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    Javier's

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

    Javier's Photos

    Business Info

    JAVIER'S ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - Javier's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Green chicken enchiladas
    Jordan L.

    This place is always packed despite the enormous restaurant and endless tables. The menu has great options from Mexican food to steakhouse favorites. I got the green chicken enchiladas which were yummy. My husband got a steak and loved it. The chips and guac are always fan favs too. It's comfortable seating and despite the crowds, you can still have conversations without it being too loud. Service was lovely. I'm sure we'll be back, but I do think the price point is a little high for some of their menu items (two enchiladas for $40).

    Nancy D.

    Visited Javier's in Newport Beach on a Sunday evening. Reservations are definitely recommended--they were very busy, but with our reservation we were seated right away. The ambiance is beautiful, and the location right across from the beach makes it even better. They offer both valet and self-parking, which is convenient. Service was prompt and attentive, especially considering how busy they were, and the food was tasty and well prepared. Overall, everything was good and we had an enjoyable experience. There really wasn't anything I could complain about, but at the same time, nothing particularly wowed me or made it a place I'd go out of my way to visit regularly. That said, it's a beautiful restaurant with good food, good service, and a great atmosphere--definitely worth experiencing.

    Menu - Margaritas
    Simon K.

    Food is hit or miss. I got the Cabo Azul combo with Lobster Enchilada, Shrimp Taco, and Crab Poblano Pepper. Everything was fresh but flavorless. And the tortillas did not seem to be homemade. My wife got the Steak Picado and loved it. Our friend got the Fideo Del Mar, essentially seafood pasta in a pink sauce. She loved it. The hand cut thick fries were awesome. As for drinks, the Javier's Margarita was great, the Casa Margarita was flavorless, the Pina Margarita was phenomenal, the Espresso Martini (not Marco's style) was great. My wife was happy they had New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The Pastel Tres Leches cake was average. The Fried Ice Cream was excellent. Service was prompt and courteous. The ambience is high end, everybody dresses up, and it's definitely a see and be seen place. There's a bar area that you can stand around with drinks and socialize. In the dining area there are huge tables that are great for large groups. I saw many adult birthday parties happening. Parking is quick and easy with valet.

    Dirty Martini
    Alma R.

    We love great Mexican food and when in Irvine we always make a stop at Javier's. They have the best atmosphere, day or night. We stopped during the day this time and were sat in the bar area, super fun! My hubby had chicken enchiladas and I had their Salmon Salad. I wish there was more salad but the size of the salmon made up for it. It was cooked to perfection and seasoned really well. Of course we had to indulge in a couple of Lemon Martinis, mine with a shot of Chambord. And yes, we treated ourselves to some fried ice cream for dessert with an Espresso Martini. The service is always top notch and super friendly. It made for another excellent dining experience.

    Tomahawk
    Bubu N.

    Food is good!! It was packed and lively on a Tuesday night. I definitely felt underdressed going here. Table consensus: tomahawk was the star of the meal. Cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and they packed the bone for my dog later XD I'd skip the drinks they were ok. Loved the fried ice cream. It's pricey but nice on a special occasion

    Enchiladas
    Stella W.

    very beautiful restaurant with great food. worth the price and experience. perfect for date night.   i had their 3 seafood enchiladas and this is a MUST get. I will order this again. their chipotle chicken was a miss. wont be ordering that again. tasted bland and odd.    great service. servers were very attentive and nice.    parking sucked, either get valet or park way down the street.

    Carolina M.

    They have hands down the best chips and salsa, margarita and shareable dinner plates for any occasion. The ambiance is dark and very romantic. It seems to be busy any time we go in, so making a reservation is key.

    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.

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

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    Page 1 of 116

    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

    Carmelita's - Birria Tacos

    Carmelita's

    4.2(2.7k reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    Came here for dinner around 7 pm on a Tuesday and we were able to be seated right away on the patio…read morewith our dog. They start you off with complimentary chips, salsa and beans. I really enjoyed the beans and liked that it was offered as something different. I also ordered a spicy michelada with Modelo which was really good. For food we shared the pollo à la chipotle and seafood enchiladas. Both entrees were really good! You could taste the crab in the enchiladas and the sauce on the chicken was really good. The chicken was also moist and not dry. I enjoyed the chile relleno but felt like it wasn't needed. My boyfriend really liked the rice. They offered us more chips once we ran out and brought out a fresh batch. Oh my, the chips were amazing when they were still warm! If I wasn't full I could've eaten the whole basket myself. Our server was also friendly and brought water for our dog without us having to ask. Great location near the beach for a nice dinner with a breeze. We would definitely return!

