301 Cafe is the oldest operating restaurant in Old Town Placentia. It is an the west end of Old Town on Santf Fe Ave. Thus, its address is 301 W Santa Fe Ave. I first heard about 301 Cafe from my Friend Jerry Morris' late wife Robin. So, I had to look specifically for it, because it did not have the large banner declaring the 301 Cafe's lost history in Old Town. My previous review mentioned my food preferences, and a warning about the unassuming looking plate of veggies that are pickled any really deliver in the Scovill hotness scale. If you like hot and spicy, then make certain to eat all your veggies. As I mentioned previously, to top off your excellent and spicy meal here, go across the street to Mi Casita and get a dessert such as the loaded Chuorro or the Fried Ice Cream and augment it with a Mexican Coke with real cane sugar, not that unhealthy HFCS junk. read more

301 Café is a small, unassuming establishment located on the corner of Melrose & Santa Fe in Old Town Placentia. Seriously, if you weren't specifically looking for it, you'd probably miss it. That aside, the reviews here on Yelp drew me in. As others have mentioned, stepping thru the door is like stepping back in time. While everything is well maintained and clean, it all seem to be original ~ from the seating to the decor and right down to the floor. Since I was solo, I placed and order for pick up. My order was ready as promised when I arrived and the workers greeted me warmly and gathered my order for me. I chose the 301 House Special Combo, which comes with a tostada, a taco, a cheese enchilada, a chile relleno AND rice & beans...all for just under $16 after tax! Deal of the year!! The lady was very sweet and also added a bag of chips and salsa verde. There was SO much food! I had the relleno and the enchilada when I got home. Made with love, the authenticity shined thru! The salsa verde gives it a nice taste boost! I sampled the rice & beans and those were tasty and authentic as well. I'm saving the taco & tostada and most of the rice & beans for my daughter. All in all, it was a great experience and I'm looking forward to coming back to try some other things on their menu. read more

301 Cafe - 301Combo Special - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

I came back twice in one month time. Either I like the food or want to support the aging couple that owns this place! One thing that I find interesting is walking into 301 Café feels like stepping back in time--in a good old fashioned way. This place is decorated (intentionally and just nature of being an established place) with old-school stuff, from the vintage décor to outdated booths that instantly makes you feel like coming back to your childhood home. There's old jukebox, mental cash registers and old school frig (that is build inside a cabinet) is pretty neat! The food is good--not extraordinary, but definitely worth eating. You can taste the love and history in every bite. These are true family recipes--comforting, flavorful, and clearly cooked with care and served with heart. The waitress/server is the matriarch of the family business. They don't have menudo and Jamaica drink. :(( We ordered the usual - taco enchiladas combo, chili renello and taquitos -- all served with a spicy salsa and not so good guacamole. Several of our entrees came in old metal plates! Overall, a place where locals linger over soda, and visitors come back just to soak up the homey vibes. 301 Café isn't just a restaurant--it's a piece of the community. I can tell a lot of patrons are returning customers. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

301 Cafe - Interior space and Pacifico beer. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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

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. read more

301 Cafe - Old school working juke box! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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. read more

301 Cafe - Enchilada & taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Nice and dark with a good jukebox. The jukebox has oldies and Mexican music. The food is inexpensive and great for the price. I liked my enchiladas. read more

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! read more

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

301 Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Home cooking family restaurant. Friendly service somewhat on the slow side 60's vibe homey interior with great jukebox. read more

This is the first time we have been here and we will be coming back. The staff was very welcoming, service was amazing not to mention the food. Wow, the food was so delicious! Very comfortable inside. Wish we would have found this place a long time ago!! read more

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

Best mexican food in the area my dad has been bringing me their food since I was a little girl. The owners are so sweet and welcoming and always give me extra salsa. 10/10 recommend. The ambiance reminds me of childhood. read more

301 Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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

The food is delicious. The host is delicious. The real deal is the 301 special! You get a taco, tostada, chile relleno with rice and beans for $14. My family loved it too! read more

This place is SO GOOD!! As old school as it gets, but perfect. The food is great! The owners are so nice. I hope it stays in business forever. The beans, rice, salsa, enchiladas and hard shell tacos are my fave!! read more

This place amazing. I'm gonna start off with the chips and guacamole just delicious !! I order the chile verde burrito let me just say one of thee best burritos I've had. My wifey order the carne asada nacho and we're just as good. The servers are super sweet. It's like walking into grandma kitchen with all your tias. Will be back to try out the rest of the menu. It's a small old style cafe. Love the little vibes read more

OMG!! The food here is definitely authentic and so so delicious. We had a chile verde burrito and carne asada nachos. Man oh man.. talk about good. Will definitely be coming back to try some of the other food. Service was great! 5 Stars hands down all the way around. Hidden gem! read more

Always have great, authentic Mexican dishes. Maybe a little slow when busy, but well worth it. The prices are good too. Love the enchiladas and the taquitos! read more

homestyle comfort food i ordered a chili verde wet burrito to go. delish ambiance and service were very chill, i went at about 5:15pm on a weekday read more

Food 3.5 out of 5 Service 2.1 out of 5 Ambiance 2.7 out of 5 booths can be awkward to sit and while trying to lean forward. This place like every other place in old town, have their niche. This place lacks service but they have some of the cheapest prices, if not the cheapest priced meals. 2 combos with 2 drinks will run you about $30 where you'll be lucky to get out of Q Tortas for that price because you won't! read more

