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    Balvina's Mexican Kitchen

    4.4 (398 reviews)

    Order Balvina's Mexican Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

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    BALVINA'S MEXICAN KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Chile Relleno
    Allison D.

    Que rico Balvina's! Support local business. This place was delicious, we also had the queso fundido and guacamole. Parking is easy, staff is friendly. Would return again!

    Chicken enchiladas and chicken with their special mole sauce, so yummy!
    Danielle K.

    Absolutely loved our experience at Balvina's Mexican Kitchen in Laguna Hills! The food had great flavor and was beautifully plated -- you can tell they put a lot of love into every dish. The service was excellent and our food came out quickly, which made the whole experience even better. I love that they have an indoor and outdoor seating option, they have string lights for night time in both seating areas..such a vibe! My boyfriend said it was the best Mexican food he's had in a long time -- and I have to agree! The fresh, in-house tortillas were a standout, and the guacamole was so fresh, clean-tasting, and perfectly paired with their crispy chips. We couldn't stop eating it. We'll definitely be back. Highly recommend if you're craving authentic, high-quality Mexican food in a cool, welcoming spot!

    Chilaquiles, Bloody Mary, michelada

    Incredible chilaquiles, really nice server, and good music We like sitting out on the patio, but inside is just as nice.

    Steak & Chillaquiles
    David G.

    This was my first time going to this hidden gem in Lake Forest for breakfast and the food was exceptional. I got the steak and chillaquiles (although a little pricey) was so good. The sauce was on point and reminded me of how my mother makes them and the steak was seasoned perfectly. In addition to good food, the service was quick and attentive. I recommend checking this place out for breakfast!

    Delicious oatmeal cakes with salmon, poached eggs and coriander sauce.

    This is an upscale Mexican restaurant. The quality of food, the ingredients and also the culinary flavors of each dish is very unique. Excellent for those who like authentic Mexican food, and also who likes gourmet flavors . Service is always great and very friendly.

    Pork tacos combination
    Julie N.

    Had a great time here at this friendly and casual restaurant in Laguna Hills. Here's what we ordered: Pork tacos combination: Very good Vegetable enchiladas combination: Very good Chicken enchiladas combination: Very good Balvina's combination: Steak quality is not prime grade, but tasty. Everything else was very good. Churros: The pictures shows an order of 4 chocolate filled churros and it was fantastic. Do let the staff know if you have a nut allergy. Their mole in the Balvina's combination did contain nuts. Quality food and great service here, so we'll be back

    Churros
    John O.

    Yelp! really helped me out. I needed a place for 10 of us to have brunch in an area I am unfamiliar with. Great reviews and an easy Yelp! reservation led me to this place. It turned out to be a great find. Everyone loved their food. It is clearly made with care and the recipes are delicious. Good portions at reasonable prices. They have a good size patio area as well as plenty of indoor space. We loved the fun repurposed seating like church pews and theater seats. Special shout out to a seriously spicy bloody Mary. My wife only at half her breakfast burrito as it was quite large. She loved the roasted green salsa. Myself and others enjoyed their take on shrimp and grits. Such a great combination of flavors. Not that many people there for Sunday brunch time which was surprising as so many people wait in line for brunch at other places not nearly as good.

    Mike L.

    Excellent and phenomenal people work here. Service was spectacular for a large party. Food was absolutely delicious and well worth the price Great experience tonight

    Pozole Verde
    Angela C.

    I've been here twice now, once for dinner, once for lunch, and I must say it's surprisingly good. The previous restaurant was one of my favorites and I was really sad when they close down, however, it seems like the new owner had some relation to the previous restaurant, because my favorite dish sausage and rice with papaya salad was still on the menu (but isn't Mexican). Also, the furniture and layout is pretty much the same. For dinner I had the pozole and it's probably only the second time I've ever had it, so I don't know what it's supposed to take taste like, but I know it was delicious. My friend got the enchiladas and loved it. We shared the guacamole and it was very fresh. The flan was way too rich and sweet for my taste but it was fresh and tasted authentic. For brunch, I got the French toast with bananas, and I enjoyed it very much, it had some caramel fired into it. There was a little bit too much whipped cream on it, but not a big deal. I simply didn't eat at all. My friend got the Chilaquiles and loved it.

    Enchiladas

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    6 months ago

    Came 5:30pm Sunday with the fam to eat dinner but looks like the place is permanently closed

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    Balvina's Mexican Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Balvina's Mexican Kitchen

    Does your food truck serve the same menu or different? Where can I find info on the truck?

    Different menu Only tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas and quesabirrias We are located in Laguna… Read more

    Do you have happy hour and if not, how much are your margaritas?

    We don’t have happy hour, yes we have margaritas

    Do you have a Taco Tuesday menu?

    Yes sr! starting tomorrow

    View All 6 Questions

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    Ironwood

    Ironwood

    4.5(1.5k reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Romantic vibe

    Ironwood has become one of our favorite spots since visiting here a year ago…read more The steak here is PHENOMONAL, cooked perfectly with excellent flavor and the bartender Cat is an absolute doll. Thank you!

    The place was nice and small, with a very intimate atmosphere that made it feel cozy and relaxed…read more It seemed like almost everything at this restaurant had a slight tang to it, and I couldn't quite figure out why. In some dishes, that flavor profile worked really well, but in others, it definitely didn't land the same way. We started with the warm artisan rosemary focaccia served with whipped honey butter. The bread itself had that same subtle tang I noticed throughout the meal, but the honey butter balanced it out nicely. The added sweetness helped cut through the tang, making it much more enjoyable overall. Next, we had the baked skillet mac and cheese, which was easily the standout of the entire meal. I don't say this lightly, but it was about as close to perfect as mac and cheese can get. It was rich, creamy, well-seasoned, and had that ideal baked texture on top. This dish alone made a strong impression. We also ordered the cast iron roasted Brussels sprouts. These had a similar tangy-sweet flavor like the focaccia, and overall they were actually quite good. However, the raisins added to the dish didn't really contribute anything meaningful. At first glance, I even thought they were corn, which was confusing. While the sprouts themselves were well-cooked and flavorful, the raisins felt unnecessary and didn't elevate the dish. The Caesar salad was probably my least favorite item. I'm not entirely sure why it was labeled a Caesar salad, because it didn't resemble the classic version at all. The Tijuana vinaigrette was extremely overpowering and leaned heavily acidic, almost like eating straight lemon. It lacked the creamy, rich, balanced flavor you expect from a traditional Caesar, which made it disappointing. For the main, I had the prime 10oz flat iron steak frites. The steak itself was cooked perfectly and had great flavor, so no complaints there. Unfortunately, the fries were cold when they arrived, which took away from the overall experience of the dish. Overall, the meal was okay. It's not something I would rave about, but it might be worth trying at least once. With such a limited menu, I expected a bit more consistency and refinement across the dishes. It wasn't the worst meal I've had, but it also wasn't the best just somewhere in the middle.

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    Ironwood
    Ironwood
    Ironwood

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    Cozy Pine - Ruby's First Expedition

    Cozy Pine

    3.9(306 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    Cozy Pine feels like a hidden gem I almost don't want to share. But after the evening we had, I…read morecan't help but spill every delicious detail. The moment you walk in, you're wrapped in warm, cozy pine--wood-paneled walls, soft amber lighting, and that unmistakable speakeasy charm. Its very small and cozy, resembling a night out camping. And then there's Angelina. From the moment we sat down, she made the experience absolutely unforgettable. She knew the menu inside and out, recommended a smoked old-fashioned that came with a toasted marshmallow. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does--and it shows. She's the secret ingredient that turns a good night into a great one!

    Okay this is officially the only kind of camping I'm willing to do…read more Tucked inside Bacchus Wine Bar is the cutest little camping-themed speakeasy, and it completely exceeded expectations. From the moment you walk in, it's giving cozy campsite vibes but elevated -- like if camping had good lighting, great cocktails, and zero bugs. We had such a fun night here. The ambiance alone makes it feel like a whole experience, not just drinks. We tried a few of their specialty cocktails, all super well done, but the real highlight was our server John. He was amazing -- attentive, fun, and clearly knows his drinks. At one point he made us an off-menu cocktail that was STRONG (in the best way) and honestly one of my favorites of the night. And the attention to detail?? He even let me borrow his hat for photos so I could fully commit to the camping aesthetic 10/10 for the vibes. Overall: such a cute, unique spot for a night out. Perfect for something a little different, a little playful, and definitely memorable. Would absolutely come back -- as long as it's this kind of camping.

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    Cozy Pine - Inside speakeasy

    Inside speakeasy

    Cozy Pine - Speakeasy interior

    Speakeasy interior

    Cozy Pine - S'mores Desert

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    S'mores Desert

    Pub Thirty Two - Poutine

    Pub Thirty Two

    3.9(924 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    What a cute little gem! We were searching for a sports bar…read moreto grab a beer after a hike, and stumbled upon this place. We got there on a Saturday around 3:30 pm and the bar was already packed with regulars. (Thats always a good sign) We sat at one of the bar round tables and got a couple beers and some food. Our server was incredibly helpful and friendly. Going to far as to modify a meal for my husband, who keeps a strict diet. I got the short rib and mash, and it was really flavorful. I added some veggies to feel better about myself. They didn't have anything green, but you take what you can get. The vibe was fun and vibrant. Lots of laughter. Great viewing with TV's. There is good seating for families. Really happy we found this place.

