I absolutely love the decor and overall vibes at Asada. They have a beautiful bar that is the central focus of the entire spot. Then, they have a great inside and outdoor patio as well. For some reason I think the TVs in the dining area are a little weird for this style of restaurant, seems like that should be more reserved for a sports bar. Our server was fantastic! He brought out the chips and hot salsa (visually had steam coming off of it) right away. He was very attentive and explained everything well. He was professional and friendly (wish I could remember his name)! The food itself was good, but not mind blowing. I got the chicken fajitas and they had great flavor. The negative for me was that the corn tortillas were kind of soggy and kept falling apart, which made it challenging to eat. I love the added step they take to bring out hot towels at the end of the meal and the shift manager even checked to make sure we were well taken care of too! It was a great dining experience! read more

Chips and salsa check, The food check, all the food was absolutely delicious, my son and I both had the filet mignon tacos. The tacos were so delicious the meat was juicy & the rice and beans had a great flavor . Their habanero salsa is AMAZING!! The waitress can't recall her name but she had a wrist cross tattoo was very polite courteous, and on top of things. Best Horchata, my daughter has tried. But the ambience was my absolute favorite. If and when we're back in San Clemente, we have a new Mexican food spot. read more

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Always busy. Service is fast and efficient. Salsa is warm! Chips tasty, love the lime steak salad and chica flaca margaritas!

Finished a day of shopping at the outlets with Asada. We were recommended by a local in San Clemente and I'm glad to say it's not just a tourist trap! Their name lives up to their food, their carne asada dish was actually my favorite but we also ordered mahi mahi tacos, enchiladas and a Mexican Cobb salad. Service was impeccable, fast and efficient but never felt rushed. Ambiance was relaxed yet classy, loved the booth they sat us in as it was great for pictures and talking with our party. Only down side I can think of which is really not a big deal was no crayons or kids menu for drawing (they have a kids menu to order from). Would 10/10 return for good quality hearty Mexican food. Their drink menu is incredibly extensive full of well-made high quality cocktails. read more

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One of my new favorite places that I can't wait to go back to! Casual but beautiful restaurant by the sea. Went on a Sunday with a reservation for 12:45. I'd recommend making a reservation because it does get busy. We were started off with bottomless complimentary chips and salsa. They were still fresh, so warm and perfectly crisp and salted. The salsa was thinner type salsa, not spicy and more savory (less fresh and a little monotonous in flavor). We also got the guacamole to go with it and it was creamy, salty, fresh and well balanced. I got the grilled mahi tacos with black beans. The corn tortillas were so fresh and soft. The mahi was flavorful and they didn't skimp on the portions. The mango salsa was also fresh and a great contrast to the fish. The beans and rice were pretty standard! Also our server, Miya, was very kind and friendly! read more

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Amazing restaurant...try the salsa trio w the margaritas! Delicious food and great shopping next door!

Both the food and the service are amazing here. One of our favorite places. Alexis is one of the best servers we've ever had.

Top notch Mexican restaurant!! Been there many times. I recommend seating in the outside (covered) patio. Nice view from there, and it can get noisy inside. My favorite is the carnitas-so yummy. Crispy outside, but tender shredded pork throughout. We always ask for extra tortillas. I usually do not like rice, but I make an exception for the saffron rice they serve--soft and tasty. Everyone we have taken there has loved the food! Lots of types of Magaritas, too. read more

Something must be wrong with me because I've never been here before!! We ordered the quesabirria which was SO AMAZING. I don't even like meat like that and I was hooked. It's full of tons of flavor and the portion is huge! The complementary chips and salsa were straight up addicting I literally couldn't stop eating them ughhh and they had this subtle seasoning on them which left me searching for the chips in the basket with the most seasoning on them lol and the salsa was super yummy with great flavor. NOW FOR THE SERVICE...the service was so on point that it actually made the already 5 star food taste even better! Serena is the only one I want serving me when I come back! Love how extremely attentive she was and I was never waiting on her for anything. 10 star experience overall thanks to her. My stomach says thank you so much and we'll be back! read more

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How have I not reviewed Asada already? It's one my mom's favorite places. She keeps taking people here, and forgetting that she has, so I've been here several times now over here last few years. So i can comfortably give it five stars since it has been super consistently great. My mom's favorite is the molcajete bowl, I think it really delights her in how huge and overflowing it is. She loves showing it off to newcomers. On the other end of the spectrum, the warm salsa with the complementary warm chips raises things up a notch. The service is always friendly and always top notch. This last time we went, the server even recognized my mom, who made a reservation with her in person the day before. I don't give out a lot of 5-star reviews, and each one is special. This one earned it from consistency and delighting my mom :) read more

