This is the greatest restaurant in all of west haven. Take it from old Ricky Ray. I can stick a whole burrito in my mouth at once. So I know a bit about Mexican food. read more

The salsa bar is the best feature! Their chips are great. I have only had their crunch beef tacos which are delicious!

Went here for lunch with my customers, easy parking, no wait Friday at 130 . I love the salsa bar idea, you have 8 interesting selections ranging from mild to super spicy. I had cheese enchiladas in a mole, SO yum!! I don't normally see mole as an option on non-meat dishes so was HAPPY. My lunch cohorts had margs, they looked really good but I had a drive ahead of me. Prices were reasonable, my meal was great. I'd go back. read more

My husband and I recently went to Bajas for a quick dinner on a Saturday night. He had been talking about the Rafael Especial Burrito for a week, so we had to go cure this craving of his. When we arrived, the place was filled with people. We fortunately were seated at the last open table that was available. We looked at our menus, and after ten minutes of waiting for someone to approach our table we pretty much memorized the whole thing. Finally one of the waitstaff came to take our order, apologizing for our wait. Ok, no biggie. I ordered the shrimp diablo quesadilla and my husband ordered...you guessed it.. the Rafael Especial Burrito. Once we ordered, hubby and I hightailed it to the salsa bar offered to all of the patrons eating at the restaurant. There were about eight different selections, from mild to hot to go along with the fresh tortilla chips placed at our table. Our quesadilla and burrito came out after ten minutes. My quesadilla had lightly flavored shrimp, yellow rice, cheese, and avocados with lettuce and tomatoes on the side. I was a little put off with my shrimp even though it was cooked well, I thought there would be some kind of "sauce" in it. Therefore, my dinner was a little dry. Thank goodness for the salsa bar - which added more flavor to my meal. When my husband finally chiseled his way through the monstrous burrito, he realized that they gave him chicken instead of carne asada. We were able to catch our wait person's eye and informed him of the mistake. He apologized for the error and offered my husband a drink on the house. After getting a free Modelo on the house, and a new Rafael's Especial with carne asada all was well with our dinner. Overall, I was a little disappointed with our recent experience. Even though our waitperson was very courteous, our dinner experience was not very pleasing. I really hope that it was just an "off" day because it was so busy. read more

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I've eaten here a number of times now, and I have never had a bad meal. Don't let the location smell of rubber from the tire store next door turn you off. The food is fresh, large portion, and there is a plentiful variety on the menu. They even made me a special request of a mahi enchilada, and it was yummy! Their margaritas and mojitos are excellent. I also love that they have a salsa bar so I can try all the sauces :) read more

Great salsa bar and flauta banana dessert but place is the worst in atmosphere. All white walls and people stuck sitting practically elbow to elbow. Not cool read more

They have few different salsas which is really good cause you have more options, I'm not from around but I've been in other restaurants with 1 or 2 salsas and not flavor at all so is good to see you can choose... the place looks a little bit dark and really quiet and reading this reviews people complains about the food and how is not real Mexican... maybe the way how they have it in the menu is not but you can always ask for changes, I did it and they changed it for me, cooks are open for suggestions and changes and not all the restaurants do that read more

This is a great authentic mexican place! The prices are steep but the sizes are pretty huge. My favorite is the nachos supreme. The Mahi Mahi here is also excellent as are their shrimp tacos and bean burritos. Extremely fresh taste! The salsa bar is great too because there is quite a bit of variety. The atmosphere is super casual, like my basement with freida pinto paintings. FYI they close every year from December 25 to February 2nd. read more

Raphael's Especial, (carne asada burrito) order it! This is the prettiest, tastiest burrito in the North East. If you don't know what real mole sauce tastes like, it's here waiting for you. This burrito is covered in it and it's amazing. There's no way on earth you can have one of these and then not dream about it weeks later. I love their real nacho's that they make on site. The fresh salsa bar and the fact that their food is always fresh. If you're used to the places that let you order 3 different combo's with watered down margarita's this place will wake you up to real California style mexican food. Gets knocked a star because the service can be a bit off at times but considering it began as a taqueria with counter service only, I've accepted it. Reasonably priced and a full bar. Well worth a stop. Enjoy! read more

