All about this place. Chose it on a whim while waiting for a whale-watching tour, and did not regret it. The prices are super-reasonable, and their salsa bar is fantastic. My shrimp burrito was excellent, though I have no idea why they served it cut in half. Nothing that a knife and fork couldn’t solve, though; I guess it turned into a deconstructed burrito? Whatever you want to call it, it was tasty. I’ll definitely come back the next time I’m in Newport.
Yamina I.
Tu valoración: 5 Riverside, CA
Delicious quick find. Came here with my boyfriend & some friends. Greatly enjoyed the food, music & positive energy!
Darren L.
Tu valoración: 5 Woodbridge, VA
Fantastic. Excellent authentic taste. Friendly staff. Low prices. Steak fajitas were great quality and tasty.
George L.
Tu valoración: 5 Valencia, CA
I’m always in search of inexpensive good food that is a local joint(not a chain). This place fits perfectly! I ordered the 3 item combo, 2 tacos and an enchilada. Delicious. My daughter is a vegan and she ordered the veggie burrito. She said is was great. She typically doesn’t care for zucchini, but liked it here. I highly recommend this place based on the quality of food, atmosphere and affordable price.
Paige C.
Tu valoración: 5 Las Vegas, NV
For once I found an awesome restaurant in Newport. .everthing was fresh and homemade. the homemade tortillas were great. I know good food. this is 1 of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to
Mishell N.
Tu valoración: 5 Villa Park, CA
I’ve traveled to 17 countries and Great Mex is my favourite restaurant with my most favourite food. Every time I return back to the US I want to go to Great Mex! I normally go on Tuesdays and Fridays for the taco specials, and the crowded, wild atmosphere. On other days I like to get the taco salad which is phenomenal! The staff and location of this place is excellent, get your food to go and head out to the beach which is only a couple blocks away. HIGHLYRECOMMENDED!
Alycia B.
Tu valoración: 5 Fontana, CA
Had such a great time in Balboa and ended our stay with amazing Mexican food. The employees were great people and their salsa was killer. A great little spot we plan on returning to
Shaila S.
Tu valoración: 4 Manhattan, NY
If you’re a Mexican street food lover, this is the perfect place to go on Balboa peninsula. The food is fresh, flavorful, authentic, and simply delicious. I was really surprised how authentic the place. Hypes: — the hard shelll crispy tacos are the most unique i’ve had. It’s freshly fried and wrapped around the meat. — Chips are legit. As are the variety of fresh salsas. — I love enchiladas… and these ones were amazing. Limited spice, perfect sauce, cheese baked right on top. — Taquitos — mm mm mm — delicioso! — Fresh guacamole Gripes: — I think they do themselves a dis-service by selling things like hamburgers and kids menus, given how authentic the food really is. It gave the impression that it’d be some fusion food and the delicious real mexican food we got. — Limited seating and can get cramped
James H.
Tu valoración: 5 Burbank, CA
About time I write a review for this place –with businesses opening and closing on the Peninsula there are a few businesses that thrive. This place is a good mix of locals and tourist. I’m a Mexican street taco kind of guy and this place does not disappoint. Well managed you see the same faces here and they are always friendly and the food is consistently good even when it’s a crazy holiday weekend. The salsa bar is one of the best around — fresh and home made. Only downsides are that you will probably eat way too many chips and sometimes it’s a battle getting a table.
John F.
Tu valoración: 5 Aliso Viejo, CA
Always great! I love the chicken fajita burrito. It’s huge and delicious. Been coming here for about a decade and have never had a problem.
Stephen B.
Tu valoración: 5 Pasadena, CA
Probably one of the most unexpected best breakfasts I have had in a long time. I went for a morning run to get some fresh air by the Newport Beach pier, and accidentally found this perhaps not-so-hidden gem of a place. I ordered the Carne Asada Steak and Eggs, for an amazing price, huge portions, free chips and probably one of the better serve-yourself salsa bars I’ve ever experienced. It tasted super fresh. Definitely coming back!
J B.
