Chelas Mexican Kitchen

4.4 (85 reviews)

Mexican

Closed • 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Best Tacos ever! - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Menu photo 1 Chelas Mexican Kitchen Laguna Beach, CA

Menu photo 2 Chelas Mexican Kitchen Laguna Beach, CA

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Menu photo 5 Chelas Mexican Kitchen Laguna Beach, CA

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Ribeye taco. Looks pretty. But very unremarkable.

The service was adequate. However, the food was below par. My one sister ordered the ribeye burrito with red sauce. It turns out the red sauce is just salsa so it was not good. I had the ribeye tacos and they had no flavor or texture. My other sister had the chicken bowl and she enjoyed that.

Excellent food and great view. Deep fried fish tacos are highly recommended. There are lack of servers and service can be slow, but you can enjoy the beer and view while waiting.

Sandy C.

My daughter and I came here for dinner last week and sat up on the top deck, lovely view and quite cozy. Food came out quick, we ordered cheese enchiladas and they were pretty good, not the best I've had but not bad either. We will definitely be back. Service by the way was great!

Sarah R.

OMG what a Laguna Beach gem!! We came here to end a wonderful day celebrating my mom's birthday and had the best time. You order at the counter and can either sit on the first floor or go up to the rooftop area. That's where we sat- it was so cute! Lights, music, vibes. And it's on PCH so you can see the ocean. I had the Chela burrito with no meat- the black beans are vegetarian (refried beans and rice are not). It was really good! Comes with chips and choices of salsas. My sister and mom also got a beer and it was during happy hour (check out that menu too it's great!). Prices were very reasonable, especially for location. And the staff were so kind!!! Such great vibes all around. They have a little parking lot and even though it was full we found street parking right next to the restaurant. After dinner we walked down to the beach for sunset. Can't wait to go back!

Fish Tacos (2 for $7 during happy hour), ample but void of flavor.

Tracey A.

With its amazing and generous happy hour offering and a second floor roof deck with an ocean view I wish I liked Chelas food a whole lot more. First, that happy hour: It happens after 3pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and the menu includes things like 3 Taquitos for $8, 2 Al Pastor Tacos for $8, and Bean and Cheese Nachos for $10. The prices almost have me hankering to return just to see if I can find a menu item I like. I'm not saying the fish tacos (2 for $7 during happy hour) were bad. In fact, they were so ample (served with tortilla chips and salsa) that the serving size served to confirm how bland the offering was. I'm not certain what they were missing but neither the version with fried fish nor the offering with grilled fish could overcome my impression that the whole thing tasted more of tortilla than anything else. So next time I'd try something else. At Chelas one orders on the main floor and can also sit there but the smart money knows that the optimal seating is up a flight of stairs (food is delivered to your table). With a slice of ocean visible from almost every seat up top, this was a nice ambiance which would only have been improved if they'd opted for music other than electronic. I think one could cobble together a tastier meal here than I had (a man beside me raved about the tamales) and at these prices, with this nice, casual ambiance it's certainly worth a try.

My local go-to Mexican spot. Consistently good. Highly recommended. I've tried just about everything on the menu but my favorite is the chorizo burrito.

Daph H.

Chelas Mexican Kitchen looks a bit small from the outside, but they have a nice outdoor patio upstairs where you should dine, as opposed to the lackluster space downstairs. If you're lucky, you can score one of the seats looking out to the ocean! You order at the counter and then take your number and find somewhere to sit. I got the Chelas burrito ($14.50), filled with carnitas, beans, cabbage and guacamole, which came with chips. It was a solid burrito and made me wish that there was a Chelas closer to where I live. My husband got the chicken fajita burrito ($14.75), with chicken, bell peppers, onions, black beans and cheese. We tried three of their salsas - la famosa, verde and the habanero - which were all good. Will definitely come back to try their breakfast burrito and their tacos!

Jennipher C.

I wasn't expecting such good Mexican food in Laguna Beach, but Chelas Mexican Kitchen really surprised me. You start out by ordering in a small area where you can also grab soda, water, beer, or sparkling wine. We had really great service. They give you a number, then you go find a seat. There's some seating upstairs that offers a great view of some beautiful cars passing by. I ordered the chile verde burrito. This is my go-to at any Mexican restaurant and this was pretty good. Not the best I've had, but still good. I wish there was a little more sauce, but overall it was good. The chips were good with the chipotle salsa. I ended up getting a sparkling wine with some organic orange juice that they sell. The juice was so good and fresh. The burrito was so big I couldn't finish it.

Trina D.

