Taco Mesa in Ladera Ranch is a family owned &!operated little jewel that has been a go to when we're craving Mexican food. It's a cute little hole in the wall kitchen nd of place in a grocery store shopping center that's been around for more than 20 years. Walking in, you're greeted by a clean indoor seating. You walk up to the counter and place your order to a nice lady who remembers your name and happily takes your order, offers chips and guac. Yes you pay for it but it's so worth it. The chips are dusted with tajin and salt, the guac has a nice kick. She offers drinks, you have your pick of sodas, traditional Mexican aguas or margaritas rimmed with salt or salt & tajin. I always order the carne asada tacos which comes with the guacamole which the lady brings to your table. We like to sit on the patio that has a nice cover from the sun. Music is playing softly while we enjoy a little bit of Mexico in Ladera Ranch. They have daily specials (which I haven't tried but look really good. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices, check out Taco Mesa, you won't be disappointed. read more

Thrilled to find this location! Excellent taco Tuesday specials to choose from for all. For Vegan options that don't show on the menu-potato with lettuce and pico de gallo outstanding and the other is vegetarian with black beans, pico de gallo lettuce, and cheese topping which you can ask to keep off for vegan.. excellent tacos, chips and salsa bar with authentic carrot and onion mix, radishes, cilantro.the whole staff was so helpful and patient for questions I had. Fun atmosphere . Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely recommend. read more

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Went yesterday for lunch (Taco Tuesday) I had the beef tacos & have been in bed sick since :/

It's tough because I've been going to Taco Mesa for 15+ years, five of them here at this location. It'll probably be my last for a good while. Put in an order online, went to pick up. Turns out they never started the order. So instead of making my food they placed the order in the queue after 6 different people put their orders in. I even tipped! Took an extra 20 minutes to get my food. A total of 40 after I placed the order. Kicker is that the order they gave to me was wrong as well. Groan. Dave Calderon, I've tried to support your family business for years. You may have just lost a customer, my brother. read more

First of all, they updated the menu, in case you guys havent been here for a while in the ladera ranch location. The service here is always great and fast. The ambiance is always chill. Whether you want to sit outside in the sun or indoors watching some sports. Dont forget the soups. My favorite is the lobster bisque but the posole is also so yummy. read more

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We've been to this Taco Mesa a couple times. It's in a convenient location in a shopping center with plenty of parking right off Crown Valley. The restaurant vibe is great for a low-key taco joint- it has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and the staff are friendly. My biggest issue is that we used to live near the Taco Mesa location that's in Costa Mesa and the food quality is so much better there (one of the best taco spots in OC, hands down). The food is just not as good at this Ladera location. We got the fish, steak, and carnitas tacos, and the chips/guac. They were all just okay- not worth the price for pretty basic tacos! read more

Taco Mesa - Fish and steak tacos + chips and guac - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

this place surprised me. my bf is from the area and when we came down to visit his family this was our first stop. I forget the gentleman's name at the front but he educated me on how they sourced their tiger nut for their horchata & the process of the homemade tortillas. My blackened shrimp taco was absolutely mind blowing & the potato taco was my second favorite. I will 100% be back whenever I'm in town read more

Gavin was great giving us the best recommendations. I grew up in this area and would come to Taco Mesa ever since I was 10, I can always count on them for some fresh tacos, especially the hard shells made in their factory. If you want top quality Mexican food come here. Tacos starting cost, is five dollars, it's worth it. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

A group of friends got together today at taco Mesa. We come because we love the food. They always do a wonderful job. It's a casual environment and they're seating outside which is nice. We've met here 5 to 10 times and everyone always enjoys their meal. read more

Delicious and fresh mushroom tacos! I added salsa and pickled onions for more depth per bite. read more

Taco Mesa - Mushrooms tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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I came here to eat lunch during a birding trip at O'Neil park near Christmas and I ordered a Mesa Bowl with Salmon. When I actually got the order I was in disbelief seeing the large juicy piece of Salmon grilled with perfection sitting on a bed of healthy green, black beans and Rice. There are also delights like grilled zucchini and Italian squash with dried cranberries. I was so pleased I started to show my dish to all my birding buddies and couldn't stop talking about it. My salmon bowl with all the extra delight only cost about $20. It is such a value with balanced nutrition and great taste and portion! So naturally I came back here again and introduced this gem to my friends!!! read more

