Orange County natives are familiar with the classic taco spots: Wahoo’s Fish Tacos and Chronic Tacos. While these two are reliably delicious, to find the best tacos Orange County has to offer, you must stray from the beaten path. Whether your weakness is Taco Tuesdays, crunchy beef tacos, or you’re just a taco fiend, you’ll find a taco shop that will satisfy your cravings.
We in Southern California are spoiled with delicious Mexican food. Most states don’t have access to freshly made corn tortillas, delicately spiced meats, and awesome, pickled, spicy things. We have so much variety in Orange County that making a decision on which awesome taco we want can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, we’ve scoured the county and found 6 taco spots, in no particular order, that will satisfy your most insistent taco craving.
1. Sol Cocina
Enjoy a great view of the water and a lively atmosphere anytime your taco craving brings you here. Plan to come around happy hour every day from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for great prices with your great tacos in Newport Beach. The best taco in the house, according to everyone who has tried it, is the Vampiro. It won a Critic’s Choice Award and you have to try it.
Location: 251 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92660
2. Baja Fish Tacos
If you love tacos but you also try to be healthy, check this place out. It avoids MSG, preservatives, and lard to bring you a light, tasty dish. Try the blackened fish tacos if you’re unsure with which to start.
Locations:
- 3664 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704
- 23020 Lake Forest Dr. #130, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- 171 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
- 30242 Crown Valley Pkwy. #B5, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
- 27755 Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
- 2335 Hamner Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
3. Alebrije’s Grill
Because this is a taco truck famous for its delicious tacos, be prepared to wait in line if you’re not there early, and prepare your taste buds for an amazing experience. These tacos are a little pricey at $4.00 but you will only need one. Yes, one. And, you’ll also need a fork. Marinated meat and layers of delicious fresh and cooked veggies are piled on a thick tortilla. If you’ve never tried any of their tacos, start with the Acorazado taco.
Location: Parked at the corner of Main St. and Cubbon St. in Santa Ana, CA.
4. Taco Mesa
Located across the street from the DMV in Costa Mesa, this taco heaven has great tacos every day of the week, and especially sweet taco Tuesday deals with $1.75 per taco. The outdoor patio gets crowded so be prepared to stalk a table and wait. The tacos are filling, the portions are right, and the salsa bar is delicious.
Location: 647 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
5. Soho Taco
Another taco truck brings great tacos to Orange County. Recommended taco: all the tacos. Seriously, they’re all good. Try the lobster one, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Location: Truck location schedule
6. Taqueria Zamora
Like all great things, this place is tucked away in the corner of a strip mall in Santa Ana. Don’t be fooled by its tiny exterior, the inside is spacious. Their menu is diverse so you can get awesome food that isn’t tacos, but why would you? Try the Big-Ass Taco to have fun ordering and have fun eating.
Location: 3121 S Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92707
We’re lucky to be in Orange County for so many reasons: great beaches, great weather, better traffic than Los Angeles. And of course all the awesome tacos! What is your favorite taco joint in Orange County?