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Javier's

3.6 (4.6k reviews)
PriceyMexican, Bars, Desserts
Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

Javier's Photos

Business Info

JAVIER'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Trendy
Good for kids
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Javier's

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Reviews With Photos

Quesadilla beef
Kimberley H.

You can't go wrong here, this is the third time I've been here when we've been down in the area. I love the one in Newport Beach the views are amazing the people are always friendly, the food is always good. It's a must try if you love Mexican food it is on the pricier side but well worth it. We sat at the bar to watch the World Cup game and had the enchiladas and the quesadilla with chips and guac and a couple of drinks always a perfect day.

Tamarind margarita
Renata L.

Came in for a family dinner with a party of 13, and wow--this place was already packed by 4:30 PM! Reservations aren't required, but I highly recommend making one if you don't want to wait. Despite how busy they were, the service was excellent. Drinks and appetizers arrived within minutes of ordering, and the staff did a great job keeping up with our large group. The unlimited chips and salsa were dangerously good. I always tell myself I'll stop after a few chips, but somehow I never do--and this salsa was definitely the reason why! For my entrée, I ordered the three seafood enchiladas. I appreciated that the seafood flavors were bold and fresh without tasting fishy. The green sauce complemented the dish perfectly and elevated the flavors even more. I also sampled a combination plate, which was good overall, although I felt the chile relleno had a little too much cheese, making it difficult to taste the chile itself. For dessert, we couldn't decide on just one, so we ordered the chocolate cake, tres leches cake, and fried ice cream. My ranking: fried ice cream first, tres leches second, and chocolate cake third. The chocolate cake was good but similar to what you'd find at many other restaurants. The tres leches was delicious--moist without being overly milky or sweet, and the almonds added a nice texture and flavor. The fried ice cream was the standout for me. The crunchy cereal coating added great texture, and because it wasn't overly sweet, it balanced perfectly with the ice cream. Overall, this is a place I'd definitely recommend for both the food and service. Just remember: reservations, reservations, reservations!.

Espresso vodka martini with baileys
Andrea M.

The food was delicious. Hot plates, perfect food, and great drinks. I ordered an espresso martini, and they let me get the vodka based mixed with the baileys which was perfect. I loved the enchiladas and the beans. Our server was lovely and she had a great attitude. The restaurant was clean, well maintained, and busy, but we got the best service.

Paloma (Top) & Pepino Margarita (Bottom)
Angela N.

I love Javier's! This is probably one of my favorite locations mainly for the beautiful ocean views and vibes. Definitely try go get a table on the patio if you want the best experience. I came with a friend to catch up over some food and drinks. Any of their margaritas are good but I usually go for either spicy or pepino (cucumber). I decided to order one of the combo plates that came with a shredded beef taco, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans. It was pretty good. I think the combo plates are the best bang for your buck since this place can be a bit pricey.

la tablita
Wendy Y.

Stopped by Javier's around 3:30 PM on a Tuesday and it was the perfect time to go. Plenty of parking, no wait, and lots of open tables. Every server we interacted with was super friendly and attentive. We ordered the La Tablita and the ceviche trio (ahi, shrimp, and octopus), and everything was honestly really good. The jalapeño cocktail was also delicious. There was a nice kick to it, but wasn't too spicy. We were seated in the back by the patio, and the remodel is seriously gorgeous. The space feels so open with all the natural light coming in, and it has a really nice upscale vibe. Will 100% be back.

Dessert- yummiest chocolate cake ever. Very rich
Rose H.

The best location of all Javier's- so spacious inside with seating arrangements ideal for 12+ people while enjoying sunset views! We were quite a rowdy party celebrating my birthday and this place went above and beyond with their service and attentiveness. Took all food requests like a champ for picky eaters (me!) and clarified everything with us before putting orders in. Food was fresh and delicious and made sure for all 12 plates to come out at the same time. They even added extra birthday desserts :) **this place is always jam packed so plan ahead

Guacamole
Viv N.

