Overall a great experience. The pros: Came in on a Saturday afternoon and was sat down to be greeted by a lovely server. Had red and white sangria. Both were good but we both preferred the white. Queso fundido was good but didn't come with chips so we ordered chips and salsa. Mole tostadidas were delightful, full of flavor. Esquites: the bomb. Super flavorful and we cleaned the plate. Churrosnwere good, but the dipping sauces left something to be desired. A little runny and preferred the hot churro on its own. The cons: the only thing that was a little disappointing was the fact that they served us the end of a bag of chips. While the chips were fine, it was surprising that at a michelin star restaurant they didn't serve homemade chips. Worse still, we got the tail end of the bag of chips. The top of the bowl had regular sized chips but they were just hiding the smaller broken odds and ends that you find at the bottom of the bag. read more

I'd like to start by saying the service was not the issue. The staff were kind and happily offered recommendations when asked. In my opinion, the restaurant should just be called "Gabbi's Kitchen," because that would be more appropriate. This is the type of "Mexican" restaurant that Mexicans don't actually go to. Basic concepts and dishes that are either done incorrectly or have way too much going on. We ordered the Al Pastor Gordita, and it was easily the worst gordita I've ever had. The meat wasn't traditionally seasoned the way you'd expect al pastor to be, which could be fine, except it was overwhelmed by the taste of either cinnamon, allspice, or some other seasoning I couldn't identify. It was distracting and unpleasant. Then there was an overwhelming amount of pineapple. There shouldn't even be pineapple in a gordita, but if there is, it shouldn't be the main ingredient. Instead of lettuce, there were one or two spinach leaves, and no beans. We also ordered the Arrachera, which was basically carne asada on corn and nopal. This was the most expensive dish, yet while the cheaper dishes came with sides, this was mainly just a piece of meat on a small mountain of corn. No beans, rice, or salsa. I asked for salsa and received an overly sweet, somehow-not-spicy habanero salsa that they charged $4 for. And if you're used to going to literally any authentic Mexican restaurant and getting complimentary chips and salsa, don't expect that here. They offer it to you like it's free, but it's not. I wanted to try something new, and the hostess at the front said the food was "really good" (not her fault), but unfortunately, it's just another Americanized Mexican restaurant that makes you regret not going to a place you already know and trust. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Not an $18 dollar margarita - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

Gabbi's is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, and a big reason is Alicia! Her service is truly unmatched. She goes above and beyond every single time to make sure we have a great experience. She's attentive, friendly, welcoming, and always makes us feel like valued guests. It's rare to find someone who genuinely cares about providing exceptional customer service, and Alicia does exactly that. She remembers the little details, checks in at just the right times, and always has such a positive attitude. Employees like her are the reason we keep coming back. Thank you, Alicia, for always making our visits so enjoyable. Gabbi's is lucky to have you! read more

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Delicious Mexican cuisine, the tacos are yummy, the drinks are delicious and food is fresh & tasty.

I liked my food. I had the Carnitas Norteñas and was quite happy with my dish. I also had a strawberry mocktail recommended by our waiter and it was great! The decor is very beautiful as well. Upon arrival, there was no sign so I did have to check with the hostess that I was in the right spot. My friends were sad that they were charged for chips and salsa, but other than that, it tasted yummy! read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Carnitas Norteñas - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

This is a cute little place at the Orange Circle. The interior is really nice. I love the decor. My lady friend highly recommended Gabbi's. We came for lunch on Sunday. It was busy but we got a table right away. For starters we got the chips and guacamole. This was a nice way to start the meal. For the main course my lady friend had the Mole enchiladas, I had the Eduardo burrito. The presentation of the food is really nice. You can't wait to dig in. I really liked my meaty burrito. It was packed with flavor. Mary gave me a taste of enchilada and it was delicious. This is a really nice place to bring a date. The service is excellent, they don't rush you. Our drink glasses were always full. We will be back. read more

