Great Mex Grill

118

390

1651

3 years ago

Finally a good Mexican restaurant for just good Mexican food in OC! Since moving here from LA for years ago my family had been looking for some good Mexican food but with so many fusion, high end, trendy, and mostly overpriced options out there we haven't had much luck until now! Great Mex is a family owned small restaurant in Balboa off of E. Balboa Blvd. just a block away from the ferry. The reviews were good and when we tried it out today for a quick dinner we saw why. Their burritos were no fuss and great flavor for an affordable price: bean and cheese was $6 and the Carne asada was $8 next time we would love to try the enchiladas and chile rellenos since we saw some great reviews on them. Overall it's a cool spot close to the beach, perfect for a picnic lunch and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day loves this place, and I've been a fan so that was a nice surprise to see his signed picture on the wall! read more

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

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

Great Mex Grill - Bean and Cheese Burrito is extra grande - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - Carne Asada Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - Billie Joe Armstrong love this place - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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

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Josh B.

1 year ago

Great little stop to grab some lunch. Amazing staff, and very quick service. The bean and cheese burrito was a fan favorite with my kids!

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Daryl L.

135

127

3 years ago

Good solid Mexican food. We were on the way to Cabo Cantina for lunch, but saw 3 firefighters leave Great Mex with to- go bags in hand. I always take the recommendations of fire or police. They know where the good food is! They told us they definitely recommend this place, and so do we. The misses had a bowl of chicken soup, I had the bean & cheese burrito, and we shared a jalepeno & cheese tamale. All the food was tasty and reasonably priced. We also were given a basket of chips, a variety of salsas and some spicy carrots. 2 thumbs up . read more

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Audrey G.

4 years ago

Great Mex is the most accurate name ever. This is the food of my childhood. I associate beautiful beach days with delicious Mexican food. The service is fast, the staff is friendly and they have a huge menu. The food is full of flavor and I've tried almost everything in their menu. If you visit the beach and don't go to Great Mex, you are missing out! read more

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

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Yuliia K.

2 years ago

Amazing food!!!Fresh produce! Wet California burrito was just insane! Highly recommend! Very friendly and helpful staff clean space. read more

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

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Juan U.

626

4047

3 years ago

Tried out this hidden gem in Balboa, was a little skeptical at first as its small and dark. No specific lighting or signage outside but had seen great reviews. Tried their bean and carne Asada burrito, they were huge and delicious. It was exactly what I wanted; simple, nothing over the top but very tasty. The decor inside is all over the place but you can tell it's a local spot, loved that it wasn't super busy when we got there but you can see there was traffic. They don't have a personal parking lot but a lot of people get carry out because it's good and the price point is great. The cashier wasn't the best and had an attitude like if he had a bad day. It don't want to knock the restaurant due to the cashier. The cook or another employee in the back was kinder and more attentive when asking for drink refill but will def come back to try more things or get a convenient meal when going to the beach or the wedge. read more

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

Great Mex Grill - Asada Burrito & Bea Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Andrew B.

3 years ago

Love this place so much. Great staff. Amazing So Cal Food. It's just the best. I'll always support this place. If you haven't tried it, do it. read more

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Malin D.

1 year ago

The people here were so kind. Food was amazing--some of the best tacos I've had!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is very clean and colorful![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, very very good and a great place to stop by! read more

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johnny a.

1 year ago

I'm a huge fan of chorizo burritos and I can say this one was one on the lower end. No taste which is shocking. The only reason I gave it a 2 star is because they used potatoes in it, otherwise a 1 star is well deserved. read more

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Lori T.

275

153

3 years ago

food delicious, service friendly, ambiance divey. (capacity 48). had bean and cheese burrito (6.95), a 2 item combo and a modelo. total was $26. it was tuesday but missed it. all tacos are $2, shots are $4, margaritas $5. worth returning to for sure! read more

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Kim P.