I don't eat much Mexican food & never been to Javier's but was pleasantly surprised with the food, service, and ambiance!! Came here for a friend's bday and we were an hour late to our reservation but got seated rather quickly. It was extremely busy for a Friday night at 8 pm so I wouldn't suggest walk-ins. There's also only valet parking ($15 for dinner/all day/weekends). First off, the interior is absolutely gorgeous with elevated yet tropical vibes, also right next to the ocean - felt like I was back in Cancun! Our party was a little chaotic since we brought a cake & some props for my friend's bday but the staff were super friendly and accommodating! They even used their mini flashlights when they saw us getting flash photos or using selfie lights. The space is also large enough that there are several spots to take photos where you're not in anyone's way & most customers were unbothered, even wishing my friend a happy bday or hyping her up. Each of us ordered different dishes and loved all! My favorite was the shrimp tacos which were seasoned so well it didn't need a dipping sauce. Very fresh & tasty!! I also loveee their guac as it's so smooth, creamy, and fresh. I eat a lot of chips with guac/salsa at home so this definitely hit the spot. Overall, we had a really enjoyable night!! It's just unfortunate they're pricey, have only valet, charge for rice & beans, and a cake cutting fee so the costs add up but it's great for a special occasion. I would honestly come back!

Tomahawk Steak
Alayna B.

Javier's visual aesthetic is unreal, especially at nighttime. The interior design, the lit torches, the beach view??? It is truly the reason for the price point on their menu. I came here last Sunday either a group of friends and we had ordered margaritas and mojitos for the whole table. Drinks were delicious and the chips and salsa were a great pairing as well. We had multiple servers attend to us during our dinner and they were on TOP of it. I mean filling up waters, making sure our drinks were replenished, making space on the table. Truly fantastic and much appreciated attentive service. The food? Honestly it was subpar. I've tried the Javier's in Irvine and didn't like their food either so I came in with low expectations. We got a medium rare Tomahawk steak and it just felt bland. There was nothing special about the food and it lacked more flavor honestly. I do want to say I would recommend coming to Javier's despite the food if you're looking for a great place to grab a drink or maybe you just want a killer view.

Carajillo
Andres G.

Always a pleasure visiting this Javier's location. Our go‑tos are the Javier's Special House Salad, Cabo Azul, and a Carajillo to wrap up either lunch or dinner. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive, and the ambiance is always such a vibe. I definitely prefer the lunch experience over dinner -- everything just feels a bit more relaxed and enjoyable.

Entrance
Denise G.

My boyfriend made reservations for a date night on a Thursday night for 830. We arrived at 815 to try to catch the sunset view from the back bar inside the restaurant. The sunset was beautiful. We went to grab a drink because our table was not ready yet. It was very crowded, we assumed because it was a summer Thursday night. We were a bit disappointed because we didn't get seated until 9pm. Overall the ambiance was good, very loud if you don't mind that type of setting for dinner. Service was great, food and drinks were delicious.

Nachos!
Bhavik P.

Javier's at Crystal Cove is one of the most iconic restaurant scenes in Southern California when it comes to Mexican food. I've been coming here with my family for years, celebrating countless birthdays and special occasions, so I figured it was time to update my review. One of the biggest improvements is the remodel they completed a few years ago. The restaurant feels much larger, more open, and more modern. The atmosphere has always been a huge part of Javier's appeal. The food has consistently been good, but the prices have climbed higher and higher over the years. At times, they feel close to being a "ripoff", but the ambiance, ocean adjacent location, and overall experience help justify it. That said, the "scene" isn't quite what it used to be. Javier's has long been a staple of Newport Beach culture and will probably remain that way forever. Years ago, it felt like the place to see and be seen. Today, it feels more like a local institution than a hotspot, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As a family with several vegetarians, one thing that has always bothered us is the pricing. Charging extra for beans and rice often makes certain vegetarian dishes more expensive than entrées that include meat, which feels hard to justify. My family's favorite vegetarian option is the spinach enchiladas, while my go to order is the three item combination plate with a chicken enchilada, taco, and chile relleno. While many people argue that South of Nick's serves better Mexican food, I respectfully disagree. South of Nick's may be more affordable, but I still think Javier's serves the best Mexican food in town. It's a great choice for date nights, family dinners, celebrations, or anyone looking for a classic Newport Beach experience. The service and overall food quality may have slipped slightly over the years, but Javier's remains my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Yes, the prices are outrageous, but the food, atmosphere, and tradition keep us coming back. Cool Fact: Kobe Bryant used to regularly come to Javier's and they had a drink called "the black mamba" named after him on the menu!

