Phenomenal food. The fish tacos are excellent. Packed with flavor. Topped with a killer crema. You can get them fried or grilled. I came here with a friend and we just happened to be there during happy hour. $7 for 2 fish tacos and chips! That's a great happy hour deal! My friend had the chili verde wet burrito and kept interrupting our conversation to comment on how good the burrito was! We also ordered the cinnamon chips and they are excellent. The staff is super nice. The restaurant is order-at-the-counter and seat yourself style. They give you a number. And bring your food to you. There is both seating downstairs and upstairs on a patio deck with a limited ocean view. The patio is charming with market lights and shade. We were there at 5pm and by the time we left the restaurant was full! I would definitely go again! read more

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Came on a Tuesday night and sat on the first floor patio, which has all high chairs. There's also an upstairs patio. Staff were friendly and service was quick ~10 minutes for food to come out. You order at their counter and they'll bring the food out to wherever you sit. There's a good selection of drinks inside the fridges from Mexican sodas to beers. Would love to see some aguas frescas in the future though! Got the La Calle Taco Combe with steak ($13.99). The tacos were packed! The meat had a great balance of flavor with char. The beans were so smooth--it was delicious. And of course the rice and chips completed the meal. No leftovers from me. Highly recommend and will have to be back to try the crispy chicken tacos. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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I had a chorizo burrito. It was large but not super sized. It was very tasty. The habanera dipping sauce was 4/5 & very tasty. The chipotle sauce was bland. Service was fast & efficient & friendly. The tables are up 1 1/2 flights of stairs with NO elevator for the disabled making it difficult for my wife ( but she did make it with help; I pushed her up from behind). The view from the raised seats of the ocean made for a nice view. She had a chicken burrito which she liked. I can recommend this place for the physically able. 3 stars because of no elevator. read more

My daughter and I came here for dinner last week and sat up on the top deck, lovely view and quite cozy. Food came out quick, we ordered cheese enchiladas and they were pretty good, not the best I've had but not bad either. We will definitely be back. Service by the way was great! read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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OMG what a Laguna Beach gem!! We came here to end a wonderful day celebrating my mom's birthday and had the best time. You order at the counter and can either sit on the first floor or go up to the rooftop area. That's where we sat- it was so cute! Lights, music, vibes. And it's on PCH so you can see the ocean. I had the Chela burrito with no meat- the black beans are vegetarian (refried beans and rice are not). It was really good! Comes with chips and choices of salsas. My sister and mom also got a beer and it was during happy hour (check out that menu too it's great!). Prices were very reasonable, especially for location. And the staff were so kind!!! Such great vibes all around. They have a little parking lot and even though it was full we found street parking right next to the restaurant. After dinner we walked down to the beach for sunset. Can't wait to go back! read more

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With its amazing and generous happy hour offering and a second floor roof deck with an ocean view I wish I liked Chelas food a whole lot more. First, that happy hour: It happens after 3pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and the menu includes things like 3 Taquitos for $8, 2 Al Pastor Tacos for $8, and Bean and Cheese Nachos for $10. The prices almost have me hankering to return just to see if I can find a menu item I like. I'm not saying the fish tacos (2 for $7 during happy hour) were bad. In fact, they were so ample (served with tortilla chips and salsa) that the serving size served to confirm how bland the offering was. I'm not certain what they were missing but neither the version with fried fish nor the offering with grilled fish could overcome my impression that the whole thing tasted more of tortilla than anything else. So next time I'd try something else. At Chelas one orders on the main floor and can also sit there but the smart money knows that the optimal seating is up a flight of stairs (food is delivered to your table). With a slice of ocean visible from almost every seat up top, this was a nice ambiance which would only have been improved if they'd opted for music other than electronic. I think one could cobble together a tastier meal here than I had (a man beside me raved about the tamales) and at these prices, with this nice, casual ambiance it's certainly worth a try. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Fish Tacos (2 for $7 during happy hour), ample but void of flavor. - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Good burritos and tacos. Their service and food are fairly priced. Good Happy hour id you can make it on time. Will go back again.