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We stopped by Old Towne OC around 10 a.m. to walk around, and a few places we originally planned to visit were still closed. Then we unexpectedly came across this super popular restaurant! The crowd alone caught our attention, so we decided to give it a try -- and I'm glad we did. Atmosphere: The moment we walked in, the vibe immediately stood out. It has a charming vintage feel, with beautiful natural sunlight pouring in, making the whole space warm and cozy. Perfect for a relaxing weekend brunch or a casual meal with family and kids. Here are the dishes we highly recommend: Guacamole & Chips Absolutely addictive. The guacamole was fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor. We couldn't stop eating it. Steak Plate The steak was cooked perfectly tender, and the juicy corn underneath soaked up all the delicious flavors. Every bite felt satisfying. Pulled Pork Tacos Super authentic Mexican-style tacos with rich layers of flavor. The combination of refried beans and avocado sauce made them even better. A few small notes: The restaurant was extremely busy, so the staff seemed a little overwhelmed at times. Service was okay overall, but understandable considering how packed it was. Coffee lovers: Their coffee leaned a bit on the sweeter side for us, so if you prefer less sweetness, it's worth mentioning when ordering. Overall, such a fun and lively brunch spot in Old Towne OC. Definitely worth trying if you're in the area! read more

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It's always a shame when the food is CLEARLY frozen. It's an adorable location. The staff was great. None of this is their fault. Entrees? Flavorless. Textures? So obviously frozen. If I wanted frozen chicken, I'd cook my own. Street corn? Fine... though with clumps of spice throughout, very poorly mixed. Just a real shame. In a location like this, there is no excuse for this. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

We were able to get immediate seating and the service was good. The food was delicious. My first drink was so so. My second drink was delicious. My first drink was a blackberry coco margarita. It was good. My second drink was Mai oh Mai. That was delicious. I ordered the tacos, and I love the presentation and the taste. Delicious. read more

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Been coming here for a little over a year now every few months for girls' night or date night and it is my favorite Mexican restaurant for sure. I always get the shrimp enchilada and a red sangria as well as their chips and salsa as an appetizer. They usually have 2 salsas that I have noticed they switch up every now and then. Yesterday I got both the house salsa and a habanero salsa I have never tried before and it was really good (very spicy). I love their churros and ice-cream, too. The service is very nice and attentive as well. Waiters never leave our water glasses empty which is great. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - My go to order + chips and salsa and vanilla icecream for dessert. - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

Came to this gem as a recommendation and I will say the ambiance of this place was so relaxing and inviting. The service from our server Danny was above and beyond. He gave us recommendations on drinks and food and whatever things to try. As per usual I went for it all. The asada tacos, salsa and chips, guacamole, and of course dessert of chocolate churros with ice cream were a hit! If you're in the area of Orange County, you should definitely come in and try for yourself. You won't be disappointed! read more

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We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Gabbi's. Came on a weekday and had no difficulty being seated. Great drinks, I especially liked my Jalapeño Pepino Margarita (yes, it packs a bit of a spicy punch). Our guacamole serving for starters, freshly made, was very large. And yet, we ate it all. I had the pozole for dinner which I haven't had in ages. The photo doesn't lie, the broth was very dark and mysterious. What lurked in the depths of my soup bowl? Only delicious pieces of clams on the shell, shrimp, red fish and hominy. Delicious! Very much recommended. read more

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Gabbi's served delicious, fresh, high quality Mexican food and cocktails! We had 12 people in our group and everyone loved their meals. I've never had green mole, so I was curious to try the Camarones con Mole Verde. The mole was savory, the shrimp were juicy, and the veggies crisp. Their cocktail menu had several interesting options, but since I was driving I couldn't have too many. I love Mezcal so I had to try the Tamarindo con Chile, and I am happy that I did! It had a nice blend of heat and smokiness, and I really liked that it wasn't overpowered by sweetness. Their michelada was great too. The restaurant had a great atmosphere and the staff were friendly and attentive. I'll definitely come back! read more