Rich chocolate ganache
Dashawn M.

The 3 enchiladas never fells. It has been my absolute favorite over the years. Tasty tasty

5.10.26- enchilada plate
Kim I.

We came here on Mother's Day- they opened a few hours earlier than they normally do because it is insanely busy on this day (obvs). I made sure to make reservations about a month in advance for 11 am. There was 8 of us total, we were seated in the best seats I could have dreamed of. Our view of the ocean in the back just really made it seem like we were on another tropical island eating brunch. Our waitress was so attentive and patient with us so thank you! And the food, I mean it's been years since I've been to Javier's and that was at the spectrum location. Nothing was disappointing. The queso fundido was incredibly cheesy and perfect with warm tortillas, endless chips, and from the look of everyone's faces each bite was savored entirely. They don't have a kids menu but they are very accommodating and able to make a brc burrito with chicken and chicken quesadillas for the little ones. The one thing we noticed was that the napkins were almost pilling and left white residual fabric on your clothes, but I mean that's just one thing that really you can ignore unless you wear all black BUT.. food makes up for it and really that's what you are here for. Reservations were for 2 hours so we really took our time and just enjoyed the ambiance with family

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Page 1 of 115

Javier's Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Javier's

Do they show nfl games?

Not sure! I Am always hanging out with friends talking and laughing. Never had attention to that!

Do I need to reserve?

It's very busy. I would

Does Javier's offer take out options?

Yes they do have the option for take out orders ☺️

How can I make a reservation ? They don't answer the phone and no option online

Depends for how many people... I came for a table for two, and they were able to just do a walk-in.

How can i get a gift card for a gift?

Last time I bought a gift card, I went in and the hostess got one for me. This current Javier's is under renovation and closed right now, but there is another one in Irvine at the Irvine Spectrum.

Do they take reservations for the lounge?

On their website, it states they take reservations over the phone. However, we tried calling for a while and no one answered. However, we just decided to try walking in and managed to get seated right away on a Monday evening during the dinner rush.

Is there a dress code?

Not really. Guests are dressed from beach wear to business casual.

Do they have any gluten free options or make gluten allergy accommodations?

I am also gluten-free so and dairy free so I just ask for chicken enchiladas with corn tortillas and a green sauce no cheese but you will have to ask if they have specific gluten-free things and as usual the chips and salsa are gluten-free enjoy!

I hear this place is really a 'meat market' is it true?

In my opinion. I go with friends or family at lunch time or dinner, so I am not sure what would happen later on in the evening...

Are they dog friendly?

NO!

Do they sell gift cards?

Yes they do, need my address to send me 1,lol.

What is the restaurant's corkage policy?

I was there this summer- it was $30

Do you have self parking or valet only?

There is self parking in the lot surrounding the area!

Are they dog friendly?

Yes, they love dogs and plenty of outside seating!

What time is happy happy hour?

They don't have one

Can you walk in and stand at the bar for drinks or do you need to sit with a reservation?

I've been trying to call to make a reservation and I can't get through?

That's typical for that place. You might want to try open table.

Does the Newport Location take reservations?

Yes, They do!

Is this place 21 and over?

No, family friendly

What is the max amount of people per table during this time?

Most of the outdoor tables were set up for parties of six. But, I ate there on Saturday and I saw a group of 8 at a table.

View All 49 Questions

Blk Dot Coffee - Ultimate Brekkie Bowl

Blk Dot Coffee

4.0(69 reviews)
0.1 mi

I have been on a Vietnamese coffee kick and when I yelped Vietnamese coffee near me, this place…read morepopped up. Coffee was delicious! I like that you could buy singles and the cream that was kind of cool. The location is in a nice area of Newport and the inside was very clean.(and busy) and the outside was gorgeous. I will say I'm still giving it a five star review, but the service was not very friendly at all. I always expect places with a more unique menu to ask you if you have any questions, I knew exactly what I was getting the VTM (and I wish it came in a three XL). I guess I was just hoping for more personability and a you're welcome.... Overall, when on vacation next year, I will certainly be getting another coffee.

