best mexican in the OC?

Question

hi!  I'm new to this board and new to the OC, so I don't know if this has been discussed yet, but I would like to know where is the best mexican in orange county?  I grew up in texas, so I LOVE mexican food. I just don't know where to find it here.  thanks in advance for all of your help!  =)

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I don't know if I've found any Mexican food that really is absolutely spectacular, but here are my top choices for pretty good to really good Mexican food. The SuperMex chain offers solid Mexican food that rarely disappoints. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad either. Their Super Burritos that they serve enchilada-style are really good. There are multiple locations; the two I visit most often are the Fountain Valley and Irvine locations. Taleo Mexican Grill is a pretty good upscale restaurant. Prices are higher than your regular Mesxican restaurants, where entrees will range in the $12-20 range, but it is really good stuff. This is located in Irvine off the Jamboree exit. Taco Surf is another local chain, 6 or 7 locations mostly located near the coastal cities in OC that specializes more in adding fish and shrimp to the regular dishes like burritos and tacos. I've only been to the Costa Mesa location. As Dommy mentioned Taco Rosa, Taco Mesa is a smaller, more simplified version that is not a sit-down restarant, but you order at the counter. Same owners as Taco Rosa, which is the newer restaurant. There is also the Alberto's chain, which is good, but has some hit-and-miss dishes. There are many spinoffs from this chain, where names are slightly modified to Alerto's, Alejandro's, Alfredo's, etc. The food tastes pretty much the same at all these places. Food is cheap and pretty good, but there sometimes is an overabundance of lettuce in some dishes. There are some mixed results at some places like Avila's El Ranchito. I have enjoyed the food at the Costa Mesa location, but others have reported disappointing results are some of their other OC locations. There are other good Mexican restaurants like Don Ramon's in Huntington Beach, and Senor Ruben's in Fountain Valley. I'm sure many others will add their favorites to the list. Hope this gets you off to a good start for your taste buds. :-)

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Here a few of my favorites: Los Cabos on Tustin in the city of Orange is probably my tops. Lots of long time customers and awesome staff . El Faralito in Placentia is really good with amazing fresh chips and spicy red salsa. There's a place called La Casita on Lincoln in Anaheim/Orange that is pretty awesome and really quaint; haven't been there in a while, though. For fast food mexican there's a place called El Taco, one in Tustin one in Anaheim, that is pretty amazing. Their taco sauce in the packets is sort of unbelievable. It's got a little coco powder in it. The quesadillas are unique, decadent, and delicious. The taquitos are strangely unparalleled. It's quite a bit better than Alberto's, in my opinion. There are many others, so just try some out.

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I think El Farolito in Placentia is by far the best Mexican restaurant in Orange County. Others, like Taco Mesa, are just Americanized Mexican. If you're looking for a counter service, Jalapeno's is pretty good, and IMO, a lot better than Taco Mesa. I am probably the lone dissenter here, but I seriously do not understand the infatuation with Taco Mesa. Mediocre at best, and they only take cash (no debit cards). Taleo in Irvine is good for upscale Mexican (though some dishes, like the quesadilla appetizer, are a miss). I do like Javier's, though I prefer the Laguna location over the Irvine one. There's also a good Mexican restaurant in San Juan called Ricardo's. Similar to El Farolito with delicious carne asada. I also still like El Matador in Costa Mesa, even though it has been threw a few ownership changes-it's a hole in the wall and has been around forever, but I love it for a big old plate of greasy Mexican food.

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How can you go through best Mexican in OC and not one mention of any place in Santa Ana. I will give you two and an area. El Rincon Chilango W 17th Street ( right opposite Ship Inn ) El Taco Rincon South Main street .(Great $1.50 tacos ) ( Also just take a drive along South Main Street and stop at any place and try them ) p.s. Taco Mesa is very good but best Mexican on 19th street Costa Mesa are El Granjenal, Toro Bravo and El Chinaco. ( Jugos Acapulco can be pretty good as well ) p.p.s Also i like Super Antojitos ( i have a taste for the mole :-) )

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Please, please, please Orange County is not a TV show. It is a real county and should be referred to as Orange County. Forget the TV "The"

