LOVE this place for GREAT, FRESH, Coastal, Mexican food! This location in Costa Mesa in particular, has been updated (new paint, new chairs, new lighting, etc.) and they have updated their menu with even MORE, Seafood items! They make GREAT Guacamole, customized at table side to your specs and their FRESH Chips, Tortillas and Salsa's are homemade in the restaurant. Husband LOVES their Pomegranate Margherita's and I can't get enough of their Enchilada's (Cheese, Chicken) and their Crunchy Taco's (Shredded Beef is my Fave!). Add in that their FRESH, Side Salads are AMAZING along with their new menu items - including Seafood combo's and there is no where else to go in OC for better Mexican food! Our INCREDIBLE Server, Hector (He IS the Acapulco restaurant - always upbeat and advising us about their new menu items!) and their FANTASTIC Chef Hector and all of the other Servers and Cooks there, make this a casual, yet special date-night restaurant! P.S. We've also tried their EXCEPTIONAL, Sunday Buffet and literally had to almost be wheeled out of there, there were SO MANY DIFFERENT, AUTHENTIC foods to choose from and sample! VERY nice to find this level of a PERFECT MEXICAN restaurant - with HIGH QUALITY FOOD INGREDIENTS, nearby! Can't wait to go back! read more

This was my first time at Acapulco as I had a fajita craving that needed to be satisfied. And it was! My server was very friendly and brought me chips and salsa about 5 minutes after I sat down. The salsa was really good by the way. I was able to place my order right away as I already knew I wanted the steak and chicken fajitas. The steak had a yummy char on it, and the chicken was moist. They provided a good amount of "fixings." I'm partial to fajitas in Texas. but besides that, I really enjoyed this spot and can't wait to come back to try more of their menu! read more

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As of 20 April, 2026. This location is closed down. We spoke to an employee and it has to do with issues the landlord needs to fix. Regulations have caught up with a 43 year old building. We will miss all the servers and our bartender friends. Especially Pepe, Hasta la vist, mi amigo! read more

This is your classic sit down Mexican restaurant where you can find solid food, great service, and a chill, family atmosphere. We loved that their table salsa had a good spice level and the food came out piping hot. The seafood enchiladas and chile relleno were great. They also have a big selection of fun, fruity cocktails. Our server was also so on top of everything and made the experience so enjoyable. read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - GUACAMOLE - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Happy HOUR!!! Wow what a great little spot!! Inside is super cool classic Mexican vibe with a big very nice patio! You come here for the happy hour let's say it. The deals are INSANE!! $4 drafts from 3-8!!! I mean come on!! Drinks were all great but where it lacked was the food. For one it took over an hour for our table of 3 we got fish tacos enchiladas and I got the flaming fajitas so nothing crazy. The fish tacos were not warm the fajitas were ok but don't ask how you want steak cooked and bring it out cooked thru its flank steak it's hard to get medium rare. The service was nice the happy hour just insane I will be back to get $4 beers and $4 quesadillas!! read more

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Absolutely love this place! I've gone to their happy hour quite a bit of time and they have great deals. Even during the week, they have specials like margarita mondays and etc. During lunch, they also offer buffet style that is only $19.99! Their food is delicious and the staff are so friendly! They also have a patio area which is great for those spring/summer time. Definately give this place a try if you are in the area. read more

The best buffet I've experienced in quite a while. All made more incredible by our server Perla G! Kept my mimosa filled and had such a happy attitude always smiling and it was BUSY! Thank you Perla & Acapulco! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is the spot for Sunday Brunch!! The service is AMAZING always!!! We always request Alberto as our server as we are here every Sunday!!! The food is delicious, authentic and fresh!! 100% recommended. The outside patio is beautiful has good music and you never want to leave. Best food Best service what else could we ask for? read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Our Server Alberto is the Best!! - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Okay folks, get your expandable eating pants on and head down to Acapulco restaurant in Costa Mesa on Bristol Street. This place is a gem if you want to strap on the feed bag for lunch with your work friends. They have a lunch buffet for $19.95. And this is quite an extensive buffet. They have all of your hot Mexican favourites, cheese enchiladas rice beans, chile verde, chili colorado, the corn cake, fajitas, plus desserts. In addition, they have a salad bar and one of the young ladies was making fresh tortillas from scratch on the little griddle right in front of you so you could get your taco on! This is the best lunch value play in the area. In addition, this place has tons of specials running everyday of the week. So check out their menu and their website. Go get you some.! read more