Blk Dot is a solid coffee shop. They boast a great independent coffee shop vibe and an upscale feel…read moreto the place, while also capitalizing on a wide offering of Vietnamese Coffee, which is something a lot of independent coffee shops don't offer. The service here was quick and concise, the baristas were friendly and helpful with ordering and were exactly what you should expect from a craft coffee shop. There wasn't anything overtly special about the mocha that I ordered. It was a bit chocolate heavy and the coffee flavor didn't push through much at all, but every place does it a bit different. It wasn't bad by any means! We didn't try any food or pastries, but the offerings all looked pretty good. I'd definitely recommend checking them out if you want a good coffee joint in the area.

Photos
Blk Dot Coffee - Counter.

Counter.

Blk Dot Coffee - Dog friendly environment

Dog friendly environment

Blk Dot Coffee - Interior.

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Interior.

A Crystal Cove

A Crystal Cove

4.2(404 reviews)
0.0 mi
$$$$
Happy hour specials
Locally owned & operated

Crystal Cove exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, the service was warm,…read moreattentive, and polished. Our server, Brian, was exceptional, he was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without ever being intrusive. He made the entire dining experience feel effortless. The food was outstanding. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes were light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of citrus. The Vodka Rigatoni was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. The Eggs Benedict were perfectly prepared with silky hollandaise and beautifully cooked eggs. We finished everything with excellent coffee and a perfectly crafted espresso martini, which was the ideal ending to the meal. Between the stunning setting, exceptional food, and Brian's outstanding hospitality, this was a true five-star experience. We can't wait to return!

We arrived on a Saturday right as they opened. We had a reservation, but we were the only ones…read morethere. We were sat and ordered drinks and then other people started arriving. We couldn't decide if there was only one guy serving, but other tables received their drinks and food before us. What did go well, the table assistant Alberto hooked us up with refills and retrieved napkins and silverware for us. He had a great attitude also. We enjoyed our food, I had the fish tacos, very balanced, my friend enjoyed the pancakes, and my other friend ordered the eggs Benedict and said they were good. We also sampled the French toast, it was a nice sweet treat. I tried some cocktails, the raspberry one was pretty but sweet and the other one was a citrus one that I really liked. This does have more of a nighttime vibe, the bar is really cool. I think they needed more staff for the brunch crowd.

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A Crystal Cove - Charred Octopus

Charred Octopus

A Crystal Cove - Chocolate Silk Pie

Chocolate Silk Pie

A Crystal Cove - Duck Pate

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Duck Pate

Bear Flag Fish - Poke bowl

Bear Flag Fish

3.9(1.7k reviews)
0.1 mi
$$

LOCATION: in the large shopping plaza on highway 1 by Crystal Cove in Laguna, Bear Flag fish is…read morehard to miss and located in the plaza. Parking can be difficult on weekends or busy as we almost didn't find any. SERVICE and ENVIRONMENT: service was great as you order at the counter and sit down with your number. Plenty of seating outside, not much space inside. It can get crowded during weekends forsure and line sometimes was out of the door. Very beachy, wood, and white interior all the seating were clean and the condiments, complimentary water, and sauces were available. FOOD: lots of different options for seafood meals, you can do tacos, burritos, plates, they have fresh poki. Most things are going to run you $15-23$ sometimes more. The burrito's were ok not much flavor and wish there were more fish. Everything tasted normal, however, you HAVE to get the calamari fries. we tried them and then got another one. Perfectly seasoned, light breading and coat on the outside, and the rest is all seas food meat! The sauce with it was incredible. Best food here hands down!

What I tried to submit this through their website, but the submit button doesn't work so they…read moreclearly aren't actually interested in my feedback... so here it is: Horrible. I came in at 745 and ordered clam chowder and 2 tacos. I checked in at 20 minutes and the blond that took my order sounded like she wanted to help me but a manager? with red/brown hair said "that's our wait time" and proceeded to talk to the blonde about her piercings. I inquired again at 25 minutes because my order wasn't on the screen. They asked the kitchen guys who had no idea about my order. By that point I asked to cancel my fish tacos order and might as well cancel the soup because it was now cold. No one tried to save the customer relationship. It was "void" and oh-- I can't print you a receipt. Now I have to monitor my credit card charges to see if it falls off because I have no evidence that the tip was refunded. Horrible customer service.

