Great Mex Grill

367

384

217

8 years ago

While stingy on the napkins, this place is yummy, popular, and has LARGE PORTIONS! Don't order too much like we did. WE'RE SO FAT NOW! read more

Great Mex Grill - GIANT chimichanga and GIANT nachos. Everything is large portion here. Order carefully. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Olga V.

6 years ago

Yesterday was my first but not the last time here. I got shrimp burrito and strawberry margarita. Omggg i haven't had such a delicious burrito for a while! Everything was just perfect-the sauce, the shrimps, everything! It was sooo juicy and tasty, Im glad I found this place! It was pretty busy in there (no wonder) but the waiting time wasn't that long. Other menu items looked tasty too, will try something else next time read more

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Lei S.

3 years ago

I called in an order for the shrimp burrito and shrimp quesadilla and both were so fresh and delicious. Service was quick and friendly too and I'd go back in a heartbeat to try other items. read more

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Florence S.

6 years ago

It's just ok not "OMG, I have to have it" kinda food, but decent. Nothing bad to say about it. Can be a little hard to get to via car, but if you are walking, all good. I wish the french fries in the California Burrito wasn't so soggy. read more

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Thad B.

4 years ago

Good food. Fast, efficient. I grew up eating a lot of Mexican food. This is fresh and it's good.

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Cassidy O.

2 years ago

Used to eat here all the time when I was local. Now my family doesn't mind driving an hour to eat here. Luckily for me it's never been busy the times I've come here. Food is consistently amazing every single time. The lady working behind the counter is always polite and does her job well. This restaurant is very clean. I highly recommend the chicken flautas. Their meals and beverages are very reasonably priced. read more

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Dustin A.

6 years ago

I've been coming here on vacations since 2016. This place is awesome. I love the shrimp and fish tacos, but anything on the menu is great! My wife tried the fried chicken taco on our last visit and it was incredible! If anyone is looking for some great SoCal Mexican, look no further! read more

Great Mex Grill - Fish Taco, Shrimp Taco - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Robert W.

3 years ago

So good, every time! We like the roasted salsa, and drive 40+ miles to this and their other locations for a trip to the beach and delicious food read more

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Ezzie A.

5 years ago

What Mexican restaurant that has no horchata or any Mexican frescos aqua? We love El Cholo we visited quite often whenever we're in the neighborhood but this last time we went the food lacked flavor and I ordered the carne asada fajitas and received 2 PCs of carne asada in the whole order and full of veggies. I didn't like that one bit. I payed for carne asada fajitas not veggie fajitas‍ So disappointed and did not expect this type of service from one of my Mexican Restaurant! Please have horchata and Mexican drinks. Thanks read more

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Becky R.

Elite 22

233

528

726

4 years ago

It appears to be a dive. I was nervous to go in! But it was so yummy! I got the smothered chimmy & it was one of the best I've had! The el pastore taco was pretty great too! It's a great location too!! read more

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Sharona M.

144

948

890

4 years ago

The name says it all. It really is great Mexican food. I ordered through Uber Eats and it was one of the few good delivery experiences I have had. The food did not come cold whereas sometimes with delivery that can definitely happen. It came hot, delicious, and fresh. I got the three option combo. I opted for a beef enchilada, a chicken soft taco, and a carne asada soft taco. I loveeeed the enchilada and the enchilada sauce was SO good. Also, the two soft tacos absolutely hit the spot. This three option combo really gives you the bang for your buck. The beans amd rice it came with were also tasty. All the meat options were amazing. Also, they give a small bag of tortilla chips and different salsa on the side. I really appreciate not only the presentation of the food, but the salsas and chips as well. They know what they're doing here and clearly put effort in all customer orders, including those app orders. I will definitely re-order or stop by again when I'm craving Mexican food again. read more

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Rick W.

191

5 years ago

Staying in a place down the street from this restaurant. We placed 4 separate orders online, one of the orders went to the restaurant on Newport Blvd by mistake. When we realized the mistake we were told that nothing could be done to change the order or credit an order to the Balboa restaurant. This cost us almost 39.00$, we were told they are required to throw the food in the trash since we were not able to drive there. We ordered another order and total cost for this was over 80$ for the 2 orders. I would not recommend Great Mex as customer friendly and feel like we were ripped off. read more

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Juli M.

7 years ago

I have been coming to great mex for 15 years but have never experienced this kind of customer service! They forget 2 items no apologies... only a hang up and told to come back. Hugo is a really nice manager and always kind to the locals. His wife is also incredibly hard working and kind but unfortunately they are not able to hire staff to also be as kind. Samantha (Sam) was completely rude, disrespectful and we will not be coming back for a long time. read more

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Tim A.

Elite 26 All-Star

727

3193

8 years ago

This place is outstanding! We are from Chicago, and this was our first time in Newport Beach. We told a friendly local "We're only in town for a couple of hours, what one restaurant do you recommend?" He didn't hesitate "Do you like Mexican?" Yes. "Then go to Great Mex! Order the California burrito. It has French fries inside." Let me tell you - it did not disappoint!! The staff was super friendly and the food was, well "great!" read more

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Josh F.

174

4 years ago

The food was solid. I liked the shimp fajita burrito. Well executed and the service was great.

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Paula K.

Elite 23

401

1954

8 years ago

While shopping in the new port beach area we were hungry for lunch and decided to give this place a try. Had the Combo fajitas and the ground beef taco salad. Pros: large portions, quick service, friendly staff. Cons: limited seating, no cheese dip, food lacked a lot of flavor. read more

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Kevin W.

