I will say the food gets a 5, but the service and just overall ambiance gets a 0! This brings their score down to a #2 when it could have easily been a 5 if minor things were fixed. Sorry but when you run a business the customer is and should be the priority. Our party arrived when the restaurant was empty. We wanted to sit outside, next thing I know my friend tells me a server told her the entire restaurant was reserved and only one table was left, an L shaped one in the corner where you couldn't talk to each other. Excuse me? No. First off, they say they do not take any reservations whatsoever. So like what gives? Do I need to be a party of 30 to make one? Its rude. That is strike #1. Then seating a party of six at an L shaped table when dozens of tables are open? No. A more managerial person was flagged down and he moved us to a better table. Ok so the restaurant is still empty.... Strike #2 We were told more people and the larger party would be arriving two hours later. Ok great, we can get out before its packed... (you'd think!) The waitress came back about 10 minutes later to get our orders. She was rather slow (mind you only 2 other tables were there at this time). We ordered some chips and dip. Those were excellent. We finally put our food in (even though we knew what we wanted about 5 min after we sat down). Then we waited another 30 minutes for the food to come out. By the time it came out we had downed two chip baskets. So already this is quite slow when the restaurant is NOT busy yet. Strike #3 So arriving at 3:35, our food didn't come out until 4:15. Sorry but that is not appropriate. If the lady was not so slow and the cook not a snail as well our food should have been on our table at 3:50-4:00 at the latest, unless you ordered something extra special! Strike #4 All of our food tasted great (so plus for the cook even if he is a snail). This is when it goes downhill. This restaurant has some ambiance, or well SHOULD have some. What do they begin to play? Children's Christmas music. Yeah kids choir stuff that was super cheesy and weird. Like I get its the holidays but you guys are a mexican restaurant, you can play mexican christmas music or something.... without a children's vibe. It felt like I went to some bad church choir thing with kids. It just killed the atmosphere of the restaurant entirely....well right about when this was happening... (our server disappeared as soon as two more tables arrived). We decided to order some dessert. Strike #5 So we waited (I'm not joking) another twenty minutes for slow poke to show up, who only showed up after we had to flag them down. So now the restaurant is packed - like becoming jam packed (which we were trying to avoid in the first place due to germs and all). We put our dessert order in and asked for the bill as well because it was so slow. Then we had to wait another 30 minutes for dessert. This is inappropriate! Our dessert didn't come out until after 5:15, and we had to ask another waiter to check on where everything was..... We basically downed our desert to get out of there because now it was packed out.. (remember how we wanted to sit outside?). Strike #6 So when we were leaving we looked and yeah.. No one was seated outside. That large party wasn't coming until quite a bit later. Strike #7 Sorry but that is rude. My suggestion to this place is get better management. If a large party is coming ok fine, but don't block off a whole section for 3 hours when no one is there. I didn't see anything "special" about these party tables other than a cheap white paper thrown over the table. Like really.....eyeroll. Hire more waitresses who can actually wait on more than one table at a time (oh and aren't making up stories about how the entire restaurant is full then seating people at an L shaped table). If you can't hire enough or don't have enough for a day, ok OWNER wherever you are--- get your rear in gear out there and serve the food yourself to make up for the lack of staff. OR, maybe shut down for the weekend?! hmm?? And fix the gross bathroom it smell liked a poop-stoop vommitted in there. I get that it was "out of order" but that is something that needs to be done before guests arrived. Would i go back? Yes probably at like 2pm and hopefully when the entire restaurant isn't "reserved" =p..... I do like the food here, but not around the holidays ever again, please get more servers and new management. I honestly feel a robot server would be more attentive! read more

This is my first visit to this location and I will be back. The food is amazing, super fresh and the flavors are different from your run of the mill food. I had the Chili Relleno and it was so full of flavor and not cooked to death. I was so impressed, they catered my poker party the following night. Everyone loved it, their Mole is so very good. Definitely worth the trip Thank you Ivan & Amber read more