Asada Cantina + Kitchen - Molcajete & more, so much more! - Tacos Near Me - San Clemente, California

Very pleasantly surprised by Asada Cantina. We went on a Saturday evening before catching a movie. Did not expect such quick service and delicious food. I'd never had flautas before since fried things can often be oily, but these were light, crisp and full of flavour. The only slight negative was the coleslaw on top was a little too creamy, I prefer lighter and more acidic, but preferences vary so no big deal. I'd also never had pozole rojo, and can't wait to go back again and finish a bowl, I was quite satisfied already after the flautas. And as with most Mexican restaurants, they served a portion of chips and salsa gratis to start with. Definitely seemed like house made tortilla chips, and the salsa was rich and warm. Despite being a very large and super popular restaurant, it was nice and cool with a breeze blowing through and I imagine very good aircon, and we were in the very center surrounded by full tables. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Came down to San Clemente Outlets, saw Asada Cantina and Kitchen in the same parking and stopped to have lunch. Had a hardshell chicken taco, cheese enchilada, rice and black beans. This was the best Mexican food I've ever had. Their salsa and guacamole are amazing as well. The service was top tier! We were seated and waited on right away, Drinks and food served with different staff members who were pleasant and attentive. Will definitely be making the hour drive back! Highly recommend! read more

Asada Cantina + Kitchen - The photo of restaurant name. - Tacos Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Wow! So glad we got to try this spot after shopping around at the outlets across the way. We came in around 2:30pm, and saw that they had a happy hour menu that just started, which who doesn't love a good happy hour? Their happy hour menu had tacos, fries, load nachos, an app sampler, beer discounts, and cocktails. I got the el jefe marg which is their version of the cadillac margarita. I love that they provide complimentary chips and salsa to start your meal. The salsa was definitely made fresh and came out warm. We ended up getting the app sampler which included a quesadilla, mini chicken taquitos, and jalapeno stuffed cheese wrapped in bacon and jam. We also added on the mango habanero chicken wings. It came out to around $40-50 which was pretty worth it! The jalapeno and the wings were my top two favorite items. Our server was also really great, friendly, and was very attentive to our table. You can tell that it's definitely a more upscale style restaurant just based on their interior alone. It's also a pretty large restaurant, with additional outdoor patio seating. read more

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Delicious! Pozole is incredible and extremely authentic. Love the salad I substitute for steak. Have you always get a giant burrito he absolutely loves it. The service is always top notch. Big fan of the chips and the salsa being warm is unique and delicious. I love the back patio seating, my favorite place to sit, but the restaurant is not crowded so any spot in the house is good. read more

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Solid Mexican restaurant with delicious chips and salsa and wonderful service. I had the chicken enchiladas which were tasty and generously portioned, but I wish they used white meat instead of dark. Grabbing a meal here and then going across to the outlets makes for an afternoon well spent. read more

Asada Cantina + Kitchen - Tacos Near Me - San Clemente, California

Amazing food and service! Sam was excellent and attentive! Made my birthday so special!

Really great service!!! Ordered: shrimp ceviche was perfect and served in a beautiful dish just yummy. Salsa and chips were fresh Tacos were flavorful and nice portions. Would definitely go back. If in the area this is a wonderful place to stop in for a great dining experience. read more

I came here for my mother in law's birthday and I ordered the crispy taco plate which was delicious. It comes with your choice of chicken, carnitas, or potatoes. You can also upgrade to short ribs for $2 more. I chose 1 chicken and 1 carnitas. On the side, you get either black or refried beans. For my drink, I ordered the blood orange margarita and it was bold and refreshing and they didn't skimp on the alcohol! Our waiter Humberto was amazing. He was very polite and attentive and came by several times to check on us. He even brought a complimentary slice of chocolate cake for my mother in law. Overall the food and service were great. We will definitely be returning read more

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Had a wonderful time with my husband and son dining here earlier tonight. The service is great and the food is flavorful and delicious. The ambiance is very nice. Our second time here. read more

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Great Food and Ambiance. The service was exceptional. Great location and easy parking access.

