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Fresca's Mexican Grill
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 8 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Gigi M. said: "This is my new taco Tuesday spot! $1 tacos! Combined with HH Tues.-Fri., between 4-7, $3 beer, $4 sangria and $5 appetizers! Awesome! And the cool part is this isn't a hole in the wall dump! Looks pretty upscale with dim lighting…" read more »
31 reviews for Fresca's Mexican Grill
Review Highlights
"Their Taco Tuesday is really good too and it's not crowded."
(in 9 reviews)
"...have to compliment their salsa bar, lots of choices and..."
(in 3 reviews)
"But by far my favorite is the Wet N Wild Burrito with steak."
(in 2 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Ritika T.
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
You'd never think to go here because it's a random hole-in-the-wall away from the actual malls and main attractions of Costa Mesa. But, it's a solid joint. I took off a star because they didn't display their health grade rating. It seemed a little dirty, so I'd like to see whether or not it received an A. I saw some health policy documents pinned in their kitchen, but that could be anything.
The food itself hits the spot for someone craving hole-in-the-wall Mexican food. The service was fast and the salsa bar comprehensive. -
Review from Cherie E.
6/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What isn't good here should be the question? Because your answer would be heloooo! EVERYTHING!!!
Fresca's has the best beef taquitos and top it with their pico de gallo and sour cream, yum plain ol' down right yummy in your fat tummy!!! Of course their taquitos are my favorite but their Steak Tostada Suprema is also very tasty I do say..Their Taco Tuesday is really good too and it's not crowded.
And if you get a chance to have them cater for your party or office function, they do a really good job at it. They delivered taquito platters for my office meeting and they were friendly and they were on time! And of course everyone enjoyed the taquitos so much there was nothing left. They also give you a ton of chips and salsa. Their chips are warm and made fresh!
Just an all around great place to eat!!! -
Review from Chris C.
Irvine, CA
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
They are hard to work with... Frustrated...
I don't know what happened... I used to love coming here with my coworkers and getting some good deals on mexican food that my coworkers could eat w/o concern... but all of a sudden, then quality of the food went down, and the service bombed... and i don't get it.
Maybe it's under new management, or turnover has been in issue, but between screwing up orders, taking forever bring out our food, and there was even one time that i used my credit card to pay for my meal and it never got charged... and even though that's sweet, I personally have to wonder WHAT THE HECK?
Seems poorly run for now (meaning the past 2 times i've gone in the last 2 months); hopefully they their act together. -
Review from Mike P.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been going to Fresca's since they opened. Many people compare them to Baja Fresh but I find there food to be much fresher and the flavors much richer. Fresh salsas made every day from authentic recipes. Definitely try the Japonesa and the Arbol if you can handle some heat.
Their enchilada sauce has a roasted deep chili flavor but not too hot or strong.
I love the steak tamales, grilled fish tacos and sometimes my wife and I will just split a Cancun Roll. All are equally awesome. But by far my favorite is the Wet N Wild Burrito with steak. Packed full of grilled steak, fresh avocado, black beans, rice and smothered in enchilada sauce with cheese. Did I mention I like the enchilada sauce.
And don't miss the 99 cent tacos on Taco Tuesday. They always hit the spot with a couple.of $2 beers.
Nice patio, clean place and great service. Not the feel of eating at a.cookie cutter chain restaurant. Definitely a great place to eat with friends or get food to go. -
Review from Ji C.
La Palma, CA
1/3/2011
My office is right around the corner from here and every time I come here my taste buds are not disappointed. I usually come here when I get sick of the fast food around the office.
For about $7 you get some pretty fresh and delicious food. It's Mexican so I usually get a California burrito or tacos. The rice and beans are pretty warm and you can tell they're better in quality than most places.
Frescas gets two bonus points:
-One, for having beer.
-Two, just by not being Taco Bell/Del Taco. I'm sick of fast food. -
Review from Eric C.
Newport Beach, CA
Tuesdays and Thursdays what else is there to say. They actually have pretty darn good tacos and on those days you get Chicken tacos for .99 i believe on Tuesdays and Shredded Beef tacos for $1.25 on Thursdays. don't forget to ask for some guacamole the really small one cause otherwise it's like 3 bucks, or you could just use the avocados in ur fridge. Anyways i'd recommend this place over Super Antojitos, and quite a few other mexican joints. You can't go too wrong.