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Here are a few of my favorites: Baja style fish tacos: Los Cotijas Taco Shop (714) 832-7681 642 E 1st St Tustin, CA Baja style fish tacos and ceviche: Pepe's taco truck Corner of Main and Pine One block south of 1st Santa Ana All sorts of tacos, burritos and sides: Taqueria Y Tortilleria El Campion 31921 Camino Capistrano #15, San Juan Capistrano 949-489-9767 (also a very small version on Harbor and Wilson in Costa Mesa) El Gallo Giro http://www.gallogiro.com/index.php (love the website) Location closest to you is Bristol in Santa Ana De Anda Taqueria (many locations) From OC Weekly: Taqueria de Anda makes fine tacos, but its real specialty lies in its burritos. Especially alluring is Anda's beef tongue version, which the always-working cooks prepare so exquisitely you'll want to confess to your priest that you thought for a fleeting moment you were Frenching a cow and liking it. 308 W. Valencia Dr., Fullerton, (714) 871-4211. Also at 1029 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, (714) 558-0856; 1505 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, (714) 956-9359; 221 S. Magnolia Ave., Anaheim, (714) 821-4055, and pretty much any city with a Mexican section; Sit down: El Mariachi 650 N. Tustin St. Orange, CA 92867 El Farolito 201 S Bradford Ave Placentia, CA 92870-5616 (714) 993-7880

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I absolutely love Javier's (the original in Laguna Beach).. They have lobster enchiladas.. OMG, absolutely the best.

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Stuartmm is sooo right. The best Mexican on 19th street Costa Mesa are El Granjenal, El Toro Bravo and El Chinaco. I have had a decent torta at El Rincon Chilango in Santa Ana. My favorite in Santa Ana is Zapatas Grill on Bristol and Alton where the Target shopping center is. The best tortas I have had since I lived in Mexico. Serranos on Warner off of Bristol makes some good tacos too.

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hi! I'm brand new too and this is my first post! Personally, I'm not a fan of Javier's, but their LB location has beautiful views and great Margaritas! Avila's El Ranchito has not been one of my favorites, but I hear the one in Newport/Costa Mesa is different from the rest. The ones I have been to I haven't cared for. I went to Taco Rosa once and their salsa was tasty and the meal I had was great. Definitely not a greasy spoon and a little upscale. Maybe it was more Southern Mexico style, I'm not sure about regions of cooking for Mexican food! I really love Las Barcas in Huntington Beach. Definitely a "greasy spoon" but so tasty! I also like the burritos at Las Golondrinas in Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano, but I don't think they're really considered Mexican food, per say. Another good burrito is the Albertacos (or whatever name each one is called!) chain. I like places that serve Jamaica (red hibiscus tea/punch) and many places don't serve it! Also, if you like what I like to call "Cali-Mex" or maybe what people call Baja style, I adore Wahoo's fish tacos. They serve what they say are "killer grinds" which is great food in surfer-speak. Thanks everyone for your replies--you have given me some new places to try!

Answer

A couple of others: The Chili Pepper in Santa Ana/Orange. Main Street south of Chapman. They have an awesome weekend brunch if you like the Mexican breakfast. Pepe's in Fullerton on Placentia at Nutwood. This one is more greasy taco stand style. Really good.

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nancy's peubla and taco adobe

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Taco Adobe and Nancy's Puebla in Santa Ana

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Las Barcas, Beach Blvd in Huntington Beach has been my addiction for 20 years now...fantastic soft chicken tacos, carne asada and carnitas too. Fresh made to order, very generous with the meat, very healthy too. It's an HB institution, founded by Argentineans who seem to have a knack for gourmet quality twists on "Mexican" and "Italian" food from my experience.

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Although I see many mexican people go to Taco bell, I have always believed that the best Mexican food comes from places that has the word Tagueria on the sign. Los Sanchez in Garden Grove is a great place for my weekend menudo fix.

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I'd recommend El Faralito in Placentia for a deliciously authentic mexican meal. I've never been disappointed by the food at this place and I've been going here for the past 15 years. It's a family run restaurant that's located in old town Placentia. I'd recommend the Burrito Especial, Steak Picado, and a regular ala carte burrito with carnitas, beans, and pico de gallo...YUM!!! the margaritas are also quite tasty =)

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Time to plug El Molino de Oro, in San Juan Capistrano. It's a order-at-the-counter place that is really something to talk about: El Molino de Oro 31886 Plaza Drive SJC 949-489-9230 There is also another great mexican place diagonally across the intersection of Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo from it. The name always escapes me but it is just as good if not maybe a little more 'authentic'. The clientele seems to be more non-english-speaking, if that's a positive indicator.

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My personal favorites are: Mario's at five points plaza in Huntington Beach - Awesome shrimp and scallop enchilada, also known for their margarita's! Chronic Taco's in Huntington beach on the corner of Orange & 11th st I highly recommend the grilled shrimp taco's - Baja style Huge portions and they make your food however you want it!

