Elevated modern Mexian cuisine that is light and refreshing. Staff are eager to tell you about sauces, syrups, and other homemade menu items. I had the following items that I highly recommend: Passionfruit mocktail, Aguachiles, empanadas, pork belly tacos, and their amazing chocolate dessert.Vegetarian options: Great vegetarian options like the empanadas, Jamaica tacos, and desserts.
The food and service were great here. The Ambience is very nice. They've definitely spent some time with the design of the place. One of the only issues we had as a group was that the musician when playing was very loud. The place is full cement and the sound bounces off the walls so you can barely have a conversation unless you're sitting next to each other which isn't great for group dinners. This was just a musician with a single guitar. Full band was setting up when we were leaving I can't imagine being able to hold a conversation at all in this place once they got started. Otherwise a great place to check out.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Pahola Hernandez
Went on a salsa night, but the space to dance was too small. Drinks were delicious. And would love to go back and try their food
Lupe Quiroz
The food was good, and the ambiance was also very pleasing and relaxing. I love the music and the drinks are great . Would love to come back and try more of the menu and drinks hopefully soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Aguachile, Pulpo a La Plancha
West Coast Girl
Had a gastronomical delight with complex flavors at El Mercado in downtown Santa Ana, near Calle Cuatro neighborhood. We enjoyed roasted veggie empanadas, sauteed hibiscus tacos, sauteed shrimp/ginger tacos, and a blue corn tortilla quesadilla. We had them hold back the huitlacoche on two dishes, which is also known as "corn smut." No thank you on that. Otherwise, a flavorful adventure and modern take on creative, regional mexican food. It was taco Tuesday, so we doubled our taco order! Our server Anton was attentive and helpful. A++ service and food. (Michelin guide approved.)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vu Truong
We were there on a Tuesday night as a break from Disneyland. This place is the gem of Santa Anna we had the cauliflower and Brussel sprout appetizer. We then had the taco Tuesday tacos. We finished up with carrot cake.I will be back here in a flash. Everything was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Not to be missed if you were visiting Disneyland, and want to break.
Maria Ambriz
I am from Mexico City, born and raised. I've tried hundreds of restaurants, and I can tell you this is one of the most authentic and delicious places in OC.Firstly, this is a HIGH-LEVEL cuisine restaurant. Please don’t compare it to Chipotle, Taco Bell, or even Anepalco, Descanso, etc. They are not the same. If you want humongous plates for a small amount of money, don’t go to this place. You’re getting quality over quantity (the Mexican way).Reservations are required, so also consider that.I've seen some American "food critics" reviews, and I can tell they don’t know a thing about real Mexican cuisine. Flavors are authentic and extremely close to Mexico. This place is unique.Drinks are phenomenal too.We are regulars there, and I’ve tried almost everything from the menu.I must admit that parking is a little bit complicated on a Friday night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tacos
Maritza Hasty
It was a lot of fun. I was there for salsa night. The band was very fun to dance to. I ordered the blue corn quesadilla with chicken. It was delicious. I had an Aye Madre cocktail. Those are dangerously delicious as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sonia Jovel
We were group of 6 and I ask for separate bill an the waitress answer we do one bill per table which I was ok, but minutes later the table next to me with 3 couples they get each couple a bill from the same waitress.Food was served little by little , with the difference of 5 min each plate.Customer service is the worst.
Disappointing Customer Service ExperienceMy recent visit to a restaurant in Santa Ana left much to be desired. My friends and I had traveled from Long Beach to attend a concert at a local nightclub and decided to explore nearby eateries for cocktails and appetizers beforehand. We stumbled upon this restaurant, enticed by its trendy appearance and promise of live music.However, our initial excitement quickly turned to frustration. Upon entering, we were greeted by a hostess who seemed disinterested and took several minutes to acknowledge our presence. Despite there being empty tables, we were informed that reservations were required for dining and were only offered seating in the lounge area or at the bar. As the bar was already full, we reluctantly settled for the lounge.What followed was a 25-minute ordeal of being blatantly ignored by every staff member present. Despite our attempts to flag down a waiter or manager, it became evident that none were willing to assist us. Eventually, the hostess returned to half-heartedly attend to us, but by then, our patience had worn thin.Feeling unwelcome and overlooked, we made the decision to leave and seek hospitality elsewhere. Based on this dismal customer service experience alone, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to others.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jeff812
Terrific evening. My server was great: knowledgeable and attentive. The pork belly taco was outstanding, and the passion fruit mezcal margarita was delicious. The chicken mole was good, but the skin side was over-seasoned and too salty. The mole itself was quite tasty, though.
