This gem of a taqueria was a surprising find with excellently prepared Mexican cuisine in an unassuming little strip mall across from Laguna Hills Mall. The carne asada (combo #6) was well prepared with thinly sliced steak grilled with white onions and poblano peppers. The onions and peppers, while caramelized, still retained some firmness of texture, giving the dish a pleasant crunch. It was served with beans, rice and freshly made guacamole. The tacos al pastor consisted of shredded meat cooked in a richly flavored, spicy barbecue sauce and cradled in thin, warm corn tortillas.
The restaurant offers a well stocked salsa bar with several green and red salsas made daily, along with freshly sliced radish and marinated veggies to garnish your dish. The hot red sauce packs some heat, which is a nice change of pace versus the bland offerings that are typically found in Orange County taquerias. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. Best of all, it's open 24 hours so you can indulge your craving for Mexican food any time you wish. Keep in mind, that this is a taco shop. Don't expect white table cloths and a maitre'd. If ambiance is what you're looking for, this is not your spot. Also, staff had cranked the music up so loud, I felt like I was in a discotheque. Regardless, I would highly recommend this place and know that it will now become a regular stop in my rotation of local eateries.
Pros: authentic Mexican cuisine, great flavor, inexpensive
Cons: not much ambiance; can be noisy
more