Taco Rosa - Love this place Thank you Amber and Ivan - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I've been here a few times now. The food is very very good. Usually get the taco trio and get the calamari taco as part of the three and it's good! The service is always top notch and friendly. Also don't think there is a bad spot to sit in the restaurant, we've been seated inside and outside on the patio and both have been very nice. Overall this place is quickly becoming a regular spot for us If we decide to eat out in Tustin/Irvine area read more

I'm in Newport Beach at least once a year, and every time I'm in the area I always make sure and visit Taco Rosa. Not only are these some of the most delicious Mexican meals I'll have all year, they are also some of the most unique and beautifully prepared. Highlights have included the chili rellenos tacos and the carnitas con chicarron. And don't forget the churros!! read more

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Held a special dinner event on the patio with a group. The service and food were just excellent! We appreciated the attention and all of our guests absolutely loved their food, especially the carnitas pibil, enchiladas, and churros. Many thanks!! read more

Came here for taco Tuesday. We found out that on Tuesday is all day happy hour. The happy hour menu has several items and the tacos are wonderful. The service was prompt and very friendly. We liked the patio which had heaters. We were very comfortable sitting out in December. We highly recommend! Don't forget the margaritas! read more

Not bad, margaritas came in a giant glass, which I appreciated. I read other reviews for a different location and I didn't have the same experience. It was okay, nothing special. Portions are great read more

Taco Rosa - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Little hidden gem. The food is so good. My daughter is on a very restrictive diet and they were able to accommodate that while everyone else had their pick of the menu. The Queso Fundido was excellent and presentation is awesome as they serve it flaming in a cast iron skillet. Service was amazing and like someone else said the homemade tortillas are over the top. Their salsas are tasty as well. We were there years ago when they first opened and so glad we went back and rediscovered. read more

Traditional food. Order Togo for lunch and was happy with salsa flavor and easy pick up. Appetizers were a hit.

Enjoyed a wonderful night out to dinner . Presentation was beautiful and flavors of food were amazing ! The customer service was great and completed our wonderful dining experience . I highly recommend read more

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So dang good. Wonderful service (Joann) was phenomenal. House made tortillas everything bursting with flavor. Would definitely recommend read more

So, just had lunch on the patio. Service was terrible. The server took forever to take our order, then she took the hot salsa away and never brought it back. My husband was still waiting for sweetener when she came back she said oh sorry I was in a meeting. This is a Saturday afternoon. We didn't see her again. The bus boys were our servers from then on, the food was good, not sure if I'll come back based on the service. The low tip was based on the service. Lucky we left a tip. read more

The setting and service create a fun and homey experience. Everything was lovely. The dishes were absolutely delicious with menu selections that I have not tried before. Try the fish tacos -they are unique and mouthwatering. read more

Delicious food and amazing server! We had a party of 15 and she ran her butt off for our table and several others. It was amazing!

Blackened chicken enchilada was very enjoyable but not something that would make me drive out of the way for. Margarita was average tasting, something was off. Salsas were delicious. Restaurant needs a good cleaning, looks very old inside read more

Not sure why the bad reviews, love this place so much. The food is delicious and the service is great. Definitely recommend. It tastes very fresh. Came close to closing since I didn't realize they closed at 8 and was treated wonderfully and the food still tasted super fresh. Super cute inside and feels very comfortable. Give it a try for yourself you won't be disappointed! I recommend the caldo de pollo read more

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Their service was wonderful! Their chili reano is out of this world! Absolutely outstanding! I highly recommend Taco Rosa Newport! I love their patio area! read more

This I what Taco Rosa calls "fresh" fajitas. This is the worst Mexican food I ever had. Terrible !! Save your money. read more

