Great Mex Grill

641

462

786

14 years ago

These tacos are soo worth the drive whenever I'm craving good tacos! I personally enjoy the carne asada tacos, the crispy potato taco, and the SHRIMP TACOS!! mmm They have a full self-serve salsa bar that's always fresh! If you're coming from the beach or just around the area, you should definitely try this place out. It's a popular place for the locals so it gets really cramped in here. read more

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Jenn T.

1035

929

862

13 years ago

After spending the day in Balboa my friends and I were craving Mexican food and a quick yelp check sent us to Great Mex. We ordered a carne asada burrito, a bean and cheese burrito and a Cali burrito. We ordered our our burritos to go and they were quickly made so we were soon on our way. My bean and cheese burrito was the best of the three but the beans were so watery that I felt like I was eating a soup wrapped up in a tortilla. The Cali burrito had too much potato and not much of anything else. Finally, what was supposed to be a carne asada burrito was actually a carnitas burrito which was really disappointing. Pretty much, my experience here was subpar at best. I'd be willing to give it a second try if I was at Balboa again, but only because there aren't many Mexican places in that area read more

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Dave L.

Elite 26 All-Star

1449

463

1270

13 years ago

This place is located on Balboa Blvd near Balboa Pier. It's a family run Mexican restaurant with a few tables located in the front. You order at the counter and they bring the food to you. I ordered a cheese chili relleno and a beef crispy taco. The food was excellent and inexpensive. There is a salsa bar to load up on salsa. The place is not fancy but a lot of fun if you combine it with a long bike ride or a trip across the ferry. With Mexican food, I like simple and tasty. This is a good place to have a nice meal. Enjoy. read more

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Yolanda M.

159

327

111

12 years ago

We had had Mexican food yesterday, so I wasn't thrilled about having it again, but I am so glad we found this place! It was totally worth it. I rarely give 5 stars to any place but this place earned it! I had a very filling shrimp taco plate with the best rice and beans I have had in a long time, for under 6 bucks! I hate it when a place has fantastic Mexican entrees, but then the rice is all dried out and crunchy and the beans flavorless. I feel like I got gypped out of half a meal. The shrimp had just enough batter, with a delicious sauce.The salsas were fabulous and fresh and the chips were sooo good. They had plenty of options on the menu, but not so many that it was overwhelming. I liked that you could some of the breakfast items all day and they had corn dogs and chicken nugget kids meal options for my picky kids (they also have the traditional Mexican options as well). The only drawback is that the place is a little small. read more

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Cheryl S.

981

12 years ago

My mother-in-law lives nearby and wanted breakfast from here. I previously tried the Great Mex in Costa Mesa and didn't like it. I decided to give it a chance and I'm glad I did. I didn't like the salsa at the Costa Mesa location but maybe it was an off day. The salsa here was great. I had huevos rancheros which came with rice and beans. It was all very tasty. My hubby had the breakfast quesadilla which came with potatoes and the potatoes were cooked to perfection. We took my mother-in-law chorizo and eggs and she was very happy. I'm so happy to have a new Mexican place to go to when we visit her. I'm looking forward to trying more items! read more

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Lisa E.

340

2610

11 years ago

I got the chorizo breakfast burrito and had them add potatoes. It was flavorless and bland. I got cilantro ,onions, red salsa and green salsa from the salsa bar. This did not help. I think if they were not located next to the balboa fun zone, they would be out of business. read more

Great Mex Grill - Chorizo Burrito MEH! - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Khalid S.

Elite 23

1690

6 years ago

Still great. Got a quesadilla and mahi soft taco. Very tasty and cost reasonable. The best part was the sustainable packaging - gracias!

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Luke C.

119

6 years ago

This is a great casual spot that never disappoints. It is delicious and fits in perfectly on the peninsula. The burritos are great!

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Julie N.

6 years ago

I think the food is good just not something I lust for later. (And I can lust after great Mexican food!). I have tried the soft tacos, breakfast and regular burritos. I would like to try more items from their menu. It's close to my home and good enough for me to come back regularly. If you are debating on whether or not to try this place, I would say go for it! read more

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Huong T.