3 years ago

The wife and I ended up here by chance years ago and just yesterday we found ourselves there for another amazing lunch. Burritos, salads, nachos - it's all wonderfully fresh and the staff is super friendly and helpful. It's small, but cozy with large windows so you can enjoy the sea air! Don't pass it up! read more

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Kathleen M.

3 years ago

A Yelp review is supposed to consider Food, Service and Ambiance. Food -excellent. Service - staff was friendly, but you go to the counter to order and pick it up when it is ready! So there really wasn't much "service". Ambiance- the place is a dump. The one toilet bathroom wasn't the cleanest. I would suggest take-out or delivery. read more

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Denise B.

Elite 24

145

127

3 years ago

Flavorless. Very disappointed. Fish tacos wasn't sure if it was fish or chicken. Chicken burrito--zero flavor. Nachos....horrible. In huge pile and soggy. Very little cheese all beans. read more

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Nancie M.

166

761

3038

9 years ago

Grew up in this area and never had a fish taco taste so fresh and good in this area I highly recommend also had cerviche fish tostada salad which was just as good and the best part is the prices are so inexpensive. A keeper :) read more

Great Mex Grill - Inside - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - Fish grilled taco - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - Cerviche fish tostada - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Jim D.

Elite 21

768

824

779

9 years ago

Great Mex is truly Great Mex. Cruising the beach cruisers around on Balboa island in Newport Beach can make you really hungry. Found this place on Yelp, parked the bikes, locked them and it was time to order. I ordered the taco plate with two fish tacos and a shrimp taco. large portions and not over done with the cabbage and sauce. Kudos for having really fresh fish, I think it was mahi mahi and the shrimp were not overcooked. I could see why this place was packed. The order came fast and the price was reasonable. Good reasons to return and recommend. read more

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Abby W.

2478

1681

1635

7 years ago

After a lunch debacle on the first day of the Newport Boat Show, my co-workers and I decided to order lunch from UberEats. After much debate, I selected Great Mex due to the good reviews and we placed our order for delivery. Unfortunately, there were a few mistakes in our order and particularly my part of it. I chose the combination with a carne asada soft taco and chicken enchiladas and received chicken in both. I also requested a Coke while my friend ordered a diet Coke and we both ended up with diet, which I can't stand the flavor of. At least the enchilada was tasty though. The soft taco fell apart in my hands as the tortilla had become soggy but it still tasted fine. read more

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Crer C.

7 years ago

Second time coming here. The closest authentic Mexican restaurant in Newport that we know of. The food is ok. Left plate is fajita combo that includes shrimp, chicken and steak. Right plate is quesadilla of pastor. They add a lot of salt to the food. We liked the different salsa options. The only thing about our experience was we waited a long time for our food. Other times we've been here it's been so busy! But today we were the only ones when we got there. We saw people come in and took their orders. They got their food before us! Not happy about that. Other then that I guess we could say it's a nice restaurant, right by the beach. read more

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Nathan B.

3 years ago

very good food, wish I could come here more often. Very suggested if your looking for quality food for good prices

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James L.

7 years ago

Family owned locals spot that has great tasting food! Wife had taco salad that was delicious and I had fish and chicken tacos that was piled high with condiments. Very pleasant staff. Love finding the local spots! read more

Great Mex Grill - Order area - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Vanessa M.

Elite 25

1269

942

3390

7 years ago

3 1/2 stars My gf wanted to do something small and simpler for her birthday so she chose Great Mex. I love tacos so I was excited to check this place out. Parking is street. The inside is pretty small, and she mentioned it gets cracked packed, where the lines would form outside. You order at the front and they bring out your food. They also have a salsa bar, which I love. The menu is is simple, yet they have a lot to offer. Tacos, burrito's, plates, and combos. Not an ideal place to have a big group, as it's small and tight fitting. _Chips and Guac ($5.50) Chips are actually important to me. The chips here were fresh and crunchy. All consistent. I heard the chips were free but guac is of course extra. The guac was great and fairly portioned. _Shrimp Tacos ($2.75) The shrimp tacos were grilled. They gave a good amount and were cooked and seasoned well. Topped with pico de gallo and slaw. Not sure if there was any sauce, but you can get some from the salsa bar. I would get this again :) _Fish Tacos ($2.75) Grilled or fried. This was pretty disappointing. I love fish tacos and sorry to say can be a fish taco snob. The fish to batter ratio was very off. All I tasted as I bit into it, to the very last bite was batter. And the batter itself was not even that good. It fell very flat, and just did not have that fresh quality to it. Topped with pico de gallo and slaw. _Crispy Potato Taco ($2.75) Never had this before so was excited to try it. Especially since this is the taco the birthday girl came for. It comes in a hard shell, instead of soft taco. I will say, this was a standout and the best. The potatoes were soft and well seasoned, and they added a good amount. The hard taco shell was a great crunch texture to add to the already soft potatoes. This was topped with shredded cheese and lettuce. I also got a small side of guac, and topping that on this, was just the icing on the cake. Overall good service and price but nothing amazing. read more

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Michael A.

Elite 20

158

371

7 years ago

Came in for a quick lunch and beer. Went with the nachos and they weren't too bad. The service was quick and everyone though their food was alright. Overall decent experience and since there was many food options around it was pretty good. The place is tiny and doesn't really fit big groups. read more

Great Mex Grill - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Jennifer S.

4 years ago

Best Taco Tuesday, breakfast burritos, and customer service. Their spicy salsa is bomb!

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Suzy S.

189

3 years ago

Amazing Mexican food filled with delicious flavor, fast and the staff is always nice!

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JD C.

117

7 years ago

Hole in the wall amazing Mexican food - id come back here just to grab a delicious meal! Mahi-mahi and shrimp tacos are the way to go! $44 for 3 adults and 3 kids next to a tourist beach town is a steal! read more

Great Mex Grill - Who doesn't love a salsa bar - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Blair L.