Baja's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - Raphael's Especial: A Large Burrito stuffed with Carne Asada covered in cheese and the BEST MOLE sauce I've ever. - Mexican Near Me - Orange, Connecticut

I am very very picky with my food, and i can tell you that this is excellent Mexican food! They have a salsa bar with 6 different salsas, which you can mix and match!! The grande burrito especial is the Best burrito in town, as well as the white fish burrito! read more

I was a fan of Baja's when it was half the size and had only two tables for dine-in. Everything is made with fresh ingedients and it shows. Their tortilla chips are homemade, and their accompanying salsa bar is great no matter how hot or mild you like it. I always get cheese enchiladas, because I LOVE their mole sauce. I love it so much that I actually can't order it anywhere else without being disappointed. Why only four stars you ask? The atmosphere is non-existant, and the service is on the low end of mediocre 90% of the time. Even so, it's a great little hole in the wall! read more

Great drinks, flavorful Pollo Asada. Must try the banana flautas for dessert!

I still love this place....Chicken nachos are out of this world. Very consistent, and the employees are always very courteous and helpful.

Great food. Fair prices. Always leftovers. Friendly service. Not 5 stars due to decor and one small pet peeve: they give you plates for the salsa. They really should provide small bowls instead after going through the trouble of having a large salsa stand. overall though, by far the best Mexican in the area. read more

We've been stopping at Baja for over 10 years now for the consistently superb food. The updated menu has an excellent Baja burger and great fries. It is the best Mexican food in the area. (Would have given it 5 stars except that's reserved for the Blue Agave in Pleasanton, CA). read more

Finding a place that everyone likes is never an easy thing for my family to do, but this time it worked out! The service was great, even though we drove the poor man crazy. We got a few different dishes & shared, my favorite though was the carnitas! The pork was just delicious. The carne asada & pollo asada was also very good. The chips were served warm which was a nice touch, & coming form a girl that doesn't like guacamole, theirs was surprisingly good! I would definitely dine there again :-) read more

Excellent Mexican!!! I had the ultimate burrito and it was filled to the max! The establishment could use a little interior updating add some booths maybe. The pricing is a little high but I'd revisit again. The salsa bar was awesome (Mix up the Pico and Hot) read more

Fish burrito is the best I've ever tasted. Fresh ingredients and authentic food, no fluff and nothing fancy.

Fresh, flavorful, homemade Mexican. It's great food. Great prices and delicious. I recommend the nachos. For 10 bucks you have dinner and lunch. It's a small place. Not much going on inside but the food and service totally make up for that. Love this place read more

First time at this restaurant as my girlfriend and I are foodies we also like to expierence out food, to be honest I've never noticed this place before randomly placed in that small Plaza next to Town fair tire. Authentic Mexican food! That's what it says on the windows. I wanted to try it, since my girlfriend heard good things about the place. First the place was empty, which it made me wonder why if the food was authentic. The waitress was nice and polite, SEAT YOURSELF type of restaurant. Second, the menu was very long and repetitive -NO SPECIALS- over priced beer and not a big variety to choose from. Thirt, the salad bar was nice offering a variety of salsas from mild to really hot, however poorly managed and maintained. It would have been nice to have bowls or salsa containers instead of the small flat appetizer plate they placed in our table, also no labels on the salsas just hot-mild paper plates glued to the counter. Fourth, no water unless upon request but in this hot days would have been nice to have some tap water from the beginning. Fifth, we order our food camarones diabla and as far as I'm concern diabla means spicy, when our food got to the table it look like they cooked the shrimp in some of sort of hot red salsa from the salsa bar. Camarones diabla sauce was supposed to look almost like barbecue sauce not some tomato chunky sauce. I was very dissaponted with the food look not the taste, to me I didn't look authentic but since I was starving and was already there I didn't feel like getting up and go around looking for another place. We ate our food. It tasted good but not authentic. Our time there was an experience for sure, as for right now I wouldn't go back any time soon. I will give Baja a try again in the future and by the time I do that hopefully their owners and management improve their restaurant, menu, staff and that great salsa bar which I personally think is a great idea. Thanks read more

Great mex food, large portions. Fresh food. And the salsa bar is great

An amazing "hole in the wall" place. They have a salsa bar that's fantastic, their entrees are amazing, and oh my god their desserts are incredible. It doesn't look like much but believe me it's worth it. read more

Amazing freshly prepared food. Rice and beans are fantastic. Never had a bad meal. The chimichanga is my go to!

