Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Taco Mesita

    4.1 (783 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Taco Mesita Takeout or Delivery

    Taco Mesita Photos

    Business Info

    TACO MESITA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Taco Mesita

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Allan Z.

    The tacos here are on another level, made with blue corn tortilla along with their meats all wood fired. The chicken taco is delicious, with happy hour deals either in the early morning 7-8AM, or late night 9PM-close. Margaritas and tacos are a great deal during HH and or Tuesdays! The staff are always very welcoming, engaging and warm, eager to help at any chance give. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience is easy going, but with a large groups there is only one main option to seat due to cemented/pre-arranged seats.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Blankets and heat lamps are provided for the evening just in case.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Always a treat to either return and eat in person or to pickup to go. Burritos are also a great option from Taco Mesita!

    Flan, Churros & Chocolate Ganache
    Michelle C.

    I got to grab a flan and churros + chocolate ganache with two of my unnies. WOW! Both deserts were so Good. We all agreed the flan is nothing like we've ever had before. I've been told the tacos are good too so I can't wait to try the next time. Service is incredibly kind, especially in the midst of the business. This place is hot and coming for a reason. I really appreciated how there's blankets provided for those needing a bit of cushion to sit or forgot to bring their jackets. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's indoor and outdoor seating, along with warm fire lamps.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] God bless you all.

    Quesadilla with Al Pastor
    Kent R.

    We saw the hype about the mini burritos and the whipped jalapeño sauce and had to give it a shot. The restaurant itself is pretty cool with a nice outdoor seating area directly in front of the ordering window and a drive thru that wraps around the building. The staff were cool but definitely busy dealing with both the window and the drive thru. I was bummed they were out of the horchata and noticed a couple other items that were already off menu by noon on a Sunday morning so be flexible. The hype around the mini bean and cheese burritos with the jalapeño sauce is real, you HAVE to get this. The tortillas are nice and toasted and the beans and cheese inside were legit, not a fast food quality at all. That whipped jalapeño sauce should be sold in buckets, great kick and so refreshing. Speaking of refreshing, their Jamaica and pineapple drinks are great for a hot day! Not super sweet but lots of flavor. The Al Pastor meat in the quesadilla was incredible, thick, flavorful, and different in the best way from the small chunks you get from other restaurants. Combined that with thick, pull apart Oaxaca cheese and it was a real winner. The steak burrito had a great charred quality but could have used some fresh onion and cilantro to cut how heavy it was. Lastly, the tallow tortilla chips were amazing, really unique compared to some of the real thin chips you get. We will definitely be coming back here in the future.

    Parking
    Dave L.

    This is a very successful restaurant with some serious obstacles against it. Let's start with the positives: the food, the menu, and the home cooked taste to their dishes. You can take out, or you can sit in a very limited seating patio with uncomfortable metal stools and tables. [[HIGHLIGHT]]All the good stuff, the wood fired bbq, the friendly staff, the wonderful smell of the wood fire, are inside layers of walls. The customers remain outside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. This is a good restaurant and the product they serve is very delicious. The experience of a customer is not so great. I suggest tearing down the outer walls and making an enclosed dining area next to the open kitchen. Let us smell that steak being cooked on an open flame, please? A small investment in creating an indoor dining experience would make this place a landmark in Orange County. There would be lines around the block.

    Outside
    Andrew L.

    I visited Taco Mesita this past weekend and had an average experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food was great but the outdoor seating was uncomfortable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food: The menu offers a variety of tacos and burritos. They also have horchata on the menu. The steak burrito was good and the horchata was delicious. Service: It took a long time to get our food. You order at the counter and pick up your order in a different area. Ambiance: [[HIGHLIGHT]]I would have liked it more if there was indoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The only seats are outside on small and low stools. The stools are difficult to sit on if you are handicapped or walk with a cane.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Jp G.

    I came through the drive-thru today around 11:00 a.m. and waited about 10 minutes during my lunch break. When I opened my burrito, it was heavily burnt, as shown in the photo. I tried calling the store multiple times afterward to see if I could get a refund or at least speak with someone, but no one answered. I'm really disappointed because I usually expect better quality. I wasn't looking for anything unreasonable I just wanted someone to make it right.

    Breakfast Burrito with steak, Breakfast Taco with steak
    Mohammad H.

