Unfortunately the interior and decor, are old and out dated. Fortunately our waitress was a sweetheart, going out of her way to please us.Her service alone was five stars! Now the star of the 301 Cafe, is differently the ethnic Mexican dishes. The chili verda plate with rice and beans was excellent, also the tamales plate was like Christmas on a plate. Plus two beers our bill was under $30.00. Just another hidden gem of Placentia. . read more

I love this place cozy, great food an homey. Even covid compliant. Order to go or dine in. Been coming here for years.

Long before there was Pho 1 thru 98 , 99 Ranch, 118 degrees, Class 302, and Forever 21, There was Café 301. Its situated in the heart of Old Town Placentia. Its an old school, mom & pop family run Mexican joint, http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=DAQMQKOUlwVOQ2ThHB7iig A great hole in the wall place where you can get a great meal of Gringo-ish Mexican fare at a modest price. A piece of nostalgia, err should I say throwback to better days gone by. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=1XXyWP46SHZwmOQxmNR3Tw THE PLACE Elva and her husband run a great little spot. Don't be intimidated by the neighborhood. It was once very bad but things are now looking up. The store front still shows the bars and scars of this once rougher neighborhood. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=Bj1MpyMlzLgGRGRr3yGNQA Inside you'll find the restaurant that time forgot. Complete with leather tuck n roll upholstery, vintage wooden fridge full of beer and a manual cash register that works! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=JzKwr7hE3cF-PSoqTWne6g So as you get yer fanny parked into one of the real man-sized booths or belly up to the bar you will most certainly be greeted by Elva or one of her daughters. Her hubs runs the kitchen. They run a tight ship and make sure that every customer is happy. Think the love boat of Mexican food joints. And I don't think they have anything on the menu that goes north of ten bucks either so your wallet will thank you. THE FOOD I've tried a bunch of stuff at 301 and haven't found anything I didn't like. Disclaimer. This is not some fancy pants gourmet taco place or a street wise taqueria this some down home cookin'. A modest menu with lots of good stuff. For starters they bring you a basket(s) of fresh chips, some good green (mildish) salsa, a bowl of pickled carrots (delish carrots), onions and peppers and some bland guacamole. The Guac is the only thing I don't care for at 301. Get yourself a cold brew and your ready to begin. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=IWtbYHceRTc6FPuILErk1g Tacos, I've had shredded beef, and chicken hard tacos. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=uHCxWMItWGuwYIWxbj8oyA And for a buck and change you won't find better. The shredded beef is moist and tasty. The Chicken was chunky and had just enough spice to make it a winner as well. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=wxNJ7aGOm_WFMMOL1bSfow Wet chili verde burrito was another hit. The tender pork inside was great as its slow cooked flavors (cumin, pepper, garlic+?) oozed out with every bite. The sauce, beans and cheese made this a home run for me. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=ss1urg5-mxk1qhEWCnufCg So was this wet burrito http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=wQOlUdoevPXv9CwfkPqE4g Good stuff! Asada burrito was my sons fav http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=IbwYfH8RZLzY-xLlxzKj8Q while my little one loved the tasty chicken soup. I did too! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=sPFpB6zDkKf47FYl_6eipg Steak Picado had a nice blend of spice and serrano peppers was a big tasty meal. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=VNjYvDiax9b7AZwQLKbE_Q Chili relleno had this with other combo plate stuff http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=2Pb_Nmwn4hhvXkRuaiL8rw and solo but I like the way the mild enchilada sauce and the chili/cheese mix on my tongue. A Mexican hat dance for Roy's mouth! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=_tsJ2PSN6WRyVfJhXA0GYg can't get enough of those chili's http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/301-cafe-placentia?select=VzdmuEIhwmwdl0K53_NV_g You know I'll be back for some more of Elva's home cookin! read more

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301 Cafe is most aptly described as the restaurant that time forgot. Walking into this place (if you can figure out which door to walk through), you are transported back about 30-40 years. It is almost a surreal feeling, and seems to be something you would find off of Route 66. As I sat in the nougahide booths, I felt strangely like I was in a Quentin Tarantino film. Aside from the nostalgic feel, the prices here also seem like they were frozen during the 80s. This is definitely a place that you can see locals who have been coming here for decades. You wont find anything fancy, it is just simple home-cooked Mexican food at ridiculously low prices. You are immediately greeted with basket of hot tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa verde, and pickled jalapenos/carrots. Try the nachos, that come standard with their spicy chile verde made with chunks of beef that have the requisite tenderness when cooked all day. Their wet burritos are covered in cheese and then doused with their sauce, a bit more tomatoey than chile, but surprisingly good. I can see how people have become a fixture here. A place that serves decent food, beer, and great prices is destined to have many of its patrons become a fixture. I was amused that some of the regular customers would stop by our booth and ask how everything was, and made sure we were doing well. A place that has their own customers providing quality service speaks for itself. So if you miss your abuelita's home cooking, you can come here to get a reminder of the days of your youth. And if you never had an abuelita that cooked Mexican food like this when you were younger, well, now is your chance to find out what you had been missing out on. read more

