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Javier's

3.6 (4.6k reviews)
PriceyMexican, Bars, Desserts
Open • 11:30 am - 11:00 pm
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Javier's Photos

Business Info

JAVIER'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Javier's

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Reviews With Photos

Open seating if you come early and beat the crowds.
Michelle Z.

Javier's in Newport Beach has been my favorite place to chill in the early afternoons every few years. I say that because around 2 pm on a Wednesday, it's easy to get in and out. Ample parking, attentive service, and great food. On Wednesday, I was solo and ordered two Cucumber Jalapeño margaritas with salsa and chips. After I enjoyed scoping out every inch of the awesome decor and ambience, I ordered the famous beans. Boy are they delicious! Next came Enchiladas Mariscos which knocked it out of the park. Beautifully presented, great temperature, and the zesty green sauce was delicious. To my surprise the rice and beans no longer come along with this amazing entree. That rubbed me wrong. Adding $18 to my lunch made me wrinkle my nose and ask why? No beans and no rice, no business. Kelley the hostess was amazing, Martin was attentive, Augustin the manager was cordial. The staff there especially the bartender Salvador whom I've know for many years are memorable. Keep it that way.

Birthday ice cream for my nephew
Catherine C.

$15 Valet Parking is 100% WORTH IT! Parking is a challenge in this shopping center. Ambiance is lively and energetic! Great for a date night! Great for large groups! Many celebrating a birthday tonight Hector was our server and was simply fantastic! Stopped by our table frequently to make sure we had everything we needed without interrupting our conversation. We're so grateful! Every dish we ordered was not only made perfectly but the presentation was FIRST CLASS! We enjoyed every moment and look forward to returning again soon!

Nancy D.

Visited Javier's in Newport Beach on a Sunday evening. Reservations are definitely recommended--they were very busy, but with our reservation we were seated right away. The ambiance is beautiful, and the location right across from the beach makes it even better. They offer both valet and self-parking, which is convenient. Service was prompt and attentive, especially considering how busy they were, and the food was tasty and well prepared. Overall, everything was good and we had an enjoyable experience. There really wasn't anything I could complain about, but at the same time, nothing particularly wowed me or made it a place I'd go out of my way to visit regularly. That said, it's a beautiful restaurant with good food, good service, and a great atmosphere--definitely worth experiencing.

The beautiful bar.
Mark S.

We loved our last visit to Javier's. We were lucky enough to get seats at the bar looking out to the ocean. Oustanding service and great food. My wife said the crab enchiladas is oneof the best things she ever ate!

Menu - dessert
Simon K.

Food is hit or miss. I got the Cabo Azul combo with Lobster Enchilada, Shrimp Taco, and Crab Poblano Pepper. Everything was fresh but flavorless. And the tortillas did not seem to be homemade. My wife got the Steak Picado and loved it. Our friend got the Fideo Del Mar, essentially seafood pasta in a pink sauce. She loved it. The hand cut thick fries were awesome. As for drinks, the Javier's Margarita was great, the Casa Margarita was flavorless, the Pina Margarita was phenomenal, the Espresso Martini (not Marco's style) was great. My wife was happy they had New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The Pastel Tres Leches cake was average. The Fried Ice Cream was excellent. Service was prompt and courteous. The ambience is high end, everybody dresses up, and it's definitely a see and be seen place. There's a bar area that you can stand around with drinks and socialize. In the dining area there are huge tables that are great for large groups. I saw many adult birthday parties happening. Parking is quick and easy with valet.

Dirty Martini
Alma R.

We love great Mexican food and when in Irvine we always make a stop at Javier's. They have the best atmosphere, day or night. We stopped during the day this time and were sat in the bar area, super fun! My hubby had chicken enchiladas and I had their Salmon Salad. I wish there was more salad but the size of the salmon made up for it. It was cooked to perfection and seasoned really well. Of course we had to indulge in a couple of Lemon Martinis, mine with a shot of Chambord. And yes, we treated ourselves to some fried ice cream for dessert with an Espresso Martini. The service is always top notch and super friendly. It made for another excellent dining experience.

Tomahawk
Bubu N.