3 years ago

I've been going here for 15 years. Great mex was a tradition after the beach. I hate that I'm losing faith in this place. They used to do $1 taco Tuesdays and it was great very juicy carne asada soft tacos. Now they have doubled their price and halved their quality. Lately I've been consistently getting beef jerky like crunchy carne asada that had clearly been sitting under a hot lamp for hours. Tonight I asked if they could cook to order as it is a restaurant and I feel like that's a pretty standard request. They told me they don't do that and served me straight garbage and gave me attitude for asking. Apparently they've adopted the dorm food buffet mentality. DONT GO HERE try the great mex on Newport blv and or Mesa verde read more

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Diana John B.

4 years ago

The food was delicious, the only thing that was disappointing was that the tomatillo salsa was rotten. Real turn off for me.

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James H.

8 years ago

Friendly staff, fair prices and Tasty Food ! Don't miss out on this amazing side street spot. read more

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Nic C.

3 years ago

Honestly was not impressed at all. Food wasn't great. Chips were good tho. Got the California burrito and it was cold. Meat wasn't flavorful. I'd stay away. read more

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Sara S.

3 years ago

Delicious food with fresh ingredients. Great price for the food and plenty to choose from

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Page 4 of 19

703 E Balboa Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Directions
(949) 675-0808
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.greatmexgrill.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Great Mex Grill open?

Great Mex Grill opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Great Mex Grill close?

Great Mex Grill closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Great Mex Grill take credit cards?

Yes, Great Mex Grill takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Great Mex Grill have catering options?

Yes, Great Mex Grill does have catering options.

Does Great Mex Grill have a drive thru?

No, Great Mex Grill does not have a drive thru.

Does Great Mex Grill serve alcohol?

Yes, Great Mex Grill serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Great Mex Grill allow dogs?

Yes, Great Mex Grill allows dogs.

Does Great Mex Grill have TVs?

Yes, Great Mex Grill has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Great Mex Grill have bike parking?

Yes, Great Mex Grill has bike parking.

Does Great Mex Grill have outdoor seating?

Yes, Great Mex Grill has outdoor seating options.

Does Great Mex Grill have parking?

Yes, Great Mex Grill has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Great Mex Grill have free WiFi?

No, Great Mex Grill does not have free WiFi.

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Health Score

Great Mex Grill Reviews in Other Languages

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Mendocino Farms

One of the best servers both managing the top I will not go to any other store except this one who…read moreis great and Service is more than better. I give him a 10 star.

Went to mendocino farms for lunch today and the manager…read moremaria was super helpful and nice great customer service will be back soon !

Inside seating

Delicious looking salad

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Inside seating

Great Maple

I've been to Great Maple many times, and it continues to be one of my favorite restaurants at…read moreFashion Island. This past Sunday, I came in with my daughter, who was really craving a steak. She ordered it medium, but it came out a little more well-done than expected. What impressed me most wasn't the mistake, but how it was handled. Our server, Jenny, was attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely cared about our experience. We never asked for the steak to be removed from the bill, but Jenny and the manager took the initiative to make it right and comped it because it didn't meet their standards. That level of customer service is becoming rare, and it really stood out. My burger was absolutely delicious, the rest of the food was excellent, and Jenny even brought my tea in a to-go cup without me having to ask. It's not always the big things that make a difference it's the little details that show a restaurant truly cares about its guests. Thank you, Jenny, and the entire team, for another wonderful experience. Great food, outstanding service, and a team that goes above and beyond. I highly recommend Great Maple and will definitely be back.

My experience at Great Maple was good, if not great. We went around 7pm on a Wednesday and it was…read morequiet and relaxed. We were seated and greeted almost right away. The waitress serving our section seemed slightly disinterested in everything that was going on. Not necessarily a bad thing but she didn't do much to set herself apart. We tried the burger and the steak sandwich and the truffle fries. The burger was perfectly cooked, and it lasted like over charcoal or charbroiled. It was almost a perfect burger except that by the end the garlic flavor (tasted real and fresh - not powdered) was a bit overwhelming for my palette. The combo with the red onions (also potent) made for an intense experience, and the first bite was sublime. The steak sandwich was seasoned similarly and presented like a close cousin of the burger, with similar toppings and flavor profile. The fries were unremarkable both straight and Parmesan truffled. For the price I want blown away. I have had burgers and sandwiches of similar quality for 60% of the mid $20s we paid for these two dishes. Overall, this is an excellent spot for a small group with diverse tastes, there will be something for everyone, and it's just upscale enough (matching its Fashion Island surroundings) to be worthy of a date night or professional meetup over lunch if you work in Newport Center as well.

Inside; few to no customers

Fried Chicken and Doughnut, Bloody Mary

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Relax with a Pacific Ocean Breeze after a great meal!

Flower Child

I've only been a few times, but Flower Child has quickly become a go-to. The vibe is elevated fast…read morecasual, a notch above Sweetgreen, with a semi-sit-down format. Think Urban Plates, but with a sharper focus on lighter eating. The avocado caesar salad with grilled tofu is amazing. The avocado adds a different kind of creaminess to the dressing than a traditional caesar, and the tofu is firm and substantial. The produce quality is noticeably good across the board. My boyfriend had the Thai Wrap and enjoyed it. The vegan options here are solid and varied. Service is reasonable, slower than fast food, but nothing that tests you. The price is on the higher end for quick healthy eats, but the quality backs it up. If you're in the area and want a lunch that actually feels light, Flower Child is worth the stop.

