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    Los Primos Cantina

    3.8 (71 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Los Primos Cantina Photos

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    LOS PRIMOS CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Los Primos Cantina

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    Plenty of comfortable seats and a huge LCD screen TV.
    Stromboli15 ..

    I had to come try this Los Primos Cantina on the corner of Bristol and Red Hill because I have been a customer of the other location on Irvine Blvd and 17th Street in Costa Mesa for the last 30 plus years!! I know that sounds crazy. Would you be a customer THAT long if it wasn't good?!? Yeah, it IS THAT GOOD!! I have friends that still come to Los Primos Cantina whenever they come back to visit the area and it's always one of those places that you habitually visit to get the memories of your teenage years. My love affair started for me way back in the late 80's!! My friends and I knew about this place because it was so delicious, and authentic, and one of the best bargain places that you could eat and get a great meal. I'm very happy to report that it still is one of those places. Today I got my "usual" the bean and cheese burrito with onions and cilantro, both red and green sauce "Christmas style". It was AMAZING as it always has been and always will be. This particular location is on the corner behind the ARCO/AMPM station in the connected strip mall. There's other restaurants in this location as well but I came for the Los Primos Cantina specifically. I could see how much this place is kinda a favorite for working people in the area. They do have a very relaxed atmosphere inside with comfortable seats and a huge LCD TV. If I wanted to get away from my job and have a peaceful lunch this would certainly be my "go to" happy place. There's also some seating outside too if that's your jam. Just be aware that when you park it's close to the station and the flow of their customers. Be aware of that. I have had many of their dishes over my 30 years, carnitas, shredded crispy beef, tacos, salads, etc. I have NEVER had a meal that I didn't like. Their portions are very generous and many times I have split my meal and saved half for later. Los Primos Cantina has what you need they're an "institution" in Costa Mesa/Irvine area. Many other similar restaurants have come and gone but Los Primos Cantina is still here standing tall, feeding folks and putting smiles on faces of those people constantly!! If you're new to the area, maybe flying in from John Wayne Airport or just on your way to the beach, this is the spot for your Mexican food addiction. I HIGHLY recommend it.

    Sissy Z.

    I've been coming here for lunch for a few months now. So sad to write this review! I came in and got 2 wet burritos. I asked for onion and cilantro and both didn't have it. I asked for beans on mine and they didn't put it. $37 for salty burritos. I won't be back. :(

    I came here for my first time with a friend who kept telling me it was very good. It's in a small center next to a gas station and very small and low key. It was full of locals and the prices were good. It's very casual and I had a breakfast burrito and it was very good. I would recommend this place for authentic Mexican food.

    Avocado Pit in Gringo Breakfast Burritos!!
    Paul F.

    Food was good as it normally is but if I hadn't looked in my burrito I could've cracked a tooth. How do you manage to not see a whole avocado pit? Kinda ridiculous

    3 carne asada tacos
    K S.

    What a great little find behind the Arco gas station! The $3.25 carne asada tacos were huge and delicious! Two will do the job. Our family loved the takeout and we will be back!

    Need a map? You're covered.
    Toby W.

    I like Mexican food. I'm not going to say I'm an expert or anything. (ok, I'm an expert) It's hidden behind a gas station. You might think you're heading the wrong way, but you're not. My first time here, I had the Tacos Al Pastor (a pretty regular go-to for me). They were as good (maybe better) than my favorite place. (5 out of 5) My second time, Chilaquiles, Red Sauce, scrambled eggs. Perfectly seasoned, crunchy and soft in just the right amount. I had to tell the guy at the register (didn't catch his name) that they were easily in the top five chilaquiles that I've ever had (and I've had a lot (A LOT), because I'm an expert (didn't you see that up top?). He was happy to hear it, but honestly, no one was more surprised than I. They have a big menu. Definitely gonna be back.

    a television mounted above a table
    Sindy G.

    Got a carne asada burrito and it was delicious! Small little restaurant and the service is amazing. Very kind and welcoming. I definitely plan to come back and try more of their food.

    Menudo

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    Great tasting food at a great value! One of my favorite Mexican spots overall. Highly recommend.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Los Primos Cantina

    Is this the same Los Primos that was once open in Huntington Beach off Adams?

    Yes it is.

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    Palenque Kitchen

    Palenque Kitchen

    4.1
    (786 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$$
    Takes reservations
    Happy hour specials

    Nice little Mexican food spot located where HUB used to be. They don't advertise it on their menu…read morebut they have an unpublished kids menu that includes: grilled chicken with rice and refried beans, chicken strips with French fries or quesadilla (choice of cheese, chicken, or steak) with rice and beans. I really enjoyed the puerto Nuevo enchiladas and my 4 yr old loved them too! He also nearly went face down in the flan with coconut ice cream. My son loves coconut ice cream but now he also loves flan! They have a cool decor in the restaurant and it's very modern. There's a bathroom at the end and they have high chairs if you need them. Service was great and we'd come back again.