Chelas Mexican Kitchen opened in Laguna Beach on PCH over the weekend in the old Moon Goat Coffee spot. We were surprised to see the new location when we walked by but took note to come back after walking to the beach. We did our time at the tidepools and decided it was time for lunch. We walked over to see the menu, ordered downstairs and told them we'd be sitting upstairs on the roof. We ordered the Grilled Ribeye burrito ($15.99) to share so I asked them to cut it in half. I also asked if they had chips and salsa, which they did but my burrito came with some chips and salsa so we were set. We also ordered a couple Coronas to enjoy on a warm spring day. We were given a number and headed upstairs. Our food arrived pretty quickly. I also asked if they had a spicier salsa and was told they had a habanero one. The server was kind enough to bring me a small container of it which I quickly mixed with the salsa they originally gave us. It was the perfect amount of spicy for me. The burrito was hearty with pieces of warm beef and cold cabbage. I enjoyed having it upstairs while people watching the folks on PCH. I'm glad to have another option in Laguna Beach when we head to the beach. They have a small parking lot but there is metered parking nearby and residential parking if you're willing to park a bit further.

Kaitlyn I.

Came on a Tuesday night and sat on the first floor patio, which has all high chairs. There's also an upstairs patio. Staff were friendly and service was quick ~10 minutes for food to come out. You order at their counter and they'll bring the food out to wherever you sit. There's a good selection of drinks inside the fridges from Mexican sodas to beers. Would love to see some aguas frescas in the future though! Got the La Calle Taco Combe with steak ($13.99). The tacos were packed! The meat had a great balance of flavor with char. The beans were so smooth--it was delicious. And of course the rice and chips completed the meal. No leftovers from me. Highly recommend and will have to be back to try the crispy chicken tacos.

What an excellent experience this place was for our daughters wedding after-party. Excellent food and really wonderful hospitality. To the entire staff: Thanks very much, We really appreciate what you did for us.

Lida M.

I love this cute & festive Mexican restaurant at the heart of North Laguna Beach with amazing views ! From 3-8 everyday, sit in their upstairs area, order the best fish tacos ever for $6 and $4 beers and enjoy your life ! Doesn't get any better. Can't wait for my next visit ! Cheers!

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Trevor L.

228

9 months ago

Great food and a great price! As long as it doesn't get too expensive, we will be there. Great deals for Taco Tuesday and Thirsty Thursday

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Karla V.

Trevor - Thank you! We work hard to keep our prices fair at Chelas…

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Wendy B.

1 year ago

Stopped by here for their happy hour food specials and was not disappointed. Very delicious and fresh. Highly recommend. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - 2 taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Regular chicken burrito - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Karla V.

Hi Wendy, We’ll be sure to share your review with our kitchen and…

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John S.

9 months ago

Had fish tacos on the deck at sunset. This place is a hidden gem. Would recommend. Servers were friendly, had a low key vibe.

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Karla V.

Thank you, John!! Fish tacos on the deck at sunset is the perfect…

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rmita n.

1 year ago

The food didnt have much flavor , I tried their burrito baja and El macho. baja had too much cabbage and the other one was missing flavor. its a cool ambience with good music and the service was great. read more

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Karla V.

We are sorry your experience was not as you hoped, and certainly hope…

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Greg R.

172

9 months ago

Food was delicious .. The Manager Arturo was very nice and hospitable.. Love the atmosphere..

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Karla V.

Hi Greg - Thank you! Arturo is such an important part of our team -…

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Lubo S.

10 months ago

Our family loves Chelas! Ever since they first opened in Laguna Niguel on Alicia years ago. Each one of us had a favorite burrito - bean and cheese, Chelas, fajitas, steak, chicken. The famosa salsa was an all favorite. My son (very picky) was asking me for Chelas takeout every week. But then they closed and relocated to San Clemente. Thankfully, with the new location in Laguna Beach, we can enjoy our favorites again. As a bonus, if you sit in, you will have a nice view and feel the ocean breeze. read more

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Karla V.

Lubo - This is so touching! Having your whole family with different…

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Leticia R.

274

4 months ago

Awesome little place, great prices and delicious guacamole. The roof top deck didn't disappoint and the service was great. Just a block from the beach and the view while eating there was amazing. read more

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Karla V.

HI Leticia,…

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Cindy G.

4 months ago

Five stars, service, cleanliness & food! We were greeted by Art the front staff who was friendly and so helpful. The food was hot, fresh and full of flavor. I'm a bit of a chili-a-holic the habanero and chipotle are outstandingly hot. The green chili is fresh, tasty but not hot at all. Art did point out that their rooftop patio was warm with the best view in the house. The restaurant also has ground floor seating for those that were unable to find a seat upstairs. read more

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Karla V.

Hi Cindy,…

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Brian C.

1 year ago

The food is delicious especially around this area. If you're looking for good vibes with Javier's food flare this is the spot to go to. The green salsa is delicious on the fish tacos. I highly recommend read more

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Karla V.

Brian, Your recommendation means everything to us - word of mouth…

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Matt W.

9 months ago

The quality of the ingredients is top notch. The music is a bit loud for conversation on the deck. But you can talk over it after your 4th beer I assume. My problem with the place is it's very bland. I'm born and raised socal, so I'm used to spicy food. This food is made for people in Wisconsin. It's about 4 houses down so the next time I go I'll bring some chopped Serranos and onions and a couple of bottles of hot sauce. read more

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Karla V.

