Good ol Mexican food. Tastes like a home cooked meal from my boyfriends abuelita! Also, you can't beat free guacamole, hot pickled carrots and green salsa! Chips weren't bad either! My bf and I were trying to find the 57 freeway, and just happened to turn down this street, and low and behold, there was old Downtown Placentia. At least I think it was. It was like stepping back in time. There were houses in between businesses, people watering their yards, and this little gem on the corner! We were on our way to another Mexican joint to grab some quick burritos, saw 301 Cafe, so unassuming there on the corner, and looked at each other knowingly--ADVENTURE TIME!! It was well worth it. He got the chile relleno dinner and I got the cheese enchiladas, both were combos. I usually don't eat my rice, but 301's rice was delish! Great helpings of everything. They even have pitchers of Bud for $6. I usually pay more than that for a whole entire beer. (I don't usually drink Bud, and actually had water, but the bf got a "cup of beer" for like under $2 I think?! Unreal!) The best part about this place is the majority of the light comes from the jukebox and the neon beer signs. There are a couple of hanging lamps behind the bar (that has a little roof over it--I love indoor roofs), but they are pretty dim. The overall feel is dark and cozy. Love it. Will definitely be back! read more

Loved coming here on a Saturday night. It is not overly crowded the way el farolito is down the street and there was no wait for a table. The service is great and pitchers of bud light are only $9! I loved my ground beef hard taco and chili verde. The food was delicious and everything is well priced. The venue is obviously older looking but it's kept clean and food is great. read more

Great authentic Mexican food. We ordered the carnitas plate and the Chile verde plate. Both were delicious. The Chile verde had just the right amount of spiciness and the rice and beans were very good. The carnitas were the best, moist and flavorful ! Don't let the interior of this place deter you from eating here. Definitely an old school vibe with a very nice couple doing the cooking and serving. You can't beat the price either. Definitely coming back for more. read more

All the reviews about this place are accurate. The decor that time forgot, sharing a see-saw booth back with your neighbors, a one woman operation on weekdays, etc. But the food is worth it. This might be my new best chile relleno in OC. The salsa that they give you when you sit down isn't too good on chips but is heaven on food or your rice. My only complaint is that the guacamole is not what I prefer. read more

The rice and beans were how my mom used to make them. Although my mom did not know how to make chicken me, the mole here was jammin'! It wasn't spicy, and it wasn't too mild. I will be coming back here again! read more

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I have been eating there since I was a kid. Of course it was my Aunt Mage's place and my mom was a cook there at one time. Same menu, same great inexpensive food. A must try. The Chile Verde is to die for.! read more

301 Cafe - Place is just how I remember it. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

I've never been here before until today, matter of fact I didn't even know this place was even here. I have to say this place was great!! the friendly waitress was amazing, she brought us right a way chips and salsa, creamy guacamole, some pickle carrots with onions jalapeno, chips (no refills on the chips it will be extra) no refills on soda , but water drinks do have refills. I had the burrito with carne asada and it comes with onions beans rice and onions, cilantro. read more

301 Cafe - Salsa, chips pickle carrot, onions and jalapeno and a side of guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Perhaps because the windows are opaque or maybe because it looks like a bar from the outside, this is restaurant is never full. It is actually a very nice restaurant in old town Placentia. It has been there since forever and many years ago federal agents from Santa Ana used to go there for authentic Mexican food at lunch time. When you sit down they bring you a small bowl of salsa, one of whole jalapenos and hot carrots, and a small bowl of guacamole with chips. Who else does that? The service is good and friendly and the food is really good too. I have never been disappointed in what I have ordered there. The furnishings don't appear to have changed since the 1960s but are in good shape and contribute to the retro feel. I recommend this place and plan to go back very soon again. read more

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

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 this place the burritos are amazing. The owner is so nice and very friendly. I live in Anaheim and it's worth the drive.

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

This place is a family business that's been run for 60 years. I was disappointed though as the food was salty.

Note: I was not able to evaluate the food because I was never served. This review is simply of the service and decor. I heard a lot of good things about this restaurant so my parents and I took my husband here for his birthday. There was a tamale festival going on so downtown Placentia was insanely crowded. We thought that since this place is at the end of downtown, it might not be busy. We were wrong. We walked in a no one greeted us. There was no where to put our name down to be seated and we didn't see any employees nearby to ask. About 75% of the tables were full with guests, the rest were empty and waiting to be cleaned. We waited for about 10 min trying to find someone to direct us to a seat and finally a nice woman took us to a booth (however the table was dirty and still had the previous guests' food on it). We were not provided a menu so my dad went and found one. No one came by to take our drink orders so we got a round of beer at the bar. Still, no one came to our table. We gradually start to see people leave without being served. The table next to us had been waiting for 2 hours for their food and eventually they left too. We figured there was no hope for us. We spent about 40 min at our table without seeing a server so we also left. We were very disappointed that we didn't get to try the food, although I was a little hesitant because the place looked very run down and outdated (think old dive bar with uncomfortable booth seating). I understand that the restaurant was busy but they should have better prepared and brought in more staff in anticipation of a crowd at a tamale festival. They at least could have told patrons they were at capacity and not have to put us through waiting for nothing. I'll just stick with El Farlito if i'm in downtown. read more

Best authentic Mexican food around. Food is legit and you won't find better prices anywhere especially for the amount of food you get

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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