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In north OC, El Farolito in Placentia (already mentinoned in several replies) is excellent. Also, El Camino Real on Euclid Ave. in Fullerton is worth a trip. Anita's New Mexican on Harbor in Fullerton represents the kind of food one sees in New Mexico and southern Colorado--if you know the answer to "Red or Green?" you know what I mean. Also Taqueria de Anda has great burritos (several locations). El Fortin on Commonwealth in Fullerton has great Oaxacan food.

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for the best mexican I enjoy going to Santa Ana or Costa Mesa. Keep in mind that many of these places are hole in the wall (and you usually feel like you are in mexico, as some do not have people working there who speak english) for Santa Ana I enjoy El Picante on Standard just south of Edinger. It is a small place right next to a lavanderea (sp?). They have the best carne asada sope (like a tostada but with a thick crisp base) They make then fresh so they are not heavy. Their salsa is also amazing (you get 3 different, homemade ones at your table) If you like horchata you must have some here, they make it fresh daily and it is hands down the best I have ever had. for Costa Mesa I recommend cruising down 19th street. You will have to go down a little ways. Jugos Acapulcos has great temales, as well as a wide assortment of fresh juices. if you keep going down there is a strip mall with an Alijandro's (I think that's what it's called) on the corner. If you go in that shopping center you will find a very good and authentic panderea as well as a restaurant in the corner or the center - check it out, very good food.

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Taco Rosa in Tustin Marketplace serves nice tamales (especially the mini sweet corn tamalitos), and the restaurant itself is very nice. The other dishes overall are decent, but the black beans are bland. I have not yet found a truly authentic Mexican place since moving to OC but I haven't tried that many places to be fair. But I have found El Gallo Giro in Santa Ana has great pan Mexicano, and I understand they also do good tortas and liquados. I am going to try some of these places especially the ones recommended by ajoy. They sound more on the mark. Does anyone know where to get good sopes? My mom has been looking for these.

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I'm a Mex food lover and have eaten at many of the recos on this thread. To me, the notable standouts are Taco Rosa (terrific Sunday brunch buffet, though I don't care for their margaritas), Taco Mesa (at least the Mission Viejo and Orange branches. Their blackened chicken burrito is wonderful, and try their off-the-menu Chillaquillas-with-chicken-and-eggs off the menu), Javier's (great though price margaritas, and their seafood entrees - notably the Cabo Azul combination - are the best in OC) and Taleo's. Two restaurants that don't get much mention here are Gabbi's off the circle in Orange, which to me is the best-kept Mex secret in the OC. Good margarita's, terrific chile rellenos and tacos de hongos - upscale Mex similar to Javier's. And for those of you living near Foothill Ranch, check out Miguel's. They have a nice bar and fine margaritas at good prices. They have three or four wonderful dishes in the restaurant, anything with their carnitas (which are the best I've tasted, bar none), chile rellenos, carne asada and their "tacos for two", which is really tacos for four, and comes with carne, carnitas and chicken. Straight ahead, basic mexican, but all very tasty.

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There are two places that I consider for truly authentic Mexican food in the OC. Taqueria De Anda & Taqueria Garcia. Taqueria De Anda is well know in these parts for serving up a truly authentic Mexican Taco. Simply, grill heated corn tortillas, meat of choice...carne asada, alpastor, pollo, and carnitas. Including other Mexican favorites that you just won't seen on the menu at 'Americanized' Mexican food restaurants like lengua, sessos, cabeza, and buche. Added to those two are, your choice, clinatro or onion, or both. It doesn't get any simpler or more authentic than that. If preferred you can have either a green or red salsa added on. Click on link for locations. (Picture below is a plate of tacos from Taqueria De Anda) http://www.taqueriadeanda.com/ Taqueria Garcia, long version: The food here is brilliant; authentic Mexican food. Tasty food that is very affordable. Don't expect to find 'sour cream' or shredded 'chedder' or 'jack' cheeses in or on their foods/dishes. It's authentic Mexican crema & queso fresco here. Even the juices are freshly made. And don't get me started on their red & green salsas served with your chips. Oh yes, they're 'pan' roasted chiles used for them. You'll see them 'cooking' them up throughout the day. You don't come here for the ambiance, though they do have a jukebox with all Mexican music. Tiny place in a tiny strip mall. The staff is friendly and appreciate your business. Taqueria Garcia 500 S Euclid St Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 772-6862

