Many years ago, long before I was underwriting loans, facilitating 6th grade instructional delivery, or leading a middle school community, I set out to catalog, categorize, and rate as many carne asada burritos as possible, between Santa Barbara and San Diego. A noble cause, to be sure, my work required me to visit as many Mexican food places as possible, order the namesake burrito, and then assess the fare on 15 cogent criteria. Somewhere, buried in a box in the garage, there must be a floppy or even a printout of that work. No, sweet Millenial-reader, it was before flash drives and "blogs." Which all serves as prologue to my review of Perlita's Authentic. While the restaurant is just a little outside of my previous review area (OK... about 800 miles north of it), I have spent enough time heading to the far north of California to stop here more than a few times. I don't recall the restaurant being there 20+ years ago when I first made the trip to Jedediah with the not-yet-Mrs. Picante, but we've both enjoyed their delightful food on subsequent trips with friends and kids. As for the carne asada burrito, Perlita's is pretty darn amazing, although it is "disguised" as the Burrito Supreme on the menu: generous marinated hunks of tender asada, rice and beans, smothered in sauce and cheese... and all the fixings that create the kind of synergistic flavor for which you ordered this thing in the first place. Salsas are fresh and tasty, too. My Mrs. mysteriously won't eat beef or pork when we're not home, so we also sampled their tacos de pollo. In a word, exquisite... whether you go with the crispy style or the soft. If you're feeling a little crudo after a long night of barley wine around the campfire, duck in here on the weekend for a big steaming bowl of Pozole. It will cure what ails you, and sooth even the most ornery of hangovers. Not that I would know. You can't go wrong with the order-by-number combination menu either. They pretty much have everything, and although it's been a few months since we passed through town, the prices there were a steal. Like, literally HALF the cost of your average SoCal Mexican sit-down place. Perlita's is on the part of the 101 before the BIG TURN through town, so if you're not paying attention, you'll drive right past it heading North. Like so many small NorCal coastal towns, Crescent City has several hidden gems, sitting there in plain sight waiting to be discovered. Next time you make the drive, try to time your pass through town so it coincides with lunch! If they're still on the dine-out or to-go kick, this place is pretty much walking (OK, running across the highway) distance to the beach. Enjoy Crescent City! read more

STEPH JUDGMENT: Good, casual Mexican eatery that gets the job done. This place was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to try it out for dinner one night. No indoor dining at the time, so we had to get our order to go (FYI, this is a delayed review from our road trip back in June). At least I was able to wait outside at one of their picnic tables with a michelada, which was bomb! I got the 2 cheese enchiladas plate and the hubby got the 1 cheese enchilada and chile relleno plate. By the time we got it back to our place it was a bit congealed, but not the restaurant's fault. Overall it was good and really hit the spot, but we both thought the rice was meh, which is often the case. All in all, a solid choice if you're craving comfort Mexican in the area. read more

Great food! One of my go to's on a night in. Service is always a breeze! Go to is a burrito with extra guac!!

We stopped here on our way out of town. Small place but great food! The salsa was great. I got the asada chimichanga and it was so good. I was very happy with my meal. They have some amazing looking deserts as well so I had to get a cheesecake tres leches. It was so good! Service was fast and friendly as well read more

Good variety of Mexican food. As a native Houstonian it's hard to beat Tex Mex. They do a pretty good job. Service was amazing. Very friendly people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Small place makes it quaint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

It's hard to find fantastic Mexican food. Good, sure, but fantastic, much more elusive. Thankfully, Perlita's makes it easy to enjoy truly amazing Mexican in Crescent City. Everything I've ever tried has been outstanding, and there are so many options on the menu, it would be hard to get tired of trying. Most recently I enjoyed the mole enchiladas, accompanied by delicately seasoned rice and beans, and from the first to the last mouthful I could barely talk due to the pleasure of culinary enjoyment. The chips and salsa are also delicious. This family-owned business has stayed afloat during COVID by providing comfort food artfully prepared, and excellent customer service with a personal touch that is often lacking in our world. Do your taste buds a favor and take them to Perlita's. Like, now. read more

This restaurant was OUSTANDING!! We live in Stockton and we have a Mexican food restaurant on virtually every corner so I have eaten at many, many Mexican restaurants. This one is near the top, if not at the toall I have eaten at. You can tell that they use very high end ingredients and the amount of food they give you is crazy. I'm a big eater and I couldn't eat all of my beef quesadilla with the rice and beans. My wife had the beef chimichanga and it was equally big and equally delicious. We HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - Beef chimichanga and beef quesadilla. - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

