A favorite local spot! Taco Mesa has a super friendly staff who provide quality service, and serve the bessst chips and guac! The Al Pastor and Alambre tacos are incredible and what I look forward to weekly 11/10 would recommend! read more

Delicious tacos!!!! Such reasonable prices for taco Tuesday as well. I ordered the wild salmon taco and the Al pastor taco. The salmon had great flavor and a creamy sauce on top, a good option but my favorite was the Al pastor! Slightly sweet and the meat was sooo tasty. Would have eaten 5 of these in one sitting if I could. While the salmon taco was $7 because of this fish, on taco Tuesday they have $2.25 tacos that include chicken, steak, Al pastor and carnitas. A great deal for a yummy meal! Plus they serve beer!! read more

Taco Mesa - Salmon taco and Al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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First time and I must say, each bite was absolutely delicious! Stopped in specifically for their Taco Tuesday special, ordered the Shredded Beef Crunchy Taco, Carnitas Soft Taco, Pastor Soft Taco, and the Fried Fish Soft Taco. Still having a hard time choosing a favorite but it'd be between the Fish and the Carnitas. I recommend a side of guac and chips, about 2.50 each which isnt too bad considering you get a pretty generous amount of chips. Medium salsa is a must! So is the Tiger Nut Horchata - very traditional taste w just the right amount of sweetness. Overall a delicious meal, pleasant and relaxing environment with that fresh ocean breeze, and extremely friendly staff! Hassle free parking in their lot as well! 10/10 in my book, will definitely be back to try the rest of their menu. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Come here for taco Tuesdays! They have the best deals, and the taco shells that are seasoned, crunchy, and are so delicious. I usually get the taco Tuesday specials, and ask for extra salsa because it is so good. The one downside of this place is parking Lot is ridiculously small and it is almost impossible to find parking especially at peak times. read more

Taco Mesa - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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This is one of the first Mexican restaurants I ate at when I first moved to Orange County and I quickly realized that Tex-Mex ain't sh**! I had no idea that Mexican food could be delicious without being deep fried and covered in cheese. You can still request a fried taco shell or whatever you want but for the most part you can expect a soft shell taco on a blue corn or flavored handmade tortilla, quality meats and seafood that are grilled, fresh vegetables and house made salsas, exceptional daily specials such as tomato soup, lobster bisque and salmon and vegetable entrees. The place is casual and funky with murals that are always evolving. read more

Taco Mesa - Chips, salsa and their famous relish - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Come here for taco tuesday! Such a nice environment to hang out and have a nice meal. I personally ended up preferring the soft tacos much more than the hard shell. We noticed that the soft tacos had much more meat in them than the hard shell. Plus the hard shell is a little too much oil. If we had known, we would've ordered only the soft shell tacos! What I really appreciate was their salsa bar. I tried all 3 of them and they were all good. My favorite taco had to be the fish taco. Something about it just hit the spot. I will come back and try a burrito... I saw other people getting it and it looked huge. Also, their parking lot is super tiny so just be aware of that. It obviously gets full on a Taco Tuesday type of evening.. overall a good experience and I will be returning. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Just moved to the area so I had to try this place. It was packed when I came in but food was flying out the kitchen (its even made to order!) Got two steak tacos that were delicious, my only gripe is it was sliced onions rather then like diced/minced grilled onions but they were still good. Tortilla chips are 2.50 but it's a bag large enough to feed like 4 people and they were not only seasoned but also served warm and they were delicious. Granted the food is quite expensive, but it's well worth the price. This is a must stop for amazing mexican food read more

The atmosphere is very hip. The daily deals are also a great deal. Burrito Wednesday comes with rice and beans as well as a drink,

I don't get the 5 star reviews for this place. My bar is much higher. I tried this place for the first time last night with my family and got 4 different types of tacos, a burrito, chips, and even margaritas. It was just average. If you grew up in SoCal or any other place with access to decent Mexican food I feel like people would feel the same but maybe something was off for me? There were a bunch of local Chicano families eating alongside us so it's hard for me to say this is a place catering to those with no idea of what Mexican food should taste like... but man... 5 stars? Something like Tacos Los Cholos is 5 stars or Tacos El Gordo are 5 stars. Not this place. Sorry friends!! read more