    We've been hearing about this place due to its popularity at one of the farmers markets in Newport Beach! We came specifically for their breakfast tacos, which had a lot of components to them: blue corn tortilla, cheese, potatoes, eggs, cilantro, pickled onions, and poblano chili, and they came with a creamy green sauce. I added steak, and it was great! I loved it. I will say maybe the egg needed to be seasoned, but I added a pinch of salt and ate my tacos up. We also got the breakfast burritos with steak, which was flavorful and good. The quesadilla dorada was actually the disappointment of the visit; it was flavorless. I would've wanted to try something else instead. It won't be our last visit; we will definitely be back to try more items. I would say it's affordable, and they have a great happy hour listed after 9pm as well!! They also have a new location in Costa Mesa opening too, which we are excited about.

    Quesadilla Dorada it's like an empanada but made with masa. Veggie filled.
    Melody S.

    I really liked this place. The chips are cooked in tallow and very fresh and crisp. Thr guacamole is chunky and a big serving. Also served with a fire roasted salsa and jalapeño creama. I also had a vegetarian, empanada like but with masa. I can't remember the name but it was delicious and very fresh. I loved all the veggies inside. I also had a side of beans. I prefer more refried beans and these beans are more whole like a side of beans but not refried and I had asked ahead so I was a little disappointed but they still have a good taste I just prefer the smoother texture of a refried bean opposed to whole. Service was great. Staff was all very friendly. Food was quickly delivered. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was awesome. Outside little stools, nicely decorated with vegetation. Felt very cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will definitely come back.

    Guacamole and Chips, Four pork tacos, and one chicken and one steak taco.
    Daniel V.

    Hands Down, The very best Tacos I've ever had and I've been in LA for just over 20 years. The workers were very kind and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat in a little corner which was sunbrella shaded.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just an all around great little taco joint with friendly people and most importantly, amazingly flavorful tacos. Great Job Taco Mesita!!!

    White Gold Horchata
    Katie L.

    My friend suddenly craved tacos and wanted to see the late night menu, so we came right before closing... The staff were still very friendly and welcoming despite our arrival 10 minutes before close (so sorry, I didn't know their hours until we already ordered) He had the steak taco, chips, baby bean&cheese burrito, and piña drink. I got two baby bean&cheese burritos, an elote, and horchata. Everything was so good. He said the chips taste better here because they make them in beef tallow instead of other oils. The burritos were decently packed and pretty filling for being only $1.50 each! And the two sauces that came on the side (a roasted tomato salsa and an avocado sauce) complemented the meal very well, offering both options of fresh and creamy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant itself was very cozy, relaxing, warm (due to the standing heated fireplaces), and inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Though the tables and chairs are metal though, so might be a little uncomfortable or cold to sit if not wearing proper bottoms[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    The seasoning on the tortilla chips is delicious
    Tony J.

    Honestly, the Chamoy, fried chicken taco, with its delicious sauce, actually I'm just gonna tell you. They served me the best chicken taco I've had in a very, very long time! Delicious, is the only way to describe it. All the tastes, just were superb together. I did not expect a taco with pineapple to be so good! It was the sauce, the presentation, such as the garnish etc. We went here today because, Some Family members wanted to healthy and keep away from seed oils. - so they were happy ! They make their own fresh tortillas, and Horchata drink is made on the premises. Furthermore, We ordered many items from the menu. Such as their Woodfire steak taco, which was quite delicious. We had a rotisserie Pollo tacos, Horchata, chips n salsa, and 2 Chamoy fried chicken taco, everything was great tasting, and affordable. Furthermore, concerning the staff, Guillermo is such a nice guy here & the employees were all friendly and smiling. Additionally, The restrooms here are a fun tangerine orange colored everything, & it's quite a sight! Outside, There is a large pile of wood, for the wood-burning stove. Which is why the entire premises smell like a delicious wood fire barbecue. The place is clean, and there is plenty of seating. Can't wait to come back !

    Delicious horchata!
    Donna W.

    Listen before you go rushing there! The intention is amazing! There's a lot of thought when it comes to the health design, but as a foodie it needs just a little more juice and depth (umami) with the flavor. Beans needs to be softer and moist. Make the real beans for folks craving really good homemade beans w lard (or coconut oil) and do the dry and hard beans for people who need ultra clean. Good homemade beans means everything else will be authentic. The food here is Americanized but w excellent comfort w cheeses, salsa and tallow chips. So much room to grow! They need a little more tweaking and it will be golden. We need the owners presence and have the cook not follow rules to exact. Needs more fluidity to get those flavors and popularity.