Taco Mesa - Enchiladas Oaxaca, Burrito Blackened Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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So been here twice. Both times some of the best food I have had. Im literally personally insulted they are a 3.5 on yelp when I saw today. They are worth a drive, a seat, a chat with the owner, the ambiance, and staff that are friendly. The beans are tasty, rice never dry, frescas and horchata great. I still plan to come back for a tamale, which are Thursday only. read more

Taco Mesa - Special on wed, carnitas burrito. Chocked full of the star... carnitas. - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

The food os great however it's been less consistent and at time disappointing when we get home with food. Especially for the cost.

yuck. This place is a hard pass . $17 burrito... it seriously had no steak- a burrito of beans for almost $20. the lady was really nice and I was even talking to her for awhile. she had them remake it - still skimpy on steak and did not even taste good enough to waste the calories. I threw it in the trash on the way out. never go here again . place sucks bad. read more

Taco Mesa - No steak in a $20 carbs asada burrito. &17 for nasty beans - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Don't even bother with the happy hour. The tacos barely have any ingredients now, and they're calling it a deal just because it's half price. I've been coming here every Friday for the past two months, and it's only in the last few weeks that they started cutting down on the portions. I even asked the chef, and he said it's always been like that for happy hour, but that's not true. They only recently started skimping on the food. I'm pretty much eating tortilla with onions and cilantro... read more

Taco Mesa - Happy hour Taco - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

We used to go to this place every weekend when kids were in baseball. Stopped by for breakfast. Friendly but the food was horrible. No meat in burrito, just beans. They didn't put avocado in one of the omelets. Disappointed read more

This Post is Specifically about BRENDA's poor customer service!! 10/14/25 @3:04pm I used to come here often for taco Tuesdays usually alone and a couple times this woman has ignored me as soon as I walk in. Usually it's been around lunch time between 1-2pm. Pretends to fix stuff behind the counter and makes me wait when its not even busy and I'm the only one in line to order (like today) and doesn't greet me and I'm standing there just waiting for her so I can order. Then when I do order she's given me so much attitude for no reason. I observe her interacting with other customers after me and the interactions are cordial. I've brushed it off a couple times before but Today I went in there with my Mom (after I stopped coming here because of her). She was on the phone when we got there so I gave her a few minutes as she sounded like she was taking an order. I want to say about 8-10 mins we were just standing there waiting for her, didn't make eye contact with either of us the whole time not a single "hi ill be right with you guys" nothing! While we're standing there though, there are a few customers that are leaving and they're like saying bye to her "bye Brenda" is what I hear a woman saying on the other side of the restaurant. She literally pulls the phone away turns around and said bye to them thanked them and said see you soon. But can't be bothered to greet us or tell us she'll be with us shortly when we are standing right in front of her? Like what is her problem. I finally make eye contact with one of the guys in the back and they both come around from the kitchen to help us. She never even said one word to us the whole time after she got off the phone while we were still ordering with the other staff member. After my mom pointed out how she ignored us, I know now that I'm not imagining her being specifically rude to only me and she seemed to treat the other customers nice enough. After today i'm never coming back here again which sucks because I love the tacos and I live like 5 mins from this place! The tacos are good and the salsa is too and the cooks and another tall younger guy whose name I don't know, are always so nice and friendly! Brenda needs to stop discriminating your Spanish speaking customers. read more

Taco Mesa - We're literally right in front of her. No hi or even eye contact. Nothing. - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

This was my first time coming here. I know everyone has their favorite burrito place, but after today I think I finally found mine. I got a I think it was called a blackened chicken burrito I don't know what kind of magic they put in it, But it was amazing . I had to get another one to go for my girlfriend so she can never get mad at me ever again. read more

