Top restaurants list
10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Anaheim
- 10 restaurants
- Anaheim, California
- Updated February 7, 2026
The ten best Mexican restaurants in Anaheim include Tacos Los Cholos, Puesto Anaheim, Sabor Chilango, En Familia, Lindo Michoacan, The Taco Shop, Sarahi's Mexican Grill, La Casa Garcia, Tulum OC, and Los Alazanes Mexican Food. Mexican cuisine in Anaheim is famous for its dual identity, featuring both high-end modern restaurants for the resort district and deeply authentic taquerias for the local community. Signature dishes in Mexican restaurants range from mesquite-grilled ribeye tacos to slow-cooked Michoacán-style carnitas.
Mexican restaurants in Anaheim are found near the Convention Center, along the downtown Center Street Promenade, and in neighborhood hubs along State College Boulevard. Options range from stylish and modern dining rooms, historic family-run establishments, and classic 24-hour drive-thrus. A meal at a Mexican restaurant in Anaheim costs between $10 and $80 per person.
The best Mexican restaurants in Anaheim are defined by their specialization, whether in authentic regional craft or contemporary culinary innovation. Tacos Los Cholos is the best overall choice, distinguished by its use of premium meats, authentic mesquite-grilling technique, and national acclaim. Los Alazanes Mexican Food serves some of the best Mexican food in Anaheim from its 24/7 drive-thru, while Puesto provides a fine-dining experience with its signature crispy melted cheese tacos and sophisticated bar. Puesto and En Familia offer dedicated vegan options, while the vast majority of establishments, including Tacos Los Cholos and Lindo Michoacan, have extensive gluten-free choices based on corn.
The top Mexican restaurants in Anaheim are listed below.
-
1
Mexican Burritos TacosTacos Los Cholos is a highly popular taqueria in Anaheim that specializes in high-quality, Tijuana-style tacos grilled over a live mesquite fire. The establishment, which grew from a backyard pop-up, is famous for its premium meat selection and authentic cooking methods.- Item Prices
- 122
- Average Item Price
- $14.90
TACOS LOS CHOLOS Menu PricesMore about TACOS LOS CHOLOS
Type of Restaurant:
Taqueria
Type of Food:
Tijuana-Style Tacos, Mesquite-Grilled Meats
Signature Dishes:
BurritoTacoPapa LokaPanela Cheese Taco
Location:
821 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806, United States
Special Feature:
All meats are grilled to order over mesquite charcoal, imparting a distinct smoky flavor that is characteristic of Tijuana-style tacos.
What Makes It Special:
The taqueria is a destination for its use of high-grade cuts of meat, such as prime ribeye and filet mignon, offering a gourmet steakhouse experience in a taco format.
What Sets It Apart:
Its uncompromising focus on premium-quality meats and the authentic mesquite grilling technique makes it a standout establishment for taco purists.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
2
Puesto Anaheim is an upscale, modern Mexican restaurant located near the Anaheim Convention Center. The establishment is known for its creative, chef-driven tacos that feature crispy melted cheese, along with a sophisticated bar program in a stylish, contemporary setting.- Item Prices
- 291
- Average Item Price
- $27.61
Puesto Menu PricesMore about Puesto
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
Modern Mexican, Tacos
Signature Dishes:
Filet Mignon BurritoClassic GuacamoleChicken al Pastor Burrito
Location:
1040 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant's signature is the crispy melted cheese, a layer of grilled, crunchy cheese that serves as a base within its handmade tortillas.
What Makes It Special:
Puesto is known for its elevated approach to tacos, using high-quality ingredients like filet mignon and sustainable seafood in an energetic, design-focused environment.
What Sets It Apart:
Its modern, gourmet take on the taco, combined with its extensive tequila and margarita program, distinguishes it from traditional, homestyle Mexican restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
3
Lindo Michoacan is a long-standing, family-owned restaurant in Anaheim that serves the authentic, regional cuisine of Michoacán, Mexico. The establishment is a local institution known for its traditional, homestyle comfort food.- Item Prices
- 1,899
- Average Item Price
- $15.70
Lindo Michoacan Menu PricesMore about Lindo Michoacan
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican, Michoacán-Style
Signature Dishes:
MenudoChilaquiles Gandallas con Carne AsadaPozole
Location:
327 S Anaheim Blvd #C, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant specializes in the authentic recipes of Michoacán, with a particular focus on its famous carnitas, which are slow-cooked to be tender and flavorful.