John Vasquez
The presentation and proportions of the food lend to an elevated dining experience. Unfortunately, this falls a little short.We were a midsized group who tried several different dishes.Most were mediocre: Mole was bland, the quesadilla tasty when you added the salsa (like most the dishes.)Most meats were underseasoned but ok when the sauce was added.This also went along with the drinks. A twist to or variation is fine, but it should be as good as or better then the traditional. These were not. Most notable was the mojitos. We were there on and Cuban night so we looked forward to these. They did not make the cut.The highlights were the musicians that night and the desserts. Both were good.One last note: One restroom each for males and females.For a place this size and serving drinks....not a great idea.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Everything about this place is perfect, drinks and food are delicious and the live music is really good. The only bad thing I have to say is that se male servers all addressed my wife at all times from the first moment we got there even though the reservation was under my name. Made her and I feel uncomfortable.
JB83
Our experience was hands down one of the best we've ever had at any restaurant, especially because it was Valentine's Day night. I was able to secure a last minute reservation through Open Table. We arrived a bit early for our table, but we were recommended to hang out at the bar area where we enjoyed some masterfully mixed cocktails and beer (highly recommend trying MadeWest beer on tap). The ambience was perfect that night, dimly lit with candles everywhere but not too dark, music playing but not too loud, the staff had wonderful food and drink recommendations, and we even tried crickets! Yes, crickets. Not something I would've ever ordered on my own, but glad I get to say that I tried them, and how honestly, mixed in with the guacamole, it elevated the flavor of the dip. All in all, I give this small cozy restaurant 5/5 stars. It's a definite must visit, so add it to your list.
Elevated modern Mexian cuisine that is light and refreshing. Staff are eager to tell you about sauces, syrups, and other homemade menu items. I had the following items that I highly recommend: Passionfruit mocktail, Aguachiles, empanadas, pork belly tacos, and their amazing chocolate dessert.Vegetarian options: Great vegetarian options like the empanadas, Jamaica tacos, and desserts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Aguachile, Oaxaca Flourless Chocolate Cake, Pork Belly Tacos, Carne Asada Plate, Carrot Cake
Nice place
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service were great here. The Ambience is very nice. They've definitely spent some time with the design of the place. One of the only issues we had as a group was that the musician when playing was very loud. The place is full cement and the sound bounces off the walls so you can barely have a conversation unless you're sitting next to each other which isn't great for group dinners. This was just a musician with a single guitar. Full band was setting up when we were leaving I can't imagine being able to hold a conversation at all in this place once they got started. Otherwise a great place to check out.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Went on a salsa night, but the space to dance was too small. Drinks were delicious. And would love to go back and try their food
The food was good, and the ambiance was also very pleasing and relaxing. I love the music and the drinks are great . Would love to come back and try more of the menu and drinks hopefully soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Aguachile, Pulpo a La Plancha
Had a gastronomical delight with complex flavors at El Mercado in downtown Santa Ana, near Calle Cuatro neighborhood. We enjoyed roasted veggie empanadas, sauteed hibiscus tacos, sauteed shrimp/ginger tacos, and a blue corn tortilla quesadilla. We had them hold back the huitlacoche on two dishes, which is also known as "corn smut." No thank you on that. Otherwise, a flavorful adventure and modern take on creative, regional mexican food. It was taco Tuesday, so we doubled our taco order! Our server Anton was attentive and helpful. A++ service and food. (Michelin guide approved.)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were there on a Tuesday night as a break from Disneyland. This place is the gem of Santa Anna we had the cauliflower and Brussel sprout appetizer. We then had the taco Tuesday tacos. We finished up with carrot cake.I will be back here in a flash. Everything was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Not to be missed if you were visiting Disneyland, and want to break.