A ton of fresh, good looking Mexican options with quick service. FRESH FOOD. The chips and salsa were quite fresh and the salsa packed a lot of heat. Unfortunately, the horchata was not super creamy and it's sweetness was so much that it stuck to your teeth. As for the mains, I was happy to hear the refried beans were a vegetarian. The huevos rancheros were quite good and all of the ingredients tasted very fresh, they're just wasn't a whole lot of flavor or seasoning used to really make it stand out. Meanwhile, the al pastor was clearly well seasoned though could have used a citrus component. Sitting in the dining room, we saw a TV slideshow with photos of all of the food dishes they offered, and it really got our mouth watering for the rest of the menu. ATMOSPHERE. A lot of people were getting carryout orders and there were also a few other diners when we stopped by for lunch though the staff continued to be attentive to us. As we were about to leave we heard another diner mention that he was served the best chimichanga of his life. Strangely, at hearing this the waitress did not say "thank you," rather just ushered him out. Despite that odd scene, a lot of diners seem to know the staff there and it felt like a real local joint at the heart of things. read more

Really good food. I ordered the nachos, and they were delicious. Everything was made fresh from their refried beans to their guacamole. If I lived here would order here often, but we only visit Crescent City a few times a year sadly. Thank you read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - Really good food, I enjoyed their nachos and every time we visit Crescent City, we stop here....Always leave happy - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

Fastest method is to call ahead because this place seems to get pretty busy. They had a huge line when we got here & were backed up on orders. They have dining tables outside that you can use but no indoor dining at this time. Gentlemen who took our orders was friendly. I got myself their fish taco, potato taco & shrimp fajita burrito along with a mango michelada. Took about 30 minutes to get our food but when I got home my potato taco I ordered was missing. Shrimp Fajita Burrito $12.75 - A bit on the oily side. Had more rice & beans then shrimp. I did like the green chili they add into it. Not as flavorful but decent. Fish Taco $3.50 - The fish itself was too salty for my liking, very rubbery & overcooked. The seasoning they use didn't compliment the fish either. The tortilla they gave me was really stale & chewy. Mango Michelada - This isn't listed on the menu but if you ask them they can make them for you. They have a few different flavors they can make you, including original. As for the drink, it was very watered downed. Compare to the other place I usually go for my michelada fix, this one disappointed. The quality of their food & drinks doesn't justify with what they charge you. What disappointed me was not the price but their lack of flavor & spices. I've had better quality for cheaper. However, this is probably the most decent Mexican food you will find in this area & probably as good as it gets. read more

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Best Mexican food within 400 miles!!!! Super tacos are amazing and the size of a dinner plate! Chimichangas are crispy big and delicious. Chile rellanos are real and actually cooked right! The tortas are authentic and to die for!! Price is great, quality is phenomenal!!!! Best restaurant in crescent city by far!!!!! read more

This is a place we always come to each summer while staying in our trailer. We live in So Cal so have had a lot of Mexican food. The food is always fresh and flavorful and is not too spicy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We prefer to have takeout since there's not a lot of room in the restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would recommend Perlita's to anyone! read more

It's a decent place. I'm not sure why the other reviews rave about the food. It's ok Mexican food, I've had better elsewhere. Maybe in this area, it's the best? Any way, the restaurant is located right along 101, has ample parking, so has quite a bit of traffic. We came here after a drive along 101 and a hike in Praire Creek Redwoods, so we were quite hungry. The nachos were good. They give you salsa in a bottle that you pour out as needed. I both liked (cz I don't have to keep asking for more) and hated (is it homemade salsa or not, who knows) this. I ordered the haurache supreme and my friend ordered the veggie quesadilla. I wasn't oh-my-god impressed. The tortilla wasn't not too crispy, which I liked. Lots of veggies (esp cabbage), cacti (which I loved), cheese, beans, salsa. The chicken with ok. I was really hungry so I cleaned the plate, but it was not extraordinary. Same with the quesadilla. My friend thought it was just ok. But he was really hungry and inhaled the plate off! The whole place has a nice Mexican vibe with music, pictures, etc. It's run by a family, so is really simple and homely. Guess, having had Mexican in California, I have come to expect really good stuff and somehow it wasn't the same on this trip. read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - Haurache supreme with chicken - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

Lupita is my favorite! She's always attended me with great customer service! And their food is delicious no complaints at all! On my favorites Mexican restaurants ohhhh and the salsa is so bomb! read more