Food is good!! It was packed and lively on a Tuesday night. I definitely felt underdressed going here. Table consensus: tomahawk was the star of the meal. Cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and they packed the bone for my dog later XD I'd skip the drinks they were ok. Loved the fried ice cream. It's pricey but nice on a special occasion

Paloma (Top) & Pepino Margarita (Bottom)
Angela N.

I love Javier's! This is probably one of my favorite locations mainly for the beautiful ocean views and vibes. Definitely try go get a table on the patio if you want the best experience. I came with a friend to catch up over some food and drinks. Any of their margaritas are good but I usually go for either spicy or pepino (cucumber). I decided to order one of the combo plates that came with a shredded beef taco, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans. It was pretty good. I think the combo plates are the best bang for your buck since this place can be a bit pricey.

Arrachera with side of chiles toreados
Michelle C.

I got the arrachera and the meat was so good! The beans were alright. I also got a side for the chiles toreados and they completed my meal!! I also got a spicy margarita and it was delicious. The service was good!! The place ended up getting real busy in the evening.

Carolina M.

They have hands down the best chips and salsa, margarita and shareable dinner plates for any occasion. The ambiance is dark and very romantic. It seems to be busy any time we go in, so making a reservation is key.

Green chicken enchiladas
Jordan L.

This place is always packed despite the enormous restaurant and endless tables. The menu has great options from Mexican food to steakhouse favorites. I got the green chicken enchiladas which were yummy. My husband got a steak and loved it. The chips and guac are always fan favs too. It's comfortable seating and despite the crowds, you can still have conversations without it being too loud. Service was lovely. I'm sure we'll be back, but I do think the price point is a little high for some of their menu items (two enchiladas for $40).

Dessert- yummiest chocolate cake ever. Very rich
Rose H.

The best location of all Javier's- so spacious inside with seating arrangements ideal for 12+ people while enjoying sunset views! We were quite a rowdy party celebrating my birthday and this place went above and beyond with their service and attentiveness. Took all food requests like a champ for picky eaters (me!) and clarified everything with us before putting orders in. Food was fresh and delicious and made sure for all 12 plates to come out at the same time. They even added extra birthday desserts :) **this place is always jam packed so plan ahead

Tamarind margarita
Renata L.

Came in for a family dinner with a party of 13, and wow--this place was already packed by 4:30 PM! Reservations aren't required, but I highly recommend making one if you don't want to wait. Despite how busy they were, the service was excellent. Drinks and appetizers arrived within minutes of ordering, and the staff did a great job keeping up with our large group. The unlimited chips and salsa were dangerously good. I always tell myself I'll stop after a few chips, but somehow I never do--and this salsa was definitely the reason why! For my entrée, I ordered the three seafood enchiladas. I appreciated that the seafood flavors were bold and fresh without tasting fishy. The green sauce complemented the dish perfectly and elevated the flavors even more. I also sampled a combination plate, which was good overall, although I felt the chile relleno had a little too much cheese, making it difficult to taste the chile itself. For dessert, we couldn't decide on just one, so we ordered the chocolate cake, tres leches cake, and fried ice cream. My ranking: fried ice cream first, tres leches second, and chocolate cake third. The chocolate cake was good but similar to what you'd find at many other restaurants. The tres leches was delicious--moist without being overly milky or sweet, and the almonds added a nice texture and flavor. The fried ice cream was the standout for me. The crunchy cereal coating added great texture, and because it wasn't overly sweet, it balanced perfectly with the ice cream. Overall, this is a place I'd definitely recommend for both the food and service. Just remember: reservations, reservations, reservations!.

Espresso vodka martini with baileys

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Food 8/10 . Drink 8/10. A tag pricey since it at the beach . Overall great place to experience dinner.

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Javier's Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Javier's

Do they show nfl games?

Not sure! I Am always hanging out with friends talking and laughing. Never had attention to that!

Do I need to reserve?

It's very busy. I would

Does Javier's offer take out options?

Yes they do have the option for take out orders ☺️

How can I make a reservation ? They don't answer the phone and no option online

Depends for how many people... I came for a table for two, and they were able to just do a walk-in.

How can i get a gift card for a gift?