This place is so good. We went there yesterday and were so…read moreimpressed. Located off Bison near UCI in a shopping center that has a lot of good food. It is a large restaurant that is beautifully decorated. You order at the front counter, and they bring you your food. We all ordered bowls. I had the Yaki Soba bowl with chicken. It was a delicious combination of so many flavors and textures. It was very tasty. My party ordered the Mother Earth bowl and the chicken enchilada bowl. Everyone ate every bite of their food. My only complaint is the portions are a bit on the tiny side. We want more food, please! The taste and freshness were excellent.

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Kaleido Rolls

4.7

(22 reviews)

1.7 mi

Kaleido Rolls in the Fashion Island food court, Newport Beach, is known for fresh and healthy…read morespring rolls. The concept reimagines Vietnamese style rice paper rolls with unconventional, flavorful fillings and specialized sauces. The rolls are fresh, tasty, and "packed" with ingredients. Popular, unique options include Chicken Caesar with approximately 22 gram of protein, Spicy Tuna, Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto, and shrimp. They creative combinations like smoked salmon with horseradish cream cheese or prosciutto with mozzarella. The menu is gluten free, and roughly half of the options are vegan like roasted eggplant. Kaleido Rolls is highly recommended for those looking for a light, healthy, and high-quality lunch or snack, particularly if you are in the Newport Beach area and want a fresh alternative to heavier, fried, or fast-food options.

A new vendor at the Fashion Island food court. It is tucked away in a corner adjacent to…read moreChick-fil-A. They are originally from Chicago, and the concept brings a new offering to the area. Their rolls are quite pricey, at $9.75/piece or 2 rolls for $18. This was quite a price difference from what I have seen from their Chicago menu. You can also sample rolls as you browse their menu. I ordered the shrimp and prosciutto rolls. They offer peanut sauce, hot sauce, and I forgot the 3rd sauce. The staff was friendly and food came out within 10 minutes. Since it is within a food court, there are tables that accommodate parties of varying size in a well-lit area. The rolls were okay. I hate that they used paper as part of their packaging as the rolls stuck to them. I did not think the price was justified given exceptional rolls in O.C. at half the price.

Kaleido Rolls location, next to Chick-fil-A and Mochinut

Smoked Salmon Roll + Shrimp Roll

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sweetgreen - Healthy Salads, Wraps, and Bowls

3.4

(57 reviews)

1.7 mi

Amazing chicken Caesar wrap! Taste delicious and healthy,…read morerecommend this place! Fast service as well

The place itself is pretty spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating, which was nice…read more We ordered the Custom Create Your Own Bowl (about $19) and the Caramelized Garlic Steak Bowl (about $17). Ended up waiting about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the food was pretty disappointing. The cucumber tasted like chemicals, which made it hard to enjoy that part of the bowl. The size of the customizable bowl was fair, but the portion size of the other bowl was honestly small considering the price. For the customizable bowl, the only ingredients that didn't seem skimpy were the quinoa, broccoli, and romaine lettuce. Everything else felt like very small portions, especially the sweet potatoes. The salmon also tasted dry, which was another letdown. One positive was that the workers were nice, but overall the portion sizes and food quality didn't justify the price.

Inside

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Jan's Health Bar

Such a friendly guy that works here,greets everyone and so enthusiastic.I hope the owner sees…read morethis,what a great worker! Husband & I got the 1/2 surf sandwhich with jans classic salad (subbed garlic vinaigrette for raspberry vinaigrette) and our daughter got the power açaí bowl. Everything was delicious!

This is my second time at Jan's, but my first time visiting this location. Let's start with the man…read morebehind the register. I wish I got his name, because he was just so sweet. He greeted every single person that walked in the door and knew so many people. He was just so joyful and happy to see everyone, I loved him. I got exactly what I had my first visit because it was just so good. I had the tuna sandwich (minus the vegan bacon bits) with the pasta salad on the side. For the first time, I tried their Arnold Palmer and as a n Arnold Palmer connoisseur --so yummy.

Catering tray

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Jan's Acai Bowl

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

A cute burger spot in fashion island. There's plenty of parking and it's counter service. We came…read morefor a birthday party so we got two big tables close to each other. I loved their brussel leaves! It was so crispy - get it with the hot honey. I highly recommend the wagyu burger, it was SO saucy. I will say the portions are on the smaller side here but it filled me up. I love that they have a vegetarian menu which has vegetarian versions of their main menu!

Oh man, the Hopdoddy Brussels sprouts are officially on my list of food I must find a way to dupe…read moreat home. I love that they were crispy without being burned and they had great flavor. This was a delicious alternative to a classic burger or even a burger in a bowl with just romaine. I topped mine with their Nashville hot chicken which was actually pretty spicy! But the chicken was delicious and everything tasted very fresh. We also tried the queso fries which were good but nothing super special. I actually thought just the fries without the queso were good, I don't think I'd splurge for the queso again. Staff were friendly! The line to order did move a little slow but once we got sat it was pretty quick to get our food. I also appreciate the kind of indoor outdoor vibe here with the big windows and patio. I would definitely make this a regular stop if I was at Fashion Island more often.

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Mariposa

When you can combined the shopping and dine experience in the Neiman Marcus, Mariposa eatery it's…read morejust simply the best. So we pick just that on our last day of the Dine LA. @mariposastlouis @neimanmarcus Beverly Hills. As soon as we seat in their dining table, we are greeted with their famous Neiman Marcus Popovers with the strawberry butter and chicken consommé to start. Our starter choices are really varied from Korean BBQ Prawn Lettuce Wrap, Lobster Bisque, and Cesar Salad. However when it comes to the entrees, this 2 options became the winner in our group: Wagyu Cheeseburger 8 oz. Wagyu beef patty, gruyere, caramelized onions, arugula, dijonnaise, brioche. Catch of the day: Chilean seabass with makrut lime leaf salt, stir-fried napa cabbage, carrits, scallions, thai basil, coconut-lemongrass broth. We ending our lunch with 2 very delicious desserts options that almost impossible to choose which one is the better one. Seasonal Sorbet Trio: Lemon, Manggo, Coconut lemon grass Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Box. (Very elegant presentation).