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TLDR: drinks were fine, street corn was fine, nothing else was. No sign, bad mains, MIA mgmt. This was a genuine disappointment, but I should have listened to my gut when they said they can't make guacamole without onion because his words "it's premade" not we make a large batch every day, it's premade he said. I hoped it was just a miscommunication, but then the main courses came out and wow, premade and heated up for us is what I think we got. The chicken enchiladas...the chicken was bland and tasted like it was prepared long ago, not anywhere within an hour of our arrival at the restaurant. I guess that's why they couldn't switch the protein in the enchiladas to steak, it likely was previously assembled and heated up. I know restaurants are struggling with inflation, but screwing over your customers with subpar food isn't the answer and will lead to a restaurant closing. Wait staff was friendly, but slow. Management MIA. Still tipped the waiter well, but I feel kinda swindled by these guys. No sign outside either and the hostess joked that they're famous for not having a sign. Looking at the sad state of my dinnerware, I'm starting to suspect they're just cheap. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Enchiladas Suizas - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

Folks always rave about this place, so my husband (who had been here before), and myself came for a date night. Honestly- it was just okay. I do not have the same level of local nostalgia as some folks who grew up here and frequented these places a lot, which i sometimes feel skew opinions, so this place just felt okay. The service was meh- for example our water cups were left empty for quite some time, and the food was just okay. I keep thinking that maybe we should go back, but with all the other great Mexican food in OC, I just haven't yet. Parking for this place has the same struggles as all of the restaurants in the circle, so check parking locations prior to coming if that is something that gives you anxiety. Overall, I do not see the draw, outside of it being very close to the Orange circle, which provides its own additional destination and ambiance. read more

Used to be my favorite spot in the circle. But I think it's quality and variety has feminist, at least during lunch service. Hace not been here Ina. Long while for dinner. But have gone to it's sister restaurant down in Santa Ana and prefer it. Staff is friendly and the space is cheerful. Haven't changed since it opened a while back. read more

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Came here w my girls for drinks and they delivered great service. We sat out on the patio area and one of their employees, thank god, brought us a heater and got our order in quick. The dim lighting and lively conversations were the perfect vibe. Eventually I want to return to try the food read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Maracuya Margaritas and regular marg - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

Tiagayo Arbita The most amazing restaurant and amazing vibes on downtown with sitting on patio with sun rays falling . It was a very cute one and though difficult to find as they didn't their name on front or top . They have a beautiful baskets at entrance which was elegant. Food was amazing tool chips and salads with guacamole and fries. Freis were amazing with salsa. I took Tiagayo Arbita a vegetarian type flat bread and it was unique and had amazing flavor . A purple crispy tortilla with guacamole and fresh Avocado with some feta cheese. Would defiantly recommend to visit this place read more

We came here recently as it's someone we know's favorite place. The vibe was nice because it was in downtown Orange and it was bustling. We came around 3:30 and all of our party hadn't arrived so we ended up being late enough for the dinner menu which starts at 4. One of my favorite things about this place was the chips and salsa. The chips were sturdy and the salsa had a very nice flavor (without much spice). I ordered the beef taquitos con salsa verde and my son had a kids cheese enchilada. Both orders were fine, honestly not the most special Mexican food I've had but not terrible. The waitstaff was very patient with us since our full party took a long time to arrive and they were so on it with refills and asking if everything was good. All in all the ambiance was nice but for my tastebuds I just wasn't blown away (nor super disappointed) in the food. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Kids cheese enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

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This is a really nice smaller restaurant right near the Orange circle. The elote was super tasty and would have really been too much by itself but as a garnish on top of my enchiladas, it was fabulous! I mixed it with my rice and with the beans. It was the 'secret sauce' for everything. The ambiance was perfect and the size of the restaurant was just right. It's hard to find because there doesn't appear to be a sign so look out for the hanging baskets/hats. Highly recommend Gabbi's! read more

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We were here for a Friday night dinner for a party of six. They were able to sit us on the patio/sidewalk and it was spacious. Their margaritas are so good. They have a kids menu too with rice and bean burritos or quesadillas. Our server was attentive and checked in at the right times. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Spicy margarita - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