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Bear Flag Fish - Order counter

Order counter

Bear Flag Fish - Poke bowl

Poke bowl

Bear Flag Fish - Clam chowder

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Clam chowder

Bacio di Latte - Peanut Butter Cup and Hazelnut Gelato.

Bacio di Latte

4.6(697 reviews)
3.8 mi
$$

Always a great experience. Hard to find gelato better than what you get at Bacio di Latte. The…read morestaff are always friendly no matter the location, patiently providing samples without making you feel rushed despite the long lines of people waiting. Tip: they have a kid's portion that is $1 cheaper than the piccolo size which is only one scoop, slightly smaller than a standard scoop, even in a cup. So getting piccolo in a cup (2 scoops) is a better value for what you get. Just wish the kid's portion was proportionally cheaper.

I've been here a couple of times, and the gelato is amazing. It has a rich, creamy texture and so…read moremany delicious flavors to choose from. There are so many good ones that I still can't decide which is my favorite! If you're having trouble choosing, they'll let you sample a few flavors before making your decision. The service is always good, and the staff is friendly and energetic. The only downside is that there's almost always a line, and the wait is usually at least 15 minutes. Personally, I'm not a fan of waiting that long for gelato, so unless I'm bringing friends or family who haven't tried it before, I don't come very often. I'd rather skip the wait and grab dessert somewhere else One thing I highly recommend is getting the waffle cone. They make them fresh in-house, and they're so good! They have a wonderful vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the gelato. The shop itself is beautiful. The floor-to-ceiling shelving around the walls gives it and elegant look. The decor is clean, neutral, and inviting, creating a cozy atmosphere. That said, don't expect to sit and enjoy your gelato inside, this is more of a grab and go place.

Photos
Bacio di Latte - Chocolate Pistacchio Crunch & Strawberry Cheesecake | $8.55 (Piccolo Cup, Up To 2 Flavors)

Chocolate Pistacchio Crunch & Strawberry Cheesecake | $8.55 (Piccolo Cup, Up To 2 Flavors)

Bacio di Latte - A modernly chique and inviting interior.

A modernly chique and inviting interior.

Bacio di Latte - Pesca, strawberry and cream

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Pesca, strawberry and cream

Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee -Laguna Beach - Inside

Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee -Laguna Beach

4.6(146 reviews)
4.2 mi

Greetings to the proprietors of Aloha Açaí, Holy fucking…read moreshit. The Uppers is unbelievable. Pardon my language -- a prince does not normally speak this way in writing -- but this is what America is about. I have eaten in Paris. I have eaten in Tokyo. I have had a private chef flown in from San Sebastián for a Tuesday. None of it prepared me for what occurred in my mouth this afternoon. The granola. The honey drizzle. The banana situation. The way it all collapses into the açaí like a small, frozen, purple miracle. I closed my eyes. My bodyguard closed his eyes. We had a moment. My queen ordered her own. Wise. I would not have shared. There is a version of me, in a parallel universe, who shared, and he is a lesser man. I tipped in cash. I tipped again on the card. I am considering tipping a third time via wire transfer. Whoever invented the Uppers -- I want to meet him. I want to fund his next venture. I want to put him on a stamp. God bless the chain. God bless the bowl. God bless America. -- K.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This is a great place. I came 3 days in a row while here on…read morevacation. The smoothies and playas bowls are great. Better than anything ive ever gotten in NJ where i reside. I tried different drinks and playa bowls. Everything was very good. I must shot out LUCY. Shes the best. She took my order the two times i came there. She is the best. Her smile and greeting was very welcoming. Shes good energy. Made my experience there very pleasant. Only complain i have is about a young turkish boy that made my coffee. He did a terrible job. Coffee was terrible . 10 mins to make a iced cold brew. I dont think he knows about coffee. I would definately recommend this and come everytime i visit CALIFORNIA.

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Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee -Laguna Beach - Double Rainbow

Double Rainbow

Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee -Laguna Beach - Tic tac toe

Tic tac toe

Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee -Laguna Beach - Moonlight Acai Bowl

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Moonlight Acai Bowl

Javier's - mexican - Updated July 2026

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