O.C. locals love the comprehensive menu and inventive margaritas at South of Nick’s. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH OF NICK’S
Over the past 30 years, Javier’s has become a mainstay in the O.C. community. Though many equate its Crystal Cove and Irvine outposts as places to see-and-be-seen, the Mexican-style F&B is truly some of the best in the county. Endless rounds of chips and salsa, plates of cheesy enchiladas and crispy tacos, premier seafood dishes and center-cut prime Angus beef fill tables on any given night, and its Newport Beach address was recently redesigned to maximize its ocean views.
Citrusy tiradito verde is one of Puesto’s newest menu offerings. PHOTO COURTESY OF PUESTO
With three locations in Orange County, there’s no doubt that locals love Puesto. This award-winning Mexican hotspot offers vibrant starters, elevated tacos and indulgent entrees—all within a modern setting. Now, with creative chef Raul Casillas at the helm, the menu is reaching new heights. His latest creations include a spring-inspired asparagus taco wrapped in a hoja santa tortilla and a decadent corn flan, paired with the pre-Hispanic drink, atole, to balance its richness.
Born out of surf trips in the Baja peninsula, SOL Mexican Cocina combines the charm of roadside stands with the unmistakable flavors of Mexico for a restaurant experience diners can’t get enough of. With five locations across the U.S., SOL’s Irvine and Newport Beach outposts offer O.C. residents instant access to tableside guacamole, award-winning tacos, wagyu steak and so much more—best washed down by party-size margaritas.
With Laguna Beach and San Clemente outposts, this beloved establishment serves Mexican favorites within minutes of Orange County’s incredible beaches. On any given day, catch locals eating rich seafood enchiladas and picturesque shrimp taquitos. Stop by for an array of inventive margaritas—think tamarindo, smoky pineapple and toasted coconut—or skip right to the good part with premier tequila flights.
Start your morning off right with brunch at Red O, serving specialties such as the savory eggs and rajas cheese tamales shown here. PHOTO COURTESY OF WALES COMMUNICATIONS
Nestled within Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Red O’s glamorous atmosphere, ignited by resident DJs and a lively bar, makes for a party any night of the week. While you can’t go wrong with any dish or drink here, frequenters tout the inventive duck taquitos arranged artfully in tomato arbol chile sauce, surf and turf tablita—a one-pound lobster tail with a 32-ounce tomahawk chop—and for a sweet finish, the tangy passion fruit butter cake.
Chaak Kitchen brings the bold flavors of the Yucatán to Orange County. Led by chef Gabbi Patrick, this Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded eatery creates cuisine based on the region’s abundant culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. Though the curated menu features plenty of standout dishes, our recommendation is the cochinita pibil, a rich delicacy of achiote-smoked pork shoulder, au jus and avocado puree for a bit of brightness.
The smoking vanilla Carajillo cocktail from Chaak Kitchen. PHOTO BY MAX MILLA
Over in Orange, Chaak Kitchen’s chef Gabbi Patrick first dreamt up her namesake Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning Mexican restaurant. The Hacienda-style decor sets the stage for bold flavors, from tacos and seafood to shareable entrees. Savor housemade tortilla chips with rich queso fundido, indulge in shrimp enchiladas smothered in creamy poblano sauce and end on a sweet note with crispy churros and dipping sauces.
From L.A. to Orange County, Caló offers nothing but the best food and service to its discerning diners. With a little bit of something for everyone at its Costa Mesa and Laguna Niguel locations, discover the freshest Mexican flavors from the kitchen’s crunchy salads, cheesy enchiladas, loaded tacos and seafood specialties. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a drink from the full-service bar—strawberry jalapeño margaritas, anyone?
This breezy Costa Mesa locale on 17th Street is the go-to spot for Mexican cuisine made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Order a round of picturesque cocktails—garnished to perfection—before balanced plates of grilled meats, fresh vegetables and hand-pressed corn tortillas. When hunger strikes, opt for hearty plates of enchiladas and burritos paired with savory refried beans and Spanish rice.
Things are heating up at Costa Mesa’s Descanso. Here, expect dinner and a show during the plancha experience, where chefs cook Mexican creations right in front of your eyes. Even if you prefer a more standard dining experience, find a host of street-inspired cuisine and traditional-style Mexican dishes on the menu, such as the weekend-only pozole rojo and spicy spit-roasted al pastor tacos.
Photography by: Courtesy of South of Nick's