1 year ago

This place is awesome!! The food and portions are really good. The workers were really nice. The food came super fast and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the decor makes it feel like an authentic Mexican place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Renee R.

271

3 years ago

Early-ish breakfast considering much of the town is still asleep while these guys are open. I got the GM Slam and just substituted the sausage for potatoes - no need for double fatty meat. I have zero complaints. Friendly staff, clean establishment, fresh food & happy music :) thank you mucho! read more

Great Mex Grill - I love when a cook's work station is facing outward with a big window. Such a vibe - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - That's melted butter over there - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Hayley H.

Elite 26 All-Star

4250

1316

6374

5 years ago

Great, terrific, mind boggling, jaw dropping. These are all words I'd use to describe our experience at Great Mex on Balboa Island. My group of friends recently visited Balboa to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. We decided to splurge and did a smorgasbord of takeout from Great Mex! This meal included chips and guac, taquitos, and an assortment of tacos (mushroom, carnitas, carne asada, chicken.) The mushroom was hands down my favorite! So juicy and flavorful. The taquitos were a close second and were cut into small portions. Each was paired with a side of guac and sour cream - the perfect drunk eats. Plus Billie Joe from Green Day says he loves this place. What more confirmation could you need? Wake me up when my tacos are ready. read more

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Katie N.

117

321

780

7 years ago

Best Mexican food around!! My family and I have been coming to this restaurant for years and always make an effort to go when we are in Newport Beach. I've never left disappointed and have tried many things on the menu. The fajitas are always a great option, usually I get the fajitas combinado-a mix of steak, chicken and shrimp. The burritos are huge, smothered in sauce and filled with just about anything. The fajita burrito and shrimp burrito are two of my favorites. The tacos are great and even the tostada salad is really great! Get anything and I promise you will leave happy!! This restaurant is very small, not the best for a huge party but then again there are 7 of us and usually we don't have to wait too long. The staff is awesome, bottomless chips are great and you will feel like you just walked into Mexico when you enter. Enjoy!! read more

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

Great Mex Grill - Grilled Shrimp Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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

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Kristine N.

272

361

4 years ago

This place was so so good! Was in the area and looking for food and so happy we found this place. The food was so fresh and tasted authentic. The place was clean and the staff is very kind :) read more

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

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Judy a.

947

704

4 years ago

First time here. It was really good for the price at the beach. My husband loved his burrito. Will be back. read more

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Sal A.

337

1090

3 years ago

I've been eating here for over 15 years. Please do not lose your consistency! Always the best tacos in Newport; pretty much in most of Orange County. I know people come here for the beef and chicken, but their fish and shrimp tacos are hands-down the best I've ever had! I love how generous they are with the portions. Thank you guys for always giving us the best food! You can't beat the prices on the quality, especially at such an amazing location. read more

Great Mex Grill - Kids love the food - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - Best tacos for the best price hands down. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Hrachya G.

2 years ago

[[HIGHLIGHT]]It's very nice place[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] very wonderful food and so nice home made margaritas I like it))))

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Lyn F.

3 years ago

Great chips! That's about all I can say. Carnitas taco had gray meat- not sure what the meat was or if it even was meat. Shrimp tacos awful- 2 shrimp? Maybe a part of a third one? Everyone around me got sauces to go with their tacos so I had to go ask for them. Awful sauces. Filthy place with disgusting chair upholstery. Creepy man in there too doing weird little waves at people and employees. Like waving up by his face like a little girl. Couldn't wait to escape that place. Again, chips best we have had in the OC, which isn't saying much. read more

Great Mex Grill - Carnitas taco and shrimp taco. House margarita (not lemonade). - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Green L.

2 years ago

My family has been coming to this location for years. The staff has changed as of recent, and the prices have been raised exponentially. $20 for an egg cheese and bacon Breakfast burrito is insane. You could buy all the ingredients to make four of these burritos at the store and still have money left over read more

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Dori D.

