My family can't get enough of this place. Elva is delightful and she and her husband make real home style food. . read more

301 Cafe - They have gift certificates too - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

By far the best Mexican food in North OC. The 50's/60's vintage restaurant reminds me of my Grandmas house, and it is owned by an nice lady and her husband. They do all of the work on their own. They've been in business 75 years and it shows. The building is old, sure, but the cooking is tried and true homestyle Mexican food that you can't get at any other place around here. Don't be turned off by the lack of a big fancy sign or the old school wooden door. The place doesn't look inviting, but inside it feels like you're visiting family. It pains me to see a place like Pepe's doing so well, while less than a mile away is this diamond in the rough. Great vintage atmosphere, great service (but don't expect "fast" food!), a wonderful small family owned business. Most importantly: amazing Mexican food. read more

Ordered 2 dozen tamales for Christmas; green chili cheese and spicy pork. Both were very good and I particularly enjoyed the cheese tamales. One of the best I've had. Staff was friendly and accommodating. read more

A trip back in time both visually and price wise. This place ROCKS!!!! The BEST Chile Relleno I have ever had. Nothing disappoints here.

I've been waiting my whole life to give the 301 Cafe 5 Stars on YELP. This Mexican food is simply the best. In fact, Elva's burrito mix cheese and sauce hot is probably part of the reason why I am on this planet. Ever since that faithful day I've been going to the 301. When I was a baby, Elva used to carry me around her restaurant. Now that I'm all grown-up, almost 30 years later, I just want to carry her around the joint. Chips and salsa: When you set down, you get chips, salsa, guacamole, and spicy pickled onions, carrots, and jalapenos. The salsa, guacamole, and pickled veggies are homemade, spicy, and just fantastic. Too many Mexican places are using canned salsas now. They're not even spicy. What's the world coming to? Quesadilla: its two tortillas with stuffing, not that one folded in half guedo thing. Get it with everything. Carnitas: I'm pretty sure that every time someone orders a carnitas burrito or carnitas plate; Elva goes and chops up a little cilantro, onion, jalapeno, garlic, and tomato for the pico--it's that fresh. The meat is thick, lean, and flavorful. Generous: everything is super cheesy, super meaty and super spicy (if you ask for it that way). Gracious: Elva is very friendly and hospitable. The Check: OMG, she should charge more. Tip well! read more

Goodnes ! Best place I've decided to take my man too the tacos the salsa the food was great friendly place feels like grandmas house I loves it read more

I really like this hole in the wall spot...very cozy and athenic Mexican food!! It's like grandma's kitchen!! I will be back very often...cheap prices on food and ice cold beer read more

This has been a destination for family and friends spanning 40+ years. It is family owned and operated. Food is consistent everytime we go. There can be a wait but that's normal. The carnitas plate is a favorite. read more

I discovered this place in 1964 when I worked at Autonetics, best Mexican food I ever ate. Aiymar read more

Tried this place for the first time last night and omg yum! I ordered a Chile Verde burrito and let me tell you it was so big and tasty. I couldn't even finish it there. Definitely a hidden gem. Oh and the prices were fantastic I think two of us got two full meals and sodas for $20. read more

love this place! the food is authentic like actually authentic. they sometimes have music on this old music thing. the whole place is very nice, a super hole in the wall. they serve beer!! and prices are GREAT. it's a super chill mellow place and this is why i will continue to drive 35 minutes for their carne asada quesadilla and beer. everything else is good. recommend the enchiladas and burritos!! read more

This place is an old school mom and pop that everyone that loves real Mexican food should support. You ain't gonna find no fancy decor and Americanized Mexican food like El Torito or On the Border here. If you're looking for that keep on driving. But if you want traditional homemade cooking better find a parking space on the street. Honestly I like 301 better than El Farolito. Not taking ish on El Farolito cuz their good too, just not as good IMO. Prices are great and portions are just right. Service is laid back so you can enjoy your food and conversation. This ain't not Taco Bell you know? Take your money, eat your food and out you go, don't let the door hit you on the way out. The owners are super nice and humble people. read more

Best best best Mexican food I have ever had!!! The owner is so sweet and attentive. Always servicing up great food and service! Love that they give you delicious made hand salsa, guacamole and Escabeche on arrival. Oh and did I mention how cheap everything is?! Come support local small business and eat at 301 Cafe! You won't be disappointed! read more

Great food,not expensive all the food made like my mom used to make.Delicious!!!!!! Brought my family with me and they loved it.Alma is the best@!!! read more