13 years ago

Crispy taco with shredded beef was OK. Mexican al pastor tacos lacked flavor. The fried fish tacos was flavorful but I wish they gave more meat. Condiments were fully stocked with red and green sauces, salsa, limes, jalapeños, carrots, onion and cilantro. The dining room is cute and cozy but will be crowded during peak times. I want to come back to try the shrimp tacos. read more

Great Mex Grill - Crispy tacos and fried fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Lauri B.

7 years ago

Love this place. Tues and Friday Tacos are 1.50. Everything I've had is good. Breakfast burritos..:yum read more

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Robert J.

Elite 21

301

192

6 years ago

Great burrito in an area that has "so so" food that caters to tourists. Would order again if back in Balboa.

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J B.

102

10 years ago

Good food, great price. My wife orders the kids been & cheese burrito because it with rice and beans versus just going to be greeted by itself. I ordered the pork Carnitas $8.95 it's a steal. I get Carnitas, beans, rice and flour tortillas for under $9 buck. The salsa bar is impressive they have six different salsas so you can mix-and-match or combine salsa also have pickled carrots and sliced onions. My wife loves onions. We also ordered the chips and guacamole, you won't be disappointed o'clock ammonia just about every Mexican restaurants are in California this is probably in the top five. The chips are great they're not too oily you're feeling just amount of salt read more

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

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Charly B.

5 years ago

We ordered 60 of their ultra delicious breakfast burritos for a church event last weekend. Great Mex did such a good job--on time and with a smile. We love Hugo, Veronica, Moises, and the crew. Thank you for all you do! read more

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Lucas W.

4 years ago

Low Prices, lots of food, heavy on the guacamole and the chips were great. Got the fried fish tacos, they were great. A must try.

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Mark B.

219

6 years ago

What can be said about Great Mex on the Newport Peninsula but that it is perfect and awesome for exactly what it is! It is really designed for takeaway orders as the inside dining area is small and there is no outdoor dining at all. But the food is perfect, comes out fast, and they have a large selection at the salsa bar. The regular woman at night behind the cash register is lovely, friendly, will joke around with you. Just don't be a drunken jerk when you order. Take your food to go and then head one block either way - to have a picnic on the beach; Or drinks at the Balboa Saloon. read more

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I S.

5 years ago

Customer service was good, clean bathroom! Food was horrible , order carne asada tacos carne asada burritos. Green salsa smelled spoiled! read more

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Ken And Jen O.

6 years ago

Shrimp burrito was amazing. Local spot, if you can takeout you might fare better for seating.

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David A.

138

11 years ago

Best kept secret for breakfast. I had the Florentine Omelet, made with spinach, mushrooms, bacon, cheese and more. Comes with home fries or hash browns and toast. Place can get crowded but it's worth the wait. One of the few solid places to eat in the area. read more

Great Mex Grill - Florentine Omelet with home fries and wheat toast. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Eric P.

4 years ago

Fantastic Mexican food in a casual setting. Staff is super kind and the food is served quickly.

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Samantha A.

3 years ago

delicious food. friendly staff. must vivian in taco tuesdays and fridays. the crispy chicken are my absolute favorite.

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Rosy A.

9 years ago

This little gem is a great find in the OC. The place is small but has an authentic feel to it. The owners are uber nice and the food is definitely on point. The tacos and burritos are bomb!!! The potato taco was my fav minus the cheese. There is no doubt I will be back :)!!! For those of you who enjoy authentic Mexican salsa the green sauce is on point!! read more

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Christopher F.

Elite 22

284

502

850

9 years ago

Counter service Cali-Mex establishment. The space is tight and people crowd around the salsa bar. Hard not to bump into people or furniture. Unlike some of the places, they do have bathrooms. I had a shrimp taco, a fish taco, and a cheese enchilada. The tacos came on flour tortillas. The shrimp taco had plenty of shrimp. Fixins were good too. The fish daco was diced fish, not a whole piece. Nice white fish though. Cheese enchilada came with red sauce which was not too spicy. Salsa bar had various salsa flavors. Something for everyone. Good spot for a quick mexican bite. read more

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Henry K.

