Chelas is a local Mexican Restaurant near Gallery Row in North Laguna beach, offering delicious…read moreMexican fare with a smile at a reasonable price.
I ordered for my takeout the La Calle Taco Kit ($80), which included 2 pounds of meat (half steak, half chicken), cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, onions, rice, 2 dozen tortillas, and limes. Bangers all around. The chicken was superbly spiced and tender, the beans soft and well spiced, the tortillas hot and fresh.
Of the lineup, the strongest contender was the guacamole, which had the perfect mix of cilantro, lime, and creamy avocado, one of the best guacamoles I've ever had. I found the steak a little weak, being more beef shavings which were a little tough. Everything came together well to feed our group of five with plenty for leftovers the following day.
Service was friendly and very, very fast. When calling in our order I was quoted 12 minutes. For such a large order during the dinner rush, this is commendable. Service was effusive and friendly, tailoring the order to our liking (half and half meat, half and half tortillas, the mildest of mild salsas, etc). Price, above, was very reasonable for the quantity of food in an expensive area.
I went in with modest expectations but left quite impressed. Te felicito, Chelas! You have my highest recommendation for anyone looking for quality Mexican in Laguna at a fair price.
Food: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4.5:5