Matt - Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad you appreciate our…

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Malia L.

1 year ago

The customer service was everything, the worker there she was sooo sweet to me and even helped me decide some dishes to get. The place is so beautiful, I was wondering through Laguna and spot this place. It brings such calm vibes with such good food. 10/10, I would sooo come again. You guys are amazing :) read more

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Karla V.

This review just made my day! Having one of our team members help you…

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Kristin H.

1 year ago

Such a lovely spot! The food is really good and they have amazing "happy hour specials." The fish tacos are fantastic and a very sizable portion. The crispy ones are great as well. They have a variety of yummy salsas - some are HOT! And you get some delicious chips with the tacos - not many places offer that. The staff is beyond friendly and the service is wonderful . Heat lamps upstairs - nice view - very cute decor. Such a nice addition to North Laguna! read more

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Karla V.

We appreciate you choosing Chelas and look forward to serving you…

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Drew S.

6 months ago

We eat here a lot. The last few time the food has been served cold and the greasy cheese makes everything hard to eat.

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Karla V.

Hi Drew, thank you for taking the time to share this with us. We’re…

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K B.

8 months ago

The service was fine however the food was disappointing. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food look elsewhere. I truly believe this is some of the worst I've tried. read more

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Karla V.

KB - I'm sorry the food disappointed you so badly. Hearing it's 'some…

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Danielle C.

1 year ago

Delicious breakfast burritos We split the MVP breakfast burrito. It was SO delicious. Full of steak, bacon and all the other stuff Great, yummy fresh salsa. So big easy to split. We had our dog, sat upstairs with her. Delicious, fast and priced fair. For Laguna this is a great find. read more

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Karla V.

Hi Danielle - Thank you so much for visiting our newest location!…

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Robert S.

366

350

1 year ago

Chelas is amazing. The food is delicious, prices are great. Definitely worth a visit.

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Karla V.

Thank you for choosing Chelas Mexican Kitchen! ~ Karla V.

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Sue M.

1 year ago

Great place for delicious tacos. The counter help was very friendly and enthusiastic. Food came out quickly, hot and all fresh ingredients. If you sit outside upstairs, you have a nice view of the ocean. They have fresh squeezed orange juice, which was excellent. The container of cinnamon chips is a great and delicious treat too. read more

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Karla V.

Hi Sue - Reading reviews like this absolutely makes my day. I'm so…

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Alexis B.

1 year ago

My husband, MIL, and I went here for the first time today. The restaurant has a nice patio seating area and an upstairs seating area as well. My husband and I shared the Ribeye Tacos and Steak Burrito and both were so good!!! My MIL is vegetarian and ordered an a la carte enchilada and she was very impressed with the quality and presentation. We tried 3/4 salsas (all but the most mild) and were blown away by all 3! The service was also incredible and the people working were very attentive and helpful! We went here spontaneously as we happened to park across the street and find ourselves hungry, and I am sure glad we did! Honestly, me personally, I will be thinking about these ribeye tacos for a while lol read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Ribeye Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Cheese Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Steak Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Karla V.

We are so thrilled you enjoyed your Chelas Mexican Kitchen…

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Duane H.

11 months ago

Chili verde burrito is great. It's a generous portion at a fair price. Lots of parking for my brown package car too.

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Karla V.

Hi Duane - So glad you loved the chili verde burrito - we really do…

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Ryan T.

11 months ago

Off the hook tamales and sauce! I'm coming back for more. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Brendan P.

10 months ago

Great food and great service plain and simple. Art was real nice and inviting into the restaurant. Will definitely be back and 10/10 recommend read more

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Karla V.

Brendan, Thank you! Art is such a special part of our team - I'm so…

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Mostafa D.

1 year ago

The food here was amazing, with a beautiful view upstairs. The service is great aswell. read more

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Karla V.

Thank you very much for choosing Chelas Mexican Kitchen! ~ Karla V.

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Cate M.

10 months ago

the food is amazing! the staff are so nice and helpful if you're not sure what to get, and they're very polite! they're in a great location right on PCH so i grab food here before or after a beach day! they have an amazing rooftop deck that looks out to the ocean with plenty of seating! i got one of their trucker hats too because their food is AMAZING and you get a small discount if you wear the hat to the restaurant! i recommend getting any of the tacos (i love the americano bacon tacos for a breakfast taco) or the steak burrito! I also love their shrimp too! they have the best chips and salsa. they make raw tortillas and cook them fresh, and my friends and i order a side of their flour tortillas to have as a beach snack all the time!! i usually don't love a bean&cheese burrito, but for some reason the ones from here are so addicting. they also have 3 mini bean & cheese burritos for $10 and it's my favorite beach meal/snack!! this place is the best. i wish i lived closer so i could come here every day! i come in at least 1-3 times a week and some of the employees learned my friends and i's names!!! so sweet :) read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - rooftop deck! - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - chelas hat i wear every day! so many great options! - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - 2 americano breakfast tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Karla V.

