Cancel

Open app

Search

Chiva Torta

4.3 (151 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican
Open • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Chiva Torta Photos

CHIVA TORTA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Dogs allowed
Good for kids

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Chiva Torta

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Picture of cold drinks available .
Em B.

Best TACOS DORADOS in the Heart of Santa Ana. Service is great but long line just waiting for food. It was worth the wait. It's outdoor so if it's hot - it's hot! I ate in my car. I wanted Al PASTOR but they ran out so ended up with Carne Asada! Still YUMMY! My co-worker introduced me to tacos dorados in 2017 when Chiva Torta was still at North Gate on 4th Street and I've been hooked ever since. They moved to 5th St/Spurgeon St. and I also moved to another city so I was afraid to go for years because I do not like SA streets/parking. However, I found out that the parking across the street is free with limited time and it was just quick crossing the street so here I am. Don't waste time and risk your car over street parking. Just park in the structure across the street and you're good to go. Just watch your time limit/parking instruction when you enter the parking structure. Remember to ask for a little plastic bag to pack all the side condiments (onions, cilantro, pico de callo, pickled jalapenos, limes, raddish, green sauce, red sauce. HOT SAUCE - make sure you ask for them because they don't put it out. Two types - one spicy and other super spicy. Be careful of what you ask for because it'll burn your bootie. PICKLED ONIONS - drooling here. You can ask for them even if it's to-go. The girls at my previous job/office usually order 10-20 tacos darados at lunch among a few of us and got everything for to-go back to the office. We picked them up of course. Go early when they open or the line is ALWAYS long. 15-20-30 minutes wait at least! Yep! I'm coming back!

Maisune E.

the amount of times i have made the drive out just to get the tacos and go home is not even funny. when i think of santa ana, i think of this truck and i get very happy. the meat is just so tender and yummy, you'll inhale these and if you can normally eat 2-3 tacos you'll be eating 5+ just because they're good not even because you're hungry.

Jericalla
Yvette S.

It's been 10 YEARS since I last reviewed Chiva Torta! I'm still a regular and they are very much still a 5-star worthy spot. The food truck was previously located at 514 N Spurgeon Street in Santa Ana right across the Northgate. Since all of the construction for the OC Streetcar, the food truck has now moved about a block or two over to French and Fifth Street. If you ask me, this is a much better spot because the parking structure is right next to it and you get an hour grace period, which is plenty of time to order and eat. Their popular items are the torta ahogada and tacos dorados de papa con carne. They hit the spot EVERY TIME. I've never once had a visit where it didn't come out right, so their consistency is unmatched. I love eating very spicy food, so I ask for my torta to be BIEN ahogada...pretty much dip it in that bucket of chile not once, but twice. It's crazy spicy but it's delicious. You can order your torta as a "media" which means half the spiciness. The torta ahogada comes with refried beans on the bread, carnitas, and topped with pickled onions. I ask for extra beans and onions because they're so good. The tacos dorados de papa con carne are also a must try but you might feel overly full if you want to try both the torta and tacos. I usually split a torta ahogada with my husband and we each order two tacos dorados on the side for us. These are also spicy but not nearly as much as the torta. If you want to finish off strong with something sweet, their jericalla is perfect. It's a custard dessert that helps cool your mouth from the spiciness. Lunch hours and weekend mornings are very busy for this place (it's a great hangover cure) so expect a bit of a wait. Since it's a food truck, there is obviously nowhere to sit. Near the parking structure, there are a few high-cement areas where you can sit and enjoy your food. My husband and I take our folding chairs and we set up next to the truck to eat our food once it's ready. At some point, they started taking card payments, but it's back to cash only. I don't mind this bit, because there is a Chase and a School's First nearby. Chiva Torta has many regular customers, and they're still thriving years later. They really are the s*** and you won't have a better torta ahogada anywhere else in California.

Potato tacos? More like fried tortilla.
Gaby R.

We've been coming here for years and it's as close as you can get to the delicious tortas ahogadas from Mexico. They can be pretty stingy with the salsa and today we ordered some tacos and we got basically fried tortillas with cabbage, they ended up in the trash... super disappointing! Today's visit was definitely a one star visit but the other times it has been good. Increase your prices if you have to, don't lower the quality of the food you're serving...

Sarah B.

Honestly, the best tortas ahogadas in Santa Ana. I have tried multiple other places, but nothing compares. I can handle a lot of spice, but I get medium & it's perfect. Still pretty spicy but not unbearable. You can always ask for/add more spicy salsa or mild salsa to adjust it to your preference. The tacos dorados are good as well. My kids like their chorizo tacos & green salsa. It's also more affordable than some of the other food trucks with tortas ahogadas & they move quickly. It does get crowded on weekends, so be prepared to wait 30+ minutes sometimes, but well worth it.

Torta Ahogada
Efrain H.