Their hours are crazy and close at 3:45 so we barely got in before they closed. The nice thing is…read morethe server was very friendly and never rushed us. She was so sweet and helpful. It's a huge restaurant and lots of seating with window views of Newport. We ordered the lobster salad and prawn salad. Both were very tasty. The one downside is it's fairly pricey, but it is Newport Beach after all.

Espresso, martini, and House Chardonnay

Voila

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Mendocino Farms

I usually come here post-workout and usually love doing the half sandwich and a small side and…read morethat's always so good. My usual order is the chicken pesto and the couscous as a side! But the heirloom BLT is here for the summer and it's my ABSOLUTE favorite sando they have! I wish it was all year round tbh. So good every time!

The food and service is still great, almost any location i go to!…read more But that green goddess wrap?????? that's amazing and they definitely don't hold back on the portions. It's very worth it Side Note: perfect date spot!

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Goop Kitchen

I used to be a huge fan of goop kitchen, especially the one in the South Bay Area. I don't know if…read moreit's a location difference or just quality hasn't remained the same. They didn't have the lasagna on the menu anymore. I did have the penne ala vodka again and it was the highlight. The fusilli was a regular pasta - nothing special. The winter squash pizza was average, lacking in flavor, but the falafel wrap I would order again. The desserts were good (pumpkin bread was not too sweet, brownie was what you'd expect, the almond cookies were the best).

Located in a ghost kitchen, very limited parking spaces…read more Ordered the falafel wrap (herby aioli), chicken Caesar wrap (spicy caesar), and teriyaki salmon roll. Our salmon roll came super cold and the rice paper was hard- they probably premade this and just had it sitting in the fridge. Also, warning- none of these had sauce inside the wraps. They came undressed, basically just plain ingredients wrapped in a cold tortilla and the portion was much smaller than expected. I mean, you'll feel healthy and light after eating these but don't think it's worth going out of your way to get. Came in with low expectations bc we knew Gwyneth likes her stuff HEALTHY so we kinda knew they would skimpy with seasoning or flavor, wanted to keep an open mind, but it was disappointing after seeing all the positive reviews on social media. Likely would not come back again.

Brentwood Chinese Chicken Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Wrap

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Malibu Farm Lido

Alexis was so lovely. She gave me and my sister such great service and made our night even better…read more Love this place!

Food was very delicious and atmosphere beautiful and coastal. Our server Alexis 10/10read more

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Nick's Newport Beach

This became our third Nick's Store and I gotta say, it's probably my favorite! Our Patio table was…read moreperfect during our sunny Wednesday afternoon visit and the bar area looks really nice. Inside, some of the seating in the back looks a little dark, but it's probably comfortable. We visit Nick's on Lake in Pasadena and they have flatbread that we don't see at Nick's on 2nd in Long Beach. This Newport Beach location has Sushi Rolls, so we tried a couple and they were delicious. Great shared item for 2-4 people, and maybe even a meal for some. They had a Corn Chowder that was absolutely delicious! We also had the Deviled Eggs and were split... I loved them but my wife was not at all happy because they were mustard forward. So I got 3 of the 4! Service, from Bria, was exceptional. She was super lovely to acknowledge my birthday and I had a super tasty chocolate cake. It was rich, moist! I probably shouldn't have finished it, but it was TOO good! 100% recommend this location and will try to return when we are in the area.

The food was absolutely delicious! I got a special of a 4oz filet, tomato bisque soup…read more& a small kale salad. Estefani was the best server ever!! Will request her next time. The vibe was fun.

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Little Billy's

Locally owned & operated

Kid friendly

My favorite place ever I go here every week after yoga and Billy is the absolute sweetest!read more

Everything hit the right notes, from the friendly service, the cute but unpretentious atmosphere…read more(no instagram-y neon signs or faux floral walls), and most importantly, the delicious food. We came here for a late brunch, and the girl taking our order offered us a free cinnamon rolled oats pancake since it was our first time and we were debating the pancake choices. When I asked for extra salsa, another girl brought it immediately with a cheerful smile (in LA, I would get a dead-eyed Gen Z stare followed by a sigh that the additional tablespoon of salsa would be a $4 charge). We had the breakfast burrito (massive, could've just split this) and the 2+2+2 with buttermilk pancakes (fluffy bites of heaven). I loved the cinnamon pancake too, but suggest this as a table share vs a standalone meal unless you have a major sweet tooth. Total including coffee was just over $50. Just go - you'll leave with a very full belly but can burn it off hiking at crystal cove!

Breakfast Near Me| Little Billy's Cafe in Newport Beach

Cafe | Little Billy's Cafe in Newport Beach

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Little Billy's Cafe in Newport Beach

Lighthouse

This Fourth of July weekend we were looking for a great place to sit on the patio near our bikes we…read morerented, pleasantly surprised, we sat on the patio overlooking the sailboats in the bay. Wonderful service by Mary and the fish and chips were absolutely delicious. My husband is from Seattle so we are used to good seafood and it was a wonderful pitstop on our bike ride.