301 Cafe - Chile verde nachos - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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One thing for sure... it reminds me of my grandmas cooking. . Location is a bit hidden You walk in and it is a bit dark inside but very cozy You can tell it's family owned. Ordered a wet burrito and some cheese enchiladas with rice and beans and they included some chips and salsa (that salsa was amazing!) The burrito was huge and the sauce was amazing. Rice and beans were perfect and the cheese enchiladas are hands down one of my favorites. I would recommend if you're looking for some homestyle Mexican food for a great price. I'm definitely going back read more

Chili verde & chili colorado wet burritos are my favorite foods on the planet. Been going for years, always as good as the first time.

We went to Old Town Placentia during the Tamale Festival and stumbled into this place and decided to come back for lunch. First, the place is very dated and looked like a '50's style restaurant/bar. The booths were all red vinyl and the bar also vinyl lined and all the decor was like stepping back in time. There was a juke box in one corner loaded with latino music. If I had one complaint was that it was little dark and the decor was a little tired and in need of updating. The food was OK but very typical. I had a Ruben Burrito and my wife had the Ruben Special which was a combo of taco, enchilada, tamale and salad. Very large portions but everything was draped with red sauce and melted cheese. The chips and salsa was very good and the chips were fresh. The service was good and our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. Parking was on the street and the restrooms were clean with paper towels and soap in supply read more

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Pleasant surprise !!! Food was great, left us full and satisfied!! Will definitely come back!!

Hole in the wall. Great chile verde and the beans are yummy. The owners are really nice and friendly.

Delicious food! Customer service is great! Family owned and very very friendly. Makes you feel like you are at home.

Ate here for the first time today. The building is freshly painted on the outside. The inside is very old fashioned. It was a quiet afternoon. The service was unhurried, but not slow by any means. Our waitress was adorable. She got everything correct. She had a very friendly and sweet spirit. The food was delicious. We had two wet burritos, one carne Asada and one carnitas. We shared a side of rice. The chips were crispy and the salsa had a kick. We also received an avocado dip with the chips which was so good. The prices were fair and the restaurant was clean. We will definitely be back. read more

Another restaurant I have been frequenting since I was a little girl. The owner Elva is a sweet lady! She still asks me to this day how my parents are!! Now since my parents have moved to Washington 5 years ago, I have not been in as much as I used to go! I LOVE their Carnitas!! I normally order my dad's special which is two Carnitas tacos with a side of their most delicious refried beans!! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/MNYYucxypHr17gdl7DT-Xg?select=edJYAm6H-agkkeKGAt100w#edJYAm6H-agkkeKGAt100w Look at that bad boy..LOADED!! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/MNYYucxypHr17gdl7DT-Xg?select=0P-SCxNl8fC74f7AN2MjBg#0P-SCxNl8fC74f7AN2MjBg I have a definite love affair with their Beans and Cheese! The best I have ever had!!! i have also been known to order their bean and cheese burrito WET. Their enchilada sauce is to die for..and they do not skip on the cheese! This is a tiny whole in the wall, mom and pop place!! Elva is always there and always the only one working the room! Service can be slow, but everything is made to order and authentic!! This is the best place for Mexican food in Old Town Placentia!! read more

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Like one of the reviews said. It doesn't look like much as you drive by or even when you walk in. I work in the area so I tried everything place around and I figure I try it. Didn't expect much ... BUT !! Let me tell you. Oh my goodness the BEST wet burrito ever and I'm not exaggerating I love to eat. So I tried many places and this family own business I assume was one of the best place I have ever ate at. As you eat inside , you hear nothing but compliments as people finish and on the way out. The best chicken enchiladas ever , and best this and that. A lot of flavor and just perfect. It's was so good that I'm currently as we speak waiting for my 7 wet burritos to go, For the family they just have to try them. It's a must. I Definitely recommend this place and did I mention they have a jukebox! Yup a working jukebox for your favorite music while you eat. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars ! Oh yeah and very affordable Can't compete. read more

I love this place so far. It looks like a jail from the outside and a bar in the inside. Probably explains the lack of customers. Oh and the parking is kind of weird also. That being said, the food is great and cheap. We take it to go. Love the family run atmosphere, with Mama cooking in the kitchen. Almost don't want to review it, love that it is not crowded, but they deserve the good review. read more

I love this place! This is a family owned business. I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone, it's awesome. The food is great too! One of my favorite places to eat in downtown Placentia! Staff is great! read more

The 301 Cafe has been open at this location since the 1940s and hasn't changed much. Great old school Mexican food at great prices.