This place has gone down hill!!! Everything was being microwaved!!! I know because I waited for my to go order and watched it thru the window. The chicken quesadillas were made using primarily dark meat!! The wraps were warm and crunchy on the sides.... because they were microwaved!! Yuck won't be back! read more

When it comes to Mexican food and great service, I must say Bajas is "Número uno"!!! What an amazing place to drink, eat and relax!! I can absolutely go there every week and never get over it!!!! A Mexican spot in the Boston Post Road!!!!! read more

I really love their food. Excellent nachos and really good burritos and quesadillas. Been coming here for years and it's always my go to when I want Mexican read more

Went for a casual dinner here this week. Had a tasteless ceviche tostada and an average burrito. The hot salsa was simply not hot, and the service was slow and incompetent. The decor is down right puzzling. But what should I expect for a strip mall. read more

Baja's is my favorite Mexican restaurant and I've been going there for about 9 years. I've tried several Mexican restaurants in CT and they have the best dishes. Their mole sauce is the best I ever had and you don't want to stop tasting it. My two favorite's dishes are enchiladas with mole sauce or the seafood chili relleno with spicy diablo sauce. They have a special with enchilada and cheese chili relleno so I can get both my favorites in one dish. They have a salsa bar with many varieties and they are all very good and this is free along with their homemade chips. The atmosphere could be a lot better, and I wish they would do the place over to make it more inviting and cozy. However, the food is so good that I will never stop going there. read more

Delicious authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices (go for the fish tacos). Consistently friendly and attentive service. Good salsa bar with lots of variety. Casual dining along the dreaded strip mall universe of Boston Post road. read more

When I first started dating my husband, we would always go out to eat to the same places. One night he was wanting a good margarita and Mexican food, so I suggested Baja's (which had been a restaurant I went to all the time when I was younger). Well, now it's become a pretty much weekly date night spot. We love it here. Aside from the fresh salsa bar, yum! our favorites to order are the rafaels especial, fish tacos, enchiladas verde...etc and of course a margarita on the rocks. When I tell people about this place I have to mention that it doesn't look like much, it's kind of a small place in a strip-mall. But, if that doesn't bother you...then try it out! read more

I have been eating here since the restaurant opened and I continue to return. As a person who used to live in CA right above Baja, I can tell you, this food is good. The rice is to die for! It's perfect! Fresh chips and a great salsa bar that included pickled carrots that I love. I almost always get the tostada with a side of guacamole and rice. The taquitos are fantastic too. I have never heard anyone dislike other items on the menu. And the flan! Oy! read more

SALSA BAR is great! Huge portion of food, service is great. Fish, meat, chix tacos are all great with a side of rice and beans.

My family and I have been frequenting Baja's for years now and I can't say that we've ever left disappointed. They don't necessarily have the most extensive tequila selection which is probably the only negative aspect of the entire dining experience, and is a fact I can certainly overlook. They have a salsa bar which is highly original. It has six different salsa selections, ranging from very mild to quite spicy, so there is an option for everyone. The nachos are always delicious, topped with pico de gallo, cheese, and guacamole. The chile relleno comes with two stuffed poblano peppers, beans, rice, and guacamole. It's a huge portion and more than likely you'll be taking some to go. All in all I've been very pleased with Baja's over the years and look forward to frequently returning with my family read more

I just had the nachos from bajas tonight and I want to say 1st. I am a big fan of nachos. I'm a nacho connoisseur and Baja has great nachos. they give you a lot of meat , a lot of cheese and great taste. I recommend them if you're hungry. Jay read more