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Forgot to mention Los Sanchez restaurant. Totally authentic 'Sonora Style' Mexican food. A huge menu (that also includes Mexican caldos (soups) and seafood) with huge portions!. Just check this out... Barbacoa (beef) Carne Asada (char-broiled beef) Carnitas (pork) Chile Verde (pork) Chile Colorado (beef) Enchiladas (2, beef, pork, chicken or cheese) Tacos (any meat) Taquitos (3, chicken or beef) Tamales (2) La Tostada Grande Flautas Steak Picado Chicken Picado Al Pastor (pork) Lengua (beef tongue) Chilaquiles (tortilla chips w/ cheese) Milanessa (breaded meat) Chicken Mole Burrito Dinner (any kind of meat) Chimichangas (choice of any meat) Higado Encebollado (liver & onions) Pollo Frito o Empanizado (fried or breaded chicken) Chuletas de Puerco (pork chops) Pork Picado Chicharrones Quesadilla (meat or cheese) Tripas (tripe) http://www.lossanchez.com/menu6.htm

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I'm not too big on Mexican food but my friend who is swears by Taqueria de Anda. ----- Taqueria De Anda 1029 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

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Not sure why some on this post are lauding Taco Rosa. It's not very good. Best thing about the place is the Taco Tuesday (tacos for $1 - only the carnitas taco is good). Want REAL mexican? Check out El Campeon Carniceria in Costa Mesa. Order your food inside then go sit outside on the cheesy metal tables and enjoy. CHEAP and authentic.

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El Farolita is very good. Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa is pretty good. Los Sanchez is very good. Las Barcas in Huntington Beach is also good. Coming from a real picky Mexican, here. Stay away from Don Joses, Don Ramons, Marios chains and Javier's. I will have to try Taco Rosa from what I see. .

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Best Mexican Food in O.C. is Gabbi's on Glassel in Orange, just South of the circle in old down town. They are Mexican/Yucatan, Fresh food and a Great Ambience!

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Indeed a challenging inquiry. OC is blessed with an array of establishments featuring solid Mexican food. Most are holes-in-the-wall and, IMHO, there are virtually no real heavyweights, e.g. Rivera, Babita, Frida. As such, I am forced to acquiesce to categorical suggestions: Best Hole-in-the-Wall: Taquitos Sahuayo 2056 South Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 668-1796 Awesome hole-in-the-wall in South Santa Ana. Carnitas, Cueritos (pig face), Trompas (pig lips), tripas, buches, cabeza, moronga (blood sausage), chicharrones, manteca (lard), etc. The fresh, fried pork stuff comes out the giant lard pot at about noon everyday. These folks take real pride in what they do and it shows in every bite. The carnitas by the pound is extraordinarily good. Get it whole or cut in larger-sized chunks, not all chopped-up. Be sure to ask for the handmade tortillas ($ xtra). Get a bag of each of their salsas, gratis. Da bomb! Best Fine Dining Experience: Javier’s Cantina & Grill 7832 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. (in Crystal Cove near Bluefin) Newport Beach, CA (949) 494-1239 45 Fortune Drive Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 872-2101 Great, higher-end, yet traditional Mexican. Superb vibe and service. The Crystal Cove location is, perhaps, one of the world’s most beautiful Mexican restaurants. Killer ocean view and a truly magnificent bar. Love their Surf & Turf (steak & lobster). Ask for the re-fried black beans. Highly Respected: El Indio Tortilleria 1502 West 5th Street Santa Ana, CA 92703-2902 (714) 542-3114 Charming hole-in-the-wall where everything is delicious from their fresh, house-made tortillas and chips to their chicharrones. Fantastic chicken mole. Awesome burritos, especially their tripas, buches and chorizo. El Rincon Chilango 1133 W. 17th Street Santa Ana, CA Tel: (714) 836-5096 Tasty tlacoyos, quesadillas and tacos canastas. Delicious chilaquiles con huevos. Amazing barbacoa de chivo (baby goat) on weekends only. Fabulous foodstuffs prepared in authentic D. F. (District Federal, Mexico City) tradition. Service is generally slow since everything is made to order. La Chiquita 906 E. Washington Ave. Santa Ana, CA (714) 543-8787 Wonderful cheese enchiladas. Ground beef ones are good too! Love their chile rellenos. Start off with a cheese crisp and their secret salsa in a squeeze bottle. Beer and very good wine margaritas. Sammy, Martha and the crew provide excellent, attentive service to ensure your complete satisfaction. Never a disappointment in 25 years. Best Overall: Mariscos Puerto Esperanza 1724 N. Tustin Ave. Tustin, CA (714) 998-3599 Chef Santiago and his wife Concha Vallejo have graced OC with some of the finest Sinaloan/Nyarit style cuisine to be found stateside. Santiago’s 30 + years of restaurant experience is apparent in every dish he offers. A must have is the Pescado Robalo Zarandeados, a savory whole white fish from the waters off Mazatlan. Grilled to perfection and topped with an exquisite roasted chile and tomato sauce. Served with grilled marinated veggies, two styles of rice and frijoles borrachos, it’s guaranteed to rock your culinary world. The langostinos and the lobster are certified alternatives. Love their basic but exquisite cheese enchiladas (off menu). Robust margaritas made with a special tequila (agave) wine from Mexico and a unique horchata slush are requisite accompaniments. Bon Appetit!