What Makes It Special:
Lindo Michoacan is celebrated for its decades-long history of serving genuine, high-quality Michoacán-style food, especially its signature carnitas.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific regional focus on the rich culinary traditions of Michoacán distinguishes it as a destination for authentic, homestyle flavors.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
4
Mexican Burritos TacosThe Taco Shop is a classic, no-frills taqueria in Anaheim that operates with a straightforward, fast-food model. The establishment is a local staple for quick, affordable, and satisfying Mexican-American comfort food.- Item Prices
- 98
- Average Item Price
- $11.72
The Taco Shop Menu PricesMore about The Taco Shop
Type of Restaurant:
Taqueria, Fast Food
Type of Food:
Mexican-American
Signature Dishes:
TacosBurritoTorta
Location:
201 W Center Street Promenade unit A, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant maintains an old-school, walk-up counter service model, providing a nostalgic and efficient fast-food experience.
What Makes It Special:
The Taco Shop is a reliable neighborhood spot known for its simple, consistent, and budget-friendly menu of classic taqueria fare.
What Sets It Apart:
Its straightforward, unpretentious approach to serving classic fast-food Mexican staples makes it an enduring and dependable choice for a quick meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
5
Fast Food Tex-Mex Chicken Mexican Seafood Latin American Burritos Steak Tacos Breakfast & Brunch New Mexican Rice DishesLos Alazanes Mexican Food is a classic Southern California-style drive-thru taqueria that operates 24 hours a day. The establishment is a local institution, famous for its large, satisfying burritos and its reliability for late-night meals.- Item Prices
- 559
- Average Item Price
- $10.52
Los Alazanes Mexican Food Menu PricesMore about Los Alazanes Mexican Food
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Food, Drive-Thru
Type of Food:
Mexican-American
Signature Dishes:
California BurritoCarne Asada FriesSuper Nachos
Location:
980 S Knott Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is open 24/7 and features a drive-thru, making it a highly accessible and convenient option at any time of day or night.
What Makes It Special:
Los Alazanes is a legendary late-night spot, cherished for its huge portions, classic fast-food favorites, and its status as a go-to after-hours destination.
What Sets It Apart:
Its 24-hour operation and its reputation as a quintessential Southern California drive-thru for massive burritos distinguish it as a local staple.
Operating Hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 AMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AMWednesday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
6
6. Sabor Chilango
Sabor Chilango is a casual, authentic eatery in Anaheim that specializes in the street food of Mexico City, known as "Chilango" cuisine. The restaurant offers a menu of traditional, hard-to-find specialties in a simple, no-frills setting.More about Sabor Chilango
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Eatery, Taqueria
Type of Food:
Mexico City-Style Street Food
Signature Dishes:
GorditaCaldo De ResPambazos
Location:
1523 W Katella Ave #101, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Special Feature:
The menu includes authentic Mexico City street food staples like the pambazo, a sandwich dipped in red guajillo sauce and filled with potatoes and chorizo.
What Makes It Special:
Sabor Chilango provides a genuine taste of Mexico City's vibrant street food culture, serving dishes that are rarely found in more generalized Mexican restaurants.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific and dedicated focus on "Chilango" cuisine distinguishes it as a destination for an authentic, regional street food experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday–Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
7
7. En Familia
En Familia is a modern, upscale Mexican restaurant in downtown Anaheim's Center Street Promenade. The establishment features a stylish, contemporary design, a menu focused on shareable plates, and a sophisticated craft cocktail bar.More about En Familia
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
Modern Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Al Pastor Grilled SalmonFajitasTacos
Location:
338 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States
Special Feature:
The menu is designed for a communal dining experience, with an emphasis on creative, shareable plates that encourage social interaction.
What Makes It Special:
En Familia is known for its trendy, social atmosphere, which combines a creative, contemporary menu with a high-energy cocktail lounge vibe.
What Sets It Apart:
Its modern, shareable-plate concept and its focus on a sophisticated bar program make it a distinct destination for a stylish social dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
8
8. Sarahi's Mexican Grill
Sarahi's Mexican Grill is a casual, family-run restaurant in Anaheim that offers a wide menu of traditional, homestyle Mexican dishes. The grill is a local favorite, known for its friendly service and generous combination plates.More about Sarahi's Mexican Grill
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Enchilada MichoacanasCaldo de Pollo o ResBurrito Supreme
Location:
1827 W Katella Ave # A, Anaheim, CA 92804, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a comprehensive menu that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a large selection of classic combination plates.