Last time I bought a gift card, I went in and the hostess got one for me. This current Javier's is under renovation and closed right now, but there is another one in Irvine at the Irvine Spectrum.

Do they take reservations for the lounge?

On their website, it states they take reservations over the phone. However, we tried calling for a while and no one answered. However, we just decided to try walking in and managed to get seated right away on a Monday evening during the dinner rush.

Is there a dress code?

Not really. Guests are dressed from beach wear to business casual.

Do they have any gluten free options or make gluten allergy accommodations?

I am also gluten-free so and dairy free so I just ask for chicken enchiladas with corn tortillas and a green sauce no cheese but you will have to ask if they have specific gluten-free things and as usual the chips and salsa are gluten-free enjoy!

I hear this place is really a 'meat market' is it true?

In my opinion. I go with friends or family at lunch time or dinner, so I am not sure what would happen later on in the evening...

Are they dog friendly?

NO!

Do they sell gift cards?

Yes they do, need my address to send me 1,lol.

What is the restaurant's corkage policy?

I was there this summer- it was $30

Do you have self parking or valet only?

There is self parking in the lot surrounding the area!

Are they dog friendly?

Yes, they love dogs and plenty of outside seating!

What time is happy happy hour?

They don't have one

Can you walk in and stand at the bar for drinks or do you need to sit with a reservation?

I've been trying to call to make a reservation and I can't get through?

That's typical for that place. You might want to try open table.

Does the Newport Location take reservations?

Yes, They do!

Is this place 21 and over?

No, family friendly

What is the max amount of people per table during this time?

Most of the outdoor tables were set up for parties of six. But, I ate there on Saturday and I saw a group of 8 at a table.

View All 49 Questions

Carmelita's - Birria Tacos

Carmelita's

4.2(2.7k reviews)
3.4 mi
•$$

Came here for dinner around 7 pm on a Tuesday and we were able to be seated right away on the patio…read morewith our dog. They start you off with complimentary chips, salsa and beans. I really enjoyed the beans and liked that it was offered as something different. I also ordered a spicy michelada with Modelo which was really good. For food we shared the pollo à la chipotle and seafood enchiladas. Both entrees were really good! You could taste the crab in the enchiladas and the sauce on the chicken was really good. The chicken was also moist and not dry. I enjoyed the chile relleno but felt like it wasn't needed. My boyfriend really liked the rice. They offered us more chips once we ran out and brought out a fresh batch. Oh my, the chips were amazing when they were still warm! If I wasn't full I could've eaten the whole basket myself. Our server was also friendly and brought water for our dog without us having to ask. Great location near the beach for a nice dinner with a breeze. We would definitely return!

I should have taken photos! Every bite was delicious. The fresh tortilla chips were warm and the…read moreguacamole was so tasty and was served with chopped cucumbers and a wonderfully smoky chipotle sauce on the side. Why? Who knows. Who cares. They were delicious. We ordered several types of tacos, on both regular corn tortillas and crispy tortillas. WOW! Each bite was better than the one before. Is that possible ? Yes, it's possible. The food was so delicious, we ordered food to take with us for later. ( photos of take out attached. We were too busy eating out sit down meal). The service was exceptional. My water glass stayed full. The room is nice and cozy. We had no problem with parking, but I can imagine it may get tight during the dinner hour. We will return, because I look forward to trying several other menu items. I highly recommend Carmelita's.

Photos
Carmelita's - Inside

Inside

Carmelita's - Chef's Combo Platter

Chef's Combo Platter

Carmelita's - Seafood trio

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Seafood trio

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Best Tacos ever!

Chelas Mexican Kitchen

4.3(101 reviews)
3.1 mi

This place has a great location right off of PCH, but up on a hill away from most similar…read morebusinesses. It has a unique feel. Walking upstairs gives a nice ocean view and is good for small groups. It's a great option for Taco Tuesday. They are quick and high quality. The service was welcoming and will encourage a customer to return and try more menu options. This place is well worth a visit.