We had our wedding reception at Lighthouse Cafe in May with 65 of our closest family & friends. The…read morefood and service were EXCEPTIONAL! Andrew made sure everything was perfect for our special day from tray passed beverages at arrival to timing of dinner salads being plated. There was never a moment we were without food or drink, and the entire event ran smoothly. And the flow of the outside patio and inside dining room made visiting with guests an ease. Chef Danny also hit it out of the park with the food, served warm & perfectly cooked. I had several compliments from guests, particularly the crab cakes which got rave reviews! Lighthouse is right above the docks, with an unobstructed view of the harbor that was the perfect setting for our nautical themed wedding. We even had wedding sailboat docked below. I can truly say there was NOTHING that could have been better! Thank you again Andrew & Danny. It was a perfect wedding day!

This is the view from our table on the patio

Great atmosphere!

Beignets

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Shorebird

4.3

(1.1k reviews)

1.7 mi

Great evening at The Shorebird! Huge place with plenty of indoor and patio seating with beautiful…read morebay views. SERVICE: Excellent service. Our server was super attentive and put up with our nonsense ;) She provided great suggestions for food and drinks! FOOD: As you can see, we ate a lot of different things. Our favs? Balboa roll, Salmon Mignon, and those crispy potatoes!! Great place for a group dinner or a nice date night!

Stopped in for happy hour on a Friday in July and it was pretty quiet at 3pm. It's unfortunate…read morehappy hour is only at the inside bar, when there's such beautiful patio and view, even when it's empty, since the bar is so dark. But it's still a beautiful restaurant. The lemon Caesar salad was extremely delicious. The dressing was perfect and not overly dressed and it was a good portion for happy hour. Their sushi was also very fresh, tasty and beautifully prepared. We also ordered their espresso martinis - their presentation is beautiful but this is the second time I've gotten them here and they are just kinda of stale tasting both times. It's like the espresso is old or burnt. Eh. Will have to get a different cocktail next time. Overall a good spot.

Shorebird located on Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach offering coastal cuisine in a modern, airy setting with views of the o...

Tin's Dressed Oysters

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Tomato & Avocado Omelette

Rusty Pelican

Erik was amazing. if I could poach him to work at my restaurant I would in a heartbeat. greets to…read morethe chefs they made top class food for us all. aces in my book.

The service was outstanding, we really liked Eric! All the dishes were very customizable and…read moreflavorful. Beautiful view too, would recommend!

Salmon and asparagus beautiful presentation and delicious

Upstairs hot spot

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Cheers to 28!!

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

I'm so happy that my girlfriend recommended this place. I have to say the food and the drinks were…read moregreat . I had the watermelon martini it was delicious. The service by Angelina was absolutely amazing. She was awesome ..! and the atmosphere was annual occasion. Clean bathrooms with big mirrors to take some cute pics.

I was looking forward to a nice dinner at the bar while I was in Newport Beach for work, but…read moreunfortunately my experience was very disappointing. As someone with a gluten sensitivity, I asked questions about the menu and trusted that my meal would be safe. Instead, I ended up having a gluten reaction after eating here, which completely ruined the rest of my evening. If you advertise gluten-friendly options, staff should be properly trained on cross-contamination and ingredient awareness. The atmosphere and location are great, but none of that matters if diners with dietary restrictions can't eat safely. I hope the restaurant takes food allergies and gluten sensitivities more seriously in the future.

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76 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jacob W.

2 years ago

Great Mex at the Newport Beach location is a true hidden gem nestled right across from the Fun Zone. As a local favorite, it's a must-visit spot for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine at any time of the day. From hearty breakfast options to satisfying lunch specials and delectable dinner plates, Great Mex has something for everyone. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and the service is always top-notch. Whether you're indulging in their mouthwatering tacos, savoring their flavorful burritos, or enjoying their refreshing margaritas, every bite and sip is a delight. Without a doubt, Great Mex stands out as the best Mexican food joint on the Balboa Peninsula. Five stars all around!!! read more

Justin R.

10 years ago

Checked out this place because of the great Yelp reviews and was not disappointed. You could tell right away the ingredients were fresh and everything is made in house. We are only in town for a few days but when we come back to Newport, this will for sure be a place we come to again. Note: there is not a ton of seating and the cashier was telling us about how some days it can be so busy there is a line out the door. So grab a table if you can, but be prepared to take it to go. (Just head down to the beach) read more

Brandon M.

5 years ago

I had to stop by real quick & drop a long-overdue review to my friends at great mex... one of our fav spots to hang around during game nights or just to grab a bite before hitting the road. We love the mix plate, it got all in it, including shrimps, steak, chicken plus you add guac to it, wow, you'll be all set. Thank you guys for the excellent food & service you guys provide. We'll stop by later on today! read more

J L.

10 years ago

As locals, my husband and I go to Great Mex at least once a week. The food is consistently good, the service is both friendly and efficient, and the salsa bar, extensive. I love the fish tacos, and my husband loves the steak fajitas. If you see a line out the door, don't be discouraged b/c it moves quickly and the food is well worth the wait. Hugo, Moises, and the rest of the crew are terrific! read more

Daniel G.

9 years ago

Love it here in such a nice location right in the heart of balboa and next to the balboa pier off main street. They have the best tacos and of course have the taco tuesday specials. Very fun atmosphere and positive vibes in this place. I have also gone to the Costa Mesa location multiple times and it is equally as great. Stop in for some of the best mexican food in town for a great price. read more

Andrew J.

10 years ago

Great spot for taco tuesday/ friday, or any meal in general! Personal favorite is shrimp tacos! Try the breakfast as well! They have a killer breakfast burrito! Add their salsa to everything. It's not hot but has great flavor! Seating can be tough on busy nights but for the most part you get a spot pretty quick. read more

Tomy G.

14 years ago

TINY place .. The night we went.. there was no A/C and it was wayyyy too hot in there. The service is only ok.. quality ok.. cheapy tacos. Fun little vibe if you are feeling super casual. Fried chicken tacos were my favorite. I'd be weary about eating the fish there? Great dollar tacos on Friday & Tuesdays? read more

Luciano M.

