Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tito's La Especial

    3.9 (332 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Tito's La Especial Takeout or Delivery

    Tito's La Especial Photos

    Business Info

    TITO'S LA ESPECIAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Tito's La Especial

    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

    Tacos de res y papa
    Yvette S.

    Tito's hard shell tacos are unmatched. They are delicious and packed with flavor. The tacos de res are a favorite but sometimes I'll get the papa tacos. Those have a little too much potato but are still quite good. With the salsa and carrots it's outstanding. My husband has commented that their tacos al vapor are amazing, which I'll have to try on my next visit. Service is quick and luckily I've never had a visit where it was super packed with people. I've been on weekends and weekday nights. I wish they had drink stations where you can serve yourself but they have them behind the counter so you can serve yourself. The inside is like your basic taco place, there's no frills but that's okay because you come strictly for the tacos!

    Jasmine O.

    The customer service is excellent, super friendly, and really fast. The tacos are always tasty . This place has been around for a very long time. I remember coming here back in my teens, and it is still just as good. There are two Tito's locations in Santa Ana, but this one is definitely my favorite. I have only tried the tacos al vapor jere here so far, and they never disappoint.

    Tacos Al vapor
    Emily U.

    Came to Tito's La Especial, my old reliable, and as always, it did not disappoint. The food is consistently amazing--the carne de res tacos just melt in your mouth, and the salsa is chef's kiss, perfectly complementing every bite. Truly some of my favorite tacos around. It may seem like a hole-in-the-wall, but that's part of the charm--this place is a hidden gem. I love it so much and always leave satisfied. If you're a taco lover, this is a must-visit--hands down a 10/10 every time.

    Back entrance
    Lala J.

    Tried the menudo was really good lots of meat. And also had a taco Al vapor. Taco was ok. Service is fast and friendly. Somewhat busy Sunday morning.they have alot of parking in the back. Clean restaurant will come back to try something else

    Tacos de vapor
    Andrew R.

    Delicious tacos de vapor! Their beans are fire as well! Beans are the hero here. Service is great. The ambience is your regular taqueria setting. Simple but you're not there for the aesthetics! If you want bomb tacos and even better beans go to Tito's!

    Shredded beef taco Al vapor
    Erica Z.

    If your looking for really good steamed tacos this is the place. The steamed tacos are so good, hot and fresh. The nachos were also amazing, I ordered mine with no beans. The cashier was very friendly and patient. The food was fast and hot. The restaurant was pretty quiet and calm. I will definitely be back for more when I am back in the area!!

    Combo #3 Tacos Al Vapor y Tostada Original ($13.20)
    Michael T.

    Mexican food is my favorite and I've eaten a lot of it. One thing I've never gotten to experience is Tacos al Vapor. I was actually not even aware of their existence until I was in OC and made to go to Tito's La Especial (not to be confused with the other more famous Tito's). Located on the corner of 17th and Ross, Tito's La Especial is tough to miss. They have a parking lot in the back but it can be a tight fit. We came through the rear and the order counter is just ahead. The menu has all your favorites but the reason to come here is the Tacos Al Vapor, so I got a couple of those and a tostada. You'll pick your food up at the order counter. The food was awesome. Tacos Al Vapor are steamed so it's like eating a mini tamale. Unique, filling and delicious. Another standout was their beans. I would have loved to have taken a can or six of those home. They tasted homemade. You also get tasty marinated carrots on the side but I couldn't finish them because I was already full. If you're looking for amazing atmosphere or incredible service, this isn't it. Tito's La Especial is a great place for no frills Mexican food with an item you won't find at many other places. If I'm ever in the area again I'd certainly return. Recommended!

    Alberto D.

    Siempre bueno. Los burritos de carne asada y los tacos están con madre. No es un lugar elegante, pero la comida habla por sí sola. El salsón rojo pica bien sabroso. Llevo años viniendo y no falla. Los muchachos que atienden son rápidos y buena onda.

    Shredded beef tacos Al vapor combo plate
    Vanessa G.

