I used to like to come to this place but lately, around beginning of 2018, they have consistently messed up orders and provided below average food preparation times. I always double check my orders if I'm taking out because they always miss something. And there are times when they take forever to prepare an order and miss their projected ready time. And I understand that at meal times restaurants can be extremely busy; but when you walk in and there's almost no one in the restaurant and it took 30 minutes to make three tacos something just doesn't add up. I must say that they seem to be. Dry good at food allergies though, but seeing their attention to orders I might not trust that as much either. Luckily there are plenty of places to go that have delicious tacos. read more

Ivan, Your Ice machine is officially DONE!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE invest in a new one for the sake of all your LONG TIME customers. Thank you. read more

Plenty of seating Area. Very Clean. Prompt Service to take your order. Been here before and always receive to go order promptly even though I ordered it here. Staff is polite, young, and they work at an up beat pace. Contemporary music playing. To the food....have had several items on the menu and all have been above Average good. I would highly recommend this location to friends and family. read more

Taco Mesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

I originally meant to go to the place next door, but it looked like it was closed. Ended up here at Taco Mesa, I have to say the decor and art on the walls was blaring!! Their convincing display to the culture was stunning and well poised. Props to whoever was the interior designer. This was definitely at the wrong location buried in Orange on a very tight complex, that's squeezed and lacks decent parking. Nevertheless, I liked their style, so I went in and ordered the a wet burrito, it was called the Arizona. I grew up in Chula Vista, which is a five minute drive to the Mexican border, so I can honestly admit that I have a pallet for what should be fine Mexican cuisine. Did this place remind me of home? No, unfortunately it did not. The food alone was not impressive, nor was the 20 minute wait to receive my order. I've had comparable tex mex in Colorado once, but of course that wasn't good either. If you want tex mex, this might be for you. I will give them one addition positive aside from the decor, their salsa is excellent. It's not easy to make really good, clean salsa that doesn't taste like it came out of a can and this is one of the better ones I've tasted. I think salsa plays a big part in the success of a Mexican restaurant. read more

Taco Mesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Taco mesa I'd probably my favorite Mexican food restaurant ever!! I love coming here after a ten-mile run in back bay Newport Beach. I love the salsa bar. It is everything. Fresh salsas, pickled carrots and cauliflower, cabbage slaw, and so much more. I always get the blackened chicken burrito w sauce on the side. It is super healthy, delicious, and good for two small meals if you're counting your macros (not I). Yes, I need to venture out but when you hit a good one, I stick to it. The service is pretty much self serve, but the guys here are always super friendly. Love this place. A must go to in Orange County!!! read more

Taco Mesa - Blackened chicken burrito with all the fixings - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

This place is trash really. Took almost an hour for the food to be finished, yet came out taste like they just reheated 2 day-old taco with the microwave. How they can take so long to prepare food with so few customers is just astounding. read more

Real Mexican Food. Nice location across from DMV. A little pricey but worth it. Cool outdoor patio.

I DON'T BELIEVE IT! I have been going to Taco Mesa for over 6 years and have never written one review about them. Blasphemy! Honestly, I have no idea where to start. I have tried over half of the entire menu, before and after the change. I have experienced multiple service experiences, group meals, solo meals, Taco Tuesdays, and not once, NOT ONCE, have I been disappointed with Taco Mesa. The thing that sets this place apart from most other Mexican style restaurants is definitely how they make the food and the ingredients. This is NOT dirty Mexican food in the slightest bit. They aim for a healthy twist on all of their dishes. For example, you will never find a dish with the traditional shredded cheddar mix or that enchilada grease that builds in the corner of a styrofoam container, or that horchata you get next to the soda machine. It's not like that, and I'll be darned if anyone calls this place dirty! Another unique item here is the combination carrot, cauliflower, onion mixture you get next to the salsa. Sure other places have them too but there's a wonderful balance of flavor, texture, and sustained crunch in both the carrots and the cauliflower that make this a great stand alone treat while you wait for your dish. If I were to pick my top 3 items off the menu, it would be the Enchiladas Mexico City, Steak and mushroom taco with brie cheese, and the Alambre Steak Taco. OMG, the Alambre Steak. Their Tortas and seafood dishes are amazing as well. Today, I can't wait for my next visit to Taco Mesa. It's the food that calls, that pleases, that satisfies. My former roomate's boyfriend that lives in Germany craves Taco Mesa when he visits. Too many good things about Taco Mesa, and I hope they stick around for a long time. read more