Cate - This review just made my entire week! Your enthusiasm is…

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Sabrina L.

11 months ago

Love the tacos. Made fresh and lots of grilled meat. The place is fun with an upstairs deck for ambiance and ocean views. The guys working are always so kind. A must try! read more

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Karla V.

Hi Sabrina - Hearing that you love our tacos and notice all that…

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Jennifer J.

11 months ago

The food is really good at this location. A major complaint is that they close at 8pm on Friday nights. They close their upstairs patio at 7:15! We come here regularly after lawn bowling across the street, but we will have to find somewhere else to take our business with these early closing times. Why would a restaurant close their prime seating 45 minutes before closing, during summer??? We are currently crammed into a little seating area waiting for our food. This restaurant will be losing customers if they keep up this ridiculous cut off time for seating. read more

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Karla V.

Hi Jennifer - We appreciate you sharing your experience and thoughts…

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R M.

363

11 months ago

Another great Mexican spot in Laguna. Flavor profile is unique to this location and a great edition to our array of options. Will add it to my rotation! read more

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Karla V.

Rob, 'Adding it to your rotation' - that's exactly what we hoped for!…

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Donna B.

1 year ago

We have followed Chela's from the time of their first restaurant in Laguna Niguel. As they have grown, the quality and consistency of their food and service has remained unparalleled. Their Laguna Beach restaurant has lots of seating and a great second story view of the ocean. It is a great place to meet friends, hang out, and have great food! read more

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Karla V.

Donna, We truly appreciate your loyalty to Chelas and are so happy…

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LeAnn D.

1 year ago

Waited forever for food after being told it was going to be out in a minute. Still waiting.

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Karla V.

Hi LeAnn, We’re really sorry to hear about your experience. Our team…

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Rafael R.

1 year ago

Beyond the amazing location, ambiance, and overall vibe the food was FANTASTIC! Rib eye tacos were superb. Also the beans were on point. Beans are not easy to do well but Chelas has succeeded on all levels. Happy to have you in Laguna. See you guys soon. Salud Karla and Art read more

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Karla V.

Thank you so much for the rave review, Rafael! We appreciate you…

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Joe P.

1 year ago

We love this place! Food is great! Specials are too! The fellas working here are always so nice and easy going but efficient. One of our favorite places in Laguna. read more

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Karla V.

Being called 'one of your favorite places in Laguna' is the ultimate…

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Evan C.

1 year ago

We came on a Saturday morning. There weren't many people around so we could've ordered in person but had already ordered online. The MVP breakfast burrito is delicious, and the variety of salsas were nice. read more

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Karla V.

Thank you for coming in on Saturday morning! I love that you tried…

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Steve O.

1 year ago

I've been there 5 times. Excellent food. Crispy chicken tacos are the best I've ever had. The service is exceptional. It's clean and has an upstairs view of the water. I am giving it a 5 stars. read more

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Karla V.

Five visits and five stars - that's exactly the kind of loyalty that…

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Ida D.

1 year ago

Unexpected stop in Laguna. Weather was perfect to sit outside upstairs on the deck. Slight view of the ocean but main view of PCH. Delicious tacos and quesadilla. Would recommend and would visit again. Only drawback for me was that they did not have any wine. Staff was super nice, the guy who brought our food upstairs was stellar. read more

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Karla V.

Thank you for choosing Casa Estrella during your Laguna visit! I love…

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Sean S.

1 year ago

It's was great food. Meats were flavorful and delicious Nice rooftop dining area. Nice friendly service. Will definitely be back for more

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Karla V.

Hi Sean, Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! I'm thrilled…

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Scott W.

1 year ago

Great food, great service, very reasonable prices. Highly recommended! Taquitoes were amazing!

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Karla V.

We are so happy you enjoyed your Chelas and hope to see you again…

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Paul G.

1 year ago

Love this new Laguna Beach location, have been enjoying Chela's food since original location in Laguna Niguel, was really bummed when they closed. Happy to see they're doing well and thriving, food is absolutely delicious. Special shout out to Brandon the young man who works at the counter in Laguna Beach, also have experienced his awesome guest service skills at the San Clemente location, he is eternally positive, always smiling, polite and professional. read more

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Karla V.

Wow! Thank you for the amazing review and most importantly, for your…

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Michael C.

1 year ago

10/10 views. Food was super great & pretty cheap for the PCH. They did not go easy on the portion sizes too! Lots of food

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Karla V.

Awe thank you so much for your support! We look forward to seeing you…

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Rylan L.

1 year ago

absolutely superb went back twice for the grilled ribeye burrito. Service was exceptional.

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Karla V.

The ribeye burrito is one of our personal favorites! Great choice! ~…

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Jd D.

209

1 year ago

My wife mentioned to try happy hour here , the staff was very welcoming and friendly. We decided to sit down stairs because it was close to closing time , the employee came out and turned on the heaters and was very accommodating. The fish tacos were great ! We will be back ! I'm hoping in the future for 8am til 9 pm hrs read more

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Karla V.