What Makes It Special:
Sarahi's is a dependable neighborhood grill known for its welcoming atmosphere, consistent food quality, and satisfying portions.
What Sets It Apart:
Its role as a straightforward, family-friendly neighborhood restaurant with an all-encompassing menu makes it a reliable choice for any classic Mexican meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday–Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PMFriday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
9
9. La Casa Garcia
La Casa Garcia is a historic, family-owned restaurant that has been serving the Anaheim community since 1973. The establishment is a local landmark, cherished for its traditional recipes, festive atmosphere, and deep community roots.More about La Casa Garcia
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Huevos RancherosTamalesCarnitas
Location:
531 W Chapman Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant's nearly 50-year history in Anaheim makes it one of the city's oldest and most iconic family-run Mexican establishments.
What Makes It Special:
La Casa Garcia is a beloved institution, celebrated for its multi-generational legacy and its consistent delivery of authentic, homestyle Mexican food.
What Sets It Apart:
Its deep historical connection to the Anaheim community and its status as a family-run landmark give it a unique and authentic character that newer restaurants cannot replicate.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
10
10. Tulum OC
Tulum OC is a modern, upscale restaurant and lounge in Anaheim with a theme inspired by the coastal city of Tulum, Mexico. The establishment features a chic, resort-like atmosphere, a menu of contemporary coastal cuisine, and a sophisticated bar program.More about Tulum OC
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual, Lounge
Type of Food:
Modern Mexican, Coastal Cuisine
Signature Dishes:
Cochinita PibilTulumquenaLobster Enchiladas
Location:
915 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant's decor and ambiance are designed to evoke the bohemian, beach-club vibe of Tulum, creating an immersive and escapist setting.
What Makes It Special:
Tulum OC is known for its trendy, vacation-like atmosphere combined with a sophisticated menu of modern, seafood-focused Mexican dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific thematic focus on the aesthetics and coastal flavors of Tulum makes it a unique and stylish destination for a contemporary dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim Famous?
Anaheim's Mexican restaurants are famous for the distinct contrast between exclusive modern establishments catering to the resort district and the deeply authentic and specialized taquerias. The city's food tourism operates on two parallel tracks: visitors are drawn to upscale, chef-driven spots near the convention center, while food enthusiasts seek out nationally recognized specialists in regional street food. The culinary scene features specific cooking techniques like the live mesquite-fire grilling of premium meats found at Tijuana-style taquerias and the slow-braising of Michoacán-style carnitas. A key special ingredient trend is the use of high-grade steak cuts like ribeye and filet mignon in a traditional taco format.
What Types of Mexican Restaurants are Commonly Found in Anaheim?
The types of Mexican restaurants in Anaheim reflect the city's dual identity as a global tourist destination and a city with a large established Latino community. The most common types of Mexican establishments that showcase Anaheim's famous cuisine are listed below.
- Upscale Modern Restaurants: These are stylish, chef-driven establishments that offer contemporary interpretations of Mexican dishes, often with a focus on craft cocktails and a sophisticated ambiance. Puesto and En Familia are prime examples.
- Authentic Regional Taquerias: These are highly specialized spots that focus on the specific street food of a particular region, such as Tijuana or Mexico City. Tacos Los Cholos and Sabor Chilango represent this type.
- Historic Family Restaurants: These are long-standing, multi-generational establishments that are beloved local landmarks, serving traditional homestyle recipes. La Casa Garcia and Lindo Michoacan fit this category.
- 24-Hour Drive-Thrus: A classic Southern California institution, these are fast-food style taquerias that serve large burritos and combination plates at all hours. Los Alazanes Mexican Food is a famous example.
- Neighborhood Mexican Grills: These are casual, family-friendly sit-down restaurants with broad, accessible menus of classic Mexican-American comfort food. Sarahi's Mexican Grill is an example.
Are There Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim?
Yes, Anaheim is home to a significant number of deeply authentic Mexican restaurants that are respected for their commitment to traditional and regional recipes. Lindo Michoacan has been serving the specific cuisine of Michoacán for decades, with a focus on classic dishes like carnitas and uchepos. Sabor Chilango is dedicated entirely to the street food of Mexico City, offering rare specialties like pambazos. Tacos Los Cholos is a destination for its adherence to authentic Tijuana-style grilling over a live mesquite fire. La Casa Garcia has served the community with the same family recipes for nearly 50 years, representing a living piece of the city's culinary history.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim?
The best Mexican restaurants in Anaheim are known for signature dishes that range from authentic regional street food to modern gourmet creations. The list below describes several of the most popular and defining dishes served in Anaheim.