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Happy hour taquitos on the menu says it comes with (4) but they are the SMALLEST "taquitos" ever. Probably the equivalent of 1.5 taquitos max. Sure they're $4 but also SO tiny. Taste was whatevs. The happy hour pitcher of margs is totally worth it though. $20 for the pitcher which gives at least 5 cups worth? Yes please. A friend ordered the happy hour quesadilla but wanted it without chicken because she's vegetarian but they messed up twice and gave her chicken quesadillas. Don't know if it was communication error or what...She ended up leaving without eating anything. Ambiance is on the louder side because of music and chatting but I didn't mind. read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Happy hour taquitos - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Acapulco is set on S Bristol St between Newport Blvd & Red Hill Ave. It shares the same driveway as Extra Storage Newport. A sister of the fabulous Mexican restaurant chain's El Torito and my personal favorite, Sol Mexican Cocina, Acapulco offers a variety of dishes in a setting what reminds me of dining in Mexico. The little details such as the decor, the palapa, plates, margarita glasses, tiles & tables in the cantina, indoor or outdoor dining sends you back into a time and place where everything was groovy. A couple months ago, my friends and I went in for their Taco Tuesday. I love the fact there's so many protein options. For $3 a taco, they've got everything from carnitas, carne asada, chicken, al pastor & fish and an awesome taco bar with plenty of lettuce, salsa, cilantro, and limes. They're all decently delicious. The only problem I had was with the taco lady. She wasn't there when I ordered the tacos and the manager was there. I had ordered 5 tacos bc I wanted one of each. I told him I only wanted 3 tortillas since I was watching my carbs. The served all my protein on those 3 tortillas for me. Then, the taco lady comes and watches me load up the lettuce. She watches me like a hawk and proceeds to ask me how many tacos I ordered. Ummmm.... I answered her politely, but I couldn't help to feel a bit awkward she would even ask. It just didn't sit right with me, so after I served the salsa, I went back to her to show her I had ordered not one, but FIVE tacos and showed her all the different proteins beneath the lettuce. I was still upset when I sat down, so I ended up speaking to the manager to ask if there was a policy or limit to how much lettuce is on a taco. He said no & asked if there was a problem. He was nice and said he would correct her in case she was misinformed. I appreciated that as no one should feel judged at a friggin taco bar. I didn't even take all the tortillas since I was trying to watch my carbs. The margaritas are great esp since you can add a shot of tequila for an additional $3. Did I mention happy hour is all night on Tuesdays? Plus, there's happy hour EVERYDAY from 3-8p. I've found myself here on the weekends too. It's great! I think that one taco lady night was a fluke because I've still returned. She just might need some more customer service training to not make it awkward for customers. Everyone else, the hostesses, bartenders & servers have been awesome. Ps- They've got a large outdoor patio and it's dog-friendly which I love even more! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - There's Happy Hour EVERYDAY from 3-8p. You know where to find me! ;) - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Came back a second time for happy hour with my friend because we had a great time previously. We started off with the signature Margarita with the extra shot. It was smooth and not too sweet and packed with some punch. We had the queso spinach cheese and shrimp dip. That was all right. Probably wouldn't get that again. The potato and chorizo tacos were good and flavorful. We asked for a couple more, but they were not as tasty the second time around. Overall, we had a great time and will come back with more friends. read more

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My husband and I arrived late on a Sat. night after a concert. We experienced great service and delicious food! Can't wait to go back and take our kids! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I had a really good experience at this restaurant. The food was fresh and had a lot of flavor, and the portions were a good size. The staff were friendly and helpful, which made the atmosphere feel welcoming. The restaurant was also clean and comfortable. Overall, This is always my go to restaurant it's a great place to eat and I will definitely come back again. Aside from the best food we always receive the best service from Alberto, he is always very friendly and welcoming!! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Best server & food ! - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had a great evening eating with a friend. Hector was our server and was very attentive and friendly. Highly recommend coming.

