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    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    4.3 (241 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen New Mexican Cuisine Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    CHELAS MEXICAN KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Chelas Mexican Kitchen

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    Looking forward to trying the chilaquitas!
    Denise S.

    This was our first time here. We were in the area and yelped breakfast so we decided to try it. We had the chiliquitas, which was new to the menu. It was a winner ! We were warned that it might be spicy so she let us try the habanero sauce and it is very spicy but delicious. We asked for it on the side and dipped into it to eat with the green sauce already on it. She also gave us 3 other salsas to try. All delicious. We mixed a little tiny bit of habaneros salsa and it was perfect! I love the artwork too! Edgy! I look forward to coming back and trying the Chelas MVP Burrito. It was voted best of OC.

    Adele M.

    Met there yesterday with a group of girlfriends, we love the fact that everything is made fresh to order nice inside and outside patio seating. I would prefer that they would take my order at the table than to have to stand up and order it, but the food was delicious the burrito That I got was awesome. We will go back.

    Chicken salad
    Anita M.

    It's the Chela's salad with chicken added. So good. I also like the verse salsa and the chipotle salsa.

    Chela's Mexican Kitchen.
    Bob S.

    I love this place very much because the food here is super fresh savory flavorful, and delicious. Also, the chips were super crunchy, salty, crispy, and really tasty, and the chili verde salsa was perfectly served too. Good service, nice atmosphere with upbeat Spanish music, and I had a good time.

    1st time trying a Jarrito. Such a light & refreshing drink. And when poured into a glass w ice it turns so light & bubbly!!
    Mary J.

    Ok this is my 2nd visit. And I came back because the 2 cheese enchiladas plate is AHMAZING!!!! Chela's is the ONLY Mexican restaurant Uve been to that doesn't use the typical red sauce on top. They use an absolute delicious fresh topping of Mexican cheese, cream, tomatoes, and lettuce. it is so refreshing!!! I've been twice and I plan to go back again real soon! Well done, Chelas!!!

    2 taco Tuesday-Carnitas Papas are delicious. Comes with chips 2 salsas.
    Rex C.

    Taco Tuesday! 5.50 for 2 crispy tacos. 2 salsas and small bag chips. Everything fresh and delicious. You can order online (website) Ribeye burrito is awesome. Beans too. Happy hour and Thursday specials too. Fresh and tasty. Come try.

    Best fish tacos
    James S.

    Best fish tacos I've found in South OC. Full size tacos with delicious perfectly cooked fish. Plenty of cabbage and great salsa. Friendly service in a nice clean local vibe location... two restaurants in San Clemente, one on Pico, & one on Estrella. If you love fish tacos this place is a must try

    "Carbs asada fries"

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    8 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

    This is an absolute gem of a place! The food portions are massive, and the quality and taste are second to none.

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    Karla V.

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    2 years ago

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    Karla V.

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    3 years ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    Karla V.

    We could not agree more! Thank you for your support! ~ Karla V.

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    11 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    3 years ago

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    Karla V.

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Best ever!!! I probably go here every week :) love the tacos and love the salsa and guac!! Yummy

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    Karla V.

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    2 years ago

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    Karla V.

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    9 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Karla V.

    We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to Chelas! ~ Karla V.

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    7 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    7 months ago

    Always packed. Great burritos and salsas. I would highly recommend it Try their taco Tuesday

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    Karla V.

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

    The food tasted excellent and was very healthy. I really enjoyed the grilled chicken salad.

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    Karla V.

    Thank you for choosing to dine with us, Simon! ~ Karla V.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    Karla V.

    Thank you for choosing Chelas! We hope to see you again soon!

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    9 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    Karla V.

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    9 months ago

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    Karla V.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Food is good and affordable. Great chips and salsa and taco Tuesday. Convenient to be able to order online and pick up

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    Karla V.

    So happy you enjoyed your Chelas!

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    2 years ago

    Great hidden gem in Talega, delicious food and great service. Can't beat La famosa salsa!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Ordered the chicken enchiladas and rice. Both were overly salty and the enchiladas lacked sauce. Disappointed

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    Karla V.

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    2 years ago

    Fresh, delicious, reasonably priced, and such nice people! I love their daily specials. Always a hit with our family.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Page 2 of 7

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    I just found out recently I'm allergic to garlic and onion. Do you have any dishes that are garlic and onion free? For example, what is the chicken in the crispy chicken tacos marinaded in and seasoned with? Thank you!

    Hello, Crispy chicken has Garlic onion, tomatoes, salt,pepper. Most of our marinades have one or both of those ingredients including our salsas. My apologies we don’t have… Read more

    Do you fried the beer batter fish in a separate fryer from the GF chips? My son has gluten and soy allergy. Thank you!