We are so happy you enjoyed your Chelas and will certainly keep your…

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Amanda S.

1 year ago

I've now ordered for pickup twice and food was excellent. Loved the ribeye burrito and the breakfast burrito. I plan to eat there next time as they have a great outdoor deck with view which is surprisingly pretty rare for Laguna. read more

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Karla V.

You have very good taste! ;) Thank you for your business! ~Karla V.

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Page 2 of 3

412 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directions
(949) 549-4353
Call Now
Visit Website
https://chelasmexkitchen.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Chelas Mexican Kitchen open?

Chelas Mexican Kitchen opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Chelas Mexican Kitchen opens at 9:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Chelas Mexican Kitchen close?

Chelas Mexican Kitchen closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 10:00 AM - 8:00 PMSat-Sun 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Chelas Mexican Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen have a happy hour?

Yes, Chelas Mexican Kitchen has a happy hour.

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen serve alcohol?

Yes, Chelas Mexican Kitchen serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen allow dogs?

Yes, Chelas Mexican Kitchen allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen have outdoor seating?

No, Chelas Mexican Kitchen does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Chelas Mexican Kitchen has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Chelas Mexican Kitchen have free WiFi?

Yes, Chelas Mexican Kitchen has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Where traditional, authentic recipes are prepared using only the freshest ingredients and are served in a elevated, casual setting. Design, creativity, and a passion for food are at the heart of each dish.

Chelas Mexican Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
3 Reviews

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Great location! Right by the beach; fresh air and sunshine in the patio…read more Received warm complimentary chips with warm beans and salsa; so good! Beans taste homemade and traditionally made. Salsa had a little kick to it but not too spicy. Ordered the parrillada; the chicken was tender and moist. The shredded pork carnitas were crispy yet juicy. The steak was perfectly medium rare and tender to eat. Shrimp was cooked beautifully and firm. The corn was cold but it was still good! Came with a side of onions and jalapenos. The flour tortillas were taco sized. Great shareable plate for 2-3 people. Had the virgin margarita and it was one of the best virgin drinks I've had. Not just a bunch of sugar and soda water like other mocktails. It had freshly made syrups and with chunks of cucumbers. So refreshing!

We drove about 25 minutes to Carmelita because the posted hours said they were open until 10 PM. We…read morearrived around 9:30 PM, but the doors were already locked and we weren't able to get in We completely understand if the kitchen closes early or if there are reasons for closing before the posted time, but it was disappointing to make the drive only to find the restaurant closed 30 minutes before the listed closing time At the very least, it'd be helpful if the hours were updated to 9:30 so customers don't make the trip unnecessarily

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Asada Tacos + Beer

Delicious food, great vibe and excellent service. I'd be back with a group of friends.read more

It was perfect. The cilantro lime steak salad made the best afternoon snack for me and my husband…read more Grilled carne asada tops a bed of greens, a generous amount of avocado, red onions, shredded jack cheese, tomato, roasted corn, black beans, and crispy tortilla strips.stripe. All dressed in a lime vinaigrette. It was so refreshing and full of protein, both animal and plant. We always try to eat as healthy as possible and this truly hit the spot. Pairs well with a bottle of unsweetened tea. Service was nice and fairly quick. Located in the Pavilions shopping center, and 6-minute walk from our hotel, this really made our day. Seatings are plentiful on this weekday, both inside and outside. There are other items on the menu like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. We will definitely try these next time we're in town. They all sound tasty! Salud!

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Yaaaaaas @SeoHungry

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Las Brisas

Food is amazing and fresh with authentic flavors. The views are also stunning with an overhead look…read moreover the beach. The staff is wonderful and very friendly, especially Axel. He made our experience very enjoyable and had excellent recommendations, such as the Taste of Las Brisas. He really made our party feel welcome and was very attentive. Too bad they don't have this restaurant in Colorado, but I recommend it to anyone who is in the area!

Food was amazing; service was even better. We ordered oysters that were so fresh, consider our…read morecravings satisfied! We got the Halibut Special and the Steak and Lobster Special. Both were delicious, especially the avocado sauce for the Halibut. Only complaint was the lobster being a bit too chewy. The blueberry jalapeño marg and spicy espresso martini were also quite tasty. 5/5 stars for Brian. He was super attentive and made sure we had the best experience there. The view, of course, was stunning. Can't go wrong with Las Brisas. Will definitely be back!

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One of their beautiful indoor dining areas.