40 minute waiting for food...It was so long but customer service was pleasant. Ambiance was ok not too busy...We ordered Margarita flight: 14.00, Nachos Ultimo: 15.50 with Shredded Beef 3.00, shrimp Caesar Salad 21.75, Gigante Fajita 29.00 with Corn Tort and total came to 93.28. The quality of food was ok...The shrimp in salad wasnt properly cleaned and excessed oil on the meant was a huge turn off...the flight margarita was ok. I would like to add that There is a huge parking outside. read more

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*****The food here every time delivers delicious and nutritious Mexican fare. I have been here for two taco Tuesday's and lunch buffet. *****The lunch nugget is an outstanding deal and the service is still superior even though you are going up to the buffet yourself. The server filled my ice tea cup and the other server brought me a bag of chips and fresh salsa to take home. *****Ambience is very cantina. The outside looks really inviting with the fireplace. I sat inside because I was working on my computers and I like how they have espn on the tvs in the bar. read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Lunch buffet - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The best buffet experience in Costa Mesa. From aguachiles, mole, tacos, sopes, omelette made to order, kids buffet section, coffee concha station, seafood section and dessert buffet table with chocolate fountain. BEST KEPT SECRET Not to mention the service is unmatched. Your mimosa glass is always kept full with it included in the price. Shout out to Elsie who always has a smile. Our server Perla from a previous experience also stopped by. Truly get the "where everybody knows your name experience" here! Thank you Acapulco and staff! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Sunday buffet - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Came here Dec 29th just for a small bite. I was extremely disappointed by the cuts of meat. The burrito was advertised as carne asada which is usually Flank or skirt steak but our steak tasted like something cheap and not marinated. I could be wrong and could be that the Chef just had an off day. Chewy and no flavor. The shrimp taco threw me off entirely. no cabbage, and no cream based sauce. The shrimp was the size of a nickel. I live next door to this location so I'm still learning what to order and what not to. Till next time I guess read more

For my first time at this restaurant, I was amazed of the wonderful customer service, delicious food, and great prices. Hector H.--our host--truly went above and beyond to ensure our visit went well. Kaycie--the manager--made sure that we had a wonderful happy hour and we truly appreciated their hospitality. I would definitely recommend my peers to come here and enjoy of the food that makes you feel like you are in Acapulco. read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Complimentary nachos, margaritas, and drinks. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

We picked the Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina to meet a group of six friends. The Acapulco is about half-way between them and us. The key was the convenient location, and we saw some nice pictures on Yelp. When we arrived, we were pleasantly greeted and seated almost immediately. We opted to order from the menu rather than the good-looking buffet. All of us were commenting on the size of the menu and the variety of dishes offered. To put it very plain, the food was excellent. I went in without any expectations and was pleasantly surprised how good this food was. The service was also excellent, and prices were really good, too. I hope they'll bring locations to San Diego. This place rocks! read more

The perfect spot for wide spread options of Mexican cuisine . With bright blue and white decor the place feels like a beach house in Baja . Despite it being a buffet on a Sunday our friendly server Pepe gave us direction and quickly came back for refill champagne for one of our guest (bottomless ) . Overall great way to satisfying everyone's craving as there are American style breakfast style options also . read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Tamale , sautéed vegis , carnitas , pork en chile verde - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Acapulco on Bristol street Costa Mesa is closed for good. Don't know why that is but it was one of my favorite places to eat and enjoy. It will definitely be missed. read more

