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Monday, March 20, 2006

Where have we been? (The Table of Contents)

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.

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
10.Old MexicoAnaheimChristian
12.Los SanchezGarden GroveChristian
13.Taco FactoryIrvineChristian
14.Las BarcasHuntington BeachJames/Christian
15.El FarolitoPlacentiaChristian
17.Taco BellFountain ValleyChristian
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
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
70.Avila's El RanchitoLake ForestChristian
71.Taco MesaOrangeChristian
72.Durango Mexican GrillBreaChristian
75.Mexi-CasaAnaheimGrindzHound
76.El Cholo CantinaIrvineChristian
79.La FogataCorona del MarChristian
80.El Torito GrillIrvineChristian
81.Tortilla Jo'sAnaheim (DD)Christian
83.Fiesta GrillHuntington BeachChristian
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
95.Olamendi'sCapistrano BeachJohnny/Christian
96.CancunHuntington BeachChristian
97.Sharkeez (aka Baja Sharkeez)Huntington BeachChristian
99.Azteca'sHuntington BeachChristian
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
114.El Farolito Jr.AnaheimChristian
115.Taco AdobeOrangeChristian
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
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
145.Los PrimosLake ForestJohnny
146.La ChiquitaSanta AnaChristian
147.ChipotleIrvine SpectrumChristian
148.La SiestaSan ClementeChristian
151.La FonditaPlacentiaChristian
153.Mollie's Country KitchenLaguna NiguelChristian
154.El Torito GrillBreaChristian
155.El ChinacoCosta MesaShelly
157.Sharky'sTustin/IrvineChristian
159.Taco FactoryIrvineChristian
162.Alerto'sWestminsterElmoMonster
163.Tacos EnsenadaLake ForestChristian
164.Green BurritoLa HabraChristian
165.Arsenio'sSanta AnaJohnny
166.Taco Joe'sGarden GroveChristian
168.Super PolloCosta MesaShelly
169.Rodrigo'sHuntington BeachChristian
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
187.Taco LocoLaguna BeachChristian
188.Bobby D'sOrangeJohnny
189.Carrusel PanaderiaAnaheimGriffin
191.AztecaGarden GroveChristian
192.Tacos PepeOrangeJohnny
193.Zack'sHuntington BeachChristian
194.Taqueria el ChilitoTustinGriffin
195.El TarascoFullertonChristian
196.Rollie'sTustinChristian
198.Dave'sSan ClementeJack
198.Azteca'sAnaheimChristian
201.Alebrije's GrillSanta AnaChristian
202.El Patio CafeCapistrano BeachJack
203.Celinda'sRancho Santa MargaritaJohnny
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
213.Charo ChickenTustinChristian
214.El SuahayoCypressChristian
215.Duke'sHuntington BeachChristian
216.Hacienda FloresOrangeJohnny
217.La Cocina de RicardoLake ForestChristian
218.SeƱor CamposLa HabraChristian
219.La Casa GarciaAnaheimJohnny
220.Pacific Whey CafeNewport BeachChristian
221.Fresca'sTustinChristian
222.Baja Fish TacosSanta AnaElmoMonster
223.Ruby'sTustinChristian
225.Taco FactoryTustinJudy the Foodie
226.La TerrazaSanta AnaChristian
227.Alexa CateringIrvineChristian
228.Rita's Baja BlendersAnaheim (DCA)Christian
229.Tacos el VaqueroVariousJohnny
232.Casa GaminoAnaheimChristian
233.El Chavito TacosHuntington BeachChristian
234.Alberto'sHuntington BeachChristian
236.El Adobe de CapistranoSan Juan CapistranoChristian
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
246.Trejo'sHuntington BeachRustan
247.Cafe RioLake ForestChristian
247.Cafe RioCosta MesaChristian
248.Taco DawgCountywideChristian
249.Cha Cha's TacosBreaChristian
250.Cancun JuiceOrangeChristian
251.George's Mexican FoodHuntington BeachChristian
252.El Portal de VeracruzOrangeChristian
253.Tacos JerezHuntington BeachChristian
254.El Mejor TacosIrvineChristian
255.Amorelia Mexican CafeCosta MesaChristian
256.Taqueria TapatiaSanta AnaChristian
257.Sancho's TacosHuntington BeachChristian
258.Tortas SinaloaSanta AnaChristian
259.Ochoa's ChorizoSanta AnaGriffin
261.Taco NazoLa HabraAaron/Christian
262.Pedro's TacosSan ClementeChristian
263.Taqueria ZamoraSanta AnaChristian
265.Taqueria la BambaFullertonChristian
266.Adolfo'sLaguna BeachChristian
268.Tacos el RanchoFountain ValleyChristian

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 ~250 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.


