
Tacos Los Cholos
A top-rated taqueria known for its mesquite-grilled meats, diverse salsas, and unique menu items like 'Cholo Pizza'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Tacos Los Cholos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A top-rated taqueria known for its mesquite-grilled meats, diverse salsas, and unique menu items like 'Cholo Pizza'.
"These are hands down the best tacos in town! The flavors are bold and the meat is perfectly grilled."
Be prepared for crowds
The line can be long, but it moves quickly. Visit during off-peak hours for a shorter wait.
Parking advice
Parking can be challenging; consider parking across the street for convenience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(657) 201-3043
Address
821 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Website
tacosloscholos.net/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mesquite Grilled Tacos al Carbon
Savor perfectly seasoned, mesquite-grilled meats like ribeye and arrachera, a true taste of Southern California's best taquerias.

Legendary Salsa Bar
Explore a vast selection of bold, flavorful salsas, from mild to face-melting, to perfectly complement your meal.

Unique Cholo Pizza
Experience a creative twist with their 'Cholo Pizza,' customizable with your favorite meats for a unique dining adventure.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Be prepared for crowds
The line can be long, but it moves quickly. Visit during off-peak hours for a shorter wait.
Parking advice
Parking can be challenging; consider parking across the street for convenience.
Cash is king
Paying with cash can save money and is sometimes preferred.
Explore the salsa bar
Experiment with the wide variety of salsas, but choose carefully as some are very spicy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Be prepared for crowds
The line can be long, but it moves quickly. Visit during off-peak hours for a shorter wait.
Parking advice
Parking can be challenging; consider parking across the street for convenience.
Cash is king
Paying with cash can save money and is sometimes preferred.
Explore the salsa bar
Experiment with the wide variety of salsas, but choose carefully as some are very spicy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tacos Los Cholos is celebrated for its outstanding, mesquite-grilled tacos and vibrant salsa bar, drawing crowds with its bold flavors and generous portions. While many rave about the quality and authentic taste, some find the wait times long and parking challenging. Despite occasional criticisms about the meat quality or a slightly chaotic atmosphere, the overwhelming consensus is that the delicious food makes the experience worthwhile.
"Just discovered Tacos Los Cholos, and I have to say—these are hands down the best tacos in town! The flavors are bold, the meat is perfectly grilled, and the portions are generous. Definitely a game-changer for taco lovers.
This place is super popular, so expect a crowd. The line looks intimidating, but it moves fast—I waited about 30-40 minutes, and it was totally worth it. Parking is a challenge, but you can park across the street for convenience.
Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion size. If you’re craving top-tier tacos and don’t mind a bit of a wait, this spot is a must-try!"
Max T Tran
"Tacos Los Cholos - Loaded Tacos, Lethal Salsas.
In a world where Taco Bell and Chipotle have become synonymous with ‘Mexican’ food, one begins to wonder - is there still room for a more authentic take on the humble taco?
It’s a Thursday night. The carpark’s looking like a game of Vehicular Tetris, while a line of hungry bystanders trail haphazardly out the door and onto the footpath.
The restaurant itself is intimidatingly busy. Between hurried waitstaff weaving between riotous patrons, the bustling self-serve stations and orders being called out constantly, there’s an awful lot to take in.
It’s loud, rambunctious, and in your face - but that’s all very fitting considering the food being served; after all, what good taco isn’t bold, punchy and a blow to the senses?
Inside, the interior looks a little gaudy, even tacky. Animated flames lick the menu screens, with eclectic font choices evoking memories of a junior high’s PowerPoint presentation (WordArt is still cool okay!).
Despite the.. inspired design choice and general flair, the menu presents a ridiculous number of items on offer - while impressive, it’s undoubtedly overwhelming for newcomers and indecisive patrons alike.
Saying that, with 14 protein options for tacos alone, there’s bound to be something for everyone, even if the average patron has no idea how to pronounce half of them.
Even for those of us familiar with the more authentic side of Mexican cuisine (and I’ve eaten my way through Chipotle’s menu, so I’m obviously well versed.. right?) the first bite of the tacos here is a near religious experience. Savoury, and zingy - with each bite a revelation, and every note hitting perfectly in this salacious symphony of salsas and spices.
With mountainous mounds of meat atop each taco, it’s no wonder they’re cradled by double tortillas - there’s more than enough fillings for an extra taco with what drops out while they’re being lovingly obliterated by the hungry hordes. Needless to say, you won’t leave hungry - as if with food this good you’d want to leave at all.
Naively, I thought I had a grasp on Mexican food before now, but little did I know I was about to transcend to a higher plane of existence, where the humble taco is elevated to something closer to a taste of heaven than the soggy $2 slop most have settled for on a night out.
The self serve saucing station is a spectacle in itself - with 6-8 salsas along with a lineup of traditional taco accoutrements, pure bliss is only a spoonful away.
It’s a savoury pick’n’mix for the indecisive looking to level up their taco game, and man, does it ever deliver. Each salsa hits hard in its own way - no weak links, just liquid gold with a punch, every single one.
But such praise comes with equal warning; select your (sadistically unlabelled) sauces carefully - while all are undoubtedly delicious, some will truly have you walking that fine line between pleasure and pain with heat levels ranging from the gentle warmth of a lover’s embrace, all the way to face-melting regret in salsa form.
I tell ya, I’ve met the devil and I’ve tasted the fires of hell, fresh from the Taco Los Cholos’ sauce station.
It’s a testament to just how damn good the food is though, that despite the chaos within, the crowds keep coming - and really, that’s all part of the experience.
Whether ordering to-go or eating in, there’s a buzz in the air, and you can’t help but be drawn in to the full throttle fiesta that is Tacos Los Cholos.
Say ciao to Chipotle, and ta-ta to Taco Bell; instead, treat yourself to a little TLC at Tacos Los Cholos."
Brendan Spriggs
"Tacos Los Cholos Review
Every time I pass by Tacos Los Cholos, I notice the line wrapped around the block, with every seat taken and no standing room available. The parking lot is always packed, which is a clear sign of a bustling business. Intrigued by the hype, I decided to arrive at 10:30 AM to be one of the first in line when they opened at 11:00.
Unfortunately, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment. Despite trying a premium taco to give it a fair chance, I found the meat lacking. On the bright side, the salsa and poblano chili were delicious—definitely a highlight of the meal. The wait for my order was quick, and I must say, the salsa bar is outstanding.
However, will I be returning? I don't think so. While I understand that everyone has different tastes when it comes to tacos, these just didn't resonate with me. Their salsa is so good I could drink it, but ultimately, the large size of the tacos doesn't matter much if I don't enjoy the main ingredient. To each their own, but that was my experience."
Pennie Mack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
They are renowned for their mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon, using high-quality meats and a fantastic salsa bar.
Many customers find the wait to be well worth it for the delicious and flavorful tacos.
Premium options include cuts like USDA Prime ribeye, filet mignon, and marinated arrachera.
While meat is the focus, options like quesadillas and loaded baked potatoes might accommodate vegetarian preferences.
It's a unique menu item that can be customized with your favorite meats, offering a creative twist on traditional tacos.
The Michelada and Horchata are popular choices, offering refreshing and authentic flavors.
The atmosphere can be lively and busy, but many families enjoy dining here. Consider off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
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If you’re having trouble finding Tacos Los Cholos, just take a big whiff—the fragrant plumes from the mesquite grill will lead you right to this order-at-the-counter taqueria. The grilled meats at this Anaheim original (they have equally excellent locations in Fullerton and Huntington Park) can go toe-to-toe with the best barbecue spots in the country, only here tortillas are the transportation method. Every cut, from lime-marinated ribeye to the crispy-charred short rib, absorbs the flavor of mesquite charcoal.
Where to find authentic Mexican food in Anaheim?
Tacos Los Cholos is a relaxed spot with four locations in Orange County, the closest being in Anaheim, about a 15 drive from the Alamo Inn and Suites (This specific location is also just a few minutes away from Tierra Mia, one of our favorite coffee shops in Anaheim). The other locations are in Fullerton and Huntington Beach, with a 4th expected to open in Downtown Santa Ana soon. I've personally only visited the Anaheim location, but if you decide to enjoy a day out in Surf City, you could easily walk to the nearby Tacos Los Cholos if you're craving delicious Mexican food.
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The recent winner of 2023 LA Taco Madness, Tacos Los Cholos started as just a pop up shop in front of owner Josue Maldonado’s home in 2019, paid for by a tax refund check. Now with locations in Anaheim, Fullerton, and a brand new location in Huntington Park, this popular local gem serves up traditional and mouthwatering tacos that stay true to their Mexican roots while also offering a deliciously creative spin that have guests lined up out the door at all hours of the day. Their flavorful Tacos al Carbon, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, are legendary.
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At a time when my hometown is increasingly cracking down on unlicensed street vendors, places like this always-packed restaurant show that taqueros just need to be left alone. Los Cholos started in 2019 as a street stand, then took its mesquite-kissed meats grilled over an open flame to this location after health officials threatened to shut it down. Los Cholos has one location in Fullerton and is about to open another in Huntington Beach, but the mothership remains the best.
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Menu Highlights: Time and time again, the pork belly quesadilla and the ribeye tacos are worthy of repeat orders. Crowned the winner of LA Taco’s Taco Madness in 2023, Tacos Los Cholos has been a local favorite since opening in Anaheim in 2019. This restaurant’s secret to success isn’t much of a secret at all— Tacos Los Cholos prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients such as Black Angus prime ribeye, and cooking it over a wood-fired grill.
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Speaking of Taco Tuesdays, this spot is fairly well-known in the area for having great tacos and a wide variety of options!. It can get a little crowded on Tuesday evenings, but it’s not hard to see why once you try their tacos, which are usually a little over $2 each. They have self-order kiosks and a great salsa/topping bar, which combine with their awesome food to make this a go-to spot for dinner after those long days on campus.
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This budget-friendly taco stand offers some of the best tacos in town, with handmade corn tortillas fried to perfection and stuffed with your choice of fillings. Plus, they offer burritos, mulitas, quesadillas, and pizza - perfect if tacos aren't your thing. Tacos Los Cholos makes some of the best tacos in Anaheim, so stop by for a budget-friendly dinner with an authentic Mexican flavor!
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Tacos Los Cholow has rapidly evolved into one of Anaheim’s most famous taco restaurants and with reason. Their traditional meats, like carne asada, are tasty, but you will be transferred to heaven if you decide to engage in one of their premium cuts of meat, also including filet mignon and ribeye. A post shared by Tacos Los Cholos (@tacosloscholos_)
The Top 5 Tastiest Taco Spots in Anaheim, California
Now a well-known taqueria with two locations in Southern California, Tacos Los Cholosstarted as a small pop-up restaurant making its presence at every event possible. Since then, it has been labeled #4 of the top 50 places to eat in Orange Country by the OC Register.
25 best cheap eats in Orange County for $15 or less in 2021
The ribeye tacos ($6) at Los Cholos are made with USDA Prime beef and cooked over mesquite charcoal. Tacos al carbon don’t get any better than this. Meanwhile, the cecina (air-dried beef), costilla (pork rib) and arrachera tacos ($3) are also seriously delicious.
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You don’t have to drain your bank account to eat well around here. You just have to know where to look. Here’s a quick guide to 25 really great meals that cost no more than $15 (prices subject to change): Tacos al carbon at Tacos Los Cholos...
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When you pull into the parking lot, you’ll think the restaurant is on fire. But all that smoke is from the mesquite grill behind the restaurant. Check it out: It’s loaded with ribeye steaks and dinosaur ribs, soon to be chopped up for tacos.
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Savor flame-grilled, award-winning street tacos at Tacos Los Cholos in Anaheim, a local favorite celebrated for its bold flavors, generous portions, and authentic Mexican grilling techniques.
best places to eat in anaheim? : Anaheim
I drive around north OC for work and visit LA every Sunday and this place beats every other place I've known.
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