Taco Mesa - The Alambre Taco. All amazing, spicy, yummy goodness. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

First time trying taco Mesa! The food was good! It definitely tasted "clean" and "healthy." This might have been why it was as satisfying to me as the Mexican food I am used to. Regardless, it was still great. We had the blackened chicken enchiladas, calamari burrito, and split the beet salad. Their salsa bar was also superb. Will definitely be back to try a few other options on the menu! Also, I had gone to nekter in the same shopping center to get a juice before we went to eat. But when I got to taco Mesa, I learned that they have fresh juices on their menu! Will definitely try one of these next time. read more

Taco Mesa - Chicken enchiladas, sauces from the salsa bar, beet salad with tamarindo sauce, and a calamari burrito! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

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I came here today with my fiancé and his family. It was my first time here. They are regulars. The salsa bar is fresh and they have everything from limes to lemons and different salsas. I got the Chile relleno and it was very cheesy and had an excellent taste to it the agua fresa I had was the watermelon juice. Well be back again read more

Taco Mesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

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Polite Staff, open area. Haven't been here in probably 15 years. The horchata still tastes the same, but something is different with my blackened chicken burrito. Think it was better back then. Still good though. read more

Taco Mesa - Blackened Chicken Burrito. BOMB! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

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Context: came here on a Friday for a lunch break with two other coworkers, plenty of seating but we did beat the rush by coming at around 12 pm Environment: Order and pay up front, pick up food and self seating. Casual but love the decor here with its vibrant walls! Food: I might have butchered the name, but I got the Camarones tampiquenos, which was amazing! It's a sautéed dish with this tasty creamy sauce, with mushrooms, onions, dell papers, and a side of rice and tortillas. There was something about the shrimp and the way they grilled it that was perfect and made me keep eating the shell. My friend also ordered the lobster burrito and that was delicious as well! Service: Good service, nothing fancy just friendly staff. Price: $11 for my plate and roughly $3 for my drink Overall: I really liked this place, I just wished they gave us chips and salsa. read more

Taco Mesa - Camarones tampiquenos in the specials! So good and a must-try - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

This place puts a different twist on Mexican cuisine. Everything is prepared with fresh ingredients. Each dish is prepared separately. The staff is extremely flexible and friendly. Which is a great compliment to the food. Everything on the menu is outstanding . My favorite is lobster enchilada and the lobster burrito. You will not be disappointed. read more

The food is great, but it's pretty messy in here tonight. I brought it to the attention of the cashier ( Will ) He said he would get somebody to clean it up, that was over 20 minutes ago... Those are fresh tomatoes on the floor and somebody could slip on them. Lets just hope that they don't... read more

Taco Mesa - Paper towels, a cup, and fresh salsa on the floor. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Oh my goodness where do I even start. This is probably my most favorite Mexican breakfast. I love coming here after a long graveyard shift, and having breakfast here. My most favorite dish is the machaca ropa vieja! The portion size is pretty big, but well worth it especially if you're very hungry. This place is pretty new, so everything is nice, and clean. I love the ambience of Taco Mesa- it has a mix of old Spanish style combined with modern chic. In addition, the music is very upbeat, so while I'm eating, I do want to dance as well! This place deserves 5 stars, and I will definitely come back to try the coffee drinks! read more

Taco Mesa - Machaca Ropa Vieja with rice and beans - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

I love, love, love Taco Mesa. Service is efficient and everyone is really nice. Food is consistently good and uses fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is really clean. I highly suggest the steak burrito - creamy pintos with chopped, grilled steak with the perfect amount of char, sauced to the bejesus on the inside and don't forget to get it wet with ranchero sauce and jack queso. Sooo good! read more

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If you are ever in Orange County.....Taco Mesa is absolutely delicious. Several locations....Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Orange and I think they have one in Tustin. Everything I have tried has been very good. And.....Daily specials!!! Blackened chicken enchilada is amazing. Any seafood dish.....Camarones Tampiquenos is my favorite. Yummmm. Very casual atmosphere and family friendly. read more

I used to visit Taco Mesa 3-4 times a week back in High School and College. Since graduating, ive been maybe a total of 3 times.... and I dont know why i ever stopped coming here. Went here today for lunch and it was awesome. I custom ordered Steak and Eggs with extra carne. It was prepared perfectly and hit the spot. See uploaded photo. This was my friends first visit and i told him to get the blackened chicken tacos. He loved them. I need to start coming back here like the old days. read more

Taco Mesa - Steak and Eggs - awesome - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Went tonight for the first time. Food is fresh & organic. They have several vegetarian options that I appreciate! Specials several days of the week also. read more

Taco Mesa - Specials of the week. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Food is consistently good and good value. Best to go on Taco Tuesdays, when they have a variety of tacos for only $1.35 each. read more

Taco Mesa - Chips ($1.50) and salsa bar has variety - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

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Oh my gosh the best!! This was incredibly good! Best of the West wild fish taco homemade tortilla and salsas. May just have been the best fish taco of my life. Guy working here was super friendly and helpful. If I lived close I'd be here several times a week. Taco with rice and beans all for $6.25. Soooo good!! Great food. Great quality. Great service. Eat here! read more

Taco Mesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Loved the one in Costa Mesa and glad they have a spot closer to me. When I crave Mexican food and have to eat with my wife, this is the spot. Since they use local ingredients and in general a little (lot) healthier than the places I tend to go to. Really enjoyed the calamari burrito. Every ingredient had distinct flavors. Sauce was good. We buy rice and beans by the pint to go every couple of weeks. Really enjoy the food here read more

This little restaurant is definitely a hidden gem! If you are ever in the City of Orange, check them out. They have the best Machaca I've ever had. Customer Service is great as well. The people that work here are very informative, and make you feel welcomed. Not only is it delicious, it's healthy. Nom nom nom! They also have delicious fresh brewed coffee. (For all you coffee lovers) I will definitely be back read more

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I discovered Taco Mesa from my friends about two months ago and I have basically been every Tuesday since then for Taco Tuesday! The tacos are affordable at $1.75 each and they have lots of options to choose from including chicken, beef, pastor, carnitas, fish & have a vegetarian option. They also have an unlimited salsa bar available with different sauces and toppings. I bring all my friends here for a delicious dinner on a budget. read more

Taco Mesa - taco tuesday! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

I grew up going to the location in south county & have pretty much been obsessed with their Nachos Al Pastor for 20 years. I love adding extra pineapple & fresh jalapenos. These are the best nachos of all time!!!! This location is just as good! read more

This was my first time here, and I ordered the chicken and shrimp taco. I forget the exact name of the taco, but it's the one with melted cheese, sour cream and cabbage. The tortilla for the tacos was a green looking tortilla and let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing!!! I also ordered the jalapeno poppers and chips and guacamole. I was amazed at how much the food tasted so authentic and delicious. I will absolutely be returning. Not to mention, everyone who works there is very friendly and helpful read more

Taco Mesa - (from left to right) Jalapeno poppers, chicken and shrimp tacos. (top) green chicken enchiladas with black beans and rice. Absolutely amazi - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Great food quality in a very modern looking atmosphere. Everything was very fresh and tasty. Best vegetarian burrito I've had anywhere. I usually get sick and full after eating Nacho chips but this place has the best Nacho chips ever. There is not one bit of oil on the chips and I did not feel heavy or full like I usually do. Their condiments variety is also great and very different from all the other Mexican restaurants. read more

This place is the spot! It's always great to find those local restaurants that have always been there but you've never noticed... Then really enjoy their product. Their staff was wonderful and helped us through the menu. They had few people in line before us and he still took his time to talk is through. The salsa bar was fully stocked with several great salsas. The tacos were incredible. They were a bit bigger than your typical street tacos so keep that in mind when ordering. However, they were so good I still ate all 3 of mine. I'll definitely be back. It's a hidden gem in Orange. read more

Taco Mesa - 2 Carne Asada Tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Not happy to share this as this place a go to for me for many years. Was served a fish taco today that was essentially a shrunk piece of fish in a burned coating. The avacado salsa also on the decline in my last few visits. Something is different and the owner needs to take note. It's on the decline. Cashier staff seems trained by the DMV. read more