The male host with shaggy hair and glasses is so rude. He should not be the face of the restaurant - the first person you talk to and the last one when you leave. He was working 2 weeks ago when we came in to eat lunch and today I came in for a gift card for Father's Day. He didn't greet me, I had to ask him to purchase the GC and he gave me short, rude responses. My husband mentioned going back for dinner but I told him I didn't want to spend any more money at Asada today with rude service. He'd be better in the back of house not talking to guests. Two managers also walked by today and didn't offer to help me either. I was shocked. I have had good servers in the past but the host really leaves a bad impression. read more

Asada is always consistent. We have never had a bad meal and we like the chips and salsa!!

I was surprised how busy they were for lunch last Friday. Weather was perfect. I ordered the Mahi tacos and they were delicious. The service was on the slower side but overall I enjoyed it. Perfect for our party of 6 and everyone liked their food and drinks. More on the pricey side but quality is there for sure. read more

Asada Cantina + Kitchen - Blackened Mahi Tacos-rice is so good! - Tacos Near Me - San Clemente, California

Refreshing Margaritas are here to suit any taste here at Asada Cantina with extensive choices for sipping tequila or your favorite margarita. I personally love the Perfect Patron. It's a very smooth and refreshing Margarita. Pairs well with everything! They have a few during happy hour so check the times and enjoy. read more

Asada Cantina + Kitchen - Tequila! - Tacos Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Food is bad. Had to send all plates back, service is slow. Unfortunately we Won't be going back

Located across parking lot of Outlet Center. Easy parking and large nicely decorated restaurant. Even with it being super busy we were seated immediately, wait staff were all excellent and checked up on us without bothering us. Food came out just as we were finishing the large bowl of warm fresh chips and first time I've been served warm salsa. Not too spicy so all enjoyed it. I got stuffed chili relleno and it was absolutely delicious. It was served with sauté mixed vegetables and cilantro rice. The rice was not enjoyable as I don't like cilantro. Maybe they can serve Spanish rice to those of us that hate cilantro. Hubby had a humongous shrimp and beef burrito, others had the tacos, and enchiladas ranchero and said the enchiladas were great. All were happy and filled. Great place and the food was excellent. read more

Oh my goodness this place was beautifully decorated. We were sat near a window which was so nice so we could feel the cool breezes . I never had heated up salsa which was fun to try here:)) The service was great and the food was amazing! Would definitely go back when we visit San Clemente again. read more

came here for the first time with my boyfriend last night for his bday weekend and spotted Asada on yelp due to its good reviews. We are from las vegas and always try to hit the best places to dine in at. We arrived and were able to be sat right away , the hostesses were super kind ! The quality of food and service was outstanding ! I work at resorts world VIVA in vegas and the food we offer there is very similar... i was blown away by the coconut marg , queso , and birria tacos! my boyfriend also really loved the burrito . If we weren't so full we would have def got dessert. Our server was super nice and Jorge was also fantastic and touched the table to make sure we were okay i believe he is the head chef. Thanks again everyone ! We will be coming back !!!(: read more

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One of my favorite Mexican spots! The chips and salsa are SO fresh and addicting--I could honestly just snack on those all day. I ordered the chile relleno and my mom got the molcajete, and both were absolutely delicious (highly recommend!). The restaurant itself is super clean with a great ambiance, and the staff was friendly and attentive. Overall, such a great experience--we'll definitely be coming back! read more

Stopped by for lunch on my way up to Irvine. The restaurant is located in the outlet shop area and even though we came in late around 230, it was packed but we were seated quickly. We ordered the ahi aguachille that consisted of sashimi grade ahi poke, mango, red onion, cucumber, serrano pepper, soy sauce, cilantro and lemon juice. The dish had the right balance of heat and sourness but the fish was a bit fishy and we ended up leaving a good portion of it. The second dish we shared was their signature carne asada which consisted of citrus marinade, bacon-wrapped jalapeño, fire-grilled scallions cilantro buttered rice, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, and warm handmade corn tortillas. This dish was way better and the steak was flavored and cooked well. The black beans and rice went well and we ended up eating everything on the plate. read more

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I went for the first time on a Friday night. I got a bar seat and we had great service. I ordered the seasonal fruit margarita, which was mango. It was tasty. I got the taco and enchilada combo and both were delicious. I liked the rice and beans too. The only thing I didn't care for that much was the salsa that came with the chips and salsa. Overall, food was great and it was a busy, fun vibe. read more