6 years ago

This place spanks me literally every time I go, and I mean that in a good way. Every item on the menu will do the trick and be nothing but satisfying. Crispy chicken tacos are my favorite and the owners are absolute legends for the local read more

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Lynda F.

Elite 18

400

176

106

9 years ago

We chose this restaurant on a recommendation from a worker at the Discovery Cube Quest kids museum. It was about a block away so we decided to give it a try over the pizza and sandwiches on the boardwalk. The location is very small with a walk-up counter to order. The food is then brought to your table. There are about 6-7 small tables. The restroom was very clean and well-maintained. The menu featured standard Mexican items from tacos and burritos to seafood cocktails and salads. Definitely enough options to appease anyone's appetite. I ordered the Shrimp Cocktail and it was so refreshing on this hot day. Either the restaurant didn't have AC or it wasn't working because it was quite warm and humid inside, similar to outside. If back in the area, I would try them again but it definitely felt like a locals spot as many surfers strolled in while we were there. read more

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Eric B.

7 years ago

Went here a few days ago because of the great reviews it has. My kids loved it, I thought it was ok. I prefer authentic Mexican food. This place has very limited seating so if you go around dinner time plan on waiting in a long line and not getting a place to sit down and eat. read more

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Melissa M.

Elite 21

160

430

9 years ago

The hidden jem of Balboa !! We come here for a quick delicious meal once a week. I am a plainjane eater and love the chicken quesadillas alone with their orange cream soda. My boyfriend loves the burritos and they have great chips and guac! Face service and friendly faces! read more

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Jenna A.

7 years ago

It wasnt great; it wasn't bad. I got the carne asada fries. My bf got the asada quesadilla that weirdly didn't have much cheese at all. It was extremely hot in here and packed. The seating arrangement is quite cramped but that seems to be usual in Mexican "hot spots". read more

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Juju D.

7 years ago

Fast friendly service. Food was quality as well. Salsa bar with plenty of options and margarita menu . I got the one with patron :) if you get the house margs - maybe you wanna share with someone, unless you enjoy a cup the size of your head. read more

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Ryane O.

Elite 21

284

309

675

9 years ago

I've only been here once and it was a while ago, but I had a mushroom taco and it was so good! I havent been able to find anything like it anywhere else. The employees were friendly. The place is small so it gets crowded. But its definitely worth it. Again, one of the best tacos I've ever had. read more

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H S.

490

6 years ago

Your friend is going to fight you on going here because it is a little sketchy Mexican shack but you need to put your foot down and tell them that is where you are eating tonight and if they don't like it to Venmo you $50. Then you're going to end the day with the best burrito and $50. read more

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Lisa M.

228

6 years ago

So disappointed. We ordered combo fajitas to go and received shrimp fajitas. We had to walk back with the wrong order, so they could throw it away and give us the correct one. The mango margarita was thick and syrupy. The Cali burrito was nothing special. read more

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Casey B.

Elite 19

179

8 years ago

California burritos. Get them. The fries had a great texture, and the tortilla was wonderful. Well flavored rice and beans. Carne asada was good, but needed a little crispiness. The chicken was dry. Pay a little more attention to the meat and this is a 5 star joint. read more

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Lauren D.

7 years ago

Always my favorite! Been going here since I was in jr. high. Taco Tuesday's are great of course, but you have to try their breakfast burritos!! To die for. Now I want one.. read more

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MT L.

104

9 years ago

Love Mexican foods here. I came to this place for tacos and guacamole. Their guacamole and chips are fresh. Their fish and shrimp tacos are delicious. The restaurant is very small and they are crowded on the weekend. read more

Great Mex Grill - Chips and guacamole- the best - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Jenny H.

690

361

353

9 years ago

Absolutely love this place! Came on a spontaneous trip with friends to Balboa island with some friends to try this place. It's literally a hole in the wall place. Parking was a little tough to find but if you're willing, find it a little down the street and walk! It's such a beautiful place anyways. I ordered the California burrito with an orange soda. I took a bunch of sauces - they had a roasted tomato one which was TO DIE for. The burrito comes with chips which was not stale and pretty fresh, which I appreciated!! The price wasn't too bad, and the burrito itself was very good. The carne asada was excellent along with the sour cream and guac! Mines comes with the guac inside, but my friends got theirs on the side of their order. All of us decided this place was bomb, so we might come for their Taco Tuesday special too. The place is small, so it's best to grab a table when you see one or go to the beach and enjoy the views with your bomb food!! The price isn't too bad too, and service was super friendly! read more

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tim b.

4 years ago

Amazing staff and food. They love their regulars. Definitely a staple of the restaurant scene in Balboa. Very fast service and very friendly service read more

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Page 6 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.

More Info

Health Score

Great Mex Grill Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
3 Reviews

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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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SOL Mexican Cocina

Incredible food, fantastic service, and a very romantic atmosphere. Definitely recommend after a…read morebeautiful day at the beach!

Vled was awesome took the best photo of my group and was so friendly and amazing had a great…read moreexperience. Will be back so soon highly recommend getting your photos by him!

Tres Leches Cake

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BLACK BEANS

RED O Taste Of Mexico

Had a fantastic experience at Red O two weeks ago! Haven't been here in a long while and was…read morecraving their Queso Fundido with chorizo. Here are the highlights of our visit: * Vibe & Atmosphere: The place was packed with an incredible, high-energy vibe, perfectly amplified by a live female DJ spinning great tracks. * Service: Friendly, welcoming, and attentive from the moment we walked in. Both Jamie and Chato were excellent. * Food & Drinks: We arrived just 10 minutes before 6 PM, so we kicked things off with the Queso Fundido from Happy Hour, followed by sharing the Surf and Turf Fajitas with 2 house margs from the dinner menu (available from Mon to Thu only). Everything was delicious!

Place was very dim and they had music playing. Great…read morefriendly service. We got the Enchilada Trio to try the different meats and sauce flavors: short rib, chicken, shrimp. All were very tasty. We also treated ourselves to the Surf & Turf Tablita. I saw a video of it: it includes a lobster tail and tomahawk chop and it did not disappoint. Our server helped remove the lobster shell and slice the meat. I would come back again.

Cocorita served in a young coconut

The Atrium, popular for private events.

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Enchilada Trio

Chihuahua Cerveza

Walked to this cute restaurant for dinner. The server at the counter was pleasant and greeted us…read morein. He said open seating everywhere including patio where we would order at the counter, get a number, and delivery to the table. Or full service in a certain section. We opted to sit in the patio area so we ordered at the counter. We received free chips with our order and they have a salsa bar with a few sauces plus limes. Our orders did not take long. My fish tacos meal with a draft beer and tip was about $34. My favorite were the tacos. Fish was tasty and seasoned well. Nice crunch and sauces. Chips were good. Rice and black beans could use more flavor. The patio was nice and we able to watch sports on a big screen. We all enjoyed our dinners and time there.

Had dinner and drinks at Chihuahua and the outdoor dining is dog friendly, breezy and lively. The…read moreservers were super chill and accommodating. They asked if we wanted to split our bill per person from the moment we ordered, which was convenient. The Big Bowl was really refreshing and had good ratio of veggies and rice and lots of protein. The 4 salsas they offer with chips are all great. Though the chips were super hard/crunchy type and felt like it could impale you if you bit it wrong. The burrito was massive and easily shared between two people. Also had the Pina Loca with reposado instead of mezcal and it was terrribleee! Nice place for a quick stop by Newport!

The BIG Chihuahua Burrito for two

Chihuahua Rosado

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Pup-friendly patio

Playa Mesa

I came here because of the great reviews, and I couldn't agree more with all of them! The service…read morewas great, as soon as we walked in the gentleman at the front were so welcoming, and our server was just as great! He was very attentive and funny. My mom did say she wished she had more carne asada because it was so good. My Birria plate was so juicy, along with my michelada that was made just as I like it! I would definitely come back. This would be a good place to come for a birthday, as it is a beautiful restaurant.

Playa Mesa has a great atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics. In the evening, the open windows…read morecreate a nice breeze, though they do let a few flies in. The hostess was friendly, and our server was funny and kind. He was a little less attentive as it got busier, but the staff worked well as a team, so we never had to wait for refills or anything we needed. Parking in the back can be a little tight. The birria tacos were packed with flavor, and I loved the inside-out cheese crust. My husband's fajitas were flavorful, although the chicken was a little overdone. The guacamole was excellent, especially with the pepita seeds adding great texture. Overall, we enjoyed the flavorful food, service, and atmosphere. We'd definitely come back!