2 years ago

The fish burrito was delicious. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful. We had it delivered so I can't comment on the location but the food was terrific read more

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Chris P.

717

3149

5 years ago

Well we finally stopped in and tried this place after a couple years of just driving by and the food is actually really really good. The meat in my tacos, shredded beef and chicken were very tasty and piping hot but the taco size in my opinion are to small for the price. My wife loved her shrimp salad but it had way to much black beans and liquid. The guacamole is top notch. The salsa's are to runny and watery for my taste i like a thicker chunkier spicier salsa but im giving this place a 4 star for taste. The prices are ok except for the tiny tacos for 3.35 each. read more

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

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

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

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Don K.

105

102

2 years ago

This place has the best Mexican food in Newport Beach! So good!!! Go get some tacos and sit on the beach and have a perfect day!

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Lucy L.

131

589

1721

5 years ago

Great local place for tasty Mexican food. Small casual place that makes food efficiently. Order, pay & pick up food at the counter. Bus your own table. The grilled vegetable bowl is very good and also has salad vegetables mixed in. It's a good size. The mahi mahi burrito would have been better if the fish weren't so salty. The cooks just need to go way lighter on the salt so you can at least taste the fish. Carnitas burrito is good. You can make any burrito a wet burrito. One person in our dining party had the al pastor wet burrito style. The tamale entree was good too. You can ask for little containers of all the different salsas and sauces. The lime Margarita was very good but had lots of ice so it really wasn't as much beverage in the cup as it appeared at first glance. We will return but think twice about the fish next time. read more

Great Mex Grill - Tamale plate with rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - Grilled vegetable & salad bowl. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great Mex Grill - El pastor wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Sonj H.

626

1310

762

7 years ago

I am thinking this is a 3.5 star. People who run it are super sweet,fish taco was not exciting, shrimp taco terrific, chips and salsa yummy, nachos gargantuan, fries crispy and yum. Service was super fast! Thing that really upset me was my daughter's face when she saw the violent sign. A lot of her friends lost people at Borderline and it is messed up AF in this day and age to have a sign like that up. Outside of that, it was a quick, good pitstop. read more

Great Mex Grill - Fish/ shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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

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

Great Mex Grill - ???? Bad taste - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Mona P.

3 years ago

Great Mexican food! This trip to SoCal, we had so much Mexican food that we were done, or so we thought until we happened to run into this little restaurant very close to Newport Beach. Super busy but quick and efficient service. They have a few tables if you want to eat in the restaurant. The other option is to order to go and eat at the beach which is a 5 minute walk. Food is fresh and delicious. We ordered MahiMahi grilled tacos, Mahi-mahi burrito, Carne chimis, shrimp quesadilla, shrimp enchilada, and tamarind margarita. read more

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Gwen K.

165

2 years ago

Excellent Mexican food, especially the Chile rellenos. Light and fluffy with plenty of cheese. I liked the tamales as well and will go back for the tacos and burritos! In this day and age where food is so overpriced? I found it refreshing to get excellent food at a price I can afford. Love this place in Newport Beach. read more

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Dian T.

1 year ago

How can Mexicans mess up Mexican food so bad. I had the shrimp quesadilla it was the worst I ever had the customer service was okay now it's time to hire a cook. These people were solicited to sabotage their own business they will lose business. read more

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Chandler C.

782

3 years ago

Great tacos for great price! Would definitely recommend for local flare. Come early to beat line read more

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Moke F.

2 years ago

Small taco shop in a heavy tourist area. Small seating area. Counter girl was very nice and patient. She explained the menu items we were unfamiliar with. Food was typical Mexican fare, homemade chips and salsa was great. read more

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C K.

108

2 years ago

Great service and amazing food is always the BEST combo! We were visiting Balboa for the day, and saw the many wonderful reviews of Great Mex. So glad for the reviews, otherwise we won't know this gem! We got the California Burrito and Carne Asada Burrito, and they are HUGE & delicious (sorry, no photos taken as we devoured the food immediately). A must have eatery when you are in town read more

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Arpit M.

3 years ago

Great food and cozy ambience! Service is really nice! We ordered vegetarian quesadillas and 3 item combo. All food were delicious and we enjoyed our lunch! For the price food quantity is huge! I couldn't finish my three item combo! Flavors were real nice and we left with smiling face and full tummy!!! Will be back for sure! read more

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Chelsi S.

345

1 year ago

quick service, fair prices, DELICIOUS food!! will be coming back everytime we're in town!

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Max M.

2 years ago

The Great Mex is a fun spot to hit on the peninsula. The food is pretty tasty and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is super quick, too. Love the people working there. They're all super nice. Would recommend. read more

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Ryan M.

2 years ago

Awesome food, good deals, good margs. Easy order through their app. Go here 5-6 times a week when on vacation at the beach.

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Marcus F.

392

3013

8969

8 years ago

Tasty Mexican food that's affordable in a tourist trap area? Great Mex is a great find.. Great Mex is a hole-in-the-wall taco shop. Very small inside and is packed shoulder to shoulder. People were lined up inside placing orders during our entire stay, most everyone was taking their orders to go. That might be a good strategy for you too if you can't find a table inside. There are plenty of places to sit and eat in this general area. It's typical taco shop cuisine. Portions might be smaller (shrimp burrito was noticeably smaller), but it all tasted good. Perhaps the smaller size is better especially if you're going on a whale watching trip afterwards. Last thing you want to be doing is puking up a three pound burrito in the tour boat's "head"! Food Recommendation - Carne Asada Quesadilla. read more

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

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

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

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Linette N.

2 years ago

I'm just going to agree with Ryan, this place is the bomb. We had asada tacos, shrimp cocktail, and grilled mahi mahi burritos. All amazing. And their sauces are so tasty. Ignore the bad reviews from the habitual yelper and give it a try. read more

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Keren M.

2 years ago

Great food, good price, awesome location, kid friendly. Perfect to finish a beach day!

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Travis S.

3 years ago

Solid Mexican food on the peninsula. We always go for taco Tuesday (and taco Friday). Good selection of tacos. I tend to stick with the crunchy tacos$2.50 each, but the fish tacos are the best deal in Newport. $2.75 each. read more

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Page 2 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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3 Reviews

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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!

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Came here for brunch last week and had such a cute place. The restaurant itself is adorable and…read morefeels like a cozy little home, which made the whole meal feel really comfortable and charming. I ordered the eggs with bacon, and my boyfriend ordered the eggs Benedict. The Benedict was honestly the best I've ever had. The hollandaise was amazing, and I'm usually not even a big fan of hollandaise, but this one completely changed my mind. I would definitely order it again. YUMMM I also loved the seasoned potatoes. The bacon wasn't my favorite because it had a very smoky taste, but overall everything was good and I would definitely come back.

Having lived in Orange County for 20+ years, I was excited to see this restaurant pop-up on…read moreOpenTable when I was looking for a place to go for Father's Day. We booked a 6 PM reservation and were seated promptly upon arrival. We placed our order by 6:10 PM and by 6:40 our appetizers still had not come. It also took about 20 minutes to get drinks, including water. They were out of the drinks (beer) that we ordered and they were also out of the first two entrées (ahi, then scallops) that I tried to order as well. What are entrées finally did arrive. I was disappointed to see that my soup had congealed on the top because it had been sitting in the back and ready for too long before it was brought out to me. Overall, the flavors were good and the food was decent my husband and I haven't yet decided if we think we'll make a return trip based on this experience. He had the fried chicken and enjoyed it. My son had the mac & cheese and he enjoyed that as well.