    Store front
    Hana A.

    We went here on a random Tuesday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a cute place outside seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] After ordering, we sat down and the staff brought our food to the table, so service great. The steak tacos were soo good they are Woodfire cooked and you can def taste it. Tacos are loaded not just basic which we appreciated. We also got the chicken tacos and same,. They had wonderful flavors. The nachos were yummy as well. I recommend this place if you're in search of some quick bites and good tacos. Don't forget the Mexican Coke to complete the meal?

    Mini bean and cheese burritos with jalapeño salsa.  Absolutely delicious!

    See all

    Review Insights

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of C L.
    220
    429
    445

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ren ..
    1
    20
    32

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leeza D.
    140
    1737
    8590

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jorge H.
    30
    22
    11

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 144
    Thanks 30
    Love this 140
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Alysha M.
    92
    38
    20

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of israel s.
    55
    60
    10

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G K.
    682
    515
    196

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul B.
    27
    105
    129

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 4
    Love this 6
    Oh no 4

    3 months ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 5
    Love this 3
    Oh no 6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ada J.
    1590
    702
    4044

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J C.
    1
    3
    0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Nico C.

    Nico C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 20

    Taco Mesita Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Taco Mesita

    Do you use lard for frying or in beans/food items?

    No Lard, no seed oils, beans are vegetarian!

    Do you take reservations for a big party o such as over 15 people?

    We do not take reservations. It is a casual place with only 6 tables.

    I just bought the co-branded Taco Mesa/Taco Rosa Gift Cards from my local warehouse store...since yours is an offshoot/baby restaurant to the OG's, may I use these GC's to dine with y'all? And if not, please consider for the future 👍🏼

    That's so cool! Thank you so much for your business. Unfortunately, as you guest it we are not set up to take the gift cards from Mesa and Rosa, but I will talk to Ivan and see if it's possible for us to set that up.

    Is the corn tortilla gluten-free?

    Gluten-free with locally sourced corn

    Do you accept Taco Mesa gift card?

    This is taco mesita

    I am on a cardiac diet and therefore very limited in my salt intake. Is it possible to get dishes salt-free?

    Salt is added to all of our dishes, including the marinates for our meats, and we would not be able to serve them without salt. The only items we could sever without salt would be the elote without parmesan cheese and fresh chips without salt.

    Hi, are there any vegetarian or vegan options? Are the refried beans vegetarian friendly (eg no lard and Rice (no chicken stock)?

    All of our snacks are vegetarian and the bean and cheese burrito is vegetarian. Our beans do not have lard. We also have a vegan blue corn tamalito. We do not serve rice.

    Hey, is this place by the owner of Taco Mesa?? Edit: Wonderful!! I love taco Mesa!

    It is from Ivan Calderon and his son Nico Calderon, with a small menu, focused on woodfired steak, wood rotisserie chicken, and al pastor.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Tacos El Bandido Express

    Tacos El Bandido Express

    4.2
    (362 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    We are blessed to have amazing taco and burrito spots in OC. But for tortas... Bandido's can't be…read morebeat. They have their sauces to a science. The green is my favorite, but the red is what you need with their carne asides. Meat is tender, hardly ever dry. The buns come toasted and wrapped with care. Service is speedy, and the cucumbers are fresh. When I'm abroad, there are always things I want to bring back to the OC - better public transit, affordable housing, universalized healthcare... But you know what those places don't have? They don't got the best goddamn tortas. That's right.

    I've been here about 3 times already and this place has not disappointed! I drive out from long…read morebeach just for this spot because it's halal friendly and they have sooo many great options! Each time the quality is consistent and on par. The service is great, attentive, and friendly. I absolutely love how they have the interior decorated currently due to the World Cup. It just makes it so much more lively and fun. My go to is the classic birria soft taco. It's so simple, but so good. They don't skimp out on the meat here at all. The taco is full of birria and you can add your own toppings (cilantro, onion, salsa etc) from the salsa bar. It just tastes so comforting and flavorful each and every time!