The eastside cocktail - all the drinks here are delish!

East Side Sunset

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Lovely interior...

Javier's

I have a lot of guys that come in and out of Cali as they are training with me for their upcoming…read morebasketball season, and one of the most common questions I always get is, "What are the go-to restaurants around here?" When that question comes up, one of my absolute favorite Mexican cuisine spots to recommend is Javier's. It's one of those places that consistently delivers a great experience every time I go. The ambience at Javier's is perfect whether you're planning a date night or just an evening out with your family. It has a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to sit back and enjoy your time there. On top of that, the drinks always hit the spot and pair really well with the food, making the whole dining experience feel complete and well thought out. My go-to dish has to be the seafood enchiladas. You really can't go wrong with any of the options, but those stand out every time. The texture of the enchiladas is spot on, and the salsa complements the dish perfectly without overpowering it. Every bite feels balanced and flavorful, and it's one of those meals you find yourself craving again soon after. I also always make sure to grab the guacamole because, honestly, who doesn't love chips and guac? What I really appreciate is that this guac is different from the typical versions you find elsewhere--it has a freshness and flavor that really sets it apart. It's simple, but done at a high level, and it pairs perfectly with everything else on the table. The service at Javier's is always high-quality, and that's a big reason I keep coming back. The staff is attentive, friendly, and makes the whole experience even better. I still find myself wanting to try new items on the menu because every visit has been such a great experience so far, and I'm excited to see what I discover next.

Some interesting observations. #1 the place was packed and gorgeous! The service hit and miss. I…read morenoticed (here on Yelp) that the restaurant does not comment on reviews - you would think they would at least comment on the negative ones. I felt as though because they are always so busy, they really don't care if people don't return. We did get a bit of special attention because our friends with us knew a lot of the staff. I asked if I could order a standard chili relleno and a side of beans. Waitress said yes. They brought me the wrong thing. They brought "Relleno de Picadillo Poblano stuffed with ground beef, potatoes, cheese"... I don't eat ground beef and they brought a side of beans AND rice (I did not order the rice). One of our party ordered lamb chops medium well - they came rare. We told the waitress about the two issues. She picked up the lamb chop plate, left mine (I was assuming they would bring me the right thing, then clear). The brought back the lamb chops and walked away. I never got what I ordered. I could have tried again, but gave up. $200 bill for two, and my husband had water and I had two cocktails. I wanted to love this place! You pay for the ambiance and location, which I am fine with.

Newport Beach Location - Tacos

Newport Beach Location

Filete Ladrillo

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Avila's El Ranchito

10/10 for service! Everyone who works here is incredibly friendly and helpful. The manager,…read moreHeather, is especially wonderful. You can tell it's a really well-run place. We had a great time and enjoyed our meals. A bonus if you have little ones: they have a cute outdoor play area for kids! We'll definitely be back.

Came here for lunch on a summer Monday. Not busy at all. We sat outside to get some sun but the…read moreseating options are great. The vibe inside near the bar is classic & the other inside area was lovely and gave patio vibes while being enclosed and shaded. Lunch specials were fabulous! Worth the price and the flavors did not disappoint. On our way out we noticed Taco Tuesday & Happy Hour menus. Pics attached. Small parking lot in the back as well as paid street parking. They also have a kids play area on the patio with lots of toys. I believe it was partly shaded.

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Kalaveras

I visited Kalaveras a few days ago and hung out at the bar. I was amazed at the friendly service…read moreand great drinks made by Franco. I must have tried three or four (or five) during the few hours I spent there. All well made and delivered with amazing hospitality. Will definitely be coming back here, if just for the drinks and atmosphere alone.