Taco Rosa - Cheap food - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Love coming here whenever I'm in the area for excellent Mexican food and top-notch service. Prices may be on the high side, similar to Bay Area prices though (meaning 25% higher prices)--which may explain why this place always seems to never be packed. Which is fair--if you drive around Costa Mesa or deeper into Santa Ana/Anaheim, you'll find super good Mexican food for way way cheaper prices. This place is tucked away a bit in a strip mall and thus more of a locals spot, but given that some of my family lives close by here, it makes it easier to eat here. Still, the food is excellent and service is unbeatable, which is why I keep coming back here. On this jaunt, tried again the queso fundido with mushrooms--I'll pass on the fungus but love the tangy cheese dish served in a smoking hot skillet with fresh tortillas. The three taco entree dish with pork belly was also very well done. Fajitas combo are typical Mexican fare, but well done as normal. Only downside are poorly priced margaritas--the server mentioned that a pitcher of Don Julio Reposadp would be well over $100, which is very odd as it is usually around $50-$60 even in the Bay Area. I'm guessing that they don't realize that you can buy a large bottle of Don Julio Reposado alone for only $45. Añejo is only $50... why would a pitcher with only about 5-6 shots cost more than double for a full bottle?? Management needs to fix this, or they might continue to see patrons leave for "regular"'prices. Just beware when visiting, beers are normal prices but tequila is priced like a nuclear disaster just struck. read more

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Taco Rosa is the example of the place we really want to love but is truly the most disappointing restaurant in all of Newport Beach. It obviously has been neglected by CEO Ivan Calderon, because no active leader would allow this behavior or lack of responsibility take place. We live very close to Taco Rosa NPB and we were weekly regulars before the pandemic ... not because we liked the food, but because we wanted to watch a game at a bar nearby. We love El Cholo, Muldoons, Zovs.... Because of the sports bar experience. We always end up having a drink and then more responsible drink, appetizers and dinner. It's been 5 years since we've been in Taco Rosa, and tonight around 6:00 pm we decided to stop by for a drink and the Lakers game. Maybe a Couple Mexico City and a Carne Asada. OMG, the bartender was so rude and clueless we were speechless and walked out. There are three small 40" TVs (one is broken, playing college football) really, go to Walmart or target Costco and buy a couple 80 inch TVs for $500 bucks. We asked if we could sit at the bar ... he ignored us and walked away. We were bewildered and left. To the managers... please fix this! You have an amazing location and your wasting it. read more

Excellent veggie burrito. Fantastic salsas and chips. Clean restaurant and nice ambiance. Would definitely recommend.

The best Mexican food experience I've had in ages. The chips and salsa are perfect as are the margaritas. The entree portions are very generous as well! Awesome service and ambiance. If I lived close I would eat here weekly. read more

A 2 is for the food which was pretty good. The ambiance was a zero and the service a 1. The inside needs a bulldozer ..it smells moldy and clearly hasn't been changed since 1976. Restaurant needs a complete overhaul and remodel and trained staff. It's a depressing space. read more

Best Newport Beach Restaurant Week deal period! We are so blessed in the OC to have elevated Mexican juggernauts like Taco Mario, Chaak, Playa Mesa and the like. However, before the age of Masa enlightenment, Taco Rosa was my go to staple in OC. They are part of the wonderful Taco Mesa(the more casual location) group. Their torterilla is in the Orange location on Chapman. Even when it's not restaurant week, prices are reasonable and quality is high. For $20 you get choice of soup or beat salad. I had the former, which was fantastic. It was a tomato w corn with just enough kick to make it interesting. They also give you a mass disc filled short rib and accompanied w pickled veggies-excellent. For my main I had the wild salmon cazuela(skillet pan w rice and veggies)- outstanding! You also get a dessert dish w a small flan and their homemade churros. For the quality of food, this would have been good value even at $40. I've also had the steak filette tacos, which are amazing. The place is pretty empty and seats are comfortable w plenty of room for kids and old folks. Nice outdoor seating too. Good to be back! read more

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Came here because of the Newport beach restaurant week. It was open kitchen and the ventilation was strong therefore the main dinning room had a strong cooking odor. I would rather sit in the patio next time. We had the 3 course prix-fixe specialty menu. The beet salad lack dressing but extra dressing was brought with request and it was good. The tomato soup had a kick, I meant spicy and was good, a kind of thick. CAMARONES TAMPIQUEÑOS. The shrimp was a good size and very tasty. The rice was good but too oily, there was a whole layer of oil left when we finished the rice. I would ask for less butter next time. Fajitas with steak was alright. The steak was not chewy. Osso Buco De Puerco (pork Foreshank) was good and tender. Chips and salsa would be five dollars from the appetizer and not complimentary. read more