Taco Mesa - What I tried. Nothing stood out as being great - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Oh, I will give any taco stand, that can make a taco, look like a rainbow, a four star! Lots of sea food, dishes with homemade soups. Now that is a happy taco story and in S Cali we are all about HAPPY STORIES! Happy Tacos for Happy people! I have always had a nice experience at Taco Mesa. I am not sure how I missed to write a review on this taco stand. Parking can get tight especially during Taco Tuesday. The Sitting is tight, too but do not fret. You are in the land of gods, so more and likely you will be stuck looking at someone absolutely drop dead gorgeous. Am I kidding? No! Why not good eye candy! LOL I mean if you are in a diet you can always look at the menu! LOL Tell me that I am wrong! Love the side bar with all the extra's! Good salsa selection. The booze selection is kindov lame but it is okay. My son is a big fan of the lobster burrito! Love the staff as they are always been pleasant to interact. It is an old Del Taco and the bathrooms are old skool in the back. That being said I have never felt uneasy they can get grubby but it is over all safe to walk in and out. The parking lot is always lit but never ever park in McDonald's parking. That is a big No NO! If anything I have cheated and parked accros the street at the DMV parking lot. Tacos are big and fat and really fleshy! The boys are not shy with their servings especially, to make you a big fat burrito either! Servings are generously served. I want to say that this is more of a Mexican Fusion taco stand. More of a S. Cali Mex food but I find it refreshing. Lots of veggies with a rainbow of salsa bar. read more

$6 taco was terrible. See the picture. No flavor at all. Dry. Expensive. I will never return. read more

Taco Mesa - $6 dollar taco - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Food poisoning from shrimp tacos. I was up all night blasting out from both ends. I have never felt so miserable. Definitely not going back again. What a waste of a weekend trying to recover from losing nearly 90% of my body fluids. read more

Long over due... Been back many times recently after trying Taco Mesa again and realized they got a crew and manager and the Taco Mesa I have loved for so many years is flourishing again. Quality, flavors, portions are excellent! My favorite is the blackened chicken tacos. They are juicy and tender not to mention all cilantro, cheese, and their special sauce piled on is an explosion of flavors in your mouth. My family is so very happy to come back with me to our once a week dinner place. Even with inflation it is worth it! Thanks, Taco Mesa Crew read more

PRO TIP: https://www.toasttab.com/taco-mesa-orange/v3 Online ordering is through ToastTab, just google Taco Mesa ToastTab and you can place your order online (their website doesn't work). Two words: TACO TUESDAY. If you're not here by 5:30, there will definitely be a line to the door (if not out the door), but for good reason. Their taco deal is unbeatable! $1.90 per taco and $4 margaritas? aaaand, the tacos aren't some small street tacos either, they're actually pretty big. and we can't forget, THE SALSA BAR. I'm just going to take a moment to appreciate the fact that they have CARROTS. Tell me another taco joint that has CARROTS in their salsa bar ... i'll wait. I even tried asking for some at Moreno's down the street and they tried charging me for it. BYE! Honestly, I don't think I could find a better taco joint for taco tuesday. they literally have it all! OH, and another thing, they have a lot of tables! all the other taco place have 3 tables max for guests. Just go here. You won't regret it. read more

The food was incredible! It was quick and delicious. I loved the Mesa burrito with all the veggies. I can't wait to go back!!!

Always a lunch favorite! They have an all outdoor patio for their seating and it's covered! No masks outside and you get a little sunshine! Now onto the food which they use great ingredients, they are fast once you order and the food is delicious! We enjoyed a carnitas taco (hubby did it was amazing) then a blackened chicken taco in I would guess a spinach corn tortilla (yes yum!) and the blackened chicken nachos , which are huge!) and loved the beans inside too!! So much great food! Happy happy oh and you can grab a beer too! read more

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Bomb authentic food! Nachos are good! Burritos are delicious ! We are definitely coming back.

More than anything I want to put in a good word for the lovely people who work here. We come here a few times a week and these are some of the most gentle, patient and accommodating folks around ( please tip them generously because they deserve it). The food here is great. High quality ingredients, super fresh and affordably priced. It's fast food, but seriously the best quality you'll get anywhere. I'm kinda hooked on the shredded chicken tacos, but we eat the fajitas and blackened fish tacos often and it's all good. Anyways, an excellent local go-to that checks all the boxes as far as quick, easy , gracious to-go food goes. read more

Always a very welcoming staff, delicious food that satisfies any craving you're having! Nothing like having an ice cold beer and some enchiladas in a comfy patio! read more