7 years ago

I wish I could give this place a half star! Hugo is a dick and Veronica can suck it! Horrible customer service. Don't worry I'll tell absolutely everyone to avoid this spot. Couldn't be worse. Oh actually it can, I want to this place to turn into a Starbucks! Fuck you Great Mex. Great Mex Never!!! read more

Michele S.

11 years ago

One of my favorite local restaurants we eat at weekly. Our guests that come to visit us we take them here and they love the food too. You can call in your food order and by the time we get their its done. Chips and salsa are also given with your meal. Love love love this restaurant. read more

Carson S.

9 years ago

Very good. I came here for lunch and it was great. The service was amazing and so was the food. They took our order and we got our food in a very short amount of time. The food that we got was delicious. I got a burrito and it had quality ingredients. You should come to Great Mex. read more

Steve K.

14 years ago

If you like fish tacos, try the grilled Maha Mahi taco. It is one of my all time favorites. The fish is fresh and the sauce has a nice kick to it. It is a small place and can get crowded but it is always worth it. $1 beers and great deals on Tuesdays and Fridays. read more

Paul S.

105

122

7 years ago

I have know idea how you guys cook (season) your food but my first impression of a simple carne asada burrito was poor with no flavor. I think their chips and salsa had more taste. $2 for a soda and then .$50 for a refuel. Not coming back. Yuck. read more

Bobby L.

9 years ago

Love this place! The owner Mr. Wilhelm is the most compassionate individual I have ever met. The chicken taco salad is bomb. Such a generic name for great Mexican food. Service is very friendly. This place is good for a quick bite or take-outs. read more

Alex K.

108

6 years ago

This is a great place to grab some tacos on the go, across from the ferry, close to the water. It is very small, so it's always been a place I grab and go and eat at home or at the beach. The food feels very homemade, great tacos. read more

Jessie S.

12 years ago

Taco Tuesday!!!! If you have a big family, and you want to feed them great food really cheaply, than this is you place! Big value for a small, small, small price! I could just eat their guac, and chips for a complete meal! read more

Jose A.

11 years ago

Really good authentic Mexican food. I work in the area and have been going here for years. The carne sada is always very good. My kids love the tacos. I love the price. This place is cheap, especially for Newport Beach. read more

Mohammad H.

11 years ago

If you're not familiar with "tasting" sized portions, you'll be surprised to see how small the portions are. The taste and presentation of each dish was very good, but if you're used to eating a lot, this may disappoint. read more

Hali M.

15 years ago

I love this little restaurant. Generous portion. Friendly staff and customers. They offer dollar taco on Tue and Fri. Yes, Friday, from they open to close. You will leave with a happy tummy. Meter parking on the street. read more

George J.

11 years ago

Great Mex has some of the best, authentic Mexican food in Newport Beach. It's very casual....but, the food is great. They have $1.25 tacos on Tuesdays and Fridays. It's always crowded....but on those days, it's packed! read more

Luke H.

16 years ago

taco tuesdays can't be beat. $1 tacos and $1 drafts??? the place is packed but it's still worth it. love the authentic corn tacos, although my favorite is the shrimp with the chipotle cream (worth the extra dollar) read more

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Great Mex Grill - mexican - Updated August 2026

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Sancho's Tacos

3.9

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We loved Sancho's Tacos so much while visiting Newport Beach that we ate there three days in a row!…read more The first visit was for breakfast in the restaurant, and breakfast burritos did not disappoint. The next two were takeout trips to enjoy at the beach. On our first stop, I ordered the chicken tacos, one of my daughters had the shrimp tacos, and my other daughter got the beef burrito. Everything was outstanding. The burrito was especially impressive, and everyone loved their meal. The real star of the show for me was the chips and salsa. The chips are an easy 5 stars. They were perfectly crunchy, fresh, and tasted homemade. The salsa was authentic, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. I enjoyed them so much that I went back another day just to order a large bag of chips and salsa for the beach. If you love great homemade tortilla chips, this place will not disappoint. Beyond the food, the atmosphere was hip and welcoming, and the staff was friendly during every visit. I make it a point to try tacos wherever I travel, and Sancho's definitely ranks among my favorites. Great food, nice people, and a great overall experience. Highly recommend Sancho's Tacos to anyone visiting Newport Beach!

We normally eat at the Huntington Beach location as we frequent HB. We were in Newport last weekend…read moreand ate here for lunch since we discovered Chihuahua had closed down in the same lot. Got the surf and turf burrito to share with my husband and also a side of chips and salsa. Seemed a bit expensive at $30 for one burrito and some chips but it was tasty as usual.

La Fogata

4.0

(412 reviews)

Very good food, we got tacos and a burrito and both were great. Restaurant was nice and clean and…read moreservice was good

Ordered two steak quesadillas and received plain cheese quesadillas with no steak. When I pointed…read moreit out, the worker just handed me steak on the side instead of fixing the mistake. I asked if he could remake them correctly and he flat-out refused. When I asked for his name, he said he "doesn't have one." Lazy, rude service and zero accountability. Completely unacceptable.

Tacos Cancun

4.0

(220 reviews)

•$

I took my family to the beach from on a random Wednesday. I thought it was a great day to go When…read morewe go to the side of town it's hard to find good Hispanic food unless we go more to LA county. However we went to check out Tacos Cancun just being open mind. We stop by , I never got the name of the lady who greeted us and took our order :/ but she has blonde hair. But she greeted my whole family & complemented my kids every time she came out . It was a nice warm comfort environment. The food was really good me and wife and my kids loved it , THE HOMEMADE HORCHATA WAS GOOOD !! however the only thing I didn't enjoy and it's just maybe me but . As a Hispanic myself ,When I order a bean and cheese burrito, I like the beans refried and mushy that's how most beans and cheese burritos are . When I got the burrito it came with whole beans and cheese . Other than that I would come back . A Nice lunch by the ocean front and next to the pier . I mean who can beat that ?

