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Los Primos Cantina

3.8 (72 reviews)
Closed • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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LOS PRIMOS CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

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Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed

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3 carne asada tacos
K S.

Strange- I came by 4:29 pm on a Saturday and someone came out from the kitchen and told me they are closed. Both the lit sign on the front window and posted hours in Yelp say they are Open. Would be nice for mgmt to post correct information.

Huevos Rancheros Plate Breakfast
Richard W.

I like this small outfit because of its convenient location and authentic fare. They have a salsa and condiment bar which includes cucumber slices, radishes, limes-a-plenty, peppers and five types of salsa. The only notable omission are chips. The menu has a lot of breakfast options and your standard taco/burrito combo choices. There's also a separate breakfast menu on the right from where I ordered the huevos rancheros plate. There's some nice touches like green chile bits and super fresh tortillas but ultimately the dish was too watery. Rice and beans on the side. There's also no sour cream or guacamole. Service is friendly and orders are prompt. That's all.

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. :(

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.

Jim S.

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

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.

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

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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)
3.0 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!

Photos
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...

Mercado Gonzalez - Carne Asada Burrito and Tortilla Chips

Mercado Gonzalez

4.3(1.1k reviews)
2.2 mi
•$$

There was a lot of hype about this Mexican grocery store. Looks like it's the same ownership of…read moreNorthgate? The difference is that it is WAY bigger! There are food vendors, flowers, a stage, a patio, and so much Mexican candies. We tried some tacos and bought some ceviche with seabass and Chiltepin aguachile. I've come back a few more times just to get their aguachile among other items. Definitely a happening spot with live music on my last visit earlier this year.

I'll be taking a very extended break from You Mercado after today, because today was my breaking…read morepoint. I've been shopping at this location for about a year and have been a customer of Northgate Markets for several years. Unfortunately, my experiences at this location have become increasingly disappointing. I've encountered raw chicken left on the shelf two or more days past its expiration date, fresh fruit and salsa still being sold after their use-by dates, and produce that was visibly rotten and infested with bugs. These aren't minor issues when it comes to a grocery store--they're basic food-safety and quality concerns. And then there's the customer service. Today, there wasn't a friendly employee in sight, and the customers weren't much better. I'd especially like to thank the grumpy woman on the scooter who apparently tried to run me down three separate times. I assume you were having a bad day, but judging by the atmosphere in this store, it seems like everyone is having a bad day, every day. No one smiles. No one acknowledges customers. No one seems remotely interested in providing even basic courtesy. I understand that people have bad days--I really do--but when the entire experience consistently feels cold, hostile, and unwelcoming, it becomes a pattern rather than an isolated bad day. The cashier couldn't be bothered to say hello back or even make the slightest attempt at being friendly, and the young man bagging my groceries was just as dismissive. I've spent years shopping with Northgate Markets, which makes this especially disappointing. Customers shouldn't walk into a store and feel like they're an inconvenience for simply being there. Today was the final straw for me. There are plenty of other places willing to take my money while treating me--and other customers--with basic courtesy and respect.

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Mercado Gonzalez - Great packaged foods, snacks and Mexican candy.

Great packaged foods, snacks and Mexican candy.

Mercado Gonzalez - Time to eat churros

Time to eat churros

Mercado Gonzalez - Menu As of 6/8/25

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Menu As of 6/8/25

Avilas El Ranchito - Combination with shredded beef taco and cheese enchilada.

Avilas El Ranchito

4.6(2.1k reviews)
3.1 mi
•$$

We were recommended this place by Rocky and it was amazing. Great atmosphere, even better food. Our…read moreservers Rocky and Jenny were fantastic. They made us feel so welcomed. Thank you again!

Great first time experience at Avilas - Costa Mesa. From the moment I pulled in to the driveway,…read moreSalvador was waving hello. At first I thought he confused me with someone else, but nope, he was just being nice and welcoming. The experience: I came with my mom on a Sunday and it was pretty busy; however, the wait time wasn't bad. We were seated fairly promptly and began with chips and salsa. We shared: Camarones à la diabla, menudo, and chingolingas. The camarones were 10/10! I've tried this dish at numerous restaurants and this is by far the second best tasting camarones à la diabla I've ever had. First place is a restaurant in NorCal from years back. The red salsa is delicious! The shrimps are a nice size and they have the shell on so it retains all the flavor. Even the beans and rice were delicious. The menudo was delicious as well! I'll definitely be back for this too. It's only served on weekends, and we were lucky they still had some available. The chingolingas are almost like flautas de pollo, it came with guac and sour cream. They were delicious too, however, I'll probably order this as an appetizer or to share with others. Rocky was our server and he was amazing! Super friendly and attentive. We talked about the food, other locations, and even their anniversary event coming up on October. From the moment I drove in until we left, it was a great experience. Not only was the food delicious but the service was superb. All the workers seemed happy and it looks like a nice environment to work at, I think this adds to the experience for people who come eat here. It's nice to see everyone working together, smiles, and being to attentive. I almost hesitated coming here because I thought it was going to be Acapulco style "Mexican food" but I was wrong. Definitely real Mexican food.