    Photos
    Cool Wall with El Bandido, The Bandit and Salsa Bar- old condiments and yellow cucumbers
    Cool Wall with El Bandido, The Bandit and Salsa Bar- old condiments and yellow cucumbers
    10/10 highly recommended
    10/10 highly recommended
    Cali burrito ($11)

    See all

    Cali burrito ($11)
    Tacos Gutierrez

    Tacos Gutierrez

    4.5
    (109 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $
    Family-owned & operated
    LGBTQ friendly

    Taco Gutierrez you have my whole heart!…read more After having moved to Santa Ana last year this has become my go-to spot for tacos close by. It's hard to find a good Taco Tuesday but they do a great job helping the community and keeping the prices $1.50 for basic meats like pollo, asada, and al pastor. I personally love my lengua and this truck has some of the best I've tried! It is a bit pricier but definitely worth it given the taste/quality. A couple things about the condiments--green sauce is spicier than you think, red one is more of a salsa and not that hot. Radishes are unfortunately not very crunchy/juicy at this location so I don't get it as often as I would at other taco spots. If you're ever in a rush, they do phone orders AND DoorDash. I've done all the methods and quality stays up there each time! However, if you do wanna enjoy your tacos right after they're prepared, you can always sit at their tables next to the truck. They have quite a bit of dining space and I've never seen it too crowded to the point of having difficulty finding a spot to sit. In terms of finding the truck, you just need to turn into S Hathaway St. Very close to the train tracks. I park in any free space they have there, since the businesses are usually closed after 5pm (which is when the truck opens).

    I had been to this place before on a Tuesday for Taco Tuesday. So I decided to go back and see if…read morethis place was as good as the first time. And I must say this place is doing tacos right. The price is right & cheap on a Tuesday and the flavors are awesome. There's salsa was full of flavor. The customer service here is very friendly. The Food gets out quickly. The vibe here is very chill and friendly I would definitely recommend this place If you're looking for a great taco Tuesday special there in Santa Ana. The food was definitely just as good as the first time that I went. I will be back again.

    Photos
    Come make your own combination.
    Come make your own combination.
    Taco Tuesday come get your tacos.
    Taco Tuesday come get your tacos.
    Tacos Gutierrez

    See all

    Holé Molé

    Holé Molé

    3.9
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Just moved here from San Diego, and this place has some fire fish and shrimp tacos. They have great…read moreservice. It's a nice little taco shop with great atmosphere and awesome deals! I was there for Wave Wednesday. Baja Fish tacos for $2 bucks and Baja Shrimp tacos for $2.50. !! Hell yeah! Tacos were loaded, batter on fish was nice and crispy, not too thick not too thin, fresh veggies, good crema and the tortillas were great. The green salsa could be better but still add another layer of flavor to the t Coming back for tacos and tall boys(Don't ask, you're not ready) The Brisket Bowl and definitely Taco Tuesday.

    Disappointing Food & Horrible Customer Service "Ordered 6…read moretacos for my wife and me, then sat in the outdoor seating area waiting for our number. We never heard it called, though we clearly heard other numbers and saw employees actively delivering food to other tables. After 15 minutes, I went inside to check on our food. Our order was just sitting on the counter. When I checked the tacos, the meat wasn't just lukewarm--it was completely cold to the touch. When I caught the cashier's eye, he just gave me a thumbs-up. When I told him the food was cold, the cashier, Irvin, immediately got defensive and told me with an attitude, 'I called the number twice.' I explained that we didn't hear it, and pointed out that staff had been bringing food out to everyone else anyway. Instead of offering a solution, he doubled down, saying, 'I heard my voice over the speakers,' giving me a 'too bad, so sad' look. When I asked him to remake the food, he completely refused, repeating that he'd called the number. Unwilling to argue with someone that unprofessional, I told him to keep the cold food and just give me a refund. He refunded the money and we left. Absolutely terrible service from Irvin--we won't be back."

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Fish Ensenada Burrito: Hand Battered Fish, Cabbage, Onion, Tomato, Cilantro, Crema, (NO Rice & Beans) | $11.29
    Fish Ensenada Burrito: Hand Battered Fish, Cabbage, Onion, Tomato, Cilantro, Crema, (NO Rice & Beans) | $11.29
    (3) Yellow Chiles | $0.79

    See all

    (3) Yellow Chiles | $0.79

    Taco Mesita - tacos - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...