    Palenque in Costa Mesa definitely nails the moody, Instagram-friendly aesthetic, but once you get…read morepast the low lighting and chic decor, it feels a bit more like a scene than a real value. It's a fun spot to grab a drink for the ambiance, but as a full meal, it leaves a lot to be desired. The food itself is okay--the quesa birria tacos have decent flavor and the carne asada comes with a nice char--but given the steep prices, you expect way better execution and more generous portions. Paying high-end money for pretty standard street food staples dressed up on nice plateware just feels overpriced. Service was fine enough, nothing to complain about, but the value just isn't there for what they're charging. On top of that, parking can be a bit challenging since it's tucked away in kind of a weird location. If you're going purely for photos, fancy cocktails, and a trendy date night backdrop, it fits the bill, but if you're looking for great food value, there are much better spot-on Mexican joints in OC.

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Palenque Kitchen
    Palenque Kitchen

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    Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina

    Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina

    4.4
    (2.2k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    LOVE this place for GREAT, FRESH, Coastal, Mexican food!…read moreThis location in Costa Mesa in particular, has been updated (new paint, new chairs, new lighting, etc.) and they have updated their menu with even MORE, Seafood items! They make GREAT Guacamole, customized at table side to your specs and their FRESH Chips, Tortillas and Salsa's are homemade in the restaurant. Husband LOVES their Pomegranate Margherita's and I can't get enough of their Enchilada's (Cheese, Chicken) and their Crunchy Taco's (Shredded Beef is my Fave!). Add in that their FRESH, Side Salads are AMAZING along with their new menu items - including Seafood combo's and there is no where else to go in OC for better Mexican food! Our INCREDIBLE Server, Hector (He IS the Acapulco restaurant - always upbeat and advising us about their new menu items!) and their FANTASTIC Chef Hector and all of the other Servers and Cooks there, make this a casual, yet special date-night restaurant! P.S. We've also tried their EXCEPTIONAL, Sunday Buffet and literally had to almost be wheeled out of there, there were SO MANY DIFFERENT, AUTHENTIC foods to choose from and sample! VERY nice to find this level of a PERFECT MEXICAN restaurant - with HIGH QUALITY FOOD INGREDIENTS, nearby! Can't wait to go back!

    This was my first time at Acapulco as I had a fajita craving that needed to be satisfied. And it…read morewas! My server was very friendly and brought me chips and salsa about 5 minutes after I sat down. The salsa was really good by the way. I was able to place my order right away as I already knew I wanted the steak and chicken fajitas. The steak had a yummy char on it, and the chicken was moist. They provided a good amount of "fixings." I'm partial to fajitas in Texas. but besides that, I really enjoyed this spot and can't wait to come back to try more of their menu!

    Photos
    Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina
    Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina
    Make your own omelette. Veggies and chorizo.

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    Make your own omelette. Veggies and chorizo.
    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

    Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

    4.4
    (1.1k reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$$

    Called in a last minute order about 15 minutes before the kitchen closed; ordered the filet mignon…read moretacos, the filet quesadilla, sides of refried beans and Spanish rice, the churros, and the flan for dessert. I appreciated that the quesadilla was super cheesy, it was a great size too and was perfect as an entree with the beans and rice. I was very happy with the flavor of the beans, you could tell they were cooked with a lot of love! The tacos were delicious as well, the roasted salsa was slightly smoky with a good jalapeño flavor, the meat was tender, and the tortillas had a great chew. The churros are not to be underestimated- they were thick and fluffy, and the dipping sauces were perfect accompaniments. The flan was the super star of the whole night for me- genuinely the most perfect, custardy, unctuous flan I've ever had. The vanilla bean specks throughout gave it such flavor, there wasn't a ton of syrup but it honestly did not need it. There is absolutely nothing that could have improved that flan. Will definitely come back, hopefully dine in and try a few drinks!

    I was looking forward to a nice dinner at the bar while I was in Newport Beach for work, but…read moreunfortunately my experience was very disappointing. As someone with a gluten sensitivity, I asked questions about the menu and trusted that my meal would be safe. Instead, I ended up having a gluten reaction after eating here, which completely ruined the rest of my evening. If you advertise gluten-friendly options, staff should be properly trained on cross-contamination and ingredient awareness. The atmosphere and location are great, but none of that matters if diners with dietary restrictions can't eat safely. I hope the restaurant takes food allergies and gluten sensitivities more seriously in the future.

    Photos
    Bar and dining room
    Bar and dining room
    Ceviche Tres Maneras
    Ceviche Tres Maneras
    Inside decor

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    Inside decor

    Los Primos Cantina - mexican - Updated August 2026

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