The hubby has been wanting to try this place forever. Finally waltzed in last night. Very old-school inside. Nice mom & pop place. The food was very good. There was salsa and chips(of course) to start AND marnated carrots and jalapeno's, and guacamole. Everything was delish, but the guac needed a bit of salt. Our youngest ate all of the guac herself. There was plenty of food when dinner arrived. Hubs got the wet carne asada burrito(it was HUGE), I had the chilie verde plate. Super good. Oldest girl and middle girl both had the carnitas plate (very moist and tender), youngest girl had the taquito's and a side of rice and beans. The bill with tip was just under 80.00.(25% tip, too) Very good food. VERY affordable! read more

Absolutely love this place. I've lived in placentia for so long and I regret Not finding this lil gem sooner. I love the owner, I always get the best service. Everything on menu is great, and cooked to perfection. Always consistent, with the exception of the salsa, sometimes a little extra spicy. Did I mention EVERYTHING on the menu is amazing! It reminds me of eating at my grandmas growing up. Food is never too greasy, I could go on and on. Just LOVE this spot. read more

Really good food and prices are cheap. Atmosphere looks like it could be out of a Tarantino movie; It's old, but in a good way. Just the owner and the cook with about 7 tables when I went on a Tuesday night. Food came out quick, but I would not expect to get in and out. Relax, and have a pitcher of Bud Light ($7.25), and snack on the homemade thin tortilla chips, two tasty salsas, and medley of pickled carrots and onions. My Chile Colorado burrito was really good and less than 4 bucks. Trying the Chile Verde something next time... It's supposed to be spicy! read more

There is nothing that I could ever say about this place. I went there when I was a kid growing up in Placentia, and it is still just as dive he and amazing! Celebrating over 75 years, 301 he is as good as it gets! Authentic Mexican food treasure! read more

301 Cafe - Chips, salsa, carrots, onions, peppers. Just for starters! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Two thumbs up and a Toe. Food was excellent and service is better than fantastic. Just amazing

My husband and I have been going to 301 for over 15 years now. This place is hands down the best mexican food we've ever had. The starters (salsa, chips, guacamole, pickled carrots) are always wonderful. They are homemade and if they served nothing else, we'd still go there just for this. We don't roam around the menu much. Like most of the regular patrons, we have our own favorites. You can't go wrong with the enchiladas or the tamales, and the steak entrees are always great. A lot has been said about Elva in previous reviews, and I think she is what really makes this place special. She is so attentive and friendly, and does everything to make you feel welcome. Yeah its sometimes busy, but this is a place you go to to unwind and just relax and enjoy. The food is always worth the wait anyway. Think of 301 as the "Cheers" of old town Placentia. As to price, I have never found any place to beat it. Great food, great value, great atmosphere, great people!!! read more

Been by this place hundreds of times. Figured it was a dive bar because it has only two windows in the front. Not many signs and can barely read the neon "open" sign. It is a wonderfully kept secret of homemade Mexican food. Simple, comfort food. No trendy or fancy foods here. But, they have wonderful food. The wet burrito (shredded beef) was split my myself and the hubby. Yum!! A perfect amount of sauce and cheese. The burrito was huge! Sodas are canned, but served with ice. We are coming back to try out each dish!! read more

Mom & Pop family restaurant. Had the cheese enchiladas, rice and beans, excellent. We will definetly be back.

301 Cafe has been there for years. I have been eating there for years. I remember going there when I was 10 years old. We would go there when visiting our grandpa who lived in Placita. I go there now myself, for Mexican delicious food. Please there chile, and the enchiladas are the bomb. read more

I'm afraid I don't get all the 5 star reviews, and 4 is marginal in my book. I have eaten in Mexican Restaurants in my life I would definitely give a 5 to (none in Placentia) and the food at the 301 Cafe doesn't come close. That said it has a number of pluses including history in the community, family run, and yes, the coldest beer in miles. Jukebox is fun as well. I'll give it another try as I want to try the Tacos and Sopes. Will update if another star is warranted. read more

What an amazing find in Placentia! $2 draft beer... chips, salsa AND guacamole before your meal.... who does that??? Our total bill was $33 for 3 meals, 2 beers and 2 sodas and I took home enough leftovers for at least 2 more meals. Hion L.'s review on 7/16/13 was spot on when he said "Aside from the nostalgic feel, the prices here also seem like they were frozen during the 80s." The food was authentic and the beans and rice were AMAZING!! Service was really quick and given with a heartfelt smile.. 301 is hands down better than El Farolito, in every way! Thanks, Yelp, I would have never found this place without you. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. read more

