All Night Happy Hours and Taco Tuesday Are Just Two Reasons This Santa Ana Foodie Haven Is Our New Go-To  

You’ll Want to Read on For More Things That Might Make You Want to Change Your Dinner Plans This Week

Written By: Raphael Madrid
Photography Provided By: Christian Sosa and El Mercado Modern Cuisine

In our society that has a slight tendency to “over-share,” I promise you there is nothing I love more than having a secret go-to spot that is less traveled by our fellow foodies. It’s even more special when it’s a place you can see yourself visiting at any hour of the evening, all the while retaining that same indelible impression. So, it is with bittersweet pleasure that we reveal exactly what we love about the intimate hideaway that is El Mercado Modern Cuisine—a restaurant rooted in Latin flavors, finding success in incorporating flavors from all over the globe.

El Mercado Modern Cuisine

Happy Hours—and Yes, There’s More Than One

When: Tuesday-Friday from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday All Night, Friday-Saturday Late Night from 10 p.m. to close.

On pretty much any evening you decide to come in, Cesar Cerrudo, the Head Mixologist/Magician at El Mercado will amaze you with his concoctions. They have a full bar, an extensive agave list and crafted beer and liquor made in-house. But their ever-changing cocktail menu will definitely keep you coming back for more—but to add some holly jolly joy to your December, visit for their holiday menu that is sure to get you in the spirit. With every happy hour, expect select craft draft beer for $5, $6 well cocktails and house wines, plus $2 off all bar bites.

 

There’s No Tuesday Like Taco Tuesday

Dubbed the “Ruta del Taco” (The Taco Route), El Mercado’s Taco Tuesday is an adventure of diverse flavors, with options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Every Tuesday, they will have an assortment of options for you to choose from, ranging from a slow-braised pork, chicken, plantain, cauliflower and more. These aren’t your average street tacos—these are artisanal beauties; the type of tacos you sit down, take your time on and appreciate. At three for $10, both your palate and wallet will be happy.  

 

The Perfect Atmosphere for Intimate Events

There’s charm in El Mercado’s understated atmosphere. Tucked away in a corner of downtown Santa Ana’s bar scene, you may walk past the restaurant and not even know it. Introduced by its wooden patio, you walk through its doors to find a dimly lit, intimate establishment, both spacious and cozy. You’ll notice El Mercado’s global influence is directly translated within its modern interior—so while it may seem like an elevated eatery at first glance, this is as down to earth as it comes. This makes the spot perfect for upcoming holiday parties, as the full restaurant is open to reserve—ugly sweaters and carolers encouraged.

“The space does have some imperfections, but that’s intentional…we wanted to leave them there.”  says General Manager, Jose Cerrudo. And it’s exactly these imperfections, though intentional, that are showcased without concern, making El Mercado’s ambiance more alluring for any reason you’re visiting. Their true beauty lies within its simplicity; both warm and inviting, exuding no pretentiousness whatsoever. El Mercado really just wants you to come in and relax. The dining room is now available for holiday parties for up to 55 people, the lounge area can fit up to 25 people, and the patio maxes out at 25.     

Bring Your Crew to Sunday Brunch

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

In case you were getting bored of your usual “boozy brunch” place, El Mercado is there to cure those blues and get you on the right track. Their simple yet elegant brunch menu is essentially the morning appropriate form of their evening menu, with a few added brunch time classics like huevos rancheros, Torrejas French toast and, of course, pancakes. Along with their full bar and cocktail menu, they offer the usual suspects of a blurry afternoon: bottomless mimosas and hermosas (Champagne and hibiscus) for $16 and large party punch bowls that can serve eight people for $65!

 

A Diverse Menu, Fit For All

The culinary experience you get from El Mercado is truly unique in its own right. While deeply seeded in their Latin ancestry, their global disposition has allowed them to create an elevated taste to otherwise rustic dishes. The lardaceous content is thrown out the window and replaced with health-conscious alternatives, resulting in a refreshing cuisine. The level of care taken in each plate is immediately apparent. This cultivated presentation is appropriate for each dish, and with each bite, you are able to taste the complexity and the details.  

From seafood dishes like the Aguachile to veggie dishes like the Cauliflower Adobo and more hearty dishes like the Pollo Estofado, El Mercado does a fantastic job staying true to its adventurous spirit, bringing worldly influences into natural cohesion. “We have something for everyone, dishes that anyone will enjoy and will enjoy sharing…we practice what we call ‘Comida de Centro’ or Center of the Table, meaning we want everything to be shareable,” says Cerrudo. This philosophy of wanting to bring people together through food, paired with the desire to present a gastronomic experience exclusive to El Mercado is what makes them worthy of being brought out of the shadows.    

El Mercado Modern Cuisine
301 N Spurgeon St
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.338.2446
@mercadomodern

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