    If you are looking for a hole in the wall with tacos Al vapor (steamed tacos) look no further. Tito's is old school and you see same faces working there from 25+ years ago. Super nice guys, always working hard. They have a small menu, their Al vapor tacos being the star. They offer shredded beef, potato, or bean tacos. All are so good. They come with a double corn tortilla. I like getting the combo plate because I LOVE their beans! They are refried and fried again!!!! Yum! I also like their hard shell shredded beef tacos. Don't forget to ask for extra pickled carrots, they are delicious. I don't visit Tito's too often because it gets expensive. I think tacos are priced at over $3 each. Despite the prices, it's still a must for me when I'm craving either hard shell tacos or tacos Al vapor. Try it!

    There was so delicious. Definitely coming back again tacos
    Miguel D.

    I have tried tacos, Al vapor but they were good but the way Tito does it. They are so freaking delicious so happy that I found this place. Definitely coming back really good prices. The service is beyond helpful gracias

    Daniel C.

    Definite 10/10. Recently had combination #4. Comes with 2 tacos al vapor and also a tostada and sope. Also with refried beans, rice , and pickled carrots. Perhaps I came at the perfect time, just before the lunch rush. But everything tasted so fresh and made to order. Surprisingly the best thing for me aside from the bomb tacos al vapor were the beans. Those beans were glistening with lard. Love the hot sauce it comes with too. If I'm back in the area, going to be hard pressed to eat something else. Be warned though - it's a lot of food and if you finish it, will be left in a food coma all day long.

    tacos al vapor, tacos dorados, sopes
    Scarlett S.

    my husband and i love coming here for the tacos al vapor and tacos dorados! we occasionally order sopes if we're feeling extra hungry. service is friendly and fast.

    Menu

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Catherine V.
    16
    106
    179

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Best tacos in Santa ana been coming here for 12 years & still great ! Very nice workers come support a local family owned restaurant

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erica Z.
    141
    37
    52

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jesmyn G.
    67
    16
    27

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Delicious tacos the taco plate was absolutely fabulous, reasonable prices , and a very clean.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Miguel D.
    5
    102
    26

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jc J.
    0
    147
    134

    7 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

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 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

    7 months ago

    Amazing. Literally crave it so often, it's definitely a must! You won't regret it! And don't forget to add their sauce

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brett M.
    45
    139
    1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sara C.
    0
    14
    10

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bert H.
    0
    151
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lilly P.
    327
    51
    20

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    Tito's La Especial Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tito's La Especial

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 322,215 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Rosa Madera

    Rosa Madera

    4.0
    (1.2k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    I came here for lunch, Miles and Nadia recommended the Birria chimichanga because I was asking them…read moreabout a really good place that makes them, they said there's are the best, so I ordered it and ohhhhhhhhhhh man they both were right, Sooooo BOMB!!!, Nadia was telling me about the dip sauce, which is consome the juice of the pot that is used to cook the shredded Birria , and the juice is adding flavor to the beef, the last place I ordered a Chimichanga put asada in it and it's not the same at all!!, I would recommend this place to any of my friends and family, also thr place is big inside once you walk in. Levi Romo