Non-Mexican Restaurants

RestaurantCityReviewer
9.California Fish GrillIrvineChristian
19.KnowlwoodOld Town IrvineChristian
116.The Veggie GrillIrvineChristian
144.Rainforest CafeAnaheim (DD)Christian
150.Market BroilerHuntington BeachChristian
170.Dave & Buster'sIrvineChristian
190.Cafe MaizMission ViejoChristian
212.Mosaic BarLaguna BeachChristian
224.Zov'sIrvineChristian
235.Storyteller's CafeAnaheim (DCA)Christian
237.Eat ChowCosta MesaChristian
260.Native Foods CafeTustinChristian
264.Sammy's BurgersHuntington BeachChristian

Restaurants we have reviewed that have since closed down:

Graveyard

RestaurantCityReviewer
11.Anita'sFullertonChristian
16.Tia Juana'sIrvineChristian
32.Javier'sLaguna BeachChristian
34.El Torito GrillMission ViejoChristian
42.Taleo Mexican GrillIrvine (Park Place)Christian/Joy
43.Agave Mexican GrillRancho Santa MargaritaChristian
48.Nancy PueblaSanta AnaChristian/Omar
58.El ConejoIrvineChristian
61.KantinaNewport BeachJonathon/Joy
69.Fresca's Mexican GrillLake ForestChristian
73.La SalsaFashion IslandChristian
74.Mario's Fiesta MayaHuntington BeachChristian
78.Pedro's TacosSan Juan CapistranoChristian
84.Chronic CantinaCosta MesaChristian
98.El Torito GrillAnaheimChristian
100.Taqueria TiscarenoOrangeChristian
113.El Torito GrillFashion IslandChristian
117.Tortilla FlatsMission ViejoChristian
135.ChevysAnaheimChristian
149.Taco SurfCosta MesaShelly
152.Lucia's Tacos y MulitasHuntington BeachChubbyPanda
156.Fresca'sFoothill RanchJohnny
158.Taco AdobeSanta AnaJohnny
167.ZorritoLaguna HillsChristian
178.Erazo'sAnaheimJames
185.Rasta TacoCapistrano BeachChristian
186.El Torito GrillRancho Santa MargaritaChristian
197.Nacho Taco/Mi TierraGarden GroveChristian
200.Frio DivinoSanta AnaChristian
204.PeƱa'sSanta AnaChristian
230.BlancaNewport BeachJudy the Foodie
231.ContodoOrangeChristian
264.Jose McCoy'sHuntington BeachChristian
267.Pablo's CantinaTustinChristian

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

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!

ChristianZ said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

ChristianZ said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

ChristianZ said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

ChristianZ said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

ChristianZ said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

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

ChristianZ said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

ChristianZ said...

Thank you for the recommendation.

Anonymous said...

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!

ChristianZ said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

ChristianZ said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!

ChristianZ said...

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.

Johnny Automatic said...

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.

ChristianZ said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

ChristianZ said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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?

ChristianZ said...

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.

Angela @ Nine More Months said...

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

ChristianZ said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

ChristianZ said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

ChristianZ said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

ChristianZ said...

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.

TikiLust said...

You need to visit Casa de Soto on Garden Grove Blvd in Garden Grove. Checked your site by restaurant, as well as city, but found no review. It's been there forever, despite its surroundings morphing from a mixed bag of shops to nearly 100% Vietnamese and Korean merchants. They offer very tasty basics like burritos, tacos, tostadas, and chile rellenos. Their salsa is decent and so are the prices. It's a family-friendly neighborhood joint serving up good food with just the right amount of grease.

ChristianZ said...

Some people accuse me of having not reviewed a particular restaurant when they haven't actually searched thoroughly to see if I have. But you have searched thoroughly and you are right, I haven't been to Casa de Soto yet. That's why my adventure still continues. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

I'm a chile relleno aficionado. I don't like eggs though. Too many Mexican restaurants make their chile relleno with a heavy egg batter. This restaurant is a very light batter with a clear chile broth as a sauce.
Please review Cantamar Mexican Restaurant on Bolsa Chica Huntington Beach.
Sallie the owner told me they buy Hatch chilies and roast them themselves. Cash only is the only problem.

ChristianZ said...

Thanks for the suggestion. I hope to make it there soon. I'm always looking for a good chile relleno. Think I might've driven past it before.

PapaKaster said...

Not sure if this is the right place to make suggestion but check out Cobo Loco on Tustin Ave right across from Toyota of Orange. I went and did a food blog about it myself. This place was awesome and worth a visit.

ChristianZ said...

I've driven past it and will be stopping there sometime. Remember, if you want to write a review for this blog we pay $10. Also saw on your blog that you reviewed Nalu's. Just had lunch there today.

Anonymous said...

I don't see "Amorelia Mexican Cafe" in your list. You should check them out! They are in Costa Mesa. I love that place!

ChristianZ said...

We actually do have a review of them here but I haven't updated the list yet. Good place.

Unknown said...

I am extremely surprised that the 301 Cafe in Placentia at the corner of Sante Fe and Melrose wasn't on your list. When my friends come up from Mexicali they want to go there, "She cooks like my Mother did".

ChristianZ said...

Yes, I still have a lot of places to go. I also take guest reviews. Thanks for the recommendation.

Papa's Taco House said...

Why isn't Papa's Taco House & Cantina in Yorba Linda on this list??? Great authentic Mexican cuisine.

ChristianZ said...

I went to Papa's Taco House last night and realized it's the place that had been Esther's before.

Al Lopez - MyTaquero.com - Taco Man Catering said...

Awesome work. You guys are the reason I've expanded my taco eating adventures in Orange County.

We appreciate you guys reviewing taco shops and taco man catering services.