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Avilas El Ranchito - Chicken  Cuernavaca

Chicken Cuernavaca

Avilas El Ranchito
Avilas El Ranchito - Fresh tortillas!!!!

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Fresh tortillas!!!!

Caló Kitchen + Tequila

Caló Kitchen + Tequila

4.5(1.5k reviews)
1.7 mi
•$$$

Came here with a friend before going to watch Beauty & The Beast The Musical. Came at 5:00pm and…read moregot seated immediately. Shoutout to Laura who was the sweetest, most attentive server! I waited for my friend to come and in the meantime, brought chips, salsa, and black beans to start. The chips were hot and fresh and the salsa was the perfect amount of spicy. Beans were warm and coated the chip well. I asked if they can make mocktails and she said anything on the menu! The Strawberry Jalapeno was delicious, but I do wish there was more spice from the jalapeno. My friend wanted a Coke and Laura said they had no more so she was so bummed. Later, Laura came running and grinning and found the LAST Coke bottle in the back and brought it out! Such a funny and cute moment! The Tres Enchiladas de Mariscos were SO yummy. Each one with a different taste, sauce, sea food. My favorites were the shrimp, lobster, crab in that order. The rice was perfectly hot and fluffy and complimented the dish. Then, my friend and I shared the flan, which is truly a sharing portion. It was so RICH and thick and was the best dessert to top off the evening. Thank you, Calo and your amazing staff!

First time dining here, and it's a mixed bag. The food is good especially my Tres Enchiladas de…read moreMariscos and the portions are massive, but it comes with a steep price tag--though that's likely tied to being in a high-end mall. The atmosphere was quite loud, and even though we were moved to a quieter section, ambient noise still carried over. Service started off strong with an attentive server, but a major hiccup happened when she cleared away a plate that was barely touched and meant for a to-go box. To their credit, she was very apologetic, and management replaced the dish entirely, which was the right thing to do. Given the high prices, I'm on the fence about returning, but the service recovery was appreciated. 3/5 stars.

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Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Caló Kitchen + Tequila

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Descanso - Lobster Enchiladas

Descanso

4.1(1.8k reviews)
2.4 mi
•$$$

The food was great and the restaurant itself was beautiful. I took my staff here for a nice team…read morelunch, and we were really looking forward to enjoying the experience. Unfortunately, it was extremely hot inside the restaurant. I understand it was a hot day outside, but we were literally sweating throughout our meal and were very uncomfortable. Considering the price of the meal for our group, I really wish the temperature inside had been more comfortable. If the AC isn't working properly or can't keep up with the heat, guests should at least be informed before being seated so they can decide if they're comfortable staying. Great food and a beautiful atmosphere, but the heat really took away from what should have been a nice lunch for our team.

Had a great time celebrating my husbands birthday. We wanted to try something special and different…read morefor his birthsay and saw this in social Media. Made a reservation and so we disnt have to wait to be seated. We ordered different items ao we can try them. I also ordered a Zorro drink thats a blackberry mezcal. So yummy! He ordered the ceasar salad and carne asada with shrimps as his main and I ordered the fideo soup and the sea bass as my main. We were so surprised that they were both flavorful and cooked perfectly. They do like a benihana style performance while cooking your food. Our chef was very nice and friendly! Service was super great! They paid attention to our needs but not too over whelmingly! They gave my husband an ice cream dessert on some cinnamon sugared chips with a huge firework for a candle. So fun!! Will definetly bring friends and family back for a fun celebration.

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Descanso - Dining Room

Dining Room

Descanso - Carne Asada Skillet

Carne Asada Skillet

Descanso - Short Rib Estofado

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Short Rib Estofado

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Lobster  Tacos

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

4.4(1.1k reviews)
4.5 mi
•$$$

Service here is amazing allison was our server amazing recommendations from her and so…read moreknowledgeable!! my girls and I came in for a couple drinks and food ! we had items from the brunch menu everything is great definitely try the chilaquiles con relleno she made my friends birthday by bringing a special surprise at the end! amazing atmosphere and drinks are delicious try the coconut pineapple marg!

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!

Photos
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

Los Primos Cantina - mexican - Updated October 2026

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