I was passing back on my way back to Escondido and im glad I stopped. The food and service was really something most other food trucks can only strive for. I had the much recommended Torta Ahogada and would myself recommend it to anyone who will listen. Due to time constraints and COVID I had to order it to go and build it myself. The concept seem simple enough, a Carnitas Torta dipped (or bathed) in a kind of salsa. This placed helped me see the hype behind this Guadalajara speciality, with crispy carnitas, flavorful salsa, fresh veggies and pickled onions to cut down the heaviness and spice. I also had some agua de Horchata that helped me survive after putting a little too much sauce on the torta. Being my first time ordering a torta ahogada i was a little worried i would choke up the line or mess up somehow, but the staff was friendly and helpful in guiding me to one of my favorite culinary experiences of 2021. If you've been wanting to try a torta ahogada makes sure to try this place out.

a close up of a hot dog
Camila R.

I'll never get tired of this place and their tortas. I recommend getting their tacos dorados as well. I've been coming to this place for years now and never disappoints.

Media with two tacos

Best tortas. Takes me back to Guadalajara. They never disappoint always satisfies the craving.

Tacos dorados de papa con pollo!

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Authentic tortas ahogadas. Best I've had outside of Guadalajara! Tacos the papa were also great. Good portion and reasonably priced.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Em B.
42
192
3652

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Tacos dorados were amazing with hot red sauce with the cabbage onions and carnitas on top

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Horrible food and horrible service. The owner and the staff don't know what they are doing. Don't come here!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of George R.
10
35
39

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Gaby R.
176
118
32

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1
Photo of Tony M.
168
24
0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nemo A.
3
70
37

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of M M.
37
139
25

3 years ago

Always has the great quality n customer service. Every time I'm in town I make sure I stop by.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Best tacos dorados in town. So flavorful and great quality ingredients. Everything is good on the menu

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Ana M.
0
17
13

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of J A.
110
2723
20

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nick B.
0
52
32

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

One word: FIRE! I've tried the tacos dorados con carne and the tortas ahogadas and they were both A1. This place never disappoints!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lo L.
0
20
7

3 years ago

Food is always great even though prices are going a little high. Love their tortas and crispy tacos.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 4

Chiva Torta Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Chiva Torta

Alex are yall still in the same spot or a resturant now? Im the black girl that use to always come well I'm back and i need a torta lol ive been coming to you since 2008?

Where are you guys located now?

Hi, we are at 514 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana Ca 92701

Where are you guys?

514 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana Ca 92701

Where are you guys located now with the construction going on in the street?

Hi, we will be behind Northgate market instead of the front!

View All 16 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Mexican 299,899 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Rosa Madera

Rosa Madera

4.0(1.3k reviews)
2.5 mi
•$$

Our experience at Rosa Madera was absolutely delightful! We went on a Saturday night, and although…read moreit was busy with lots of people, the wait was still very reasonable. The live music was so entertaining and really added to the atmosphere. The vibes throughout the restaurant were amazing, and our server was wonderful; very attentive, friendly, and brought such incredible energy to the experience. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. We definitely recommend the papas enchiladas as an appetizer they were so good! And the drinks were beyond amazing. Overall, we had such a great time at Rosa Madera and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for great food, drinks, music, and an amazing atmosphere. We'll definitely be back!

I was warned by several people not to go and eat at this location..! So I wanted to try and see…read moreif it was all true about the servers literally kicking you out after two hours EVEN if you still ordering food, drinks or dessert. Food and drinks are fine no problem there.!! Karla our waitress forgot to bring the tortillas that were included with my dish. I asked for a mineralized lemonade, never got it till I ask for it again.!! We were told to please wrap it up and leave cuz they more customers waiting to get it. We were at almost 500dls on the bill and we still were to leave.!! They just lost another valuable customer.!!! Food 100% good Customer service C-

Photos
Rosa Madera - Bar area

Bar area

Rosa Madera - Birria Chimichangas (Los Favoritos).

Birria Chimichangas (Los Favoritos).

Rosa Madera - Amazing Quesso and Rajas Appetizer

See all

Amazing Quesso and Rajas Appetizer

Amor y Tequila - Ribeye Tacos

Amor y Tequila

4.4(241 reviews)
0.1 mi

So it was a little underwhelming when we first walked in on a Wednesday afternoon. But the…read morebartender/server was super friendly and made great drinks! We ordered fish tacos and four cocktails. Fish tacos were delicious!!! Salsa matcha! Fish wasn't all batter. Generous amount of shredded cabbage. Hot and fresh! Loved it! Drinks were great. We asked for less sweet and he seemed to honor that as they were close to how we like it (on the tart side). They have a good happy hour and lots of food to choose from outside of that. Ambiance was quiet at this time but I'm sure weekends get packed. Lots of tvs and the music was good, nice jams and not too loud (I'm old lol). We'd definitely drop in again to day drink and try more food.