Taco Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

I'm not even here because they make healthy Mexican cuisine, it's just a perk to the fact that Taco Mesa creates food with depth. There hasn't been a dish that falls less than excellent and trust whatever I order, will continue to exceed expectations. THE FOODS | Healthy & authentic Mexican cuisine. I ordered... - Al Pastor Burrito | Made this into a wet burrito; filled with soft pinto beans, melted cheeses, and tenderly sweet al pastor meat (contains small bits of pineapple). It seems like a simple burrito, but there's a complexity in flavor that's absolutely thoughtful and delicious. I added a side of rice and pinto beans for $2.50. I also picked up some salsas and pickled vegetables from their salsa bar. Salsa side note: avocado salsa is the best thing ever. It's creamy, spicy, and has an incredible burst of flavor. And no, it's not weird if you drink it straight from the sauce cup. THE TACO MESA FEELS | Although this location is small, it boasts big, colorful, chaotic artwork on the walls and ceilings. What does the artwork mean? No clue, but it's interesting to see. There are a few tables inside and more outside. The vibe is laid back. THE PARKING SITUATION | Free parking in the shopping plaza where Taco Mesa is located. Good luck finding a spot at the front, you're likely to find a spot further out. THE ORDERING LOGISTICS | Ordered at the store and took it to go. read more

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As good as I remembered. Me: Blackened Chicken Burrito, wet with the Red Sauce. She: Carnitas burrito (also with red sauce) A really good food spot hits their mark consistently over a long period of time (years). One of the reasons I moved to Ladera Ranch was to be within walking distance of this Crown Valley spot - which has been awesome since a friend first introduced me to Taco Mesa back in 2003. I moved away in 2018 and have never found a better burrito since, but will make it a point to visit this Taco Mesa any time I'm back in town. Best ever? Well, I'm not dead yet so 100% yes. read more

Giving three stars because my family and I have enjoyed this place in the past. Tonight, I was let down by brown guacamole (throughout, not just oxidized on the outside) and stale chicken taquitos. The chicken had a spoiled taste & smell as well. It honestly seems as though these plates were prepared ahead of time and this one was found in the back of the fridge. So disappointing. To be fair, everyone else enjoyed their food. Items included: Carne asada tacos, blackened chicken burrito + shrimp, and shrimp taco. Sangria here is also good here and usually made fresh. Will never order the taquitos again. read more

Taco Mesa - Stale taquitos, oxidized guacamole, and chicken has a spoiled taste. - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Food was good. But the restaurant smells like sewage, made it hard to enjoy the food. The men's bathroom was unbearable because of a drain that smells like sewage and rotten eggs. Wish I could give a better review. I usually eat at the taco Mesa off of Los aliso and Trabuco and it's always good. read more

They're not bad but holy moly is this place overpriced for what you get, I can't help but wonder if these prices are due to location. I'm just gonna drive to SJC and go to El Campeon from now on because how tf did I spend $61 on two tacos, a burrito, a quesadilla and 2 Agua frescas? read more

I had the mesa bowl with chicken and it is so good! Staff very friendly and good salsa bar

This is a long overdue review for this establishment. I really enjoy Taco Tuesdays but Burrito Wednesday is what I love the most! I stopped by today for my usual Blackened Chicken Burrito special with beans, rice and their signature chili lime chips and again I was thoroughly satisfied! The amazing salsa bar took my plate to another level of deliciousness. You can definitely tell this place uses top notch ingredients, organic and non gmo. The place was clean , the service commendable and the employees very kind! I have frequented the Original Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa since the early 90's, I am happy to go to the one here in Ladera Ranch, it is much closer to my house. Keep up the good work & exceptional food!! read more

Taco Mesa - Blackened Chicken Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Taco Mesa delivers, authentic, delicious, Mexican food. (as does their sister Restaurant, Taco Rosa) absolutely love the black and shrimp tacos, black calamari tacos, the deep fried jalapeños are so good. The esquitas have a nice bit of spice to them. Ivan please have the restaurant bring back your original habanero, salsa, and jalapeño crema salsa. Salsa now are " fine" but definitely not as good as what you've served over the last 30 years(and yes, I have been needing a Taco Mesa for 30 years) read more

Taco Mesa - Blackened shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Taco Mesa is awesome. Best escabeche and salsa bar. Everything is great! The food is fresh but still filling enough to out you into a siesta after a morning surf session. Come hungry for taco Tuesday because there are so many options. Check them out. read more