    I should have taken photos! Every bite was delicious. The fresh tortilla chips were warm and the…read moreguacamole was so tasty and was served with chopped cucumbers and a wonderfully smoky chipotle sauce on the side. Why? Who knows. Who cares. They were delicious. We ordered several types of tacos, on both regular corn tortillas and crispy tortillas. WOW! Each bite was better than the one before. Is that possible ? Yes, it's possible. The food was so delicious, we ordered food to take with us for later. ( photos of take out attached. We were too busy eating out sit down meal). The service was exceptional. My water glass stayed full. The room is nice and cozy. We had no problem with parking, but I can imagine it may get tight during the dinner hour. We will return, because I look forward to trying several other menu items. I highly recommend Carmelita's.

    Photos
    Carmelita's - Inside

    Inside

    Carmelita's - Chef's Combo Platter

    Chef's Combo Platter

    Carmelita's - Seafood trio

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    Seafood trio

    Playa Mesa - Plato del Patron. Roasted Jidori chicken, confit spare ribs, cesina, chile toreados, pico de gallo, ceboilltas, papas bravas & refried beans

    Playa Mesa

    4.4(3.5k reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    Late review but I felt like I should leave this here just in case people are wondering cause if…read morethey closed down cause of the food quality. -- Came back to Playa Mesa for my friend's birthday. The chips and salsa were really good. The aguachile had a nice spicy flavor that made it stand out. The queso fundido was SO good super cheesy, and paired with the handmade tortillas it was one of my favorites. We also ordered the calamari and I was surprised by how good it was. Everyone ordered different rounds of cocktails throughout the night and honestly, not one missed. Service was a little slow, but it was a busy Friday night, so that's somewhat expected. I've been here before and the grilled octopus tacos and carne asada burrito were just as good as I remembered them. They also made the birthday celebration really cute. They sang happy birthday, brought out a small ice cream, and gave my friend a big mariachi hat. Good food, great drinks, and still consistent as I remembered it. So long Playa Mesa. 9.5/10

    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!

    Photos
    Playa Mesa - East Side Sunset

    East Side Sunset

    Playa Mesa - The eastside cocktail - all the drinks here are delish!

    The eastside cocktail - all the drinks here are delish!

    Playa Mesa - Lovely interior...

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    Lovely interior...

    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Lobster  Tacos

    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    6.3 mi
    $$$

    10/10 Most…read moreimportantly: Oliver @ the bar made this is most memorable experience. All of the cocktails and margs we had were delicious! The hand made tortillas with salsas was such a great and unique choice! Someone finally realized that as delicious as they are, eating that many fried tortillas in one setting can't be good ...Oh! And that honey butter. Divine. Fruit margs, spicy margs, every single one of them is PERFECTION. Make sure you upgrade to Ocho blanco (trust me it will save you a hangover)... Shared the carne plate with chimichurri with asparagus and spanish rice...so flavorful and delicious. Large portion and perfectly cooked. Seabass ceviche was spot on and the plantains were next level. Music, ambience, people and vibes were just POSITIVE. New favorite Newport spot...I mean seriously, what other place has a motorized ceiling that opens at sunset hour? Take my money.

    Called in a last minute order about 15 minutes before the kitchen closed; ordered the filet mignon…read moretacos, the filet quesadilla, sides of refried beans and Spanish rice, the churros, and the flan for dessert. I appreciated that the quesadilla was super cheesy, it was a great size too and was perfect as an entree with the beans and rice. I was very happy with the flavor of the beans, you could tell they were cooked with a lot of love! The tacos were delicious as well, the roasted salsa was slightly smoky with a good jalapeño flavor, the meat was tender, and the tortillas had a great chew. The churros are not to be underestimated- they were thick and fluffy, and the dipping sauces were perfect accompaniments. The flan was the super star of the whole night for me- genuinely the most perfect, custardy, unctuous flan I've ever had. The vanilla bean specks throughout gave it such flavor, there wasn't a ton of syrup but it honestly did not need it. There is absolutely nothing that could have improved that flan. Will definitely come back, hopefully dine in and try a few drinks!

    Photos
    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Bar and dining room

    Bar and dining room

    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Ceviche Tres Maneras

    Ceviche Tres Maneras

    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Inside decor

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    Inside decor

    Bear Flag Fish - Poke bowl

    Bear Flag Fish

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    First time at BF, here are some thoughts:…read more -I'm not a big seafood guy, so my goal was to order something with fish, instead of a burger, etc. -We got pico de gallo as an appetizer. The chips were ok, and the pico was delightful, very tasty! -I got the BF burrito with panko crusted white fish. It was quite good, and very filling. I could easily have shared it for my meal. Not a big fan of the Tommy sauce. Overall cool experience and recommended.