--Eric Cruz, the Stealth -
Review from Ashley M.
11/14/2008
So the only reason I go to this place is for Taco Tuesday. Well this past Tuesday was no bueno. I ordered 6 tacos (no they were not all for me) and I waited, and waited some more, and then they started to get really busy.
Well then I noticed people that came after me were already getting there food. I was like WTF. So I went up to the counter and asked the cashier what the hold up was and she says "oh didn't you order a long time ago" I was like uh yeah, so she finally give me tacos and I'm on my way.
To make a long story even longer I more than likely wont be coming here again, the cheap tacos aren't good enough for me to put up with a bad attitude and bad service.Listed in: Avoid it like it was the…
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Review from Mary P.
Fountain Valley, CA
2/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wednesday is the day to go. Wednesday is chicken flautas day. $6.75 for two huge flautas, rice, beans, chips and salsa, and a drink. So worth it!
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Review from Cathy A.
Costa Mesa, CA
3/25/2011
Horrible! I think they just gave us their scraps and used it as tacos....just horrible!
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Review from Ted C.
Costa Mesa, CA
8/4/2009
Fresca's is a hole in the wall with pretty tasty Mexican food. They are very reasonably priced, have a great selection of salsas, and unlimited tortilla chips. I've had the carnitas burrito which really hit the spot and the fish tacos, which are only available fried, are pretty good.
There is limited seating and its pretty cramped inside. The place packs up at lunch so if you are claustrophobic, sit outside. Most of the drinks have free refills but you have to wait for one of the workers to refill them for you because the fountains are behind the counter.
All in all, Fresca's is worthy of adding to the lunch rotation. -
Review from SARA C.
Irvine, CA
4/1/2009
Fresca's is a lot like baja fresh but with a little more variety and creativity. I had the taquitos and my boyfriend had his usual carne asada tacos. Each plate came with beans and rice which were tasty and actually my boyfriend said it was the best black beans he'd ever had! I don't actually care for black beans but the taquitos were quite good!
I enjoyed the variety in their menu, although i haven't yet had the chance to return to it. they even have a mexican version of the sushi roll! I would like to return to try the more creative items on the menu.
I also have to compliment their salsa bar, lots of choices and each one that i tried was delicious! -
Review from Jay S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2008
ONLY ONE REVIEW???
I am beyond shocked.
Where are you people eating?
Fresca's is amazing. Fresh and cheap.
This is the OG spot, the newer one up the street is different in both material and immaterial ways. First of all, this place is way less crowded, feels less Irvine/commerialized and I think their veggie burrito is still $3.50.
Salsa selection is off the chain. I lived up the street from here for a while and my roommate and I are the reason they have the "please use only provided cups for salsa" sign. We used to fill drink cups with this stuff and take it home. It's that good.
The huge sour-faced lady who's always working there is a rude troll. Who cares. The food's good and ready quickly.
You diss Fresca's, you diss yourself (c) Dre.
Get over there. -
Review from Tony Y.
10/1/2009 1 Check-in Here
great meal at a really decent price, this place is perfect for when you have a craving for burritos but are tired of the same old expensive Baja fresh or rubios or what have you and want something that tastes a little different...
Love that they have horchata drinks there like a vallarta and the quick service barely keeps you waiting...
Overall for the quick work cheap lunch this is the place to beat! -
Review from Dan D.
San Diego, CA
7/15/2008
Go on Tuesday for Taco Tuesday. Tacos are a buck, beers are $2. It's a happening spot. Fresca's is the kind of place that I always forget about but shouldn't since it is really solid. The fact it is forgotten though says something. Everything I've had is pretty solid there, but nothing to write home about. The feel is nice, especially the patio.
Just go Tuesday. -
Review from Alan K.
Yorba Linda, CA
6/23/2008
Fresca's is probably my favorite Fresh-mex restaurant. I'm a huge fan of the Steak Especial burrito and taquitos when I'm feeling really evil. The steak has always been tender at both the Costa Mesa and the Anaheim locations and the guac on the taquitos rocks.