Not on a Tuesday !!!! 50min for a few tacos and burritos to go and for $120 Really !! No one thought people would show up Ridiculous !!! Never again, never read more

Taco Mesa provided an EXCEPTIONAL catering experience for us. Ivan owns several Mexican restaurants in Orange County and personally took care of me. He helped me create just the right menu for our daughter's birthday party. The staff at the restaurant double checked the order with me days before, and were so wonderful helping load our food to the car. They also provide full service catering. The dinner was a huge hit. Absolutely delicious! Call Ivan +1 (949) 292-2042, you won't be disappointed. read more

We were looking for a good Mexican food after moving to the area. We were all disappointed. Flavors weren't there, carne asada taco barely had any meat and tasted stale, no fresh food here! Fried fish taco looked pretty but I think Baja fish tacos in the area is much better but it is a father drive for me. To top it off, service wasn't friendly, the guy seemed impatient or angry and could care less if was our first time there, i guess there won't be a second time. read more

Taco Mesa - Fried fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Authentic Mexican food in a colorful fun setting. Had carnitas and el pastor tacos with chips and salsa and a chicken tortilla soup with Avocado on top. Everything tasted perfect and had a nice spicy aftertaste. Great quick service. Plenty of outdoor seating outside and inside. We were here on a taco Tuesday so they had specials on the hard and soft shell tacos as well as drinks. The whole lunch for 2 people was under $25 which is quite the deal nowadays. 5 out of 5 stars. read more

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This is one of my new favorite taco places not just in Orange County, CA but in general. I've been around Ladera Ranch for a few months and never checked it out until a few weeks ago. Since then I've literally been here with my wife and two kids at least 10 times. Everything we've tried has been amazing (tortas, tacos, burritos, gorditas, frescas and strawberry margaritas). Oh and the salsa bar . Still so many more things we have yet to try. We've also made it our regular weekly dinner for Taco Tuesdays which is great and they have specials. Staff was all nice and really friendly. Tons of outdoor seating as well with a nice view. read more

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I commute down Crown Valley Parkway almost daily. And I cannot believe I had missed this restaurant this whole time. Today was my first time stopping in while driving by on the way to work. I highly recommend this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. They have every dietary option for everyone. Today I was staying on the healthy side, so I received a recommendation from the gentleman at the front counter, Felix. Who recommended I try the "Mesa burrito" (plant-based ingredients). The burrito was so delicious and well presented. It contained a secret ingredient in the brown rice, one that I had never tasted before. Felix noticed that I asked for no dairy on my burrito, so he recommended I try their dairy-free Horchata. It's made from a superfood; it was so delicious I had to get a refill for the road. If you're ever in the Ladera Ranch area, stop by and give them read more

Taco Mesa - Mesa Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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This was alright! I got a carne asada burrito and it felt like there were more beans in it than meat. It was still tasty but, I don't know if I liked it a lot to order it again. Their service and workers were friendly and helpful. I ordered pick up so I didn't dine in but, the restaurant was vibrant inside. read more

Taco Mesa - Carne Asada Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

The horchata is GREAT! The steak tacos were terrible! They tasted like they were made with rancid meat. When we brought this to the attention of the restaurant, they offered a 30% refund. I honestly don't understand their logic other than to ensure we never eat here again. The one star is for the horchata. read more

Still a south county favorite restaurant! Whether you're a gringa like me or authentic and proud Latinx, there's plenty of entrees to fall in love with. Good food, great service, all at affordable prices. The Mayan Horchata is to die for. read more

Taco Mesa - Quesadilla Morenitos - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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Amazing!!! Love the food service and everything friendly cashier great food clean space read more

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Gorgeous "fast" food restaurant with a lovely staff. Wonderful, customizable #vegan options. Had the Mesa burrito with a corn tortilla, minus the meat and dairy. One of the best burritos I've ever had and loooooove seeing this kind of thing in the OC. They have indoor seating, a lovely outdoor patio and it's a great little fancy shopping center. read more

Taco Mesa - Inside dining area - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Good food terrible service....I wait to place my order for long time I just walk away....

Poorly prepared food. I ordered an Al pastor burrito. It was missing both Al and Pastor. Nothing but beans. For $14 it was very disappointing. I gave this a 2 because the salsas were good. read more