    I'm very disappointed with my experience at Pub Thirty Two. We came in just trying to relax and…read moreenjoy our afternoon after a long day of work. When we ordered drinks, the bartender already seemed a bit rude and unwelcoming, which set the tone for the visit. To avoid any issues and just enjoy ourselves, we decided to sit outside quietly. Unfortunately, the situation got worse. Two employees came outside and approached us in a very disrespectful way and made a racist remark, referring to us as "two tequilas" and saying "clean up those two tequilas," basically telling us we needed to leave immediately. It was extremely uncomfortable and offensive. No customer should ever be treated that way. Restaurants and bars should be places where everyone feels welcome and respected. Allowing employees to behave in a racist and disrespectful manner toward customers is unacceptable. What makes it even more disappointing is that I was actually considering bringing a group of coworkers here in the future. After this experience, I absolutely won't be doing that. The service was rude, unprofessional, and completely ruined what should have been a relaxing afternoon.

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    Pub Thirty Two - Dining room

    Dining room

    Pub Thirty Two - Fish and Chips

    Fish and Chips

    Pub Thirty Two - Garlic Glazed Salmon

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    Garlic Glazed Salmon

    Bardega - Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta. Creamy, mildly sweet ricotta spread with a kick of chili oil on top. Addictive!

    Bardega

    4.8(162 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    This place is amazing!!! We went here on Friday for the first time, on a whim, looking for a local…read moreplace for good food, drinks, desserts, and awesome service. We got there hoping to sit at the bar but no seats available immediately. The owner Matt, noticed we were disappointed, and talked to a couple that were just finishing up. As soon as they were done, he seated us at the end of the bar. The bar is reminiscent of an old 70s bar, comfortable seats, overall great atmosphere. I ordered The Old Fashioned and my partner order a schooner of beer. The Spiked Rootbeer with the shot of Wild Turkey Bourbon was unreal! The bartender was attentive, informative, and personable. She checked on us often and gave us great recommendations for food. The Bardega Popcorn with its umami seasoning is addicting. The Seoul Dog and homemade chips was a good balance of flavor and satisfying. My partner ordered the beef dip with fries. He says he wouldn't order anything else because it was perfect. Don't even get me started on the desserts. The milk and cookies is a classic. The pecan pie and fresh whipped cream is that balance of not too sweet but sweet enough classic pie. The banana pudding was an absolute surprise. It was just ridiculous!!! Overall an awesome first experience!!! We will definitely be returning to Bardega over and over again!!!

    I got a chance to talk to Hoover, and I am so excited about the well crafted nonalcoholic beverages…read moreoffered!! Looking forward to bringing my girl friends here! :)

    Photos
    Bardega - Bar area

    Bar area

    Bardega - Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta. Creamy, mildly sweet ricotta spread with a kick of chili oil on top. Addictive!

    Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta. Creamy, mildly sweet ricotta spread with a kick of chili oil on top. Addictive!

    Bardega - Spiked Rootbeer. The table next to us ordered this drink and it looked so cool that I had to get a photo of it.

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    Spiked Rootbeer. The table next to us ordered this drink and it looked so cool that I had to get a photo of it.

    Chuponcito - BANANA LATTE

    Chuponcito

    4.8(798 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We've always seen this spot but had never tried it, so we decided to check it out on Mother's Day…read more They were BUSY, but still moved quickly to get the line down. The restaurant itself is pretty small inside, you order first, then they bring the food to your table. Even with how packed it was, the wait honestly wasn't bad at all. My wife, who's pregnant, saved us a table while I waited in line to order, and Fidel, who I'm assuming is the manager, was very nice and welcoming. He checked up on us a few times even though he wasn't our server, and was very personable asking about our baby. The food was AMAZING. I'm so glad we decided to stay. I had the carnitas Benedict, which was delicious and packed with flavor. My wife had the El Chupon burrito, which was also amazing. But the star of the show for us was their hot salsa, incredibly flavorful with the perfect amount of spice We'll definitely be back!

    They need a way better seating policy. absolutely unacceptable. We were waiting in line, ordered…read moreour food, and someone had put their stuff down to "reserve" the table, when it is completely packed. And they hadn't ordered yet. It should not be like that. There should be proper seating, where ONCE you order, you go find your table. If you don't get a table then you wait your turn. We ask the staff if we can put personal items to reserve a table and she said yes??? What sort of service is that ?!? They should have a host. Or someone guiding it. The food is rather great but what an unpleasant experience. The manager needs to fix this, cause this isn't a cafe. It's a restaurant.

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    Chuponcito - Ordering counter

    Ordering counter

    Chuponcito - Papas cargadas

    Papas cargadas

    Chuponcito - Interior dining

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    Interior dining

    Balvina's Mexican Kitchen - mexican - Updated May 2026

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