Came here for the first time in a large group for the holidays. It's in the same shopping center as the outlets but a ways from the actual shops. Finding parking was really easy. The restaurant is beautiful and service was great for our big party. The menu offers a great variety of signature Mexican dishes. I ordered the crispy carnitas - they were so delicious. I'd get this again if I came back here. I also recommend the mezcall me cocktail. I enjoyed the drink so much I ordered a second. For dessert we got the butter cake. It's more of a crossover between a cheesecake and butter cake so it was served cold. We also got the seasonal butter cake which was pumpkin and we all agreed we loved that one more! read more

Listen, this place is a well oiled machine of service and efficiency. The staff was kind, our waters never went dry, our hot sauce was brought promptly, our food was plated nice and neatly. The ambiance was loud, which personally I didn't love. I was there with my family and we couldn't really talk, however this is my own thing. If I was there on a date (with my husband) I would want it loud. The decor is beautiful, the plates were beautiful. Everything. However, there is one glaring--absolutely atrocious shortcoming this restaurant has. When I go out to eat Mexican food one of my chief desires is that I gorge myself on chips and salsa before the meal. Fresh crunchy chips and bright acidic salsa with a touch a heat. Perfect on a hot day. The chips here were the best restaurant chips I've ever had but the salsa was hot. No no, not a warm spice from chiles that coats your tongue and enlivens your spirit. Hot, temperature warm. Warm salsa, like warm soupy tomatoes with mild chipotle spice. Warm on chips and warm and sad in your mouth. Like a sweater on a hot day, like a sauna in summer. Warm salsa, the sorrow of all sorrows. I understand this may be traditional? I understand it's different? But why mess with perfection? What's next? Cold scrambled eggs? Hot mashed potatoes with icy gravy? Warm crunchy pickles?? The atrocity of warm salsa will not leave me for some time, even though I have great memories of this wonderfully run restaurant. read more

Came for Taco Tuesday on 2/24/26 at 5:00 pm. The host sat us and we were not greeted by a server for over 20 minutes. So I had to grab the host and let him know that NO one had come over to take our order. He walked away and still NO one came over to serve us! So I had to flag someone down myself. The waitress was rude and said this is not her table. But she reluctantly took our order. Terrible customer service! Very disappointed with the way we were treated. read more

I've been here about 10 times it's always my go-to spot when I'm around the area from the valley and I had left a five-star review but I don't know what happened to it. But today for the first time I was disappointed so I have to knock off a star. First of all they changed their chips and they are absolutely miserably dreadful long curly stale reheated oversalted to death and extremely oily and greasy having some chips and salsa to start really one of the most important aspects of the meals here and I must say this was as bad as it gets. You might as well just bring a bag of Tostitos even that's better than this crap like why fix what's not broken? I'm guessing to save a few pennies these chips were abysmal. I ordered a birria torta dip there was so much cheese on it that it was completely smothering the otherwise tender and tasty meat and it was all fused to the meat so it was very hard to separate it and pick it apart the cheese is so rich and heavy that I scraped 90% of it on the side. The torta bread also is not very fresh tasted a couple days old. A no-brainer to visit now has given me doubts to come back. read more

We stopped here on our way back home for a late night dinner. We had no idea this place had been here for the last 4 years. It was very busy. We waited for about 1/2 hr before we were seated. We were seated in the back patio area. I ordered the blackened halibut taco plate and my husband ordered the enchilada plate. It was all delicious and filling. Service was great too. There's plenty of parking at the San Clemente Outlet. Just make reservations before you go since this place was packed given how late it was. read more

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Possibly the best chips and salsa I have ever had. Great atmosphere without being too loud at least in the front part by the bar.

Absolutely the best chicken fajitas I have ever had, and I've been around for a while. Service was excellent with the waiters and manager, even offering to bring additional tortillas if needed. They serve an amazing chips and salsa. Will definitely return. read more

The service was perfect and the food was great. The menu included items I haven't seen elsewhere. I will be back again soon.

My wife and I are regulars here.We have been coming here since it opened. It's a hit or miss on the service the servers provide but the last 2 times we've been here Bryce really set the tone. We were lucky to have him serve us the last 2 times. He was outstanding to say the least. He was very attentive and assured we were having a good experience and enjoyed our food. Also he acknowledged that we had a toddler that does not like to stay still and assured all plates and things that weren't being used anymore were off the table. Offered us a toy for him to play with, which was very helpful. He was very young but has the experience of a longtime server. read more