Small restaurant is lil hard to find. We went during lunch on Saturday without a reservation. Thank god we had no choice but to sit outside. The inside area is too dark and claustrophobic. Not a lot of variety on the menu. Choose the Enchilada de Camerones and partner had the big ass burrito. The enchilada was average until I got to the middle part. It became really salty. I couldn't finish but It was way better than the burrito. Do not order the burrito. It was nasty, salty with all kinds of crap in it. We also had chips and salsa. The service was good. Our bill came out to be $80. Not worth it at all. My first and last visit. El Torito would've been better. read more

Authentic Mexican cuisine upscale restaurant, interior is nicely decorated with good ambience. We ordered salsa chips and guacamole to start, the server refilled our chips, the salsa tasted great and it was so good we ate too much and actually filled us up before our main entrees came haha! The only down side is the parking really is abit of a nightmare here in old town. There's parking on the back but it's nearly impossible to get a space during weekend, so I really suggest parking a few blocks away and just walk here. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

First off, the food here is pretty memorable. They served one of the best beef-based tacos I've ever had. Robust, meaty, and chock full of flavors in all sorts of wonderful combinations of savory, spicy, and tangy. And the dessert of the common churros was spectacular, especially when served with both chocolate and caramel sauces, and ice cream. It was one hell or a capper to the evening. The place is nice--small, but nice. And it certainly packed to the brim with loud patrons. But everyone manages to squeeze by the other by the hair of their chinny chin chin. My big complaint was an incident with the service. My server had given me some good suggestions as to what to order. And everything he came up with was a banger. My issue is at the end of the meal he took my card to pay and didn't come back for 9-12 minutes. In that time he managed to take two more orders, refill drinks, and walk back to kitchen. He was doing a lot except for running my bill and giving me back my card. It was like he was on a walkout and couldn't be bothered to let me leave with my card. I even had to remind another server that I still hadn't got back my bill or credit card. If there's one thing I can't stand it's a waiter or waitress who can't fulfill the basic functions of his job on time. Getting back the customer bill in an expedited is basic--like remembering orders or checking every so often for refills. It's the bare minimum of doing your job. Like I said, I like the food. It was pretty memorable. But also pretty memorable was the nagging thought he had misplaced my card and was trying to discreetly cover it up or the nagging thought he was just forgetful and had let it slip his mind completely that somebody was waiting on him so that the person could leave, just get out. Whatever it was--neglect or incompetence--it made kind of rue the thought of ever coming back or recommending this place to anyone. read more

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One of the best restaurants I've been to in a while. The food and service were amazing. The place is beautiful, the parking was a bit of inconvenience. My mom just had surgery and we asked if we could go through the back door to limit her walking and they weren't very accommodating so we went around but worth the walk. The salsa was soo good!!! I wish it was closer to me read more

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Service was slow, took forever to get our appetizers, guac, and entrees. Food was good, but I can't recommend coming here. It was an average experience at best. read more

I have been a loyal customer since Gabbi's opened and have brought many friends and family over the years. Unfortunately, after my second disappointing experience as someone with celiac disease, I won't be returning. I asked my server what menu items were safe for someone with celiac disease, and he didn't know what celiac disease was. I then asked if he could check with the chef. When he returned, he still couldn't provide clear guidance about what was safe to eat or how cross-contamination was handled. For those of us with celiac disease, this isn't a preference or a trend--it's an autoimmune disease where even small amounts of gluten can make us very sick. I understand not every restaurant can safely accommodate celiac, but I do expect staff to be educated about the condition and to communicate honestly about what is and isn't safe. I've always enjoyed Gabbi's and hate writing this review, but I hope it encourages better staff training and awareness for guests with serious food allergies and celiac disease. read more

Beautiful restaurant with great lighting and decor , really nice vibe. The service was excellent from the bus boys , hostess and servers . I ordered the mole enchiladas and they were good , in fact very good. I would return and appreciate the noticeable culture of excellence that each team member exemplifies. read more