Chelas Mexican Kitchen looks a bit small from the outside, but they have a nice outdoor patio upstairs where you should dine, as opposed to the lackluster space downstairs. If you're lucky, you can score one of the seats looking out to the ocean! You order at the counter and then take your number and find somewhere to sit. I got the Chelas burrito ($14.50), filled with carnitas, beans, cabbage and guacamole, which came with chips. It was a solid burrito and made me wish that there was a Chelas closer to where I live. My husband got the chicken fajita burrito ($14.75), with chicken, bell peppers, onions, black beans and cheese. We tried three of their salsas - la famosa, verde and the habanero - which were all good. Will definitely come back to try their breakfast burrito and their tacos! read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Carnitas burrito - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

I wasn't expecting such good Mexican food in Laguna Beach, but Chelas Mexican Kitchen really surprised me. You start out by ordering in a small area where you can also grab soda, water, beer, or sparkling wine. We had really great service. They give you a number, then you go find a seat. There's some seating upstairs that offers a great view of some beautiful cars passing by. I ordered the chile verde burrito. This is my go-to at any Mexican restaurant and this was pretty good. Not the best I've had, but still good. I wish there was a little more sauce, but overall it was good. The chips were good with the chipotle salsa. I ended up getting a sparkling wine with some organic orange juice that they sell. The juice was so good and fresh. The burrito was so big I couldn't finish it. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Chile verde burrito - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Chelas Mexican Kitchen opened in Laguna Beach on PCH over the weekend in the old Moon Goat Coffee spot. We were surprised to see the new location when we walked by but took note to come back after walking to the beach. We did our time at the tidepools and decided it was time for lunch. We walked over to see the menu, ordered downstairs and told them we'd be sitting upstairs on the roof. We ordered the Grilled Ribeye burrito ($15.99) to share so I asked them to cut it in half. I also asked if they had chips and salsa, which they did but my burrito came with some chips and salsa so we were set. We also ordered a couple Coronas to enjoy on a warm spring day. We were given a number and headed upstairs. Our food arrived pretty quickly. I also asked if they had a spicier salsa and was told they had a habanero one. The server was kind enough to bring me a small container of it which I quickly mixed with the salsa they originally gave us. It was the perfect amount of spicy for me. The burrito was hearty with pieces of warm beef and cold cabbage. I enjoyed having it upstairs while people watching the folks on PCH. I'm glad to have another option in Laguna Beach when we head to the beach. They have a small parking lot but there is metered parking nearby and residential parking if you're willing to park a bit further. read more

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Amazing service by Aaron. Awesome location. Excellent carnitas with verdes sauce. Nice portion size. Brought half home. Open air dining on roof patio. read more

What an excellent experience this place was for our daughters wedding after-party. Excellent food and really wonderful hospitality. To the entire staff: Thanks very much, We really appreciate what you did for us. read more

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Can't rave enough about this place! We were heading to another Mexican restaurant but saw this one located away from the crowds (selling point), yelped it and was sold! We ordered the Taco Tuesday crispy taco specials (EXCELLENT PRICE FOR 2 tacos) and they were not only crispy but delicious! Had some bean and cheese burritos (3 for $10) and the tortilla soup (very delicious but a tad too salty)... Overall- this place out performed my expectations and we will be back the next time we are in town! read more

Disappointing service. Took more than 20 minutes for my chilaquiles, came without the steak. Clearly need more staff or something so I was trying to be understanding but when a group of 3 got served 10 min before me despite coming in after me and my food doesn't even come complete despite costing over 30$ for a beer and chilaquiles is pretty bonkers. No offer to comp or anything. Just brought a side of steak for me to dump on myself. Thank god I was eating at the store, otherwise I would have been spending 18$ for chips and salsa and 2 eggs read more

I love this cute & festive Mexican restaurant at the heart of North Laguna Beach with amazing views ! From 3-8 everyday, sit in their upstairs area, order the best fish tacos ever for $6 and $4 beers and enjoy your life ! Doesn't get any better. Can't wait for my next visit ! Cheers! read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Best Tacos ever! - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Really good food. Chilaquiles are a little spicy. Service was good very nice guys at the counter. Chill place has sitting area downstairs and upstairs. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Red chilaquiles & chorizo omelette - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Great for group takeout / two taco bars - fed three families including 5 teen boys - even had leftovers!

Out and about Saturday. Wanted to find a place for lunch that didn't have over an hour wait. Used yelp and found this gem. Food was fresh, and so good. We both enjoyed what we had --fish tacos and Chelas bowl with shrimp. If I'm ever in this area again I'd probably stop. read more

We're been going to Chela's for over 10 years. They started in Laguna Niguel, moved to San Clemente and most recently opened up a Laguna Beach location. Their crispy chicken tacos are literally the best. On Tuesdays, they are part of their Taco Tuesday. They are white meat chicken with great colby jack cheese and a crispy taco. The tacos come with a handful of chips, and those are delicious too. Their La Famosa salsa is simple but delicious. This location has a wonderful upstairs patio with a partial view of the ocean. Lastly, they are great with allergies if you or someone you're with has to navigate that. We're super excited they are now part of the Laguna Beach community and hope to support them for years to come. read more

Really delicious fish tacos, freshly prepared. The upstairs area has such a wonderful view of the ocean as well. This is the perfect Southern California setting. A Corona paired with these fish tacos makes for the perfect meal on the beach. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