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Love this restaurant! Lorenzo and the entire staff was so attentive. The food and customer was a 10/10. I will definitely come back. My favorite part was the drinks!! read more

I have rarely written reviews on Yelp . We were disappointed with the food quality despite a better experience several years ago . There was one other couple in the restaurant when we arrived. The wild halibut ceviche was onion heavy, sour and tasted excessively fishy without flavor. It was served with only 4 grey tortilla chips . We let staff know. The el pastor taco was tasteless with barely cooked onions . No hot sauce was offered . The enchilada with mole was terrible. The mole tasted incredibly similar to pumpkin pie mix out of a can. The chicken in the enchilada was soggy and tasteless . No cheese was included . The rice and beans were as expected . No chips or salsa was provided. The 2 star rating reflects the margaritas and the pleasant server we had. We really hoped this would have been a good experience as taco Rosa is local to us. Hope they can do better or move on. read more

Love Taco Rosa! I had the Al Pastor Tacos and a basket of their seasoned chips and salsas ! The taco was the best I've had and the chips (do have to pay for them) are over the top with their lime seasoning and 3 different salsas! Cant wait to come back again and try other tacos! read more

We have dined here many times and the food is delicious. It's right around the corner and the convenience on top of the enjoyment is why we come, however tonight was not the case. On a taco Tuesday when a mexican restaurant isn't busy, then some questions needs to be answered. The woman who greeted us, showed us to our table and took our initial drink order was great per usual. She said your server will be with you shortly. A gentleman came over after about 5 minutes and asked if we were ready to order and we were. Never saw him again. What seemed like the manager delivered our food and tended to table maintenance like drink refills and silverware that we were not provided. After finishing our entire meal (without a 2 minute 2 bite check) we were missing items we ordered and were in need of ordering more drinks. After we sat for 10 minutes or so with our food and the rush was over there was 1 customer at the bar, 2 other tables inside and the majority of tables outside were gone, the staff gathered by the bar and continued to neglect the restaurant that wasn't sufficiently maintained to begin with.. that I had to walk to the bar and ask for another margarita. Then finishing up I asked for a box and the check. The moment the box was dropped my server and the busser made it priority to bus our table without asking or considering what items I wanted to take home. From someone who has worked in food in beverage this experience was one of very few that resulted in a 10% tip. Steps of service were missed, sales were missed and the overall experience would not lead someone back here. If I was in charge of staffing and training I would be embarrassed. read more

So much potential in a neighborhood that is in need of a good go-to, friendly food and beverage location. Very convenient, which makes it a default place. However, I would rather serve myself. read more

Day of service August 20, 2018 Time of service: Approx. 5-7pm Food: Random mouthgasm. Go. Everything was great! Service: Great Prices: Very Affordable Parking: Plentiful read more

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Best sit-down Mexican Restaurant in the OC! Great food, good service, great atmosphere! We did have to flag down our waiter because he took forever to come take our order after serving us drinks and he was a bit strange but I've had worse service and I still had a good enough experience to keep it at 5 stars. I had the Mediterranean Sea Bass Fajitas, which is good since lots of Mexican restaurants do not offer fish fajitas. I don't know if the cost is a reason but the sea bass was $24 as opposed to the chicken, which was $17. I didn't pay for the meal so it was worth it but had I been pressed for money, I would have just gone for the chicken. My friend had the chicken fajitas and it tasted fine. The house Margaritas are great. They are served in large glasses so you definitely get a good amount. One or two drinks is probably all you need. The food portions are very large, if you are not that hungry I suggest sharing a platter, especially since most come with both rice and beans. A pet-peeve of mine is when a Mexican restaurant doesn't include free chips and salsa to start. To me, it's not Mexican food without the chips and salsa. Normally it is a $3 charge so not horrible but still annoying. The two times we went we were given apps on the house! The first was delicious potato taquitos and this time we were given cheese empanadas. Both of which were absolutely delish!! Will definitely be back!! read more

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Food was great! The management was very accommodating to our large family group, their amazing staff deserves more help to assist with the busy moments, they deserve it!! Thank you for being there for us! Oh! Jalapeño margarita was the best! read more

I love the food here! One of my favorite things is the Tacos Al Pastor. The salsas and tortillas that they have here are excellent!!!