Returned here again last week for another fantastic meal. The Gorditas and Empanadas were both amazing appetizers, especially love the empanadas with nopales, meat and shrimp and the crispy shell. I had the Enchiladas with Zucchini Flowers-not really sure they were in there, it would have been nice to see them more prominently featured, but nonetheless they were absolutely delicious-firm tortillas, filled with cheese and I guess the flowers, and a tasty and spicy sauce-if you enjoy heat, this could be your dish. Everything else was flawless. My complaint in so many of my reviews at finer dining establishments is the total missing lack of service protocol. DO NOT clear the plates until everyone is done. I know you want to turn the table over but this is just NOT RIGHT. DON'T DO IT. Managers, train your staff to wait until everyone is finished eating to remove all the dishes. This goes for this establishment as well. Service here was attentive, but coming to fill your water glass every five minutes just because your glass is still two thirds full, please back off a bit. Now these are some minor observations and I'd take off half a star for these, but the food outweights these slight oversights. This is a place that is consistently good and the service is decent, I also appreciate the tables outside where you can bring your dog. Keep up the good work, and fine tune those service issues, and I'll continue to come back. read more

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The first time we came to Gabbys, the food was actually pretty good, which is why we decided to come back. Unfortunately, the second visit was disappointing. I ordered the same meal, the veggie tacos, and they were nowhere near as good as the first time. After staying away for a long while, we decided to give Gabbys another shot, but once again the food was underwhelming. This place just seems very inconsistent, and the service was mediocre at best. My wife ordered a steak burrito, and when the food arrived, the burrito had no meat in it at all. She had to send it back. It's hard to understand how a steak burrito goes out without steak. It also feels like everything is pre-batched, which takes away from the quality and freshness. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, I personally would not recommend this place. The food feels very Americanized and lacks the traditional flavor and quality you'd expect from authentic Mexican cuisine. read more

Upon entering, the ambiance had a traditional Latin feel with a modern touch. Unfortunately, my first impression of the customer service was not very welcoming. The atmosphere is not family-friendly, as it is quite dark and lacks kid-friendly drink options. The chips were mediocre, and the salsa tasted like basic tomato salsa. I'm always willing to wait for exceptional food, but sadly, that wasn't the case here. I ordered the Carnitas Norteñas, which were excessively greasy to the point that I couldn't eat them and had to send them back. The Eduardo burrito, however, had good flavor and plenty of carne asada. Three of us ended up sharing the burrito since I didn't want to wait a long time to order another entrée. Overall, I would not return. The prices were quite high and did not reflect the quality of the food or the level of service. read more

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I've dined at Gabbi's twice now, my first experience was phenomenal - I tried the tacos which were fresh, light, and flavorful. My second dining experience was a little underwhelming, I opted for the Ensalada De Cítrica, which was okay, I think I would have liked mixed greens as opposed to the arugula because of the bitterness of the greens. I love their salsa, it has a kick! We also tried the shrimp enchiladas, the green sauce was thick and creamy. Their menu is small compared to other Mexican restaurants, but there is thought and quality behind each dish. Gabbi's would be a great spot for a girls lunch, dinner, or date night. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Enchiladas de Camarones - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

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Here I am again on my eighth visit to Gabby's. Well, once again, I find the food very very enjoyable but my problem is with the service which while good and efficient is merely perfunctory and wow do they want you out at 9 PM? Start cleaning out underneath your table pushing you out as fast as they can. The bar just closes down not even announcing a last call. And what is with those awful margaritas. I can't believe that a Michelin feathered Mexican restaurant can serve such awful margaritas. And I am not alone as I mentioned it to another Restaurant crowd and they agreed and said they were probably the worst margaritas in Orange. I don't know whether it's the mix or the amount of alcohol or what it is but they come out watery and really sour. A totally good dining experience has to encompass everything, food is only 50% of the deal the other 50% is service with a smile, and this one lacks it. Now there could be a reason for this epic shutdown at 9 PM. But I wonder what it is? Santa Monica seafood in Santa Monica on Wilshire Boulevard has to have last orders in by 8:30 because if they are not closed out by 10 o'clock entirely, the neighbors complain that they are putting out trash and making a noise after 10 so that I understand. But it took me a year to find that out from the owners. Restaurant owners are so stuck up and anal, I know I was one. Gabbi, whom I have never seen, should spend a night or two watching her Restaurant closing up. read more