First time at this brand new location in Laguna Beach. I came here today to order the chicken taco plate, and it was very fresh, super tasty, and delicious. Awesome service, nice music, and I had a great time. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Chela's Mexican Kitchen. - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Happy Hour items are SUCH good deals! I got 3 taquitos for $8!!! And it came with chips and was filling! I also ordered a mini cinnamon chips which are essentially tortilla chips coated in cinnamon sugar, which were yummy! Service was good, and the space is lively and fun. Thank you for having a restroom :D read more

Chela's provided a deliciously perfect Mexican dinner for our Friday night! I am picky about Mexican food but the Chile Verde wet burrito was outstanding! The carnitas tacos were tasty and the salsas addicting. The hostess/waitress was so personable, knowledgeable and rocking! Can't wait to go back! Laguna Beach has a new contender! read more

The food is excellent. I've gone twice and love the steak soft tacos. Their salsa is also very good! They offer a house salsa(my favorite), verde, and hot. Love the seating upstairs. Can't go wrong with the guac and the chips are also really tasty. I took a star off because their service needs improvement. Their staff needs a bit more product education and to rectify an order that is done incorrectly instead of taking it personally and pointing the finger. I highly recommend their eats and hope the service hiccups will improve with time as I know they are newly open. read more

Again, visiting Chela's for Taco Tuesday did not disappoint. The tacos are delicious!! This time I got one potato, and one chicken. The shells are homemade. I sat upstairs on their outdoor patio for the first time with an ocean view, delicious food, great staff!! You just can't beat it. You must try it out. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Taco Tuesday - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Food is ok, not the best - it's too salty (burritos ribeye) but price is ok for this area.

Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Mexican food in a relaxed, fun setting. Will definitely be back! The breakfast burritos were outstanding! Great view from upper patio. We will definitely return. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Great view - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Laguna local and our first time trying Chelas. Great outdoor seating areas with views of beach and the chaos that is PCH . Service was very helpful and friendly. Food was great! We ordered shrimp tacos and guacamole. Looks like they have phenomenal Happy Hour and Taco Tuesday specials as well. Enjoy? read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Shrimp Tacos and guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Was in the area, and found this spot was relatively new. I have gotten the Original Steak Burrito, and it was solid. Wish they do give you a small amount of chips. Service is good, be mindful that if they do get busy it is going to take a while to get the food. But what is just as good as the food is the view! Overall, coming back if I am nearby and spending time at the beach. read more

Awesome little place, great prices and delicious guacamole. The roof top deck didn't disappoint and the service was great. Just a block from the beach and the view while eating there was amazing. read more

Great food and a great price! As long as it doesn't get too expensive, we will be there. Great deals for Taco Tuesday and Thirsty Thursday

Five stars, service, cleanliness & food! We were greeted by Art the front staff who was friendly and so helpful. The food was hot, fresh and full of flavor. I'm a bit of a chili-a-holic the habanero and chipotle are outstandingly hot. The green chili is fresh, tasty but not hot at all. Art did point out that their rooftop patio was warm with the best view in the house. The restaurant also has ground floor seating for those that were unable to find a seat upstairs. read more

Stopped by here for their happy hour food specials and was not disappointed. Very delicious and fresh. Highly recommend. read more

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - 2 taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Had fish tacos on the deck at sunset. This place is a hidden gem. Would recommend. Servers were friendly, had a low key vibe.

The food didnt have much flavor , I tried their burrito baja and El macho. baja had too much cabbage and the other one was missing flavor. its a cool ambience with good music and the service was great. read more

Food was delicious .. The Manager Arturo was very nice and hospitable.. Love the atmosphere..

Our family loves Chelas! Ever since they first opened in Laguna Niguel on Alicia years ago. Each one of us had a favorite burrito - bean and cheese, Chelas, fajitas, steak, chicken. The famosa salsa was an all favorite. My son (very picky) was asking me for Chelas takeout every week. But then they closed and relocated to San Clemente. Thankfully, with the new location in Laguna Beach, we can enjoy our favorites again. As a bonus, if you sit in, you will have a nice view and feel the ocean breeze. read more

The food is delicious especially around this area. If you're looking for good vibes with Javier's food flare this is the spot to go to. The green salsa is delicious on the fish tacos. I highly recommend read more

We eat here a lot. The last few time the food has been served cold and the greasy cheese makes everything hard to eat.

The quality of the ingredients is top notch. The music is a bit loud for conversation on the deck. But you can talk over it after your 4th beer I assume. My problem with the place is it's very bland. I'm born and raised socal, so I'm used to spicy food. This food is made for people in Wisconsin. It's about 4 houses down so the next time I go I'll bring some chopped Serranos and onions and a couple of bottles of hot sauce. read more