One star because it's the lowest you can go. The place has great service, if you're Mexican. Sat here for over an hour and still didn't get food but every Mexican family around us did. I am not being racist, I'm telling the truth. We were treated noticeably different than everyone else simply because we were 2 young white girls. Our drinks or chips weren't refilled but once, and only because I asked. Very dissappointed. Wouldn't recommend if you're white. read more

I drove from carson ca just to try the food that was recommended to me....I had the chicken enchiladas with rice and beans plus guacamole on the side and it was delicioso.cant wait to go back soon. read more

Definetly love the food better than Farolito! Love the old school atmosphere also. We went last week and it was the best Mexican I've had in a while! read more

It's my first time here. I saw the great reviews and wanted to try the place out. So I felt the reviews were all lies. Very slow service and the food wasn't even that great. We waited over 40 minutes to get our food. The water even tasted disgusting so I order a Fanta instead. We were constantly waiting for everything...our paycheck, a to go box, our chips and salsa, etc. It shouldn't take this long every time we ask for something. The only thing I like about the place is the atmosphere. It has this vintage feel to it. However, when the jukebox finishes playing its song, everything goes quiet. *crickets* read more

I have been coming here with my brother and uncle John since I was a kid... The mole or the hard shell tacos are pretty tasty authentic Mexican food is what you can expect from this place!! 5 stars for sure read more

This is a simply outstanding establishment, despite its out of the way location. I started coming here for lunch 25 years ago when I worked down the street. The beans alone are worth visiting this place for. That said, just about everything on the menu is good: enchildas, rellenos, tacos, carnitas. This is an old fashioned down home Mexican restaurant. Good service, and a decent selection of beer and wine are served. It's a great lunch place, but more of a beer bar in the evening. read more

I just signed up on yelp as i am compelled to share just how good my experience was tonight. I had one tamale, one canitas soft taco, and one asada soft taco. These are my typical qualifiers for any mexican restaurant that I try. I am on a business trip. I just knew this was going to special and by the end of my meal I can say this is at least in my top tree mexican meals i have ever had. Make the effort to get to this joint. I would have happily paid triple for this meal. Do not miss the tamale, oh my. Thx to these people again if they happen to read this. Great stuff! read more

Go-go-go to this terrific hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant! The food is very authentic to "real Mexico", not a pretentious atom in the joint, owner/server Elva is a sweetheart and her husband rocks the little kitchen. I've been eating here (mostly lunch on business days) for 30 years and it has been a consistently wonderful experience. I usually get the combination plate of a crispy beef taco and cheese enchilada (no imagination, I know) with rice and beans. Others mentioned the salsa, guacamole and pickled carrots, jalapenos and onions with complimentary chips. GREAT STUFF. GO TODAY...you will NOT regret it. Why in the world Farolito's is busier than 301 is beyond me! People are like sheep sometimes, I guess. read more

I have been going to this place for about 35 years., I grew up on the border of Fullerton about a mile away. We used to ride our bike over there. when I went to Cal State Fullerton one of our history teachers used to hold a class, optional of course. the food is memorable. The atmosphere is the same as it was a long time ago. and the prices aren't different, maybe I'm just getting old, but I still love this place. With a prolific proliferation of Mexican, so called Mexican restaurants around, this is the real deal. read more

Not super good, just ok. Service is super super slow and it's a trip back to the '70s. Farolito is wayyyy better and it's just around the corner. Sorry 301! read more

Hands down THEE MOST AUTHENTIC homemade Mexi in town!!! The chili verde is off the charts! The prices are fantastic & it's like you're in grandmas kitchen! I could eat there EVERYDAY! read more

I checked this place out on a weekday and there was nobody in here. We sat down and this lady brought us chips and salsa which were good. The food was meh. I don't know what the hype is here my torta was dry and stingy on the fillings. The owners of this place are nice but I gotta be honest, the food quality is not there. read more

Stopped by with our Neighbors who grew up in the area, my Bride and I have been wang to try this place for some time and we finally made it! don't judge a book by its cover, this place is great,the service is good, as with other reviews yes u might have to wait a short while for food but it is well worth the wait, Chili Verde is great! Beer is Cold and they have a great Juke box with plenty of music to satisfy all!!!! read more

Fantastic food.... exactly what you want in authentic Mexican food. Service wasnt too slow but it is just the owner waiting tables. Well worth the wait. Great prices as well. read more

OMG I can't move I'm so full. It's like coming home for moms cooking. If you want fast go to Taco Bell. But if you want food that's made and served with love then this is the place. Don't plan anything after you eat here though except a nap. Everything is nostalgic including the prices. Love it Love it Love it read more