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS

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July 30, 2025

South of Nick's

PHENOMENAL dinner service from the waiters here. Great cocktail pairing recommendations with meal,…read moresuper attentive, always delivered, and great end to my engagement night. Would 100% come back. That said, I'd admit, a certain DTLA Michelin restaurant has set my expectations of south of border seafood cuisine a bit too high (starts with H) so I'll try to be reasonable. Also the items picked were surprisingly huge and i was too full to finish my meal. 9/10 The chips tasted delicious, bean dip was something new and delicious, salsa was fresh and bold, and the roasted pepper salsa was surprisingly not too spicy, really good. 8/10 trio de cheviche. Good assortment and size of the dish. Shrimp was ok, I felt it was missing something, octopus was good, my personal favorite was the marinaded tuna. 8/10 seafood chile relleno, not a bad assortment, sides were good, large portions of food. 10/10 Coco rita, this margarita is definitely something different! And pairs with everything amazingly, I love it, and this is coming from someone who normally hates coconut. 9/10 they brought out this chocolate cake I dont see on the menu but they will if it's your birthday, but in my case to celebrate my new engagement. Super moist. The place is really loud ambient wise when busy which was around 8pm which is normal of any popular place but after near closing around 9:30 is pretty quiet and casual on a Sunday. Total bill after a 21% tip ran me total $165 and I had leftovers. Free chips, 1 large giant appetizer, and 1 large entree could potentially feed 3 people if you don't eat a lot. If you don't wanna have leftovers, go easy on the chips but that's gonna be hard.

Absolutely incredible! Top notch everything-…read more Service, atmosphere, food, drinks- every single thing we had (2 nights in a row) was amazing. For whatever it's worth, they were s super accommodating with modifications, which is greatly appreciated for those of us who are (sensitive foodies).

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Bar area with chips and dip

Tres leches

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Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

The Taco Stand

Taco Stand never misses -- but just know this is not the exact same experience as the San Diego…read morelocations. The flavor profile here is definitely a bit smokier/charred compared to the Taco Stand spots down south, especially compared to La Jolla. There are slight variations in how some of the food is cooked and prepared, but it's not bad at all -- just different. If you come in expecting an exact replica, you may notice the differences. If you treat this location as its own thing, it's honestly really solid. Huge shoutout to Carlos at the register for the excellent customer service. We ordered food both for here and to-go, and everything was packed separately exactly how we asked. We also made a few modifications after placing the order, and Carlos went out of his way to track down our ticket and write the changes on it himself to make sure everything came out correctly. Food was still great, service was amazing, and we'd definitely come back again.

I've been to a different location before (La Jolla) and I think this location wasn't as good. I'm…read morenot sure what the difference was but the tacos weren't as flavorful especially when it came to the Carne Asada. At the La Jolla location you can see the staff making the tortillas + churros and this location the tortillas were packaged. I'm not sure if they use the same ingredients but this could have changed the flavor profile. They were still yummy don't get me wrong but they just weren't as good as I remember them. I ordered chips and guac as well and the staff forgot to include it in my order so I had to go up to the counter another time which was quite a hassle given it's a very busy restaurant with the line out the door the entire time I was there. The salsa selection is rather nice especially when most restaurants are trying to cut down on salsa options + use the lower quality ingredients. You can tell the ingredients in the salsas were high + they even have a few creamy options which is hard to see at most Mexican restaurants these days. I do think the guac was a little limey but it wasn't bad when you added it to the tacos. If you go I would recommend you go with zero expectations of eating inside as there are about 5-6 tables + waiting a long time for your food. The beach is 10 steps away so you can always take your food to the beach too!

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Great spot

California burrito- good carne Asada in there

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Freshly made churro with a sweet cream sauce for dipping.

Avila's El Ranchito

The food was delicious, and the service was excellent and the staff were very friendly and polite,…read moreand the ambiance was pleasant and inviting. If you are in the area I highly recommend you check out this restaurant.

Service was really poor. Saw a bunch of servers who were just standing atound chatting and not…read morepaying attention much attention to customers. Food is good though

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Sitting on the patio with a view of the ocean. We watched the sunset while we waited for our meal

California enchiladas (chicken & tomatillo) Yum

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Rasta Taco

I LOVE Rasta Taco on Beach Street in Laguna Beach!! It's my new taco place; my all-time favorite is…read morethe Al Pastor!! I enjoy sitting outside, eating Rasta Taco & watching life walk by!!! Try it - you'll love it too!!! by: Mary Jones

Stopped by Rasta Taco and kept it simple this time. Trying to cut calories, so I only ordered one…read moretaco instead of my usual "I'll regret this later" combo. Went with the Jamaican jerk chicken taco (most reviewed item on Yelp) and honestly, one was enough because it hit the spot. Super tasty, full of flavor, and everything tasted fresh. No shortcuts here. It comes with a side of chips and that combo was all I needed. Also worth mentioning, this place is on a corner and actually has a few parking spots for customers. That alone deserves appreciation in downtown Laguna Beach where parking is usually a competitive sport. Quick stop, great flavor, left happy. Would absolutely do it again.

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Front

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Quesadilla

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Jerk chicken lettuce wrap and Carnitas Mini Street Taco

La Sirena Grill

Excellent each time we come here. High quality and great tasting fresh food! Eaten here a lot and…read morebreakfast was just as good as lunch and dinner. Love it.