Worth the trouble - a must. The original fresh/gourmet mex place in OC. There is something on the menu for just about everyone, and if you're a regular chances are you know what you want before you even get in line. Sure, the wait for your order and finding a table is a bit more trouble than your typical quick mexican fare, but the taste, variety, and freshness is outstanding. Might seem pricey at first but you'll soon realize how an extra buck or two will do you right. And the specials are typically a cacophany of new ideas which should suit you if you are the type who regularly likes to try new things or stray off a menu. Dollar taco tuesday never hurts even if they do make for an appetizer-sized meal. Salsa bar is a welcome friend which will also allow you to munch a pickled veggie or two while you wait for your tasty entrees. The Orange location isn't quite as legendary as the original (Costa Mesa), but it's a good alternative if that one's a little out of your way. One of the few drawbacks - cash only last I checked. read more

Awesome. This is what food, not just Mexican food, should be like when you go out to eat. Everything is cooked to order with fresh ingredients that actually have flavor. Taco bell prices? Of course not. But you definitely get what you pay for here. No table service. Place your order at the register and pick it up at the kitchen window. Steaming hot and delicious. My practice is to eat the daily special if it is at all appealing. So I have only had the daily specials here. They have all been great. Did I mention the food is great? Parking is a little weird in the plaza they are in. And the schmucks going to In-n-Out create traffic chaos. (Don't get me wrong. I am okay with the burger chain but it's a mistake to eat there with Taco Mesa in your grill! ) Absolutely highly recommended. Six stars. read more

So the tacos are now $1.25, not a $1. I've been here twice now and don't get me wrong, i'll eat just about anything but if you want to compare this place to other mexican food in Cali, it doesn't hold up! It tastes too...American for me. I had their fish, carnitas, al pastor, chicken and chile verde tacos http://s3-media4.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/lp0QeCvIz7G0SOxaRpNJ3g/l.jpg ALL below average of the mexican foods i've experienced in socal. Next. read more

Taco Mesa - Top Left CW, chile verde, fish, al pastor, carnitas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

This place has such a nice atmosphere, the people who work there are always really nice & friendly, and the food never disappoints. I try something different every time I go and it's always good. The self-serve salsa is a big plus read more

Saw this on Vista LA and had to try. Everything was great, from the unique-tasting hot and mild salsas at the bar, to the warm green homemade corn tortillas, to the main dishes. We got huevos rancheros and chicken mole. The spicy-sweet mole came with candied banana slices on a bed of rice. We also got piña (pineapple) and sandía (watermelon) aguas frescas, which were really good. This is not close to our home, but I want to come back to try more stuff on the menu, and try some desserts and coffee drinks and organic juices. read more

Taco Mesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Wow, while the food is still good there seems to be a management change for the worse. In the past, the young polite manager would take orders and greet regulars by name. The past several months, there seems to be no manager or an absentee manager. Even keeping the coke machine stocked seems to be an impossible task -- that's only a problem because it seems to happens every other visit. There also seems to be a higher turnover rate -- that's no bueno. Happy employees equals happy guests. read more

Stop in at Taco Mesa for breakfast after a nice bike ride. I had their Asada con Huevos and a Mexican Coffee. So yummy! read more

Taco Mesa - Asada con Huevos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Best vegan chile relleno in the world. I would even bet it's more flavorful than the regular relleno on the menu. I hope they add it to the permanent menu. Great decor too. Casual counter service, but food comes out on beautiful, real plates. No kombucha on tap. Yet. Meat lovers and vegetarian/vegans alike will enjoy eating here. read more

Taco Mesa - Vegan Chile Relleno - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California

Love the remodel. Came here for lunch on Tuesday and tried their Chile verde and al pastor tacos and they were both tasty and filling. Good quality tacos for a decent price ($1.75 each) Will definitely be back. read more

Taco Mesa has a menu that is both healthy and still traditional Mexican food. I found the pork pozole to be my favorite as I'm not usually a fan of Mexican food. It's a savory soup with enough spices to make it tasty but not spicy hot. For all the members of my family that love Mexican food, the burritos and quesadillas are a hit. It's worth a try read more

Used to come to the old taco mess and had a great experience, and now I tried the new remodeled a taco Mesa and it exceeded my expectations. I love this new style and customer service. Quality food for the cheap price. Definitely will be a regular again. Escoecially for the taco Tuesday specials read more

Taco Mesa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Orange, California