Fresh squeezed orange juice

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We recently went to the dock for my mom's birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience!…read more First off, Debra was on phone duty, and she was incredibly helpful as we navigated flight delays and changes to the schedule. She was able to accommodate us despite many complications on our end, so we are really grateful and really appreciative of Debra! In terms of food, we loved the pork chop and the halibut. The risotto and the potatoes that came with each of these went so well with the meats. They also have an extensive wine list, and the service was really great. The view is so hard to capture via photos, so I tried to do my best here. At night it can get a little cold, so they have heat lamps above some of the tables on the edge so you don't get too cold.

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Beachfront vibes, amazing food, and dog friendly what more could you ask for?…read more Dory Deli has so much going for you. The location right on the water is unbeatable, and the service is impressively fast you're never waiting long before you're enjoying your meal with a great view. The buffalo cauliflower is an absolute must-order. It's one of those dishes that keeps you coming back, and it never disappoints. The chicken and waffles are a total hit too fun, satisfying combo that hits every time. On my last visit I decided to step outside my usual order and tried the beef bowl and wow, I was pleasantly surprised. It completely exceeded my expectations and has officially earned a spot as a new regular order for me. Don't sleep on it! Oh, and if you're a dog parent bring your pup! Dory Deli is dog friendly, which makes it even more of a perfect spot for a casual, laid-back meal by the water.

This review is specifically because of their insane price increases. Today I went in and ordered a…read more16 oz side of poke. I ordered it two days ago and it was $16. Today, it was $25. I would have understood a couple bucks, but $9 is insane. The 8 oz poke went from $8 to $15. Service is great and I love the staff. Edgar especially has been a great addition to the bar team!!!

Craft cocktails with a side of ocean breeze!

Open-air dining, bar seating and large tables for groups!

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Wellness Bowl with ahi

Zinqué

Definitely one of my new favorite brunch spots - made it into my top 5 (in terms of food and…read morelocation, at least)! Love the casual vibe of this place. It's waterfront and can be accessed via the boardwalk (it's behind the street-side shops). Parking can be tough and very expensive - you'll likely have to park in the structure and walk over. Make sure to take your ticket with you for validation. Seating is available inside and outside on their covered patio. Plenty of space for parties of all sizes. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make a same-day reservation for a Sunday afternoon. They had plenty of open seating even when we got there. Tables were very dirty. They have a lot of work to do - it seems like months if not years of food, dust, and salty moist air mixed together and collected in the creases in the tables, on the walls, etc.. It's like a sticky gross residue that never gets completely clean. Many people like to dress nice in the area but honestly I would hate to wear something nice here out of fear it would get dirty. We also required new plates as ours had old food stuck to them. Service was not great. Our waiter was somewhat attentive but not nice - the poor guy seemed miserable like he hated his job and did not want to be there. Despite the restaurant being full, he wouldn't come by often when we actually needed something - he even disappeared towards the end and a new waiter had to help us. Food is delicious. Besides the location, their saving grace. We tried the sandwiches and yummy! Fries were also delicious with the spicy mayo. Love the different options they have, overall. They also had some great looking food on the brunch and drinks section of the menu. You can scan the QR code at the table to see pictures of each menu item. Overall was good and we'll be back every once in a while because we love Lido. Will try sitting inside in hopes the tables are decent. Really hope management makes some improvements though!

We went around 9-10pm and the host gave us a table with napkins and utensils but no plate, so…read morealright maybe they forgot. I usually come for the steak fries since the fries are good. However, today's service was so bad to the point that I been waving my hands and making eye contact to order for 15-20 minutes. And they were actually ignore us. Maybe we didn't dress decent enough for them to serve us since we were in our regular jean and tshirt. So I have to actually speak up and call them to order. So when we get to order, it was 10:20pm already. After the foods are brought out, we had a decent dinner together and they are about to close. So one of the server brought out the check for us to pay and we decided to pay with exact amount with cash and leave tip in cash also. One of the server genuinely SMIRKED at us while counting the money. Like he looked at us and SMIRKED. He probably has a bad day or a busy day but still, it's a Tuesday. So instead of a nice dinner and a good nap, we had a really bad close of the day because of service at Zinque. So if you want food at night, you can come to Zinque but don't expect too much for the services recently, since it was SO MUCH BETTER back then until today.