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Having lived in New Mexico six years and visited on many other occasions, Mexican chow in So Cal is nothing if not a big disappointment. Having said that, some urges are primal and need to be satisfied so strangely enough two extremes of the refined and basic vie for attention. Namely, Taleo on the refined end, especially for seafood and some comforting if not knock your socks off enchiladas. On the basic side, just a smidgeon outside OC on PCH in LB, Enrique's beckons. Nice camarones con ajo (off menu) and chicken soup with avocado, ole. IMHO Taco Mesa only for the experience (suits, students & bikers, oh my) and Taco Rosa & Javier's for NE visitors. And Avila's is to laugh. Still need to try Gabbi's in the quest for salvation.

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Previous poster recommended La Chiquita on Washington in Santa Ana. This place has been around for close to 50 years and with the new owner (about 30 years) has lnot changed. A ulnique item to try is the sopito. We love the bean and stringed beef and have been ordering it since 1970. It is amazing and we can't just seem to get past this item!

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I'm getting catering from El Toro. Do I go to El Toro Bravo or El Toro Bravo Tortilleria? Is There a difference? Thanks!!

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For above average bean/rice combo type cuisine, try Casa Brito in westminster. I had the enchiladas suisas plate last time and it did not disappoint. Really good camarones plates and mojarra frita, too. Cute waitresses. It's on Westminster blvd. between edwards and goldenwest. Don't confuse this place with Casa Gamino, which is right down the street. While the food there is okay, Casa Brito is simply better. Casa Brito Mexican Food 6618 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA‎ - (714) 891-7513‎

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For something a little different, I heartily recommend Sarinana Tamale Factory at: 2218 W 5th Street Santa Ana, CA 92703 Not only are the tamales fantastic, but the hard shell ground beef tacos are heavenly. They are memorable to be sure. This place has been around forever I think. My entire family enjoys this place immensely.

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Taqueria de Anda. period! i frequent Placentia. but other locations include Fullerton and Orange

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My list of AUTHENTIC Mexican restaurants.. coming from a person that has traveled to 5 different Mexican cities and has a Mexican Bf. Mariscos Puerto Esperanza in Orange - The best Mexican Seafood dishes Jalapenos in Tustin - We frequent this place for take out.. tacos, burritos.. Costa Brava Santa Ana - Also famous for Mexican Seafood Carnitas Los Reyes - Tustin - The best Carnitas! I also like Taco Mesa and Taco Rosa.

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My family has been going here for over 40 years. It is not part of that awful Don Jose chain. They also have one in Lake Elsinore. The best Rellenos, Tamales, beans, chips, everything is tops. You would never be disappointed here. We live in Vegas now, but when we come to CA the first place we go is Don Jose's. ----- Don Jose'smexican Restaurant 9093 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646

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One I can cross of the list now is Del Agave, in San Clemente. We've lived here several years and had pretty much decided that, believe it or not, Avila's was the best in town. But I'd seen some good reviews of Del Agave so we tried it Saturday night. I wouldn't say it was bad. The space is very nice, the service good and the salsa was very good. But the food just seemed to lack imagination. I don't know........... too bland??? My wife had a combo of chicken taco and chicken enchilada (her standard) The plate looked just fine except it was very 'salad-y' (if you can picture it). The taco was OK, she said, but the enchilada had no sauce over it, just lettuce and lots of salsa fresca. The rice and beans were good. I had my standby: Carnitas. Very nice sized portion, with lots of guacamole and salsa, rice and beans. But the carnitas were pretty bland. Not much flavor although the texture was good. Price was not too over-the-top but the above, with no drinks, was $31(without tip), so this was no bargain either. I don't want to badmouth a place if I'm missing the idea of some specific regional style of cooking........ and I tend not to like over-sauced dishes or greasy ones, but this was a surprise. Could be just under-spiced/sauced for the traffic here? ----- Del Agave 215 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

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La Sirena Grill in Laguna Beach- yum! Also, for quick mexican food you can't beat Super Mex

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