When we went in, it was very busy (good sign) but the staff quickly accommodated us and found a seat. The food was excellent. The salsa had a nice kick! Portion size was very large-indefinitely could not eat it all! read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - Burrito Supreme - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

This was the BEST meal that I had while visiting the North Coast! I mean, the name just says it all; authentic Mexican food. And honey, that's exactly what it was. After having some mediocre seafood meals the day before, I decided to take a break from seafood and take a chance with Mexican food instead. Best decision that I made! I left so impressed by Perlita's! It's located right off of highway 101, not too far from Crescent Beach. You can't really miss the sign as it's tall and bright yellow. It's not the fanciest place in the world and it could easily be classified as a hole in the wall, but this place delivers the goods! Even though it looks like a to-go spot, it's actually a sit down restaurant. I walked in and most of the tables were taken. I was sat a few minutes after arrived and given a menu. Their menu is pretty extensive! It's like 3 or 4 pages of Mexican deliciousness! And, might I add that the prices are dirt cheap?! Not only did this meal end up being my favorite but was also the cheapest with leftovers to spare. I ordered their homemade horchata and a cheese enchilada and pork tamale plate. It came with complimentary chips and salsa, both of which tasted homemade as well. The salsa had a nice spice to it and they serve it in a bottle so you can decide how much or how little that you want to use. The horchata was delightful! Just the right amount of sweetness. Now about this combo plate: BOMBSY! Everything down to the beans and rice tasted perfect! I loved how fresh authentic their beans tasted. The tamale was nice and moist, and separated easily with slight force from my fork. The enchilada was a big ball of ooey gooey cheesiness! I seriously couldn't get enough of this scrumptious meal. I was only able to finish half and took the rest to go. Although they were busy, the service was awesome! A line started to form as I was eating, but the staff remained calm and still happily greeted and seated each guest with smiles. They checked in on me often and cleared my table and provided a to-go box without me even having to bat an eyelash. Would I recommend Perlita's? In a HEARTBEAT! This food was excellent and now I have a dependable spot to go to for yummy Mexican food in Crescent City. read more

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We had decided to try the local brewery BUT it was packed & a 45 minute wait. So I googles restaurants near us. It came up with this little hidden gem. Very traditional Mexican food. Extremely flavorful. The hostess was very friendly and so nice. There's no bar just beer & I think wine but after a golf game I was ready for some tasty ice tea. We moved to Oregon 3 years ago and sure missed our California Mexican food. This hit the spot! read more

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Friendliest staff, authentic, the best Mexican food. Fast helpful, and, accurate service. It is obvious they take great pride and satisfaction in producing the finest food you will find anywhere. read more

I had a meaty torta, which was excellent, though nothing special. They hit all the right points on a torta, it is just that it was like a thousand other tortas I had had before. My companion had a Vegetarian Huarache Supreme. She thought that was not just good but one of the best veggie Huarches she had ever had. It was stuffed with tons of good veggies. read more

Food was great! My fiancé had the green salsa wet burrito with queso fresco instead of mozzarella cheese and he loved it! And mentioned he would try the normal one next time we stop by in town. I had the chicken sope and tamale with rice. The sope was bomb. I didn't get to try the tamale though. Our drinks were also delicious well at least mine was, try the jicama one! Our waiter was good, didn't talk much but brought or food right away. read more

Everything we had was horrible. Undercooked and dry rice, bland beans, enchiladas were gross. The mole chick was ok but was 2 chicken legs, really? We took 2 bites and couldn't eat anymore. No one even asked us if anything was wrong when we got the check that we ended up paying $45 for 2 bites of gross food. Save your money, eat somewhere palatable. read more

Cruising the 101 stopped at perlitas for lunch. Food was well prepared and very tasty! read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - No disappointment here! Food is well prepared and tasty! Chicken mole and carnitas chimichunga. Yummy - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

Why haven't I come here sooner?! This hole in the wall Mexican restaurant is SO GOOD! With their homemade tortillas to their homemade salsa in that pouring container, the flavors are spot on. I ordered their chili relleno burrito. This brought back memories in college; I was at this Mexican to-go joint, where I had their chili relleno burrito. Hands down, Perlita's chili relleno burrito is up there with them. The difference is Perlita's burrito is way bigger. My friend ordered the carnitas supreme burrito aka the wet burrito. That was a big serving as well and super tasty. They also had my fav drink Jamaica. I will definitely be bacj to try their other stuff. read more

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Delivered respect and love to all the ppl that come in . My sons don't let me as much as I do , because my mom can cook all day till perfection too. When I don't have time to cook or when I am super hungry , this place is one of my favorite in Del Norte county CA. read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - My man and I love it there. - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

Pleasant ambiance and good fresh food. A good experience for us on our way up the coast.