    Hello, Yes our beer batter fish is fried separate than our chips. We use canola oil for everything.… Read more

    What type of oil do you guys use in your fryers? I have a gluten allergy, what things on your menu is gluten free?

    Hello, We use Canola oil on all of our food.… Read more

    View All 4 Questions

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    Olamendi's - ##5 Two Tacos

    Olamendi's

    3.1(1k reviews)
    4.2 mi
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    Olamendi's in Dana Point is one of those places that feels like a local secret once you're sitting…read moredown with a plate of great food in front of you. I had the Pollo Tomatillo, which was absolutely delicious - tender, flavorful, and nicely balanced for such a simple recipe. My friend ordered the 2-taco combo plate, and it did not disappoint. Everything tasted fresh and well prepared. The salsa had a great flavor with a nice little kick at the end that sneaks up on you in the best way. The location is a bit wonky and the parking lot is tight, but once you're there, it's worth it. The patio is surprisingly comfortable, and inside is the most eclectic collection of tchotchkes you've ever seen - it's like dining inside a little museum or a shop on Calle 16 de Septiembre in Cabo. Even if you eat on the patio, be sure to go in and take a look around. Service was friendly and attentive, and our meals were complemented perfectly with ranch waters - tequila, mineral water, and fresh lime juice. Simple, crisp, and refreshing. We'll definitely be back.

    A group of nine of us decided to visit Olamendi's in Dana Point. The patio's view is beautiful and…read morewe asked to be seated there. Although there were two large tables that could be joined, they refused. We were seated inside. Our server, Claudia, approached our table with a sour attitude. She never greeted us and coldly asked for our drink order. She brought our drinks, and proceeded to take our order. I politely asked if she would break down the bill individually, she said no. Our food was mediocre at best. I ordered a shredded beef Chimichanga which completely tasteless (and to my surprise was charged $4.00 extra for Birria which I did not order). I later discovered the Birria was the shredded beef I ordered). Everyone at the table was disappointed with the taste of the food. We visit many restaurants, especially Mexican Food; we had never encountered the added charges for the basics, i.e. chips and salsa (refills were $3.50 for each item). The carnitas were dry, the Guacamole ordinary, and the tacos were served without salsa. My friend ordered Pico de Gallo and was charged $4.00 for it. We do not recommend Olamendi's.

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    Olamendi's - Inside is colorful.

    Inside is colorful.

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    Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce

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    Corazon Taste of Mexico - Happy Hour

    Corazon Taste of Mexico

    3.9(99 reviews)
    34.2 mi
    Live music
    Sports on TV

    Went out for lunch on St. Patrick's Day and had such a great experience! The place wasn't too busy,…read morewhich made it even more enjoyable. Carlos took amazing care of us from start to finish--super friendly, attentive, and just has a great overall vibe. He greeted us right away, prepared our drinks himself, and kept checking in to make sure everything was perfect without ever being overbearing. The food was delicious, and the drinks really stood out--especially the spicy cucumber margarita, which was absolutely top-tier. Overall, fantastic service and a really enjoyable lunch. I'll definitely be coming back!

    My friends and I had plans to go to ZAMA and found out it was closed so we had to find a new place…read more We ended up here just based off the pictures. Let's start with the margarita I got, I did not taste any alcohol in it (and I cannot have strong drinks! So that can tell you a lot) not worth $18. We basically paid for an expensive agua fresca! Then I ordered the carne asada skewers. The first bite was okay, not very flavorful, but I thought I could just finish it. As I go through the meat, I notice so much fat and very little meat. I grab another piece and bite into it, I start chewing and realize that it tasted like raw meat (with a hint taste of raw meat that spent too much time in the fridge) I immediately got nauseous and spit it out on a napkin. I told our server and he asked me what else I would like. I then ordered the fish tacos, he brought it out in less than 5 minutes (kind of fast if you ask me) I try a small piece of the fish and it wasn't bad, I give a piece to my friend and she only got fat. Why is there fat in my fish tacos! I tried to pick through it so I could atleast get full, but I couldn't do it. The server came to pick up our plates and asked me if I didn't like the tacos, I said no but that's okay don't worry about it. I was so disappointed because I was starving. My friend ordered the rib eye tacos and had to pick through it too because most of it was fat. The only good thing that happened was that our server did not charge me for the two plates that I didn't eat. We thanked him, paid the check and left. Unfortunately, this was not the best food and we were excited to eat and celebrate my birthday.

    Photos
    Corazon Taste of Mexico
    Corazon Taste of Mexico
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    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - newmexican - Updated May 2026

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