I am from Mexico City, born and raised. I've tried hundreds of restaurants, and I can tell you this is one of the most authentic and delicious places in OC.Firstly, this is a HIGH-LEVEL cuisine restaurant. Please don’t compare it to Chipotle, Taco Bell, or even Anepalco, Descanso, etc. They are not the same. If you want humongous plates for a small amount of money, don’t go to this place. You’re getting quality over quantity (the Mexican way).Reservations are required, so also consider that.I've seen some American "food critics" reviews, and I can tell they don’t know a thing about real Mexican cuisine. Flavors are authentic and extremely close to Mexico. This place is unique.Drinks are phenomenal too.We are regulars there, and I’ve tried almost everything from the menu.I must admit that parking is a little bit complicated on a Friday night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tacos
It was a lot of fun. I was there for salsa night. The band was very fun to dance to. I ordered the blue corn quesadilla with chicken. It was delicious. I had an Aye Madre cocktail. Those are dangerously delicious as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were group of 6 and I ask for separate bill an the waitress answer we do one bill per table which I was ok, but minutes later the table next to me with 3 couples they get each couple a bill from the same waitress.Food was served little by little , with the difference of 5 min each plate.Customer service is the worst.
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Disappointing Customer Service ExperienceMy recent visit to a restaurant in Santa Ana left much to be desired. My friends and I had traveled from Long Beach to attend a concert at a local nightclub and decided to explore nearby eateries for cocktails and appetizers beforehand. We stumbled upon this restaurant, enticed by its trendy appearance and promise of live music.However, our initial excitement quickly turned to frustration. Upon entering, we were greeted by a hostess who seemed disinterested and took several minutes to acknowledge our presence. Despite there being empty tables, we were informed that reservations were required for dining and were only offered seating in the lounge area or at the bar. As the bar was already full, we reluctantly settled for the lounge.What followed was a 25-minute ordeal of being blatantly ignored by every staff member present. Despite our attempts to flag down a waiter or manager, it became evident that none were willing to assist us. Eventually, the hostess returned to half-heartedly attend to us, but by then, our patience had worn thin.Feeling unwelcome and overlooked, we made the decision to leave and seek hospitality elsewhere. Based on this dismal customer service experience alone, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to others.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Terrific evening. My server was great: knowledgeable and attentive. The pork belly taco was outstanding, and the passion fruit mezcal margarita was delicious. The chicken mole was good, but the skin side was over-seasoned and too salty. The mole itself was quite tasty, though.
The presentation and proportions of the food lend to an elevated dining experience. Unfortunately, this falls a little short.We were a midsized group who tried several different dishes.Most were mediocre: Mole was bland, the quesadilla tasty when you added the salsa (like most the dishes.)Most meats were underseasoned but ok when the sauce was added.This also went along with the drinks. A twist to or variation is fine, but it should be as good as or better then the traditional. These were not. Most notable was the mojitos. We were there on and Cuban night so we looked forward to these. They did not make the cut.The highlights were the musicians that night and the desserts. Both were good.One last note: One restroom each for males and females.For a place this size and serving drinks....not a great idea.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Everything about this place is perfect, drinks and food are delicious and the live music is really good. The only bad thing I have to say is that se male servers all addressed my wife at all times from the first moment we got there even though the reservation was under my name. Made her and I feel uncomfortable.
Our experience was hands down one of the best we've ever had at any restaurant, especially because it was Valentine's Day night. I was able to secure a last minute reservation through Open Table. We arrived a bit early for our table, but we were recommended to hang out at the bar area where we enjoyed some masterfully mixed cocktails and beer (highly recommend trying MadeWest beer on tap). The ambience was perfect that night, dimly lit with candles everywhere but not too dark, music playing but not too loud, the staff had wonderful food and drink recommendations, and we even tried crickets! Yes, crickets. Not something I would've ever ordered on my own, but glad I get to say that I tried them, and how honestly, mixed in with the guacamole, it elevated the flavor of the dip. All in all, I give this small cozy restaurant 5/5 stars. It's a definite must visit, so add it to your list.