    Rosa Madera caught hubby's eye on The Internets, just like the last two restaurants that I…read morereviewed. He's 0 for 3 right now, and I'm HIGHLY skeptical about the foodie influencers that rate these restaurants so highly. It's my birthday this week, but life happens so we celebrated early with the whole family here at Rosa Madera. We could've easily chosen a better and more familiar spot, but I wasn't paying and it was worth a try (I guess). Upon entering, my oldest son said the decor is tacky. The overhead lights were on so it didn't look all romantic like on the socials. Hella roses, skulls, huge murals, drift wood, tiki lounge lamps, Clase Azul bottles on the wall, an Our Lady of Guadalupe at the hostess stand... Decor wasn't cohesive and was a mix of romantic, goth, pirate, tropical bungalow and coastal beach house. My older two mentioned that the playlist had a really good mix, and I distinctly remember walking to our table with La Chona playing. We went in on a Thursday afternoon, so the restaurant was not to capacity, probably 1/4 of a way occupied. We were seated quickly, and our server greeted us just as promptly with two servings of duritos, one plain and one with Valentina. We ordered our drinks and an app: Modelo, Jamaica Margarita, Cucumber Agua Fresca, Dr. Peppers, and waters, and Los Favoritos that had chicken tinga taquitos, birria chimichangas, and al pastor nachos. Drinks came out quickly and were presented nicely. The Jamaica margarita came rimmed with chamoy and Tajin and was garnished with rose petals and a lime slice. The Cucumber Agua Fresca was served in a traditional jarritos and was refreshing. Hubby took a few sips of his Modelo, then ordered an Horchata. I thought he ordered another beer, but he explained that Modelos are only good ice cold, so he didn't want the rest of his beer. Los Favoritos was served to our table, and the food looked great. Our favorite was the chicken tinga taquitos. The birria chimichangas were too cheesy for my liking, and my daughter mentioned that the middles were on the cold side. The chips for the nachos were good and crispy and held up to all the toppings. The al pastor, though, had a flavor that I couldn't appreciate, and soon as I said that out loud hubby and my oldest son chimed in and said the same thing. A red salsa and some crema were served with our app, with the red salsa having a nice flavor and a little kick to it. The twins both ordered the Ranchera A La Plancha, hubby had the Tacos de Papa, my daughter had the Mushroom Quesadilla Ahogadas, my oldest son chose the Ultimate Breakfast Burrito, and I decided on the Chilaquiles Rojas with steak. The twins quickly pushed aside all the food items they don't like, which basically left just the meat and the tortillas. My oldest son said the burrito was more cheese than anything and only took a few bites before pushing his plate aside. Hubby only ate half of his tacos. I think they gave me the mole instead of the salsa rojos because the sauce was undeniably sweet. The steak that came with, half of it was fatty. My daughter's mushroom quesadilla was almost pure cheese with tiny slivers of mushroom. We took a lot of the food home, but I doubt anyone is gonna eat it. My older two said 2/5 and the twins said 3/5. Parking is a shared lot amongst other businesses and the restrooms are bright and clean. There were two big parties to the left of us, with one table disputing the bill. That same table celebrated a birthday where they brought a dessert with a sparkler and a communal sombrero.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Birria Chimichangas (Los Favoritos).
    Birria Chimichangas (Los Favoritos).
    Amazing Quesso and Rajas Appetizer

    See all

    Amazing Quesso and Rajas Appetizer
    Casa Ramos Restaurant

    Casa Ramos Restaurant

    4.6
    (285 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    Honestly, I have no idea how this restaurant has nearly 5 stars…read more We arrived around 6 PM with a party of 6 adults and 3 toddlers, and we didn't receive our food until almost 8 PM. To make matters worse, one of our meals was completely forgotten. The service was extremely slow throughout the entire visit. Every time we needed something, whether it was a refill, an update, or assistance, the wait felt excessive. The restaurant may have potential because the food itself was flavorful, but it seemed like they were either understaffed or unprepared for the number of customers they had. Another disappointment was the drink selection. We were told they don't have a liquor license, so hard alcohol isn't available. Their sodas were canned, and when we asked for juice for the kids, they told us they were completely out. As for the atmosphere, the restaurant is on the smaller side and felt more like a converted house than a traditional restaurant, complete with a fireplace and television in the dining area. The food had good flavor, which is the only reason I'm giving more than one star. Unfortunately, the long wait times, missing meal, lack of drink options, and poor service made the overall experience disappointing.

    We recently relocated from Garden Grove to the Santa Ana/Fountain Valley area and have been on the…read morehunt for a Mexican restaurant to fill the void left by our beloved spot in Los Alamitos. Thanks to Restaurant Week, we stumbled upon this gem, and we are so grateful. The hospitality alone would earn five stars. But then came the food. The tacos? Absolutely exceptional. The steak was tender and flavorful in a way that reminded me of eating throughout Mexico, you could actually taste the meat. A light, gentle pickle of vegetables on top, minimal cheese, nothing heavy or greasy. These are not the American-style tacos drowning in a pound of melted cheese. These are the real thing. The beans were lovely, the rice was solid, and my passion fruit winearita drink was genuinely a treat. Restaurant Week gave us the perfect low-pressure reason to try somewhere new, and we walked out with a new favorite. We'll be back for lunch. We'll be back for dinner. And yes, Taco Tuesday, we'll absolutely be back for that.