As this being the only Mexican joint we've tried, I think you can't go wrong with the food here. Kids eat plain and one just eats fries. And we get to eat whatever our hearts desire. They have specialty cakes, flan, horchata, Jarritos and items for sale. You won't be disappointed. read more

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My husband enjoyed a burrito. It was a huge serving, and half went into a to go carton. My chili relleno with rice and beans was very tasty. The rice was fluffy and light which was unusual and a very nice chan ge from other restaurants. I cannot recommend the churro with caramel. The filling just made the dough mushy. But overall, this simple cafe was a good value Do give it a try. The staff was friendly! read more

We ordered a wide variety of veggie or meat-filled items and they pretty much were all missing one key ingredient. Flavor. The chile relleno was the best thing we tried, but the carnitas super burrito, veggie and pork tamales, chicken enchiladas, cheese/mole enchiladas, beans, salsa, etc., were all ok, but very bland. Gave them an extra star because the staff was super nice and the portions were large. read more

DELICIOUS!! Hand made tortillas, perfectly seasoned meats, friendly staff, nice and clean! Our whole crew got tacos- al pastor, chicken, and carne asada. Everyone is full and happy and the tacos were larger than we anticipated! Fast service- perfect for being on the road. Will definitely return next time we are passing through Crescent city. read more

The food was great, tacos de carne asada and rolled taco plates were a great value. It's a new establishment, the cook at this time served a great meal. read more

This is the best Mexican food I've had since we left Utah, and Utah has some mighty fine Mexican food. Albondigas soup is one of my favorite all time soups and they do it right. Hubby was fighting me over the left overs and he's usually not brave enough to try that. Carne Asada Burrito supreme was delish the carne actually the way we like it with both of char. I can't remember what the name of my dish was but it had cactus and carne asada with cabbage, I actually cleaned my plate and it's my policy not to . This little place is a real gem. read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - The cactus and carne asada - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

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We stopped for a quick bite after a day in the parks and we are glad we did. We had the beef chimichanga, a pork tamale, and veggie taco salad. All were delicious, but the chimichanga elicited rave reviews. The service was attentive and friendly. The only critical feedback was the chips need salt and the salsa was a bit bland. Would definitely go back. read more

Fast service and really good food tastes great. Yes fast serving waiters and they were polite and the food was good read more

You can tell this a family owned place- it's super homey. Service was prompt and food came out fast. Prices are decent and the free chips were pretty good. It's located across from some hotels so you get a lot of tourists coming in. Waters were consistently filled and food was tasty. The place seemed a little outdated, but in a cute way, like you're at your grandma's house. read more

Perlita's Authentic Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Crescent City, California

We enjoyed a super cheap and delicious meal at Perlita's. Our server was so friendly and kind, she was accommodating and cared a lot about making us and all her guests feeling welcome. The food came out quickly and there were vegetarian and vegan options available! The restaurant is clean and had lots of cool Mexican artwork. Highly recommended! read more

We went to Perlita's for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the warm atmosphere, affordable and extensive options and delicious, authentic Mexican food. Our server was exceptionally helpful and kind, and was very attentive to our needs. She also gave good recommendations! We would definitely recommend this spot for cheap, delicious eats and fast, friendly service. They also have several Vegetarian and gluten free options which was nice :) read more

Large portions of fairly decent Mexican food. We got the Chicken Mole and the Burrito Supreme. Both were fairly decent. The chicken was cooked a tad dry and the mole sauce lacked the layers of complexity you would expect from the authentic versions. The Burrito was nicely stuffed but the salsas with it were too salty and definitely could have used a little bit of heat. Both dishes were okayish. The flan was a total miss and I do not recommend it. read more

The food was absolutely spectacular. I live near Mexico and have Mexican food very often so I know what good Mexican food tastes like. However, a crazy homeless dude did threaten to murder me in the parking lot. So, do absolutely go there.....just make sure you go in a large group and keep your eyes open! read more

This was a disappointing lunch to say the least. First the service was terrible. She seemed put out that we were even there. Brought our food out 5 minutes apart, didn't bring the guacamole that we ordered and never came to check how things were until we were done. They were not that busy on a Tuesday. The tamale and sopes were mediocre. The chille rellenos were ok. The beans and rice were run of the mill. We won't be coming back. read more

Update: Still a local gem! Still great food. Wonderful people. Indoor dining open.