If I'm in the mood for healthier fare, I'll get California Burrito or the Chicken Avocado salad with ranch dressing on the side (if I'm trying to eat healthy, I don't like it when my salad is drenched in ranch). Both are also excellent.
I've ordered the tortas before, but I'm not really a fan of the roll on which it is served.
If you're feeling extra evil, try the cancun roll. It's a deep fried burrito filled with fried fish, beans, rice, cabbage and tomatoes and is served with a small side salad. They slice the cancun roll into 5-6 pieces, so you can share with friends, but this is one of the few items that I generally don't share. haha. -
Review from Ajay G.
Thousand Oaks, CA
9/15/2009
Fresca's is a pretty standard SoCal Am-Mex grill from a food standpoint. The offerings are basically the same, and they have a few lunch specials for $5 that all consist of rice and beans paired with small items like a pair of tacos or a taco and tamale. They do give you a big helping of chips with the entrees, though.
The seating's pretty decent on the inside and the outside, but tight and not nearly enough for the lunch traffic. They have a serious crowding problem that will force you either to wait around for a table to free up or to send a member of your party out early to stake out and pounce on a table, followed by a procedure of subduing other pursuers with Tasers or similar technology. You might get by this with take-out, but there's a similar crowding problem in the parking lot, plus an annoying design that makes it hard to exit.
The service is reasonably fast, and on the counter, so you don't have to pretend like you actually wanted to tip someone. They'll call off your number. On the downside, it already is pretty tight by the cash register before traffic starts going both ways.
I like the food. It's definitely above average for its peers, but is made in such a similar way that you won't feel a ton of loyalty to them and it will trigger the whole "not another day of Mexican grill" thing. -
Review from michele k.
Orange County, CA
12/22/2008
Fresca's is a quick place to go get a bite to eat and not feel like you're eating fast food. The service is quick and the food is really good and they have a really good salad with avocado's and chicken.
I keep eating that salad, every time I go. Then, while sitting at work somebody rolls up with a crazy looking burrito and my stomach starts to growl because it looks so good. I think I will try that next time.
I have never been here for Taco Tuesday and I can imagine that it gets pretty packed. This Fresca's is very tiny and I always feel claustrophobic inside the place but at least they have seats outside. It's not the cleanest place but I don't feel like I'm eating cockroach remnants either. -
Review from Lori H.
Mission Viejo, CA
2/2/2010
Fresh may be the name but, not today.
I used to go to Fresca's weekly and loved it but things have changed. I tried one of their $5 combos, a taco and enchilada with rice and beans. The chicken was so bland that I was looking for any seasonings I could add. As for the enchilada, it wasn't worth saving. It was a mess of stale cheese and bland chicken. I haven't even gotten to the kids meal. My daughter's taco was SOOO greasy that oil ran down her hand when she picked it up.
All I can say is thanks for the memories because I will not be going back. -
Review from Arnold E.
1/3/2007
Fresh is the name of the game at Fresca's Mexican Grill...heck, 'fresca' does mean 'fresh' in Spanish, does it not?
Anyway, I used to go to Fresca's all the time when I worked down the street. I'd get tacos, burritos, taquitos, salads...you name it. This place is Tasty (with a capital 'T'). Possibly the only problems I have with this place is the fact that it's small (limited indoor/outdoor seating) and the parking situation is a nightmare during the lunch rush. But otherwise, eat to your heart's content when you stop by.
The food, like their name states, is always fresh. I guess is has to be since the place moves their food like there was some super-secret, highly-addictive ingredient in it (crack anyone?). Their tortillas are kept nice and warm in special warmers, their produce is kept cold in special coolers, their aguas frescas are made fresh throughout the day (try their watermelon juice or their horchata...que rico!), and their carne es muy delicioso! Don't get me started on their salsa bar...a whole bar dedicated to the glory and wonderment of salsa! An added bonus is that they serve beer...but it has to stay within the building (boo! to 'drinking laws'). Many of their dishes come as combination plates (with rice and beans), so you'll usually get your fill here. Prices are reasonable and service is relatively quick for how fresh their fare is put together. If you stop by for lunch, be prepared for a line.