I've been here a few times and I love it. It's hidden in plain sight, next door to the old army surplus store. This is a great date night spot, but be aware that it can be busy. We've gone off peak times and were seated immediately. Friday night at 7p we had a 40 minute wait and walked around the Circle and visited some of the eclectic shops. The inside is dimly lit and not overly loud, great for chatting. Service is incredible. Prices are reasonable. Food is great. The menu is limited, but there are plenty of options (including for vegetarians) and everything is delicious. Chips and salsa are complimentary and fresh. Appetizers are great (I've had the empanadas and queso fundido) and the portions are generous. Mains are great too (this visit we had the mole enchiladas, mushroom tacos). Desserts look good, but we've been too full to try them. If you haven't been, it's highly worth visiting! Not sure why this place doesn't have more stars!!!! read more

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Nice place Been here before Prices have gone up and certainly don't warrant the food Pay extra for chips and salsa seems a bit much considering their food prices read more

I have to review Gabbi's again because if I could give it 10 stars I would. We always get lucky enough to find a spot at the bar and Rodolfo is our favorite bartender. He makes the best margaritas and is always consistent. The last couple of times I've stopped in I've tried different dishes and everything has been delicious. Particularly the chicken mole enchiladas, I usually love the shrimp ones but Rodolfo suggested I try the chicken and he hasn't steered me wrong yet, they were fire! Served alongside white rice and plantains the sweet and savory combo hit the spot. On another note: we stopped in one day and it was apparently International Women's Day and I was served a complimentary martini and yucca fries at the bar read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Chicken Mole Enchiladas with white rice and plantains - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

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The food here is amazing. I recommend the Caesar salad with steak. Great service as our server, Emmanuel was on point and the manager, Candee, was very sweet and professional. As far as the atmosphere, it's beautiful. The bar is gorgeous and it's so authentic! read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Bar area - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

Being at the heart of the Orange Circle, it's a definite go to if you haven't tried it. Michelin distinction and food is very good! I really liked the Iced Cafe de Olla and honestly wish someone can teach me how to do this at home because it's sooo good! The citrus notes that it brings mixed with the cafe de olla, makes it very refreshing for the summer or just when you want to have an iced drink! Food was also very flavorful! Though I wished they served a little bit more because it wasn't as filling as I expected it to be. Service was great and the waiter gave us a free dessert for my bother's birthday which nice! I really liked the environment though. You can tell that they put a lot of work into it and loved the darker theme of it. Very classy. Overall a 8/10 read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California

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Looking for great Mexican cuisine, stop in here but, you need to be on the look out, it's a place that is easy to miss. There is no neon lights or signs, just delicious traditional dishes created by Chef Gabbi Patrick. The front is an open air patio seating area. The cocktails are amazing, I particularly like the margaritas. Have your server provide some suggestions from the menu but you can't go wrong with anything. Try the tacos or one of my favorites the shrimp enchiladas. Want to finish up with dessert? Go for the Tres Leches cake, presented beautifully and tastes even better. read more

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Service was very good... super attentive. The ambience was cool... crowded for a Wednesday. Food? Well I wasn't all the impressed with it. The chips were not salted at all and the salsa was a little bit too spicy for me and they are not complimentary like many Mexican restaurants. I got the flor de calabaza quesadilla, which was summer squash, corn, pasilla, epazote, oaxacan cheese, with habanero molcajete on the side. It really had no flavor and when I added the sauce, it was extremely spicy. I decided to ask for some salt to add to the dish and that brought out a better cheese flavor. I don't think I'd go back, especially because of the cost. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen - flor de calabaza quesadilla - summer squash, corn, pasilla, epazote, oaxacan cheese, habanero molcajete and a few chips - Mexican Near Me - Orange, California