Pop in to 301 Cafe when you want some delicious food that is served in a way that makes you remember your abuela bringing food to la familia. Their food is delicious and inexpensive. Understand that it is not a fast food experience though so visit when you aren't in a hurry. Relax and enjoy. They offer chips, salsa, creamy avocado sauce, and delicious pickled carrots, onions, & jalapeños upon sitting down. Their 301 special is HUGE yet somehow still remarkably inexpensive- you will take home leftovers if you order it! The tacos, Chiles rellanos, tamales, and carnitas are quite tasty. read more

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

Cheap good food. Old school hasn't changed in 50 years. I think our combo plate was $9.99 can't beat the price. Total mom and pop restaurant, which is a novelty. I loved the marinated carrots they served beforehand. read more

The food is amazing. The service is great although they could probably use some extra hands occasionally, because they do get pretty busy at times. No one can beat their prices either!!! They've also got this cool vintage jukebox that plays all the jams that go perfectly with a good meal. I highly recommend 301 Café to anyone looking for authentic Mexican food. My faves are the chili relleno and the shredded beef hardshell tacos. Their rice & beams are bomb too!!! My best friend loves their chile verde plate. Go see & taste for yourself, you won't be disappointed.!!! read more

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

If you want a home cooked meal this is the place. It's owners are the cooks and servers so you have to be patient with your service. They offer you chips, salsa, jalapeños and guacamole. The lemons a is freshly made and the food is amazing. Wet burritos omg, taquitos omg, tortas omg everything is amazing you'll go back weekly just like we do The atmosphere is calm and you feel it. read more

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This an old school Mexican food place. The menu prices seem to be stuck in the 90s. Great value for what you get with large portions. Is it out of this world? No, but you won't be disappointed. The staff is friendly and service can be slow, but it's a little old lady which just adds to the ambiance. read more

Great family owned restaurant. Food was spicy. Wife couldn't handle the salsa, I loved it. Very clean. Great recipes. A hidden treasure. read more

They have great selections on their menu. Food is made fresh to order. Their shredded beef taco was amazing. The 301 Special comes with a lot of food. Chile verde was delicious. Amazing customer service. Highly recommended! read more

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Once again I came to 301 for Few Sopes de Asada. Yummy so good with the commentary green salsa w/chips. I'll be back for more. read more

301 Cafe - Sope de asada with chip & green house salsa. Perfect - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Great prices, service, and ambiance. Free chips, salsa, guac, and pickled carrots. Will be back!! read more

301 Cafe - the interior of a diner with neon lights - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

We're here often, and never disappointed. Elva and staff cook for you as if your family. The beer is cold, and the food is hot and full of flavor!! read more

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This place is definitely a hole in the wall. Orange County is known for having amazing Mexican food but for some reason many places I visit, I don't enjoy it very much. Until I walked into 301 Cafe this evening... best Mexican food I've ever had. And I have had So. Much. Mexican. Food. The building is low-key on the outside and it doesn't particularly stand out which makes it seem even more special in my opinion! The inside is clean and the ambiance pays homage to Hispanic culture with the color scheme and decor. And the food... wow. I ordered a wet burrito with shredded beef and it *literally* blew my mind. It was fantastic. The beef was flavorful and cooked to perfection (normally I find that many Mexican restaurants overcook and under-season their beef). The enchilada sauce was truly to die for - best I've ever had. Everything about the dish was amazing. Lastly, not that this is at the top of some folks' priority list, but it was so inexpensive! I got the whole burrito (with added sour cream and Pico inside) and a side of chips and salsa (it came with that, no charge) for a little over $8! What a steal! Will definitely be making this place my new spot. read more

301 Cafe - Wet Burrito with Shredded Beef - taken to-go - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

When in Placentia, you would not regret it if you steered yourself to this little hole in the wall. The neighborhood is not so great, the building looks old and tattered, the interior is in dire need of a face lift, but our food was honest to gosh homestyle and tasty. The best of our choices were the tacos, one carnitas and one shredded beef, one was a soft taco, the other crispy respectively. And they were loaded with filling. The chile relleno was done well, made using a pasilla chile with lots of cheese, but I did have issues with the ranchero sauce not tasting completely homemade. I tasted a canned sauce that had been upgraded with mild green chile and onion. I would commit to the green sauce next time. We asked for a taste of their chile verde sauce, and they kindly shared not only sauce, but also some meat. It was bright and wonderful. I would be back for that. The guacamole was not my favorite. I am a purist, love Hass avocados, and lumpiness. This was just way over processed and not Hass which translates to too bland to suit my taste. The server has worked there for well over two decades. Loyalty of staff impresses. She was great and very friendly. And ironically, a friend of mine who lived in Placentia some 50 years ago, knew of the place and the original owner quite well, including a rather lurid past. But that is ancient history and they are now a respectable cafe. read more

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

This is a go to place for some home cooked, classic Mexican food for a very fair and reasonable price. The place is a classic "don't judge a book by its cover". Being family owned and operated, the speed of service is slower, but worth the wait. Complimentary chips, salsa, and guacamole! Chile verde is a must try but be warned it picks some heat. My favorite part, which may seem odd, is the fact that they hand write your order, with the costs. Then manually tally the total with taxes. Being a millennial who has had to grow in such a fast paced, instant generation; it's relaxing to enjoy a meal with the slower pace and true family heart behind it. read more