What a bummer. We ordered for pickup as we live 5 min from here and thought it would be a no…read morebrainer, but wasn't hot so not sure how long it was just sitting on the counter. We are a bit obsessed with a Birria truck that no one can compare to but this Birria was truly disappointing. Just look at the oil. Big chunks of meat in it just sitting in oil. I myself always get a quesadilla and hope for a crispy outside and oooey gooey inside. It was diffeeent. Had corn in it and was under cooked. No crisp at all. Would have had to cook it myself to make it have any sort of crisp that I would have expected. But the inside was very flavorful. Didn't come with salsa so glad I had my own. Just a tiny scoop of guac. The taquitos were different colors which was a nice change and the chicken was good. But they were over cooked, over crisp ( opposite the quesadilla. No chips and salsa provided Just a lukewarm warm meal left on a counter for pickup thinking it was DoorDash and not the actual customer. Now I think differently of restaurants and how they leave pickups and such. We did call to indicate how the order was and received credit so that was greatly appreciated. But it was a true shame bc I had high hopes for this place. We drive by all the time. But I guess that's why on a sat night there were no cars in the parking lot wouldn't recommend

Pineapple mango mix soft serve margaritas

Margarrita

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Enchiladas Verdes

Avilas El Ranchito

The food was great and the service was warm! Raul took great care of us and Salvador treated us…read morelike family! The fajitas were great! Fried ice cream was the perfect ending.

Fernando was our Server/Waiting Staff, he was excellent…read more First time visitors from Menifee, visiting OC Fair for Happy Together Tour at Amphitheater. I had chicken Fajitas with HOME MADE CORN TORTILLAS (oh my Gosh just like when I was young) Husband had combo meal taco & enchilada. Beans & rice where perfect. But for us the salsa was beyound yum, chunky fresh with chunks if green onion mixed in. We even took a pint home. :P

Chicken Cuernavaca

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Fresh tortillas!!!!

El Cholo

And we are back! We deviated from our green corn tamales and added nachos and taquitos. Yummy…read moreaddition. Andrea was our server and she was great! The vibe is nice. Lots of locals. Today I noticed some of the pictures have a QR code. Didn't scan them but curious as they probably tell the history of the photo. Also appreciate the parking lot in the back.

*** 2nd time reviewing. I don't know what happened to my original review. The pics are here but…read moreYelp asked me to review. It's not in my drafts or reviews so I find it quite interesting that it vanished. *** We had a large party of 20. The people we were with have been here before and this was my first time. The restaurant was flexible as our dinner time kept changing based on our sons' tournament time. They happily were able to accommodate us with seating outside in their large patio. Considering we were a big party, they managed to take care of us. They had waters and chips and salsa for us while we ordered cocktails. Took a while to get them but understandable since we ordered many margaritas. I ordered the side Caesar but I found it to be overdressed. Next time I would order the dressing on the side. I shared the Sonora Nachos with beef and another order of nachos with chicken. Both nachos were good and cheesy. Loaded and hits the spot. My margarita was good. I wish it was more tart though. They gave us little bags of something sweet inside. I don't know what it was but it was pretty good. Like a chewy pecan flavored flat candy.

Sea food fajitas the are so delicious.

Inside bar area

Verde enchilada

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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.

Lighthouse has an amazing location with beautiful ocean views. The beach is right there to enjoy,…read moreand there's a park nearby, making it a great spot to relax before or after your meal. I was mildly disappointed with a few things, though. The lobster roll was delicious and definitely the highlight of the meal. The chips were just okay. My latte, unfortunately, was one of the worst I've had... it tasted like milk with just a splash of coffee. The staff was very kind and happily replaced it with an Americano, which was much better. One inconvenience was the restroom situation. The closest bathrooms were by the lighthouse, which is a bit of a walk. I only wanted to rinse the lobster off my fingers, so I ended up using a glass of water outside instead. The service was friendly and accommodating, and the food had some strong points, but the disappointing coffee and lack of convenient restrooms kept this from being a higher-rated experience. I would give it a 3.5 star but since its not allowed, the experience was pleasant enough for a 4. Prices were decent id say

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

Eric was fantastic. He gave great service at the bar. All the food recommendations were excellent…read more Truly a beautiful restaurant. If we lived in town we'd be regulars.

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.

Salmon and asparagus beautiful presentation and delicious

Upstairs hot spot

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Cheers to 28!!

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

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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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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

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(220 reviews)

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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