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Malibu Farm Lido

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

Alexis was great! Super good service!! She was super sweet and attentive! The food was amazing!read 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

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This is the view from our table on the patio

Shorebird

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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Smiling bartender creating a fresh craft cocktail with exceptional hospitality and care at Shorebird in Newport Beach.

Rusty Pelican

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

I had a "fish dish" here a couple years ago and remembered how good it was, so when I came back…read moreand saw it was still on the menu, there wasn't much of a decision to make. The Swordfish Firepot was just as delicious as I remembered. Swordfish with a Cajun chili barbecue marinade, Cajun spices, shrimp, pineapple-mango salsa and jasmine rice. Lots of flavor, well prepared and fresh. The sweet salsa, spicy sauce, grilled fish and shrimp all work really well together. I also had a half wedge salad, which was delicious and the perfect size with the entrée. Sat at the bar, caught some of the World Cup and enjoyed the beautiful Newport Harbor view. It's hard to beat the atmosphere here. If you want something a little more upscale with a great waterfront setting, Rusty Pelican is a great choice. The outside area is cool too, and the service was very friendly. One extra tip: join Landry's Select Club. I had a $25 birthday reward, and they also surprised me with a piece of cheesecake for my birthday. Nice touch and a pretty good way to finish an already great meal. You'll spend a couple more dollars here, but between the food, service, atmosphere, view and the birthday perks, it's worth it. Great meal and definitely a place I'll keep coming back to.

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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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

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 July 2026

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Sancho's Tacos

3.9

(554 reviews)

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.

This is the one Sancho you don't have to worry about. Once she tastes the food, she'll be back…read more The steak had a weird sweetness to it that I wasn't expecting, almost like Korean bbq. The chicken was ok and the carnitas was ok at best. Everything was under seasoned and their salsa was super runny and watery. In Southern California, good tacos are not hard to find. I wouldn't start here, that's for sure.

La Fogata

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(411 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)

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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

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

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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

This was just my personal experience, but I left a bit disappointed. The food didn't taste like the…read morestyle of Mexican food I'm used to. My girlfriend, who's Mexican, also felt it leaned more toward fast food than the authentic Mexican food she grew up with. I ordered the carne asada burrito and was surprised that it only came with carne asada and beans--there wasn't any rice, which made it feel a little lacking. The guacamole also tasted like plain blended avocado without much seasoning or flavor. The service was good. They were very courteous. The food came out fast. The bathroom was clean. But unfortunately the food just wasn't for me. I know everyone has different tastes, so this may be a place others enjoy, but I don't think I'd come back.

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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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!

Place is pretty chill- very surfer-esque. The food is OK; it's not something I would find myself…read morecraving. It's comparable to In-n-out with a tad more novelty (adding avocado and bacon to a burger is pretty neat). If it wasn't by the beach, I probably wouldn't go back.

22nd Street Pizza

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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!

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.

Balboa Island Market & Grille

4.2

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Everything we had here was great!!! Burritos, burgers and sandwiches. Great place for a quick bite…read morewhile enjoying a beautiful island.

Grabbed a quick lunch here during the Balboa Island Art Walk…read more The Grill boasts a simple minimalist menu and a couple of small tables outside. If the tables are full there's plenty of places to grab a seat either on the city benches located every few streets or on the sea wall. There's a public restroom just across from it and a small market next door. Staff were very friendly, one person (maybe the owner?) came out to chat with the person sitting at the table next to me for a few minutes and clearly cared about getting to know and engaging their clientele. I ordered the BLT and was a bit disappointed by the lackluster tomatoes but the sandwich was still tasty even if it was mostly a bacon/lettuce sandwich. Overall I think this place is exactly what you'd expect and I would certainly grab a quick bite here again while strolling the island.

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