It used to be a great -- and one of my favorite -- destinations for Mexican food. Unfortunately,…read morebased on my experiences this year, it has become a total disappointment. My last order, beef enchiladas, was simply inedible. The meat tasted so bad that I could not even finish the first bite. The overall quality, and sometimes the customer service, have seriously declined.

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Beer Menu

Huevos Rancheros

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Javier's

The food here is second to known I've tried there whole menu dam near there Aguachiles money any of…read morethere tacos tucked fire asf I can keep going but yall need to go check k it out it is a little pricey but worth every penny and there desert omg

Best Mexican food in Orange County. Best service and atmosphere you can ask for. Love coming here…read morewith the fam for special occasions.

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Newport Beach Location

Filete Ladrillo

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Newport Beach Location - Tacos

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Came here on Mother's Day. This is always a tried and true. We got a little of everything and it…read moredid not disappoint. Would come back here again, no questions asked!

Decent New American/Breakfast/Brunch spot in Laguna Beach. I came here for a friend's birthday with…read morea big group on a Sunday and the experience was alright. Going down the list of dishes I tried here: -Miso Garlic Noodles: Solid and good flavor. Nothing special and overpriced for what they were. -Avocado Wontons: These were interesting. It was like a vegan poke only that it's watermelon. Not bad, but the 'wontons' weren't actual wontons. -Ahi Poke Stack: Solid poke and I enjoyed the creamy avocado. Also a bit overpriced considering the portion size. -Matcha Martini: Pretty disappointing. Couldn't really taste any matcha. Only tasted like a sweet and creamy cocktail. -Chilaquiles: Overall enjoyable. I liked the crispy chips. However, the servers forgot my eggs which was annoying, but they brought it out later with an additional egg. -Crispy Fried Calamari: Tasty and I liked the sauce. Calamari wasn't the greatest quality itself though. Service was pretty slow and the servers seemed to forget many details when taking orders which caused service delays wasn't optimal. The interior was decent and not dirty. For parking, there's a good amount located at and around the Pavilions parking lot. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back here again. It just seemed like a standard chain restaurant. It is located walking distance from the beach though.

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Halibut Sandwich

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BBQ Cobb Salad

Splashes Restaurant

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to your receptionist for helping with our friend's proposal…read moretoday. She was incredibly patient and kind throughout the whole process. Our plan changed twice(maybe more), and she adapted to every change without hesitation. She also helped hand the flowers to the groom-to-be, which made the proposal more special. They even gave the couple a beautiful corner table by the window so they could enjoy the ocean view. It was absolutely perfect and made the moment even more memorable. We truly appreciate her kindness and the amazing service from your team. Everyone went above and beyond to make this proposal a success, and we're so grateful. Thank you for helping create such a beautiful and unforgettable memory!

This is the perfect restaurant to have a fancy meal or a girl's brunch!…read more Whenever I come across any restaurant known for its views or ambiance, the food is often subpar so I didn't have high expectations coming here. But wow did that change my mind!! The margherita flatbread was a table favorite and approved by my Italian friends. We also loved the alaskan halibut tacos & crispy chicken sandwich. The portions were big enough to share or eat individually so it felt worth the price. As a party of 8, we honestly had a great experience with our food, service, and waterfront seating. The staff were not quick to rush us while we celebrated my friend's birthday with a cake and pictures, so that was very much appreciated. I would absolutely come back for my birthday or any special occasion! Some things to note: - $10 valet parking with validation but there's plenty of metered street parking out front - 20% service charge automatically added to the bill

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Lunch at Splashes

Girl & Dug Winter Salad

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Breakfast at Splashes

Selanne Steak Tavern

Celebrated my husband's 39th birthday at Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach last night, and it…read morewas an amazing experience from start to finish. We went with a family-style approach so we could try a bit of everything. To start, we ordered the bread service--definitely worth it. The bread was warm and soft, served with a tomato topping and two incredible butters: a rosemary butter with a subtle citrus note and a rich beef tallow. We shared the wedge salad, which was phenomenal--packed with flavor and even had a slight kick that really elevated it. For mains, several of us ordered the skirt steak, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. My mother-in-law had the filet and loved it. We paired everything with two bottles of Daou Cabernet, which complemented the meal beautifully. The sides were just as memorable--we ordered two mac & cheeses (so good), a baked potato, honey-glazed carrots (a standout), and mushrooms. Everything was delicious and perfect for sharing. The ambiance and service really made the night. We sat outside under a pergola with beautiful lighting, which created such a cozy and special atmosphere. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made the entire evening feel seamless. Overall, Selanne Steak Tavern is absolutely worth the price for a special occasion. By the end of the night, all of us were already saying we couldn't wait to come back.