Our Bartender/server was amazing , the drinks came out so good. Brayan the Assistant Manager came over to talk to my Wife & I to check on how dinner was going. Very tasty food and the ambiance was terrific. We love their happy hour menu and the we had a good amount of drinks and appetizers. We always love how clean and organized they are here and the service was quick. The store looked clean and lively with nice ambiance. We will be back again very soon ! Thanks Acapulco Costa Mesa ! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I love Acapulco, they used to be a separate company and had the best happy hour menu, best recipes. I loved the free sumptuous HH apps, nobody made burritos like they did, vegan w potatoes so good and I usually don't eat potatoes, it was incredible then they were bought by El Torito, the big change immediately implemented, the free apps were gone but they still had unlimited chips and a huge salsa bar with so many types of salsa. Mondays special margaritas were only $1.99. El Torito allowed them to keep many of their recipes, my favorite was carne asada y camarones, the meat was marinated and grilled to perfection, the grilled shrimps came w garlic butter and special salsa. So that's the way it was, unfortunately El Torito went bankrupted and bought for cheap I guess by Solita, my guess was Solita sucked all the customers from ET, Solita ended up owning everybody and w the monopoly it's no longer good, competition is basically between Solita corporation and FLECHA owned by Mark Wahlberg, Flecha is expanding, they are all over the place now. I was in Acapulco Friday and was shocked they got rid of the salsa table so I guess on taco Tuesday, tacos will just get delivered to your able, no more mamacita making it in front of you and you get unlimited potatoes, veggies, onions, cilantro, beans wow, I missed them all. Since the competition is between the 2 titans, I prefer Acapulco even though I still like Flecha , HH margarita here was $6 I think vs $10 Flecha. The Solita margaritas were made w cheap tequila now, the after taste was unacceptable. The HH quesadillas were so cheap only $4? But it was so dry. Their birria was delicious, their carne asada was still uniquely yummylicious and I was shocked w such cheap price for margaritas, they had no after taste, it was like motor oil @solitas, so if you are a Mexican food lover like I am, come here to enjoy a good dinner at affordable price. They no longer had live bands on Friday nights, they used to have mariachis, amazing live music. It's tough economic time but all in all this is 4.5 stars but I uprate it to 5stars bc of low prices. read more

They changed the menu recently and I had the same server and he was absolutely rude. Sadly, I will not be returning.

We just discovered this gem of a Mexican restaurant with awesome Happy Hour! Mario took great care of us. My friend visiting from Dubai loved the place and we all decided to put this place on our favorite HH places in OC! We can't wait to return! Ps: I love their Acapulco Sunset ! read more

I haven't gone to brunch in a while. I was able to get seated quickly. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone. There's food for everyone. I got a tamale, enchilada, and waffle. They also have dessert. I got flan and arroz con leche. They also offer a variety of drinks and I went with bottomless mimosas. read more

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First timer and I had an incredible experience at this restaurant's brunch buffet! The selection was huge, fresh, and full of authentic flavors. From made-to-order omelets, a taco bar, seafood bar, salad bar, Mexican classics, Americanized options, fresh fruit, and pastries, everything tasted amazing! They have a chocolate fondue fountain which was impressive. Coffee bar, fountain drinks, etc. Our server Roberto was friendly and attentive, constantly refreshing our Champagne (included in the buffet) and making sure we had everything we needed. Started us we a complimentary set of pancakes which was such a nice touch. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend meal. All this included for the price of $40 a person. Thought it was pricey but then saw what it included and was definitely worth it! If you're looking for a brunch that feels both unique and satisfying, this place is an absolute must-try. Also loved that they had football on the TVs! This is was plus! I'll definitely be coming back! read more

