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    301 Cafe

    4.5 (205 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 10:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    301 Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    301 CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - 301 Cafe

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    Oppps there it is!
    Neil G.

    301 Café - A Hidden Mexican Gem in Old Town Placentia Tucked away in Old Town Placentia, 301 Café is one of those unassuming spots you'd probably walk past if you didn't know better--big mistake. This family-owned gem serves up some of the most authentic, mouthwatering Mexican food I've had in a long time. The place feels like one of those old time dinner, a jukebox, cubicles in the classic red stuffed vinyl seats but the place is clean, though it feels dated it makes you feel like you're in an old town neighborhood diner about to get served LOL ( good food) The service? Absolutely legit--warm, friendly, and authentic, with the owners and their kids running the show like pros. It feels like you're being welcomed into their home (but with way better salsa). Now let's talk burritos, because... wow. Their burrito asada is my personal obsession--loaded, flavorful, and smothered in homemade salsa and cheese that tastes like it came straight out of a family recipe book. The chicken mole? Honest-to-goodness, finger-licking perfection. Do not expect the nauseatingly sweet mole sauce - this is not one of those, this is more on the savory side. My fiancé and the kids can't get enough of their carnitas burrito, which is just as generous and satisfying. Bonus points: the beers are cheap, and the food is super affordable. Pro tip--double-check their hours (I don't think they're open Mondays). Bottom line: 301 Café is a total win. We've officially found a new go-to spot whenever we're on this side of town. Highly recommend!

    Menu as of 3/20/2026
    Ksg G.

    This place is a hidden gem You know how they say the whole in the wall places is good this place is awesome! Home cooked Mexican food... and fantastic prices! I always forget to take pictures! Next time!

    Interior space and Pacifico beer.
    Nancy I.

    Amazing food, made to order and with love. The same family has run this place for over 75 years and they are so happy to see customers. They have perfected the hot carrots (which they gift you for free when they deliver the chips & salsa). We used to go here in the late 80s and early 90s, and it still has the best crispy chicken taco in well, anywhere. If you are hungry the 301 special comes on two plates and has a little of everything. It is a bit dark, but has a very cool retro vibe with a vintage Juke box with some classic tunes and the same neon clock that has been by the door forever.

    Old school working juke box!

    The food here was amazing!! We were the first ones here and the service was amazing. The restaurant is truly pet friendly and was a great experience for my family and I. The chili relleno was 10/10 the best dish I had. The torta and enchiladas were a close second. This is a nostalgic restaurant that I will definitely be telling my friends to come try.

    Enchilada & taco plate
    Martin D.

    Tucked away in old town Placentia you'll find 301 cafe. Everything is made in house with authentic Mexican flavors. It feels like you're taken back in time with traditional style restaurant atmosphere, a jukebox and the prices. We ordered 4 entrees that totaled only $64. Extremely kind service.

    Karen G.

    Such an interesting place! The oldest restaurant in Placentia is how it's billed. The outside literally looks like nothing and when you walk in you see that it doesn't really have much atmosphere. There were cute little plastic pigs at every table, scary looking dolls behind the bar and an old-fashioned jukebox. It's very dark and was quite warm and stuffy. The waitress was a cute little older Hispanic lady who was the only waitress and although the place is not very big, there were plenty of people there so she was working hard. She was slow to come over to ask for our drink order and even slower to bring them to us but it was fine because she was very sweet and, again, she was the only waitress. She brought us some warm chips, salsa, and a very watery guacamole, type of dip. We were super impressed with the prices...so reasonable in this day and age! We both got the special; a taco, tostada, cheese enchilada, rice beans, and either a chili rellano or tamale. We both got the tamale and I have to say the food was delicious! The only thing I didn't care for was the rice, otherwise everything was great and the whole plate was only $14.00! Although the place doesn't have a lot of atmosphere and it's clearly old, the food and prices make up for it, and we will definitely be back!

    Brian A.

    Great service. The mom & pop feel of this restaurant is very relaxing. Food was amazing.

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    1 month ago

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    Best food. And great service. I would recommend this restaurant the best. They are very friendly.

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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Real good place . Food was great!! Service was excellent! Handmade tortillas was so delicious.

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Everything is good love there hard shell tacos and Enchiladas chicken and they play music service is good and the drinks are great yummy

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    4 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Best mexican food for the price in OC. Cold beer too! It's a throwback to the 1960's decor.

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    7 months ago

    The 301 speciel on the menu you should try. A little slow but worth it.vibe is good..

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The best little hole in the wall, their food is delicious. I would recommend this place to everyone. You will not be disappointed.

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - 301 Cafe

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    301 Cafe - mexican - Updated May 2026

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