This happens to be one of a few locations. I've also been to the branch in Brea...but that one's too crowded with teens and pre-teens with too much time and money as well as other yuppified couples...they're not 'keepin' it real' over there. That's why I prefer the Santa Ana/Costa Mesa location...it's more 'cozy.' Check it out if you're in the area. -
Review from Angela K.
Rosemead, CA
2/28/2009
Steak Especial-- so good! I've tried the steak burrito.. but it's not as good as the especial.. which really is the same thing but without the bean and rice.. it's just steak, some sauce, and guacamole wrapped in tortilla. I don't know what makes it taste sooooo different but the especial is why I come here. ^__^ and it's cheap too!
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Review from John M.
Orange, CA
8/21/2010 3 Check-ins Here
My favorite little Mexican spot. Awesome food and a good price. Servers are really nice. The place is very small. I like to sit outside. The chicken tacos and cheese enchiladas are awesome. Taco Tuesdays too!
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Review from jonathan s.
Orange County, CA
3/15/2010
i was real close to giving this place 3 stars only because my entire combo meal cost $5. i could not bring myself to do it though. california burrito was mainly a lettuce burrito. beans and rice were not hot.
if baja fresh is a one star then this is a two. -
Review from Daniel T.
10/1/2009
The place is located next to a great phily cheesesteak sandwich and the donut place, across from Bill's Burger. They have a few selection of the menu, but what catches my eye are the fact it's mostly $5 and $6 dollar. The foods are not the best, but it's very good for my palate. For $5, I ordered the wet and wild burrito with steak. It was good and comparable to Baja Fresh burrito. I am not a mexican food expert, but for the quality, you can't beat the price.
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Review from Veronica A.
Laguna Niguel, CA
10/16/2008
I work down the street from this place so I end up going here quite a bit since its close. The food here is decent but I agree, its not something to write home about. Like I said its close, average priced for the area and edible. I've never been there for a taco Tuesday but may just have to check it out soon.
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Review from Kenia H.
Costa Mesa, CA
6/5/2010
I absolutely love this place everyone is super friendly they have great chicken nachos and taco Tuesday is GreaT!!!!!
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Review from Dorissa M.
Orange County, CA
8/13/2009
By far one of the best chicken tacos in town. They are reasonably priced and always busy. Not to mention, because they don't use lard or other heavy ingredients, I never feel guilty after a meal there. They have an OK selection of beer and wine, but the food & salsa are worth the trip. Also, the CA Burrito is awesome. Frescas has friendly employees and a nice family atmosphere.
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Review from Travis D.
San Diego, CA
8/10/2008
Good spot for Taco Tuesday, but that is pretty much it. The tacos are pretty standard, greasy, but there is a plus. The plus isn't in the tacos, but in the beer my friends, $6.50 a pitcher during Taco Tuesday. Small place, but comfortable seating.
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Review from Jennifer B.
Costa Mesa, CA
7/8/2009
Yummy...Yummy... to my Tummy! It is so good and usually fresh it makes my tummy feel really good and full. I think that you should try it.
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Review from Trish F.
Irvine, CA
1/11/2010
My fave place to go for lunch! I give them a 4 only because they are not a high-end place. But I am sooo tempted to give a 5! I love the salsa bar. Only eat in if you can beat the lunch rush because after noon there is hardly anywhere to sit. Consistent and very affordable. Can't be beat for that price, that's for sure....
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Review from JoAnna K.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
All I can say Is taco Tuesday :)
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Review from alex a.
Santa Monica, CA
5/9/2010
I am giving this place three stars instead of two because in the PAST it has been great. So I will give it another try, but just one. I was so disappointed the last time we went on Saturday. Now maybe it was because we went on a Saturday and this place seems busier during the week. We ordered the 3 enchilada plate and 6 tacos for the fam. They left out one of the tacos, irritating, but not a deal breaker. However, the enchiladas were not that good and the meat in the tacos was ok not up to its usual tastiness. Rice and beans were so-so. Dag-nappit, we really used to love this place.