Chelas is a local Mexican Restaurant near Gallery Row in North Laguna beach, offering delicious…read moreMexican fare with a smile at a reasonable price. I ordered for my takeout the La Calle Taco Kit ($80), which included 2 pounds of meat (half steak, half chicken), cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, onions, rice, 2 dozen tortillas, and limes. Bangers all around. The chicken was superbly spiced and tender, the beans soft and well spiced, the tortillas hot and fresh. Of the lineup, the strongest contender was the guacamole, which had the perfect mix of cilantro, lime, and creamy avocado, one of the best guacamoles I've ever had. I found the steak a little weak, being more beef shavings which were a little tough. Everything came together well to feed our group of five with plenty for leftovers the following day. Service was friendly and very, very fast. When calling in our order I was quoted 12 minutes. For such a large order during the dinner rush, this is commendable. Service was effusive and friendly, tailoring the order to our liking (half and half meat, half and half tortillas, the mildest of mild salsas, etc). Price, above, was very reasonable for the quantity of food in an expensive area. I went in with modest expectations but left quite impressed. Te felicito, Chelas! You have my highest recommendation for anyone looking for quality Mexican in Laguna at a fair price. Food: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Value: 4.5:5

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Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Inside

Inside

Chelas Mexican Kitchen
Chelas Mexican Kitchen

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Playa Mesa - Plato del Patron. Roasted Jidori chicken, confit spare ribs, cesina, chile toreados, pico de gallo, ceboilltas, papas bravas & refried beans

Playa Mesa

4.4(3.5k reviews)
6.0 mi
•$$

Late review but I felt like I should leave this here just in case people are wondering cause if…read morethey closed down cause of the food quality. -- Came back to Playa Mesa for my friend's birthday. The chips and salsa were really good. The aguachile had a nice spicy flavor that made it stand out. The queso fundido was SO good super cheesy, and paired with the handmade tortillas it was one of my favorites. We also ordered the calamari and I was surprised by how good it was. Everyone ordered different rounds of cocktails throughout the night and honestly, not one missed. Service was a little slow, but it was a busy Friday night, so that's somewhat expected. I've been here before and the grilled octopus tacos and carne asada burrito were just as good as I remembered them. They also made the birthday celebration really cute. They sang happy birthday, brought out a small ice cream, and gave my friend a big mariachi hat. Good food, great drinks, and still consistent as I remembered it. So long Playa Mesa. 9.5/10

Playa Mesa has a great atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics. In the evening, the open windows…read morecreate a nice breeze, though they do let a few flies in. The hostess was friendly, and our server was funny and kind. He was a little less attentive as it got busier, but the staff worked well as a team, so we never had to wait for refills or anything we needed. Parking in the back can be a little tight. The birria tacos were packed with flavor, and I loved the inside-out cheese crust. My husband's fajitas were flavorful, although the chicken was a little overdone. The guacamole was excellent, especially with the pepita seeds adding great texture. Overall, we enjoyed the flavorful food, service, and atmosphere. We'd definitely come back!

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Playa Mesa - East Side Sunset

East Side Sunset

Playa Mesa - The eastside cocktail - all the drinks here are delish!

The eastside cocktail - all the drinks here are delish!

Playa Mesa - Lovely interior...

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Lovely interior...

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Lobster  Tacos

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

4.4(1.1k reviews)
6.3 mi
•$$$

Dare I say I prefer this place over Javier's??…read more Okay okay I came here on a whim with a girlfriend and Palmilla fully exceeded our expectations. We did not have a reservation but we were able to sit at the bar, and eventually we moved to the center communal table. Honestly, I would prefer to sit there than at a private table! You are so in the mix of the whole restaurant, great place to be social. To drink I had a skinny margarita with raspberries added and my friend had the orangutan (espresso martini). My drink was SO good and SO cute. I am being serious when I say after I ordered it, the entire communal table got it too. I love that instead of chips and salsa they bring you fresh, hot tortillas with salsas and HONEY BUTTER?? to dip them in. This was so yummy and definitely unique to Palmilla. We ordered the guacamole, combo plate with a cheese enchiladas and crispy beef taco, and the filet mignon tacos. The only thing I might skip is the guac but thats just knit picking because everything else was so good. The ambiance of this place is beautiful. Think boujee beach bar in Tulum with a natural pallet and foliage. Every member of staff we met was also a 10/10! I'll be back!