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a perfect spot for lunch that i hit up on a friday afternoon. they have free chips and salsa, which is always a win in my books. we shared the specialty appetizer platter of shrimp and spinach cheese dip, buffalo wings, quesadillas and chicken taquitos i ordered the fish tacos that came with a side of roasted vegetables & beans. everything was seasoned very well and extremely flavorful! the fish tacos are definitely not the best i've had, as i do think they could have packed a bigger punch of flavor. the fish was battered and fried well though, and i did like the sour cream and mango salsa sprinkled on top. service was quick and friendly, and the restaurant wasn't too busy. we were seated outside in the shade and the weather was perfect for outdoor dining. it's definitely more american mexican/tex mex-ish than authentic mexican cuisine, but still a super solid spot with large portions and good food. i recommend if you're looking for a laidback spot to stop by with friends! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - MUCHO MACHO-TIZER PLATTER - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I came here with coworkers after work on a Tuesday. My group was at least 10 people, and we know to expect that service may take longer because we are a larger group. But I've never had such slow service for every task. When we first sat down, our server said he'll get us water. 30 minutes later, we get water, and then he gets our drink orders. Over 30 minutes later, comes with our drinks. And then proceeds to take our food order. I feel like it took almost an hour for the food to come, and the server had a mission to get the food on the table as fast as possible. And this person spilled hot beans and rice on one of my coworkers laps; it seemed this person wasn't very careful in placing the food down. The server didn't give this person an extra napkin or tried to help the situation or make my coworker feel better. The server continued serving other hot plates and me and my other coworkers made sure to clear the area for where this person would place the food. And at the end of the night, they didn't give us a discount or anything for the long wait and for the spill that was caused by the server. Definitely not going back here ever. read more

El servicio siempre ha sido exelente! Uno de nuestros lugares favoritos, en esta ocasión nos atendio Roberto y Maria! Un bonito lugar para siempre estar en familia read more

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My family and I haven't been to an Acapulco's in years. The food was fresh, hot and delicious. There was a room filled with food and a walkway. The service was even better than I remember. We got the best most detailed service from Roberto Jimenez. He was truly all you could hope for in a server. He checked in on us through out our stay. My husband felt he worried about every detail (our needs, the food, etc). We will be returning and hopefully we will be sat in his section again. The ambiance was pleasant. Plenty of fun music without it overtaking our conversation. We can't wait to come back. read more

Best happy hour menu in town! This is close to work and my coworkers love it. We work late and it's the only place that offers a late happy hour which is very much appreciated. Really nice and passionate servers, it feels very comfortable and family friendly! read more

Used to Be Our Favorite -- Now Sadly Gone Downhill My friends and I have been loyal customers of Acapulco Mexican Restaurant y Cantina in Costa Mesa for almost nine years. Every Monday at 6 p.m., our group of 15-20 would meet here for dinner, birthdays, and celebrations. The food, atmosphere, and staff always made it special -- great fajitas, fresh chips and salsa, and a fun patio near the bar that felt like a little slice of Mexico. Unfortunately, the last few visits have been disappointing enough that we probably won't be returning. The restaurant has gone from warm and welcoming to cold and chaotic -- mostly due to what appears to be poor management. Over the last month, service and quality have dropped dramatically. Simple things like chips and salsa now take 20 minutes or more, drinks come watered down, and fajitas arrive lukewarm and staggered between tables instead of sizzling together like they used to. You can tell the restaurant is understaffed, but what's worse is that the manager, Brian, doesn't seem to care or help his team. While servers run around trying to keep up, he stands by watching. On one visit, a member of our group tried to redeem a birthday promotion email -- something we've used before with no problem. Brian refused to honor it, saying it wasn't valid, and offered no alternative. Another time, a card was double-charged, which took weeks to fix through corporate. The final straw came last Monday. Eighteen of us arrived at our usual time and waited over an hour to be seated. When we asked politely if a few patio tables could be moved together like the staff used to do for us, Brian flat-out refused and told us, "If you don't like it, don't eat here." That was shocking after nearly a decade of loyalty. We ended up split between small tables and booths, completely ruining the group experience. Ironically, a kind server later moved the tables for us -- proving the issue wasn't about policy, but attitude. Even regulars nearby mentioned they'd seen the same decline and the same manager issues. The servers clearly want to do their best, but they're overwhelmed and unsupported. The food still could be good -- the recipes haven't changed -- but without proper leadership and service, it doesn't matter. Cold fajitas, missing sides, and long delays ruin what used to be a great meal. After nine years of loyalty and dozens of gatherings, it's sad to see this place fall so far. I truly hope Xperience Restaurant Group looks into what's happening here. Acapulco Costa Mesa used to be one of the best in the chain, but under current management, it's lost its charm and its regulars. Rating: 2 stars -- for nostalgia and a few hardworking staff members who still try. -- Sal Ortiz read more