    Photos
    Indoor seating
    Indoor seating
    Pork Belly Tacos
    Pork Belly Tacos
    Crispy chicken taco and beef enchilada

    See all

    Crispy chicken taco and beef enchilada
    Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen

    Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen

    4.3
    (4.3k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Catering service

    First time trying Sabroso since the remodel, and it has a nice vibe to it! Huge bar area and feels…read moremore modern. They also have a patio area as well. Food is just as delicious as before! Some recommendations is the carne asada nachos! The tortillas are super good, really enjoyed the garlic shrimp plate, and of course had to make tacos out of them with their delicious tortillas! The carne asada plate was good as well! They also have happy hour and specials!

    We had a party of 15. They were very accommodating with the seating. Service started out okay…read more Waiter was very informative about the food. He took our orders on his computer order system. But then he came back and said it didn't register so needed to redo some of our orders. He then told us his shift was ending and another girl would be taking over service of our tables. Then the food started coming out. Some plates we didn't even order. Some plates were extra plates of what we ordered. Tortillas came with the plates and I ordered corn tortillas, but they gave me flour. I asked for corn and returned the flour. The server said he has to charge me for it. I asked why? I didn't get what I ordered. I shouldn't have to pay extra for something I'm supposed to get, but didn't. He initially didn't understand, but finally got it. Food was good. One person's carne asada was burnt and tough, but others said what they ordered was good. Glass of wine was a bit skimpy for the price. Then the bill came. We triple checked the bill to make sure we weren't charged for anything we didn't order since there were so many plates that came out that we didn't order. Turned out a plate of chile verde was on the bill that we didn't order. Had our new server take it off the bill, but the automatic 18% gratuity didn't change. It was based off the original total because she took off the cost of the extra charge as a discount not a deleted item. The bill was finally cleared, but it should not have been so much work for us to make sure the bill was correct. In the end, consensus was the food was good, but the service was dysfunctional, between the multiple mis-orders and multiple requests for napkins, utensils, tortillas, and chips and the questions about the bill. Maybe okay for smaller groups or if you do go with a larger group, ask to do separate bills.

    Photos
    Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen
    Mar y Tierra Molcajetes
    Mar y Tierra Molcajetes
    We carry one of the best tequila, Fortaleza

    See all

    We carry one of the best tequila, Fortaleza
    Navarro's Taqueria

    Navarro's Taqueria

    4.3
    (574 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    I came here with my coworkers for lunch and so glad that we did. I'm disappointed that I have not…read morebeen here sooner! There is a decent size parking lot for Navarro's. It is next to a gas station. It looks like a pretty popular place during the lunch hour. It's a smaller place inside, but they do have an outdoor patio. We were able to find a small table, not too far from the front counter. Ordering at the front was easy. The staff was friendly and quick. We could see the cook grilling up the meats as we placed our order. There were at least five different salsas to choose from as well as cucumbers and a chili oil at the self-serve salsa bar. I noticed a customer in front of us ordered a kids plate which included two street tacos and rice and beans. That's what I ended up ordering with Carne Asada and chorizo. There were four or five proteins to choose from for the kids plate. I loved the grilled meats with the char flavor. It was delicious! Everything was well seasoned. I wish I would've ordered a third or maybe even a fourth taco because it was that good! I will definitely come back many times and it's going to be on our lunch rotation for sure.

    I ordered the BK breakfast burrito through Postmates since I was at work and really feeling a…read morebreakfast burrito. So I tried this out. I'm glad I did. The burrito was solid sized, I was definitely full after eating it. Great seasoned potato wedges inside, tasty egg, and plenty of bacon and sausage. Only thing with the bacon and sausage was that the bacon was actually bacon bits. I'm pretty sure they are pre bagged bacon bits, judging by the extreme salty taste...they overpowered the sausage inside so all I was really getting was bacon bits. There was supposed to be chipotle mayo inside as well, but I don't think mine had it. Or it was also overpowered by the bacon bits. Burrito was grilled on both sides and wrapped up nicely. By the time I got it, it was still super hot. The green and red salsas are also delicious.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Chicken Enchiladas
    Chicken Enchiladas
    Birria Combo A

    See all

    Birria Combo A

    Tito's La Especial - mexican - Updated July 2026

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