My husband and I chose Selanne to celebrate our anniversary, and our dinner started off…read morewonderfully. The food was excellent, and our waiter, Nigel, was friendly, attentive, and made our evening enjoyable. Unfortunately, our experience took a disappointing turn after we got home. Two days later, we reviewed our credit card statement and discovered that the restaurant had charged us an additional $690 that was not part of our bill. We immediately called the restaurant and were told that a manager would contact us the following day to resolve the issue. We never received that call, so my husband had to follow up himself. Even after explaining that the charge was clearly not ours, we were told we would have to wait while they determined whose bill it actually belonged to. The restaurant made the mistake, yet instead of reversing the incorrect charge immediately, they expected us to wait while they sorted out their own billing error. As a result, we had to put our credit card on hold and spend a large part of our afternoon on the phone trying to resolve an issue that should never have been our responsibility. It's unfortunate because our anniversary dinner was otherwise a great experience. However, the lack of urgency and poor customer service in handling such a significant billing error overshadowed the evening. Because of how this situation was handled, we will not be returning.

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C'est la Vie Restaurant & Bakery

Love Gabrie! He took great pictures of us upon request, so funny, and sociable. He made our dining…read moreexperience top tier!!

Service, food and views...amazing! Our server Gabriel was the cherry on top, we will come back just…read moreto have his company! This wasnt the first time here nor will it be the last. Already looking forward to the next time!

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Interior

Eggs Florentine

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Deck seating July 31, 2025

Wild Strawberry Cafe

Ordered to go and paid extra for avocado…read more Unfortunately there was none when we opened it despite it being not busy when we went so not sure how it was missed Cute Ambiance but nothing special edit: owner reached out and made things right. Appreciate the customer service, 5 stars for that

Service is the first impression, and boy was service slow. I felt like i was waiting in a line made…read morefor Disneyland even though there were only 4 people in line (wrote this while in line). After the fact, i think the person ringing out customers was new. The food was very good. I did the breakfast burrito and it tasted fresh and was nice and toasty. opted not to do coffee or tea this time, but will definitely be back. I also like the outdoor sitting area area, even though it's a bit tight. It feels quaint and cozy.

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Outdoor seating

Pastrami sandwich with strawberry salad

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Interior and exterior decor.

The Taco Stand

California burrito- good carne Asada in there

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Freshly made churro with a sweet cream sauce for dipping.

K'ya Laguna

K'ya is back in Laguna Beach -- and the food is just as good as I remember…read more I used to be a regular at K'ya Bistro years ago before the space changed concepts, so I was really excited to see it return to the same location. Walking back into the space brought back a lot of great memories. I was actually surprised it wasn't busier on a Thursday night just a week after their grand opening, because this place used to always be packed. The food was great across the board. We ordered a mix of happy hour items and entrées and everything was well done. Highlights: Happy Hour / Starters * Bacon-wrapped dates - Incredible. Perfectly crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese inside, and the sweetness of the date. Easily one of the best bites of the night. * Coconut shrimp - I'm not a seafood eater, but my friend devoured them and said they were excellent. * Hummus platter - Generous portion with cucumbers, carrots, plenty of pita, and a large serving of hummus. * Wine - Very generous pours for happy hour. Entrées * Steak tips - Cooked perfectly and well seasoned. * Sausage with polenta - Really flavorful and comforting. * Salmon bites - I didn't try these, but my friends loved them. There were four of us and we ordered quite a bit -- and still couldn't finish everything. Portions were generous and the pricing felt very reasonable, especially for being right on PCH in Laguna Beach. One note for the owners: I'd love to see this place succeed long term. The food and location are great, but I think a stronger marketing push could really help bring people back in -- things like inviting local food reviewers, boosting social media, and making sure the website clearly shows the current menu and happy hour specials. Overall it's a great space with solid food and good value for Laguna Beach. I'm really excited to have K'ya back and look forward to coming again.

We went to K'ya on a Thursday night. It was pretty empty so I was a little skeptical. The drinks…read morewere yummy and they had live music. She was pretty good! It's a really fun menu and all sharing plates. We ordered the hummus, deviled eggs, olives, bacon wrapped dates, beef, and meatballs and it was all really delicious. We need to keep our local eateries going! Try it, the food was great!

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Olives, bacon wrapped dates

Beef

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Drinks menu

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3 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Valentino V.

2 months ago

I had an amazing experience at this modern Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere was stylish, warm, and inviting, with fresh flavors in every dish. The tacos were perfectly seasoned, the salsa tasted homemade, and the presentation was beautiful. What stood out most was the staff. Everyone was genuinely friendly, attentive, and quick to help, making us feel welcome from start to finish. Their excellent service, combined with incredible food, made this a place I will happily visit again soon with friends and family for special dinners often. read more

Coast C.

21 days ago

Everything about this place screams authentico, the food is muy sabrosa!! Art, Aylet, and Valentino bring so much warmth and friendliness, they truly make one feel like family! I can't recommend this little slice of Mexican cuisine highly enough! Bravo!! read more

Cecily M.

117

1 year ago

recently discovered this place.... CHEFS KISS! will be coming here all summer (and from there on)

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - mexican - Updated July 2026

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3 Chelas Mexican Kitchen reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

3 reviews that are not currently recommended

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - mexican - Updated July 2026

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