Delish! Best guacamole and chicken enchiladas verde. Chicken mole enchiladas were yummy too. read more

I had the carnitas, al pastor and potato taco for Taco Tuesday and all three tacos were good. I will not order the horchata again, it wasn't to my liking. I'll definitely come back and try something else. read more

Taco Rosa - Happy hour and Taco Tuesday hours - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Before and Durning covid we ordered from here. After reopening, it is missing something The food is a little more plain - weird to say with Mexican food- right?! But the margaritas and guacamole are delicious! read more

Where do I begin!? This place was a great experience, 5-stars ALL THE WAY! One of the best places for a nice Sunday brunch meal and experience. I was so pleased with everything. For starters, the service from Lorenzo our waiter was superb, he was attentive, made great recommendations/suggestions, was clear and conscise, had an overall positive attitude, and was a good conversationalist. I also met one of the owners and their niece, they were both warm hearted and kind people, they welcomed me in with big smiles, and even checked on me multiple times throughout my visit. They also let me know of their other locations/restaurants and even a little but about their history with this restaurant. Very nice people. The atmosphere was just perfect, exactly what you would expect from a Mexican food restaurant, perfectly decorated, and Spanish music playing in the background. The Mariachis were there, playing live, which also added a more authentic experience to the place, and they played well too! Ample room inside, and outside! Comfortable chairs and sturdy tables. As far as their food goes, just wow! Great Mexican food, and I have to say this place has the best mole I have ever tried! Their pozole was amazing as well, I can go there and have bowl after bowl of their pozole alone, and I would be happy just with that! But all their other food is too good to pass up. I went there for their Sunday brunch, and their assortment and variety is so vast, I was not let down whatsoever. So much to choose from for all you picky eaters, LOL! They have great tasting foods, tacos, enchiladas, pozole, empanadas, ceviche, chile verde, rice, beans, omelet station, salad, fruit, desserts/sweets and more! The ceviche plates were fresh and tasty! The tres leches cake was delicious! The enchiladas were filling! Everything was good, I was not upset about anything I tried! I tried as much as I could, and I was impressed more and more with every food I tried. I would like to add, their mimosas are delicious. I'm not a drinker, but when they combine their freshly squeezed orange juice to their great tasting champagne, I enjoyed this drink very much so. I believe that is the trick to the best tasting mimosas, fine champagne, and freshly squeezed orange juice, not the store bought orange juice like most other places, yuck! But not this place, it is freshly squeezed, you can clearly see it and taste it, what a difference! So I would like to say, this will now be my go to for brunch, hands down. And yes, it is an hours drive time away from me but that's ok, it's all worth it for me. Thank you Lorenzo for being a fine gentlemen! See you guys soon again! read more

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This is our neighborhood taco spot. Tacos are awesome -- love the Alhambra (with bacon, steak, melted cheese and chiles) and the shredded beef taco. Mexico City enchiladas are also very good. Also good spot for taco Tuesday. Only issues -- often understaffed, a long wait for food and not the best service. Staff are always very friendly but they are just understaffed and doing their best. read more

They happy hour is what it's all about here, $1.50- $2 for tacos, I highly recommend the two crispy ones that they offer, the barbacoa and the potato. The rest were also good, but I would come here soley for the barbacoa, over and over again. Service is exceptional, they really go above and beyond to make sure their customers are satisfied, making this an ideal place for date night or a client dinner. The decor is nice, but not too stuffy, casually elegant. The regular prices are high, but worth the occasional splurge, great place for upscale Mexican in Newport Beach. read more