    I like everything here EXCEPT the salmon poke - Salmon Poke is normally my favorite but here it…read morejust tastes murky. I've even tried putting some lemon or ponzu on it and even that can't brighten it up - it just tastes like sludge sauce. Every time I forget how awful it is, I always regret ordering it since I spend like $27 on it and then I don't even eat it all, I just throw it away. So: Note to self: NEVER get the salmon poke!! The Tuna poke is ok it's like 3.5 stars maybe 4....it's just hard since the poke in Hawaii is so amazing and even places like Poke Wave and Tiger Plate have really good poke but here it's ok. For like $22 for a super basic bowl with only 4 toppings it's really overpriced. I mean this is Crystal Cove...but still.... What Bear Flag does do outstanding here is the rest of the seafood! Their fish tacos are delicious! They also serve really nice varieties of cooked fish (blackened, cajun, butter, lemon butter, etc.) with a variety of sides. Their tacos are actually good value - you can even get a basic $3 fish taco that I'll often get my kids (who like substituting the flour tortillas) - the $3 taco comes with fish, tortilla, cabbage and sauce. For $7.50 you can get the amped up version which I recommend. Their Tommy sauce is really good and you can get it with most dishes. Also be warned if you come here Summer of 2026 they have like half of the parking lot blocked off (dumb to do during tourist season) so parking is a complete nightmare! It took me like 8 minutes circling just to find parking around 5:30pm on a Tuesday and even then I gave up and drove to the far end of the shopping center where I got lucky and saw someone leaving and then just walked a super far way to get to Bear Flag.

    Photos
    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

    El Cholo - Sea food fajitas enough to share they are so delicious.

    El Cholo

    4.1(758 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    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.

    Server was nice, pleasant -- not terribly attentive after orders were placed (no offers to refill…read morechips, and water refills stopped early in the meal). He did fulfill all of our initial requests. Chopped Vegetable Salad ($18.95) was not what I'd expected; while it was colorful, I didn't care for the textures and flavors, which somehow seemed to lack the freshness I was seeking and expecting. When offered, we agreed to a margarita; I'd expressed my dislike for mixers (requesting fresh lime juice). Our server described the straightforward ingredients; the simple-in-presentation cocktail arrived, tasted "clean", but very light in alcohol (not even the slightest delight from feeling buzzed) -- and to our surprise, it turned out we were served the El Elegante, which came with a charge of $21.95! We should have asked or at least, looked at a menu before making a decision. I have not been to this location in years; I appreciate the interior decor, dim lighting, and booths in the main dining room, attractive-&-comfortable seating in the front patio, and the open, bright bar area. Parking in the back lot is available after 5 PM; fortunately, we were able to find parallel parking in the neighborhood.

    Photos
    El Cholo - Inside bar area

    Inside bar area

    El Cholo - Verde enchilada

    Verde enchilada

    El Cholo - Sea food fajitas the are so delicious.

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    Sea food fajitas the are so delicious.

    South of Nick's - Tres leches

    South of Nick's

    4.6(1.2k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    This place was FIRE! Came here on a Thursday around 5:30 PM and got seated immediately as a party…read moreof two. The service and food were both great, especially for the price! They start you off with complimentary chips and salsa, and the portions are HUGE--you definitely get a lot of food for what you pay. The vibe was more casual and chill, but the restaurant was super clean and the service was friendly. Would definitely come back!

    Holy smokes! There is a reason this place has a nearly five-star reputation on Yelp! We came here…read moreon a friend's recommendation while we were in Laguna shopping for some art for our home. It was the most delicious Mexican food I have ever had! I got the flautas and my BF ordered the soft taco variety plate. We also got the chips, guac, and salsa as appetizers, and we absolutely devoured it all! Sorry we didnt waste time with photos, but the presentation was gorgeous, and whole vibe of the restaurant was bursting with happy people and good energy. The views of the ocean were spectacular from where I was sitting, and I'd say it's probably a beautiful spot to watch the sun sink into the ocean! We were lucky to get a same-day, late-afternoon reservation, which was easy enough. There is a charge for cancelations and large parties, but other than that, everything was amazing! Service was phenomenal, even though it was super hot and muggy, no one seemed like they were unhappy to be working there. The restroom was clean, nicely decorated, and whatever scented room freshener they're using made me want to find out how to buy some for myself...lol. The only drawback is the ladies restroom is small, with only two stalls and one sink, so there was a line and it was a little too crowded, especially on a hot day. Otherwise, a top-notch dining experience, and will be our go-to when we spend time in Laguna!

    Photos
    South of Nick's - Bar area with chips and dip

    Bar area with chips and dip

    South of Nick's - Mini Soft Taco Platter; carnitas, roasted chicken, al pastor, and steak

    Mini Soft Taco Platter; carnitas, roasted chicken, al pastor, and steak

    South of Nick's - Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

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    Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

    Javier's - mexican - Updated September 2026

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