Had a great yet quick experience here at Amor y Tequila. We popped in for a quick drink before…read moreheading to the concert at La Santa, which is the venue located below the restaurant. Our bartender was friendly and mixed up some delightful concoctions off the drink menu. I had the Third Street Old Fashioned which was a unique and interesting take on the ol' cocktail. My friend had a tasty Long Island. Complimentary chips - thin, salty, and delightfully crispy - and salsa were provided. A quick bounce in and out, but with a long lasting positive impression.

Photos
Amor y Tequila - Passionfruit margarita. Bar area

Passionfruit margarita. Bar area

Amor y Tequila - Taco trio

Taco trio

Amor y Tequila - A Long Island Iced Tea and Third Street Old Fashioned with complimentary tortilla chips & salsa.

See all

A Long Island Iced Tea and Third Street Old Fashioned with complimentary tortilla chips & salsa.

Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen

Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen

4.3(4.3k reviews)
3.6 mi
•$$
Happy hour specials
Catering service

I was staying in the area and came across this restaurant while looking for a place with good…read morereviews. Since I wasn't familiar with the area, I was a little hesitant but from the moment we walked in, I was impressed! The restaurant was beautiful, clean, and smelled absolutely amazing. Even on a busy Sunday night we were seated right away. I shared the chicken fajitas with my 3-year-old daughter, and oh my goodness, the flavor was incredible! Everything was seasoned perfectly and my daughter loved every bite. I also tried my husband's chicken torta, and it was just as delicious! I can't forget the chips and salsa. The chips were freshly made, and the salsa had great flavor without being too spicy. Our waiter was incredibly kind and provided excellent customer service, which made the experience even better. From the atmosphere and cleanliness to the delicious food and friendly staff, everything exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be coming back the next time I'm in the area! If you're nearby or visiting, I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try. You won't be disappointed!

I've been coming to Sabroso for years & every time is a new experience!…read more The food is absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The drinks are just as amazing--creative, refreshing, and perfectly made. My favorite is their Mole Enchiladas, the sauce is so rich & out of this world! The ambiance was such a vibe, with great music and a fun, welcoming atmosphere that made us want to stay and enjoy ourselves. The servers are all so nice & I definitely feel like it's a family event every time, they really know how to make you feel at right at home! The bartenders (Jose, Liz & Ricardo) are always friendly, attentive, and really know how to make a great drink. Overall, the food, drinks, service, and atmosphere are always all on point. Definitely a place I highly recommend to friends & family

Photos
Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen
Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen - Cazcanes Blanco, Reposado,  Anejo... All 100 Proof

Cazcanes Blanco, Reposado, Anejo... All 100 Proof

Sabroso! Mexican Kitchen

See all

Restaurante Las Cazuelas - Pupusas

Restaurante Las Cazuelas

4.2(153 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$

I may be white but I know good Mexican food when I taste it. These were the best el pastor tacos…read moreI've ever had in my life. Service was kind of slow but so worth it. Everything was made fresh- even our chips and salsa. Our waiter was so kind and welcoming. The ambiance felt very local Mexican, homey, and colorful. Las Cazuelas is truly a treasure.

I used to LOVE coming to this place... until I realized their customer service seriously sucked…read more First off, the food is honestly a little on the salty side, but I kept coming back because I liked the place. Then this happened. I brought my family here for dinner, and when we were closing out the check, the server failed to mention that gratuity was automatically added for a party of 6. I didn't realize it until I was about to sign and saw that I was about to leave ANOTHER tip on top of the automatic gratuity. I was like, oh HELL NO, I'm not tipping $80+ So I asked the server to refund the entire transaction and rerun the payment correctly. She told me she couldn't do that, but said she could refund the extra tip instead. I said okay, trusting that she knew what she was doing. We left. Fast forward about 4-6 months later. I come back with different family members, and the MANAGER comes over and tells me I have an outstanding balance of around $150. At first I genuinely thought he was joking. Nope. Apparently, when the server was supposed to refund the extra tip, she accidentally refunded the ENTIRE BILL and kept the tip. ‍ Now explain to me HOW that was my problem?! I specifically told her I wanted the entire transaction refunded so we could start over, and SHE chose to handle it differently. That was THEIR mistake, not mine. And the worst part? Instead of pulling me aside privately and explaining what happened, the manager brought this up IN FRONT OF THE FAMILY I WAS WITH. So now I'm sitting there being told I owe $150+ in front of my guests because of an error THEIR employee made months earlier. Talk about embarrassing. Thank God I'm in a position where I could afford to pay it, so I paid the outstanding amount AND my new bill that day -- over $300 out of pocket -- just to resolve the whole situation. I paid everything they said I owed for both visits, and I have never gone back since. And I WILL NEVER go back. Between the salty-ass food and the customer service, I'll take my money somewhere else. Just sharing my TRUE experience because I think customers deserve to know what happened.

Photos
Restaurante Las Cazuelas
Restaurante Las Cazuelas - Chips and salsa.

Chips and salsa.

Restaurante Las Cazuelas

See all

Chiva Torta - mexican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...