with avocado and spicy pistachio serrano salsa. Are you drooling yet?
Local Insight: Enjoy 50% off tacos on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to close.
Locations: Irvine and Anaheim
Descanso Restaurant
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Volcano Tacos
What do you get when you pile sweet agave-glazed shrimp, savory ranchero steak, tres quesos and smoky serrano chiles on a tortilla, then top it with queso fresco, habanero-pickled red onions, cilantro and signature salsas? You get the show-stopping Volcano Tacos from Descanso! And while any dish here is a total winner, there’s something about this taco that always hits the spot.
Local Insight: On Tuesdays, you can score gourmet street tacos and quesadillas starting at just $3.50 apiece. And if you happen to find yourself in LA soon, be sure to stop by Descanso’s new Mid-Wilshire location!
Location: Costa Mesa
Avila’s El Ranchito
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Crispy Taco
You simply can’t go wrong with a crispy taco from Avila’s El Ranchito. Each is made with your choice of shredded chicken or beef, freshly shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of cheese and chunky tomato salsa encased in a perfectly crispy tortilla—a total classic! Speaking of classics, Avila’s has been an OC staple since 1975, and with 12 locations in Orange County, you’re guaranteed to have one near you.
Local Insight: Avila’s El Ranchito is the place in Orange County if you’re craving authentic Mexican tacos, and Taco Tuesdays are when you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Locations: Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Orange, Santa Ana, San Clemente and Seal Beach
El Matador
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Two Tacos al Carbon
El Matador has been a Costa Mesa icon since 1966, making it the perfect pitstop for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors with a side of nostalgia. Located along the always-buzzing Newport Boulevard, this beloved Orange County Mexican restaurant effortlessly blends tradition with bold, satisfying flavors. The menu offers a little something for everyone, from hearty chile rellenos and savory huevos rancheros to house margaritas and Taco Tuesday specials. Order the Two Tacos al Carbon, featuring soft corn tortillas dipped in oil and filled with steak, grilled chicken, carnitas, fish or shrimp. With tacos starting at $3.50 and house margaritas for $6 on Tuesdays, it’s the perfect place to ball on a budget.
Local Insight: El Matador’s “Tequila Wall of Fame” boasts over 450 varieties!
Location: Costa Mesa
Urbana
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Lobster Taco
Located inside the Anaheim Packing District, Urbana is known for its Día de los Muertos decor and for serving up some of the best Michoacán-inspired food this side of the border. One star on the menu is none other than the delicious lobster taco. It’s loaded with tender lobster, corn esquite, fresh avocado, queso fresco and a chipotle aioli sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. This is easily one of the best tacos in Orange County—and most decadent.
Local Insight: Looking for more places to dine in Anaheim? Check out this list of our favorite restaurants!
Location: Anaheim
Sol Mexican Cocina
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Spicy ‘Popcorn’ Cauliflower Taco
Looking for a crunchy, fried delight that’s veg-friendly? Sol’s spicy “popcorn” cauliflower taco is just what the doctor ordered. Sol Mexican Cocina is always pushing the envelope when it comes to creative Baja-inspired cuisine, and this taco is definitely a crowd favorite. It’s packed with spicy beer-battered cauliflower, shredded cabbage, coconut-avocado salsa, fresh pico de gallo, onions and cilantro. In other words, it’s everything you need for an indulgent, not-too-sinful treat.
Local Insight: On Taco & Tequila Tuesdays (3 p.m. to close), you can enjoy delicious deals and live music (starting at 6 p.m.)!
Locations: Irvine, Newport Beach
El Toro Bravo
🌮 Must-Try Taco: Carnitas Taco
When you bite into one of El Toro Bravo’s carnitas tacos, you might wonder what makes it so delicious. Here’s a hint: it has to do with how the restaurant sources and prepares its quality meats. El Toro Bravo only gets its meat from known suppliers. Plus, their cooking process consists of a 24-hour marinade before they grill it up to juicy, succulent perfection. So the next time you’re enjoying the carnitas, remember that it was made with passion, patience and tenderness!
Local Insight: El Toro Bravo is also available to cater any day of the week!
Locations: Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills and Tustin
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