Great place amazing staff. I hope they are embraced by the community they are really one of the hidden gems. The tripas tacos my favorite.! Can't wait to try your drinks! read more

Wow soooo delicious!! Ordered a best of the West shrimp taco which was honestly my favorite! Grilled shrimp with melted cheese, onions, cilantro, and purple cabbage! I also order the salmon taco which honestly wasn't all that, the salmon was perfect but it didn't have enough papaya salsa also which was lacking a spicy kick. The watermelon agua fresca was good! My boyfriend enjoyed his al pastor tacos but he agreed isn't anything special. If you are looking for a healthy option this is definitely a place to check out! The ingredients were fresh and the food wasn't greasy at all! Total for 4 tacos, 2 drinks, and a side a rice and beans was around $33 not too bad! read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

First time at Taco Mesa and my mouth was filled with an explosion of great tasting fish and carnitas tacos, and this texture that made my eyes role back in my head. This is one of your authentic hole in the wall but your not so hole in the wall - not so divey - Mexican food restaurants. You'd expect food like this from taco trucks done in South and E. LA. The chips are authentic and have a brand to their own. They crunch in your mouth as if someone just took a palm strike to a piece of board and split in two. It has this kapow crunch factor. Nice brownish color to it and great flavor. The oil they use is not greasy. Is this place the place where tacos go to die and become saints? It just might be. I'll be coming back. It's out of my way, but it is a place you'll surely need to take your friends and family who have a heart for good Mexican food and this place is surely going to score some points for you. read more

Taco Mesa - The wall. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Taco Mesa should be known for fillers and skimping on the meat in all their menu options these days. This sandwich (see picture) is NOT from taco Mesa!! It's the Baja chicken sandwich from a local sandwich spot, and exactly what chicken should look like inside a CHICKEN sandwich. There's no skimping on the meat here, and it's delicious!!! read more

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Exactly the taste I was looking for when I bit into that green taco. I started off with a cup of the best spicy carrots I've ever had then he brought out the green tortilla, steak,bacon, and melted cheese taco. It was like heaven, and then it was gone.. I'll be back guaranteed number one taco in town! read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

A-OK. This is a converted traditional Taco Bell, complete with the arched block roof line. They have a decent sized parking lot and covered patio seating. Order at the counter, draw your own soda, scoop your own salsa and eat off paper plates. They offer a pretty eclectic menu for Mexican fast food. Lots of specialty meat options. I opted for three tacos...al pastor, wild grilled fish and steak. A bit on the expensive side but decent sized. $15 for three tacos, rice, beans and soda. The flavors were nothing outstanding, though. Pretty bland, too. I needed lots of salsas to kick these up a notch. Good beans and rice and excellent salsas. Their marinated carrots were wonderful. Good but not great. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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First of all anybody that gives taco Mesa a one star review is a complete idiot. Been coming here from day one the people are awesome and the food is super consistent and it's specialty rocking that Aztec Yucatán style ,sauces on point. This is once a week no matter what five stars and nobody paid me to say this thank you for your service guys and girls! read more

The best food around, never disappoints! I love the langosta burrito, the chili verde tacos, and nachos with grilled salmon is to die for! Tip: ask for a bag for the carrots from the salsa bar, much easier than the tiny salsa cups! read more

This place has a cool artsy vibe to it! The person working the register was also kind as well! Luckily I stopped by when it wasn't that busy so wasn't crowded. I give this place like three stars only because of the enchiladas. I ordered chicken enchiladas and all the sides and sauce was cool! Except the chicken itself didn't taste like it had any seasoning. It was more on the dry side... it doesn't taste as juicy or any flavor to it as much. But maybe their tacos are better? Who knows! Will try next time! What's cool is they let you grab your own prepackaged salsas! read more

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My brother and I went after school. Come in big size I would say filled up with 2 tacos. Tortilla is green but that doesn't change a thing of how good they are read more

First off, I never leave reviews. In fact, this might be my first. This place was worthy of a review. I placed a to go order online. When I went to pick it up, the gentleman behind the counter was very kind, full of good energy, and good service. Immediately put me in a better mood. Next to the food pickup was all the salsas, limes, radishes, carrots, etc. I feel like most places got rid of these during covid and never brought them back.... which honestly sucked. So I was stoked to see they had it. Lastly, got home and all the food was excellent, salsas were good and flavorful. I will try the hot salsa next time I think, the medium was really good though. I am rambling at this point, I will be returning frequently to Taco Mesa. read more