Tu valoración: 3 Lake Forest, CA
Good food, great price. My wife orders the kids been & cheese burrito because it with rice and beans versus just going to be greeted by itself. I ordered the pork Carnitas $ 8.95 it’s a steal. I get Carnitas, beans, rice and flour tortillas for under $ 9 buck. The salsa bar is impressive they have six different salsas so you can mix-and-match or combine salsa also have pickled carrots and sliced onions. My wife loves onions. We also ordered the chips and guacamole, you won’t be disappointed o’clock ammonia just about every Mexican restaurants are in California this is probably in the top five. The chips are great they’re not too oily you’re feeling just amount of salt
Daniel R.
Tu valoración: 1 Newport Beach, CA
Food is ok, But what’s the point of ordering food to go, when your order is not complete? Not first time we have to drive back for part of our order, Guys, be focus on your orders
Rosie Y.
Tu valoración: 5 Orange County, CA
Amazing breakfast burritos and salsa bar. My food was cooked as soon as I ordered, very fresh! My meal was ready in less than 10 minutes. It’s better to get the food to go because the dining area is small. The salsa is all sorts of deliciousness! The place is small so you have to pay attention otherwise you’ll miss the black awning.
Bryan A.
Tu valoración: 5 Peoria, AZ
Best fast food on the peninsula, great tacos and salsa. Lines can be really long but they move quickly or better yet call head with your order.
Lisa E.
Tu valoración: 1 Huntington Beach, CA
I got the chorizo breakfast burrito and had them add potatoes. It was flavorless and bland. I got cilantro, onions, red salsa and green salsa from the salsa bar. This did not help. I think if they were not located next to the balboa fun zone, they would be out of business.
Maria B.
Tu valoración: 5 Newport Beach, CA
I’ll just start by saying, I love tacos — and I especially love tacos at Great Mex. Tacos are just $ 1.25 on Tuesdays and Fridays, and there are a ton of taco varieties to choose from. A few of my favorite tacos are the grilled shrimp, fish, and/or chicken. But my #1 taco pick is(super random) the mushroom taco. It’s is perfect for vegetarians(which I’m not, but in case you are) and comes with a heap of guacamole, so I go into instant foodgasm whenever I eat it. The food is always delicious, and the staff is extremely friendly and quick about preparing the food(without sacrificing quality). The only downside to this place is that because it’s such a hot spot for locals and tourists alike, tables are extremely hard to come by, especially if you go on a taco Tuesday, or Friday through Sunday. You might find yourself waiting a while to sit down, but the food is well worth the wait, I promise.
David A.
Tu valoración: 4 Yorba Linda, CA
Best kept secret for breakfast. I had the Florentine Omelet, made with spinach, mushrooms, bacon, cheese and more. Comes with home fries or hash browns and toast. Place can get crowded but it’s worth the wait. One of the few solid places to eat in the area.
Marco D.
Tu valoración: 5 Scottsdale, AZ
Great food, great location & oh so tasty. The best California burrito and grilled shrimp taco I’ve ever had. Hands down it’s perfect! Who doesn’t like crispy french fries in there carne asada burrtito? If you’re around Newport Beach or at any of their other locations around Newport you have to stop in. Everything on their menu is great. Wash it down with a mexican coke and you’ll be a happy customer.
Ji O.
Tu valoración: 4 Upland, CA
The place was very good!!! Space inside is limited but they sure have good mexican food! Considering their location their price is very reasonable. My burrito was 6.50 and was enough to fill me up. We biked to Balboa from Huntington and by the time we got there we were hungry. Orders are made fresh when you order. Place does get crammed with people eating and in line to order. Had their machaca burrito and california burrito. They also have decent selection of bottles beers for you to get as well. Their beer seemed to be priced on the higher side. Only bottle beers available. Also have their condiment bar by the register. Have three different types of salsa and pickled jalepenos and onions and lime etc. Burrito and salsa is a must and their salsa was very good. I will definitely go back to this place whenever I am near the area. Already told many of my friends that live in the beach area about this place. They are going to try it and give me input.