10/10 Most…read moreimportantly: Oliver @ the bar made this is most memorable experience. All of the cocktails and margs we had were delicious! The hand made tortillas with salsas was such a great and unique choice! Someone finally realized that as delicious as they are, eating that many fried tortillas in one setting can't be good ...Oh! And that honey butter. Divine. Fruit margs, spicy margs, every single one of them is PERFECTION. Make sure you upgrade to Ocho blanco (trust me it will save you a hangover)... Shared the carne plate with chimichurri with asparagus and spanish rice...so flavorful and delicious. Large portion and perfectly cooked. Seabass ceviche was spot on and the plantains were next level. Music, ambience, people and vibes were just POSITIVE. New favorite Newport spot...I mean seriously, what other place has a motorized ceiling that opens at sunset hour? Take my money.

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Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Bar and dining room

Bar and dining room

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Ceviche Tres Maneras

Ceviche Tres Maneras

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Inside decor

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Inside decor

El Cholo - Sea food fajitas enough to share they are so delicious.

El Cholo

4.1(758 reviews)
2.6 mi
•$$

And we are back! We deviated from our green corn tamales and added nachos and taquitos. Yummy…read moreaddition. Andrea was our server and she was great! The vibe is nice. Lots of locals. Today I noticed some of the pictures have a QR code. Didn't scan them but curious as they probably tell the history of the photo. Also appreciate the parking lot in the back.

Server was nice, pleasant -- not terribly attentive after orders were placed (no offers to refill…read morechips, and water refills stopped early in the meal). He did fulfill all of our initial requests. Chopped Vegetable Salad ($18.95) was not what I'd expected; while it was colorful, I didn't care for the textures and flavors, which somehow seemed to lack the freshness I was seeking and expecting. When offered, we agreed to a margarita; I'd expressed my dislike for mixers (requesting fresh lime juice). Our server described the straightforward ingredients; the simple-in-presentation cocktail arrived, tasted "clean", but very light in alcohol (not even the slightest delight from feeling buzzed) -- and to our surprise, it turned out we were served the El Elegante, which came with a charge of $21.95! We should have asked or at least, looked at a menu before making a decision. I have not been to this location in years; I appreciate the interior decor, dim lighting, and booths in the main dining room, attractive-&-comfortable seating in the front patio, and the open, bright bar area. Parking in the back lot is available after 5 PM; fortunately, we were able to find parallel parking in the neighborhood.

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El Cholo - Inside bar area

Inside bar area

El Cholo - Verde enchilada

Verde enchilada

El Cholo - Sea food fajitas the are so delicious.

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Sea food fajitas the are so delicious.

South of Nick's - Tres leches

South of Nick's

4.6(1.2k reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$

You simply cannot go wrong dining at South of Nick's in Laguna Beach. We've tasted so many dishes,…read moreand every visit gives us another reason to return. The La Tablita and shrimp taquitos are standouts, and the chips with their trio of salsas are divine. They are the kind of fresh tortilla chips you keep reaching for even when you promise yourself you're saving room for dinner. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with thoughtful attention to every little detail. Add the spectacular ocean view, and you have a setting that makes you want to settle in and savor the evening. Our server, Paul, was exceptionally attentive, making sure we had everything we needed and helping us feel truly cared for throughout our meal. The toasted coconut margarita remains a favorite, and the wine list has all our go-to choices. Between the delicious food, gracious service, and beautiful setting, South of Nick's is a must every time we're in Laguna Beach.

I had been meaning to try this place. I have been to Nick's which is very good but I think I prefer…read morethis. The view is awesome and Mexican food is more of my style. Got fish tacos and they were some of the best I've tried. The chips and salsa were excellent too. I got a Paloma which was pretty good and had a nice seat by the window. People are nice as well. The parking is tricky and this was at lunch during the week, so it's probably even worse on weekends and dinner.

Photos
South of Nick's - Bar area with chips and dip

Bar area with chips and dip

South of Nick's - Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

South of Nick's - Mexican Mule

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Mexican Mule

Javier's - mexican - Updated October 2026

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