I have been going to this restaurant on my birthday for the last 12 years and love it. The ceviche is awesome and the pollo mole is POLLO MOLE. There are other Mexican restaurants that are good in the area but this place has my heart. As far as ambiance? Forget it. I have eaten in restaurants in San Diego, waited on by Mexican waiters, fed by Mexican chefs, and anyone who says that this is not the real thing likes the cheese drenched cafeteria style food. I do not understand the reviews that claim it is not as high quality Mexican food as On The Border. On The Border is a chain restaurant and if you are a fan of cheese, then by all means go there. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because of the tire place. If this restaurant was down the Post Rd. in a fancy strip mall it would do fine. read more

No one---NO ONE in Connecticut has better Mexican food. Their Mole is unsurpassed. I'm not sure what another reviewer was suggesting, this Mole is not a trumped up Italian sauce. You can taste the notes of chocolate and spices, just incredible. Baja's has stood the test of time for a reason. The decor may not be fancy--and it never has been--but we go here for the fantastic food. Consistent quality, authentic and always--ALWAYS delicious. Highly highly recommended! Also, having been going here since they opens 25 years ago, I have no idea what that other review is suggesting re: 'tire smell'. There isn't any outdoor seating, so...overactive imagination? :-) read more

My husband and I love it here! The salsa is awesome and I live for the chile verde! The ceviche is flavorful and the staff is warm and friendly ! read more

This is a small unassuming place located in a strip mall, but don't let that scare you away. The food is fresh and their salsa is great! You can usually choose from about 5 to 6 different salsas. Their margaritas on the rocks are delicious and you only need one. The ceviche appetizer is one of my favorites and I've fallen in love with the Shrimp Enchiladas. The enchiladas are not covered with sauce but lightly covered with a sour cream sauce, with lettuces and cabbage. Most likely you won't have room for desser if you've finished your meal because Baja has HUGE portions. Come with an appetite or leave with a doggy bag. read more

We have been going to Baja's for a few years now and we have found one thing: consistently AMAZING food. I have read some reviews on here that state that the waitresses don't write things down, that is because they know the menu and what is on it. So excuuuuuse me if YOU don't know what your little kid ordered. Read the menu and you will also see when sour cream is NOT included with many of the items. They ask if you wish for some as MOST people like sour cream with their Mexican food. Anyway, I will get off my soapbox and state one thing. The food is to die for there. I will gladly pay $50 for me and my boyfriend to enjoy amazing Mexican food (with leftovers due to the huge portion sizes) and two margaritas, which might I add are the best ones I have had. EVER. Every winter the place closes for about 6 weeks at which point we go and try other restaurants when we crave that Mexican taste. Every year we are sorely disappointed and we wait for the minute those doors open again. We were in there once again tonight and once again, we won't send our friends and loved ones anywhere else. Nothing in this area beats Baja's. read more

After hearing from many people how great Baja's is, I decided to try it for lunch today. I was seated immediately and given a basket of freshly-made tortilla chips, but no salsa. I observed other patrons loading up their plates with what looked like salsa from a buffet table. I asked a server about it and was invited to help myself from the "salsa bar" which had several kinds of salsas, sauces, and condiments. Chips & salsa were great, but I felt the server should have told me about the salsa bar when the chips were served. After happily munching on my snacks, I ordered the fish burrito, which was marked at $7.99. I was asked if I wanted the "especial" or the regular. When I told the server I didn't know what the difference was, she said one is sauteed and the other is deep-fried. I went with the sauteed. The burrito was HUGE - stuffed with rice, fresh-cooked fish, avocado, and sour cream. Lettuce and tomato were served on the side. I ate half, had the rest boxed up, and asked for the bill. This is where a happy diner becomes a ticked-off diner. My bill came to $15 and change! Upon questioning the server, she informed my that I had ordered the "especial" burrito, which was $14.99. Maybe I should have asked about the price, but when I asked what the difference between the regular and the "especial" was, the only difference that was pointed out to me was the method of cooking - NOTHING about the almost double price difference. Grrrrr! Needless to say, I was not happy about this, and will probably not be returning, even though the food was quite good. If they get some better servers who actually explain things properly to customers, they'd be a LOT better off. read more