We ate Every. Last. Bite. Shrimp tacos, fish tacos (combo #9) and ceviche were so yummy!! Service…read morewas great. Recommend!!

La Laguna Mex Grill

4.6

(80 reviews)

Great al pastor tacos , family owned and everybody is so nice! Highly recommend if youre in the…read morearea. They got breakfast and lunch and dinner. Love to try different things here.

Stopped in here on my way to visit my Dad, and wow -- this little corner spot off Newport Blvd/55…read moredelivered. Costa Mesa/N NB is a battlefield of restaurants, so standing out isn't easy... but these folks are hitting all cylinders. It's semi-hidden behind a big Verizon switch box in a tiny strip mall. classic underdog story. 1st Star: Service - driendly, welcoming, the kind of guy who makes you feel like you're a regular even when you're not. Huge win. 2nd Star: Menu Variety + Prices: Shockingly big menu for a small shop, and everything's priced like they actually want you to come back. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert -- it's all there. 3rd Star: Free Chips & Salsa (Yes, Even A La Carte): If heaven has a waiting room, they're serving chips and salsa. Automatic bonus points. 4th Star: Mexican Food "All Boxes Checked". Me = Beef Crispy Taco (VG) & Sope (Good) but they also have burritos, bowls, plates, enchiladas, chilaquiles -- classics plus some fun extras. Everything looked fresh, clean, and made with pride. 5th Star: Local Vibes: You can feel this is locally owned. And honestly, it felt good skipping the Jack in the Box across the street and supporting a spot where the owners are clearly putting their heart into it. Already planning my next round. The birria bowl was calling my name, and blackened seafood salad looked intriguing. I'm definitely coming back.

Carnitas La Villa

4.2

(313 reviews)

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Definitely my new spot for Mexican on the balboa peninsula. Eddie and Wendy were very welcoming and…read moreadded some much needed help on my first visit. I ended up splurging and getting a steak fajita plate (only 12$ on Tuesdays), 2 ranchero tacos (carnitas and adobada), a chile verde taco, and a chile relleno. My hopes were to try as much as possible so I can have a go-to order, and in that sense I failed. I could easily order all of these again and already have a few things I want to try next. Overall an amazing, authentic experience

Best kept secret in Newport for quality Mexican food! But why is it a secret?! This place should…read morehave a line around the door! My favorite here is the Pork Verde! Delicious! However, I love the enchiladas and wet burritos too. For authentic Mexican Food this is the place to be.

Super Panga

4.1

(348 reviews)

Came in on a Saturday at sunset for the first time. Counter service style, and you take your number…read moreto a table so food can be brought out. Service was pretty friendly and patient despite the chaos in there. The place was packed, but we were fortunate enough to get a table asap. Food came out super fast too. We ordered the nachos with asada and street corn for $24. It was a fun & lively spot for ocean views and to watch the game. Overall, it's a great spot for fast service and good vibes!

Super casual, order at counter, fun to people watch at bar top spots on the boardwalk, seems…read moretouristy but DELICIOUS tacos, calamari and drinks. Win-win! It can get busy and that's rough for small staff so be nice We loved the chicken and al pastor tacos. The calamari "fries" with the green sauce were a surprise hit - we ordered seconds.

TK Burgers

4.3

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This TK Burgers location is one of our go-to spots. Whether it's after a run, before grabbing…read moreSeaside Donuts, or just a quick casual lunch, it always hits. You really can't go wrong with the Big Bargain Special, solid every single time. It's the only thing I order. Side of chili peppers (free) and ranch (cost extra). Simple and satisfying. Pro-tip: Phone order ahead during busy seasons like summer, parking is free in the lot next to the pier after 6pm. Happy eating!

We opted to visit Newport Beach on a weekend, which is something we normally don't do. We are…read morefeeling a little nostalgic since living in the area and one of our favorite go to was getting TK burgers and eating it on the beach. Today we placed an online order and then walked across the parking lot to get our meal. We opted for the single cheeseburger, a side of fries and a Coke. The Coke was OK. It had a little off taste to the mix. Not quite sure what it was, but probably wouldn't order it again. Cheeseburger they are perfection. I don't understand why you would eat at a larger hamburger chain style restaurant when you can get a local burger. If that makes sense. Service is super friendly when we arrived. Now parking can be a little tough obviously with the beach proximity and the other shops and restaurants. There is a few public parking lots across the street closer to the crab cooker. But the burger was freshly prepared. It was a good portion and we love the bun and all the toppings and it just really brought back some great memories. We are still local but just haven't been into TK in a while. Ironically, I had a party several years ago and I hired their food truck, which was incredible.

22nd Street Pizza

4.3

(194 reviews)

Pizza was tasty and made in a quick amount of time. The sitting area was clean and the guys who…read moreworked there were friendly with great customer service. We will definitely be coming back!

Ordered Mango harbanero 12 pc, garlic bread sticks 3 pcs) , large margarita pizza and a small…read morepepperoni pizza cost about $70. Was very easy to order with not much of a wait. It took about 20 mins to prepare everything so took a walk to the other shops. When we came back, it was ready. Provided plates and napkins for our order and we took it to the beach to consume. Was not crowded inside but when we came back there were people dining inside. Overall it is a bit pricy but it is convenient for a hot meal to easily take to the sand for all to enjoy.

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