- Mesquite-Grilled Tacos: High-quality cuts of meat, including prime ribeye and filet mignon, grilled over a live mesquite fire and served in Tijuana-style tacos. Tacos Los Cholos is a destination for this specialty.
- Carnitas: A Michoacán specialty of pork that is slow-cooked until exceptionally tender and flavorful, then crisped. Lindo Michoacan is renowned for its authentic version.
- Crispy Melted Cheese Tacos: A modern taco style where a layer of cheese is melted directly on the grill until crispy, then wrapped around fillings inside a tortilla. Puesto is famous for this signature technique.
- Pambazo: A classic Mexico City sandwich filled with potatoes and chorizo, dipped in a red guajillo pepper sauce, and then griddled. Sabor Chilango serves an authentic version of this street food staple.
- California Burrito: A Southern California icon consisting of a large flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, cheese, sour cream, and french fries. The 24-hour drive-thru Los Alazanes is a go-to for this dish.
- Aguachile: A fresh and spicy Mexican ceviche variation where shrimp is cured in a mixture of lime juice, chiles, and cilantro. The coastal-themed Tulum OC specializes in this dish.
How Do Anaheim Mexican Restaurants Compare to Oakland’s Best?
Anaheim's Mexican restaurants are different from the best Mexican restaurants in Oakland because Anaheim's scene is split between high-end tourist destinations and authentic local taquerias, while Oakland's is defined by its deeply rooted, neighborhood-centric food culture, particularly in areas like the Fruitvale district. The restaurant landscape in Anaheim includes both nationally acclaimed, modern spots like Puesto and hyper-specialized street food destinations like Tacos Los Cholos. Oakland's scene is characterized by a high concentration of family-owned establishments serving a wide array of regional Mexican cuisines with a strong community focus. Dining in Anaheim can be a polished, resort-adjacent experience or a purist's street food quest, whereas Oakland offers a more consistent immersion into community-based, traditional eateries.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, vegan diners will find numerous choices at Mexican restaurants in Anaheim. Modern establishments like Puesto offer a dedicated vegetarian menu with several items, including mushroom tacos, that can be prepared vegan. Upscale spots such as En Familia and Tulum OC provide chef-crafted, plant-based dishes. Authentic eateries like Sabor Chilango serve naturally vegetarian street foods like huaraches that can be made vegan by omitting cheese. Traditional restaurants like Sarahi's Mexican Grill can also modify classic dishes like vegetable fajitas to suit a vegan diet.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, finding gluten-free meals at Mexican restaurants in Anaheim is straightforward, with many dishes naturally free of gluten. Specialized taquerias like Tacos Los Cholos and Sabor Chilango build their menus around corn tortillas. Regional kitchens such as Lindo Michoacan serve traditional plates like carnitas and birria that do not contain gluten. Even modern spots like Puesto offer an extensive list of gluten-free tacos. Historic family restaurants like La Casa Garcia also provide many safe choices, including classic enchiladas made with corn tortillas and grilled meat platters.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim?
The average price of a meal at Mexican restaurants in Anaheim can cost anywhere from $10 to over $80, depending on the type of establishment. A meal for one at a fast-food spot like The Taco Shop or a 24-hour drive-thru like Los Alazanes falls between $10 and $20. A sit-down dinner for a small group at a family restaurant like La Casa Garcia or Lindo Michoacan will range from $50 to $120. For budget-friendly dining, an individual can eat for $10 to $25 at an authentic eatery like Sabor Chilango. An evening at an upscale restaurant such as Puesto, En Familia, or Tulum OC will cost between $40 and $80 per person.
Is Mexican Food Popular in Anaheim?
Yes, Mexican food is an integral and highly popular part of the dining culture in Anaheim. The cuisine's importance is demonstrated by its broad appeal to the city's dual audience of international tourists and a large, established local community. The city's food landscape supports everything from historic family landmarks like La Casa Garcia to nationally recognized specialists like Tacos Los Cholos. The presence of these restaurants in both the Anaheim Resort district and in local neighborhoods confirms that Mexican food is a vital and celebrated staple of the city.
More top restaurant lists in California
- 10 Best Asian Restaurants in San Diego
- 10 Best Asian Restaurants in San Francisco
- 10 Best California Restaurants
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Gaslamp San Diego
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Huntington Beach
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in La Quinta
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in San Diego
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in San Francisco
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Barbara
- 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in San Francisco
- 10 Best Cheap Seafood Restaurants in San Diego
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: