A multi-award-winning Mexican restaurant chain specializing in mesquite-grilled tacos al carbón with multiple locations in Southern California.
Insights
Latin AmericanMexicanItalianPizzaModerateLunchDinnerLate NightCasual
Last updated: 7/22/2026, 4:19:29 AM
Key Information
Tacos Los Cholos is renowned for its authentic Mexican street food, specializing in mesquite-grilled meats that infuse a distinct smoky flavor into their generous taco portions. They offer a variety of high-quality meat cuts, including premium options like ribeye. The restaurant boasts a vibrant, energetic atmosphere with 'Mexico vibes' and features a well-stocked salsa bar with fresh condiments. It's a popular spot for both dine-in and takeout, known for its efficient service despite often long lines, and offers attractive Taco Tuesday deals. Tacos Los Cholos has multiple locations across Southern California.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Tacos Los Cholos for its delicious, authentic, and high-quality tacos, highlighting the generous portions of meat and the standout smoky flavor from the mesquite grill. The quesatacos and various meat selections (carne asada, al pastor, tripa, arrachera) receive high marks. Reviewers appreciate the fast and efficient service, even during peak hours, and the vibrant atmosphere. Common themes include excellent value for money and a must-visit for taco lovers in Southern California. The main drawback mentioned is challenging parking during busy times.
Additional Details
The restaurant offers a slight discount for cash payments. It is part of a small chain with several locations in Orange County and Southern California, including Fullerton, Huntington Park, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and Eastvale. The aroma of grilling meat is often noticeable from the parking lot.
Vegetarian options (e.g., Panela tacos)Salsa bar with fresh vegetables
Best Times to Visit
To avoid long lines, it is recommended to visit on weekdays, particularly Tuesday evenings around 5 PM. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM daily, extending to late-night hours on weekends (until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
First off the parking was crazy. Lots of people. The tacos were good. Once I bit that yellow Chile it kicked it up a notched. The Horchata was bomb! Great Cinnamon flavor. My wife told me not to drink it all at once. I did my best. She loved her aracherra 🌮. She said the tripa was OK. My sister and brother in law said the asada torta was good. We'll be back next time we're in Cali.
My recent visit to Tacos Los Cholos in Anaheim was nothing short of phenomenal. As someone who has eaten at countless Mexican restaurants across the country, I can confidently say this is one of the finest taco experiences I have ever had.
From the moment you arrive, the aroma of mesquite-grilled meats fills the air and sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The carne asada was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, while the fresh onions, cilantro, and house salsas elevated every bite. The quesatacos were absolutely outstanding, featuring perfectly melted cheese, premium-quality meat, and tortillas grilled to perfection.
Everything tasted fresh, authentic, and prepared with tremendous attention to detail. The portions were generous, the ingredients were top quality, and every item we ordered exceeded expectations. The atmosphere was energetic and welcoming, creating the perfect environment to enjoy exceptional food with friends and family.
What truly separates this place from the competition is its commitment to quality. Every taco feels handcrafted, every ingredient shines, and every bite reminds you why this restaurant has earned such a devoted following.
If you’re visiting Anaheim, Orange County, or Southern California and love authentic Mexican food, Tacos Los Cholos is an absolute must-visit. This is a five-star dining experience that delivers incredible flavor, outstanding quality, and some of the best tacos you’ll ever eat. Highly recommended! 🌮🔥👏
5
I'm adding this place to my foodie spot rotation!
I dropped by recently for the first time for dinner, and it was terrific overall. The food was delicious, the staff was kind and attentive, and I loved the salsa bar. We arrived early for dinner, and it was amazing to see the crowds and lines build up during the evening service.
We came during Taco Tuesday and took advantage of the $1.99 deals for the adobada, pollo, chorizo, and panela tacos. I also ordered the arrachera, which was highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. We shared the Cholo Pizza, which was a good size and excellent. We only got it with chicken this time, but you can mix the meats to your desire. They also offer some refreshing agua frescas.
Highlights:
- Flavorful, mesquite-grilled meats and plenty of menu items
- Fresh-made tortillas
- Spacious indoor and patio dining area
- One line for hosted dine-in and one line for take-out orders
- The salsa and condiments bar is stacked with a variety
- Taco Tuesday deals
- The atmosphere and decor are fun and vibrant
- You can smell the meat grilling from the parking lot
- More locations in OC
Parking is limited and tight, making it a challenge during peak dining hours. The business next door offers its lot for parking, but they charge per hour. There's also parking across the street at the Albertson's lot.
I can't wait to visit again for another tasty meal.
5
I liked my first experience here. A lot of hype and I think it lived up to it at the end of the day. My favorite part was the massive salsa bar with lots of options. The habanero sauce was pretty spicy and the chimichurri salsa was phenomenal. Pro move is to mix them both together. The tacos were well sized and definitely had thay al carbon char to them. The low key star was the mushroom tacos with added cheese, they were super bomb and almost buttery tasting. I would order those again always. The chicken and steak were fine and juicy. Was happy overall and would come back, just try to come early before parking becomes a nightmare.
5
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.5/5 Stars)
If you are hunting for a killer spot to satisfy a serious taco craving in Orange County, **Tacos Los Locos** in Anaheim is an absolute must-visit! It is a **good small chain** that completely delivers on authentic flavors, massive portions, and high-energy vibes. 🌮🔥
The absolute standout feature of this place is their incredible **meat selection**. They offer all the classics, from perfectly charred carne asada and juicy al pastor to tender cabeza and crispy tripas. 🥩🐷 Masterfully seasoned and cooked to perfection, the variety ensures there is something for everyone. Plus, they do not skimp on the portions—they assemble seriously **big tacos** that are loaded to the brim with meat, meaning you definitely get incredible value for your money. 🤤⚖️
Because of the fast, efficient setup and spacious ordering area, it is **great for big groups** or late-night runs with your friends. Even when the lines get long, the staff works with impressive speed to get your food out fresh, piping hot, and exactly how you ordered it. 🏃♂️💨 Don't forget to hit up their salsa bar to load up on fresh radishes, limes, and their signature spicy salsas that pack a serious punch! 🌶️🍋
The only minor downside is that parking can sometimes get a little chaotic during peak dinner and late-night rushes, but the incredible food quality and generous portions make it worth the hustle every single time. It’s a rock-solid, 4.5-star destination that needs to be on your local taco rotation! 🌟🏆