Adorable cantina. Amazing service. Great prices. Delicious food. What more could you want? It's like a legit cantina that you'd find on some Mexican little town. read more

Great food and great service. Cozy little mom and pop shop. Home made mexican flavors. Great prices. I left full. Beans and rice were legit. The guac with the chips and pickled veggies was a nice touch. Be back for sure. Wish I lived closer. I'd be in there all the time. read more

This place is a hidden gem for sure! It's a little old and run down but the food is delicious! You get a little bowl of guac, salsa pickled carrots (homemade), salsa and chips. I got their combo plate that came with a taco, tostada, enchilada, tamale beans and rice..all for $10.50!!! I obviously can't eat all that, I was planning on taking what I couldn't eat for dinner ;) I'll be back! read more

When I lived in Orange, this was our most favorite Mexican restaurant to go to.. glad it's still there, food was amazing Been up in NorCal for 48 years and still remember the food.. read more

This place doesn't seem like much from outside but their food is amazing, the lady serving reminded me of my mom and her cooking, I would totally be coming back. Ordered their Chile verde plate with rice and beans, actually spicy which I love and their salsa was to die for. read more

Quite dark and comfortable with a menu, jukebox, and long bar. Buy a pitcher and relax. 100 steps from home. read more

301 Cafe - lol - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

One of the best meals I've had in my entire life. At first when we pulled up, we were skeptical but go go go! We both got the carne asada wet burrito. You won't regret it. Also, the price is truly amazing. I've spent double at Chipotle for something that doesn't even come close. read more

301 Cafe - Carne asada wet burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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

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

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

This place is cool! Its down the street from all the crowded mexican restuarants in the old barrio of placentia. When you walk in you get that surreal feeling that you've walked onto a movie set in east LA. The place is dark and vinyl.....awesome. if you judge by that alone you would think the food is not good but that's where one is proven wrong. The food here is as good as grandma made. The salsa is really hot, spicy and tasted muy bueno! I'm so use too bad tasting salsa that this was great start. Next in line, the refried beans. These were cooked to perfection, not runny or burnt. They stick onto your fork and dont drip off, the right texture. The prok burritos are on the smaller side but pack one hell of a punch!! At first bite your thinking yum yum then all of a sudden you get hit by the hot spice wave. its almost like the rolling shakes we get after an earthquake. once again this hot spice flavor in the burritos taste great. i was impressed that your not so overwhelmed by the heat that you cant enjoy the burrito. The enchiladas and tacos are good too but my fave was the burrito. i cant wait to come here again! read more

I love Mexican food. I love it so much that I wish I was Mexican, so that my mom could cook it for me everyday. Sadly, no one in the world is perfect. However, I do have a substitute Mexican mom, who cooks the BEST Mexican meals for me. Her name is Elva, and she's the owner of 301 Cafe. This place has AMAZING food at rock-bottom prices. I honestly don't know how they can afford to stay afloat, charging as little as they do. This is one of the oldest eateries in Placentia, and they have secured their status as "the best, little, hole-in-the-wall." However, they get lost in the shuffle, since most people never venture past El Farolito, when they visit our fine little city. Yes, the ambiance is much more bare than other places. However, this is due to the fact that they make most of their revenue off of "to-go" orders. The plus-side to that is that they are awesome about getting your take-out orders correct, and perfectly package them for you. I know plenty of local Mexican families who order take-out from here, when they don't feel like making dinner at home. Another advantage to eating here is that all their food comes with guacamole, pickled veggies, salsa, and chips for FREE! Most places will only give you the salsa and chips. The service here is great as well. The owner gives off a warm motherly vibe, so I rarely feel like I'm eating at a restaurant. But rather, like I've been invited over to a friend's house to eat. Many of us Placentia residents have been coming here our whole lives to eat. It's about time you did the same. You'll be surprised that this well-kept local secret evaded you for so long. read more

To the fellow Yelper that described the 301 Cafe as the place time forgot, right on brother! I first stepped foot in the 301 in the mid70s, first brought there by a local and fellow classmate at CSU Fullerton. It is definitely a relic from the past that still serves up delicious and hefty portions of basic Mexican food. Of course it is a bar...I would say a small bar and restaurant. Also still the same nice people serving and cooking. While in the hood, places in downtown area have also enjoyed a diverse clientele including local Raza, college students and others including many white brothers and sisters. I visited recently after a 10 plus year absence and it was like coming back home. My fav are the huevos rancheros with chile verde which include beans and fries smothered in melted cheese. Unhealthy as hell but oh so delicious. Fancy it is not...but welcoming to all and hardy food, add the nostalgia factor and it makes the 301 a cool place. read more

5/5 salsa packets awarded to this unassuming dive along a lonely Orange County strip. The Chile Colorado burrito can't be beat. Many delicious options under $5. A definite win. read more

301 Cafe - 5/5 salsa packets awarded to this wet Chile Colorado burrito. Really can't be beat. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

it's my favorite mexican spot-not the fanciest but certainly the best dive around. I've been coming here for 30 years. Great carnitas, hot meat burritos & carne asada. And you can't beat the guacamole & salsa with the chips. Service can be slow sometimes but it's only Elva-the owner-so be patient. It's the best kept secret in Placentia ! read more

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

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

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

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