Oh Perla, Perla, Perla. I mean, what can I say. A LOT! I will keep it Yelp friendly. Well this is about the 6th time coming in this summer. My husband and I have never been served by any females here at Acapulco, and I was getting discouraged as some of the male servers in the bar area have been less than pleasant, but each time we came back, service slightly got better. Well we finally had the privilege of being served yesterday by Miss Perla. What can I say..... You were TERRIFIC!!!! GRACIAS Perla!!! This is one of the few times my husband and I have come here alone. We have a friend w us most of the time. I was SO happy that we had this service from Perla yesterday on our one and only date night. In fact! Service all around was nice. From the gentleman who served us chips and salsa, the very polite food runner, our server Perla, and even the young male manager with the nice shirt!. Our visit was from 6:30pm-7:30pm on Friday, Sept. 4, 2025. I received my military discount which was VERY helpful and nice. Of course, naturally, we will be asking for Perla when we return back, but I need you (Acapulco) to know that, the reason I gave a 4 out of 5, has nothing to do with my service, it was the VERY OBNOXIOUS and LOUD female with glasses in the group of 7 in the middle of the floor in the bar area. She had all other patrons, including my husband and I looking at her whenever she made her loud outburst, which was louder than any other guest and TV's, all put together. This wasn't her house to be as freely loud as she was, there HAS to be a mutual respect for others who drive from far places to be here. We also pay money to be here but know that we couldn't possibly ever be as loud as she was, and ONLY when she spoke or laughed. More like yelled and disturbed. Well...... MAYBE servers or management could intervene next time, so others don't have to be so disturbed and turning their heads if this ever happened again. Other than that, our time was well spent and Perla, you were EXCELENTE!!!! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - Our first round of margaritas and the sopes. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Haven't been here in a while. Came for the lunch buffet today. There was hardly anyone in the restaurant. It's the second day of the heat wave. The buffet has much less items than before. Foods didn't look super fresh but I came in just a bit after 1:00 pm and lunch buffet ends at 2:00 pm. I made a salad with chicken and a bit of carnitas and also some steak chopped up. The three meats were good but were greasy. The cheese enchiladas were totally dried out. The chocolate chips cookies were very moist and good. read more

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Been doing this brunch since i was a kid. Many thanks to our server Elsie for treating us so well! read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - I think the empty plate says enough. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I was one of five people sitting at the bar, with two attendants working. The female attendant spent a long time looking at the computer screen while a dirty plate and cup sat in front of me, and my area needed to be cleaned. Meanwhile, the male attendant continued making several drinks before this was taken care of. No chips or water were ever offered. I placed an order for a quesadilla and had to follow up with the male attendant because it was taking a long time. He eventually returned and explained that there was a large party, so the food would take a while to come out. ** Do not recommend 4/17/26 read more

What a fun surprise! Had such a great time at their happy hour. Incredible prices for delicious foods. Ambiance is definitely a dated, summery aesthetic. However, service was kind. All the appetizers we tried from their $4-$10 menu were very tasty. Their house margarita was only $4! Definitely recommend for a fun, lowkey experience. read more

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina - HH Birria App HH CHICKEN TAQUITOS App HH SHREDDED CHICKEN QUESADILLA App - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California