This place is fire. The food is great. Fast and easy to read menu. Fresh taste ingredients. Loved the food just wish the salsa had some hotter options read more

Taco Mesa - Tacos Al pastor and gorditas - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I really wanted to love this place especially after reading all the recent 5 star reviews but I was underwhelmed by the food. We ordered the Alambre and Blacked Shrimp tacos, a carnitas burrito (wet), and a cheese quesadilla. The tacos were okay...nothing special. The carnitas wasn't like traditional carnitas. There was no crisp on the meat and it was really peppery. I've never actually had carnitas before with that flavor profile. The red sauce on top was cold and really bland. The best part of the meal was ironically the cheese quesadilla, beans and rice that we ordered for the kids. As I'm writing this review, I'm also remembering that they forgot to give me my Horchata that I ordered :( read more

Ordered a steak burrito and this is what I got. Couple of pieces of steak in the first few bites then it was a straight up bean burrito. For $13 I thought I'd be getting a nice serving of steak. Never coming back. They claim to be authentic but this is pretty much an overpriced Taco Bell. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Came to the OC Fair, having a great time! We decided to look for a local taco spot instead of driving back to LA. We found Taco Mesa and were very excited to try them! It's a good spot with parking space and a great sitting area!! BUT the tacos are not good at all! Ordered agua de melon, 3 carnitas tacos & 3 Asada (one for my toddler) with a side of beans and rice & a beer. It was a total of $67 and I never got my hubs beer & was missing a taco. The carne asada was very hard and had no flavor. My child kept trying to chew it but just kept throwing it out because she couldn't! The carnitas had nothing but fat! The onion smelled old and the salsa was pretty nasty. We couldn't finish our food, our day was pretty much ruined because we were too hungry and decided it was best to find something else to eat. They did give us $14 dollars back for the missing beer and taco. IF YOUR'E FROM L.A. I recommend you wait until you're home and eat over there, or find another taco spot in costa mesa. NOT THIS ONE! oh wait the beans seemed to be canned beans very disappointed! read more

Me and my wife's "go to" for quick Mexican. Its elevated quality and super easy for takeout. I also love saving the left over salsas (green is my favorite) to use for my eggs the next morning. Love the various tacos, Mesa bowl and even breakfast burrito! Love Taco Mesa! read more

Probably the saddest Al pastor burrito I've ever had. Full of just fillers and close to no meat. Just call it what it is and put pineapple burrito. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Taco mesa is probably one of the best Mexican restaurant I had in a while. I ordered the Chile relleno plate and it was good. I was afriad the rice would be dry because of how it looks like but it wasn't. Other than that, everything was sooo good. There was plenty of meat in the burritos and tacos I had, not like some other restaurants that are stingy with meat lol. I also love that they have a little station where we can serve the salsas and other condiments for ourselves and get as much as we need. 10/10 would come back when we're around the area again! read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I have been a regular here for years. I first started going back when I was in high school at the Orange location. I was away for a few years and when I came back I was not disappointed. They continue to serve quality food and customer service. On the last visit, I had the Al Pastor Tacos (Delicious), Tacos Alhambre (Delicious), and a large Horchata (you guessed it... Delicious). While some of the flavors are not absolutely "authentic", this is still one of the best places for tacos not served from a truck, trailer, cart, or popup. Stick to those mentioned earlier if you are looking for that salt-of-the-earth flavor. The awning is not waterproof, sit inside or take it to go on rainy days. read more

Good food, fast counter service, and i really appreciated that the outdoor (only) seating area was thoroughly heated!

Saw all of the great reviews and checked out their menu and started drooling. I was so excited to come here! The place was super crowded when we came which seemed promising and got us extra hyped while trying to find parking. Parking - They have their own small lot, so turn right when you see the hanging lights. If you turn into the McDonalds parking lot, there's a lot attendant who will ask you to leave. The actual lot barely fits any cars, so we had to quickly park behind someone and pick up our food and leave (which we saw a lot of people doing) Seating - It was crowdeddddd. No social distancing - everyone sitting in the little patio seemed to be enjoying themselves, but I'd avoid eating there for now. Food - I might be in the minority here and maybe they were having an off night, but their tacos were only okay. Got a variety to try and a lot of them tasted really similar / were either super stuffed with toppings or had none - there was no inbetween haha. Might have to come back and try them fresher at restaurant when things return to "normal", but for now they were alright. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California