BJ's

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Irvine. Had a watermelon Margarita and the Carnitas plate with rice and beans and sat out on the patio. The warm house made tortillas are fantastic and the carnitas smothered in onions were amazing. Good pricing for the experience and they always have good music for the mood. I’ve been there on a night with live music but not sure the night. The bartenders are great and good seating outdoor or indoor at the trendy bar. Love this place and if you are in Orange County, definitely a good Mexican lunch, Happy Hour or dinner spot to check out!

We came here for a work meeting and had a great experience with wonderful salsa and chips followed by some incredible fajitas that were not on the menu. We also tried a couple of the drinks included mezcal sour and a house Margarita that was nice and refreshing using grapefruit juice.

+6

Really good food at a good price. Nice atmosphere. Great salsa, they have both red and green. I enjoyed both of them.

My friend and I on spring break went to Cha Cha’s on taco tuesday and we had a great experience with our server Sara/Sarah! She was attentive, friendly, and went out of her way to give us the best service possible. I was surprised to see such great service from such a young server. 🫶

Cha Cha's is the absolute best if you're looking for top-tier food and drinks with authentic flair. Enchiladas, tacos, margaritas, and staff are all amazing. Get it. ❤️

I can’t believe I haven’t written a review until now! Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen is easily one of my favorite spots for Mexican/Latin American food—higher-end but still super welcoming, with amazing service. They seem to prefer reservations, but my boyfriend and I always walk in, and the longest we’ve ever waited was maybe ~2 minutes. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Service speed depends on how busy they are, but they’re consistently great. Right when you’re seated, they ask for your drink order, and their drinks are fantastic—huge portions and a great deal. I love their watermelon margarita, and my boyfriend their skinny margarita. Last night, we both got a jalapeño kick added, and wow—it was amazing! Food-wise, I’m mostly vegan/vegetarian and they’re super accommodating. Their wild mushroom tacos (sans cheese for me) are incredible. My boyfriend loves their steak tacos and fajitas. Their rice and beans feel like a solid, balanced meal, and their chips come with two salsas. Everything is fresh and high quality. What really prompted this review was that I left my credit card there last night and didn’t realize until this morning. I was freaking out, but I called right at 10:30a when they opened, and the manager answered immediately. They had kept my card secure in a safe, and retrieving it was seamless—no unauthorized transactions. Just so professional and reassuring. I felt so relieved!! I’ll definitely be back whenever I visit my boyfriend, and I’ll miss this place when we move. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it! Everything is customizable, fresh, and delicious. Huge thanks to the staff for always making each visit so pleasant—I write a lot of reviews, and this one was well-earned!

Great food with great flavor and good service. The place is also very nice and clean. You can't beat the lunch special that is by far the best deal around anywhere. I can't believe the portion sizes for the lunch special. The complimentary chips and salsa are good and freshly made.

+1

Solid place to have a night out and sit inside a covered patio. Came here recently with some friends and ended up getting the fajitas along with some happy hour drinks. The server/bartender was awesome! He even brought out some spicy salsa cause the ones that came with the chips we found too bland. Even the manager was really helpful and even offered us extra chips to help us finish our drinks after the meal. The restaurant is inside a mall that has several restaurants and unless you want to sit at the bar, I would definitely make a reservation or get put on the waitlist and come back. The decor is a little swanky with candles here and there and a good noise level that you can still hear the person two seats away without the music drowning them out. I would recommend the happy hour to get things started with the alcohol and food.

ChaCha’s has incredible FIRST CLASS customer service…Kim was our waitress & she took GREAT care of us. The guacamole🥑 was delicious & the tortilla chips were hot, thin & fresh.ChaCha’s has great specials especially for lunch.I ordered a chicken enchilada & beef taco that came with rice & beans…delicious!!! ChaCha’s is very clean & great for date nights, family dinners, business meetings, girls night, watch sports events & so much more. They offer exotic drinks & have a FULL bar.There’s plenty of parking & lots of seating, indoors & patio.Great food & Great fun.Go to ChaCha’s & enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to ask for Kim😊ENJOY!!!

Fantastic Mexican restaurant! The food is delicious, authentic, and full of flavor. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the service is excellent. If you’re in Irvine, CA, don’t miss the chance to enjoy some truly amazing Mexican cuisine.

Had a great time here for an early New Year's Eve dinner. They had music - great ambiance! The food is delicious!! Will definitely come back!

After a particularly rough day at work, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. Initially, I tried visiting Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Brea, but the lack of parking led me to their Irvine location instead. What a fortunate turn of events! The Irvine location offered ample parking, making my arrival stress-free. From the moment I stepped inside, I was warmly greeted by the host, who seated me immediately. I was thrilled to learn about Chef Joe's Weekend Special—a three-course meal for an incredible $29, a steal in California! I opted for the seafood campechana cocktail, grilled steak enchilada, and arroz con leche, and added Manila clams as an extra dish. The service was exceptional. My server, Carlos, was professional, patient, and incredibly attentive, elevating my solo dining experience. Manager Isabel also checked in, ensuring everything was to my satisfaction. Their genuine care stood out, especially compared to some Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve visited worldwide, where service often fell short. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was impressed by the generous portion sizes. The seafood campechana cocktail and grilled steak enchilada were highlights, bursting with flavor. The Manila clams, while slightly smaller than ideal, were still quite tasty. The arroz con leche was a perfect, comforting end to the meal. Throughout the evening, Carlos remained attentive, checking in and clearing plates promptly. Even the general manager (whose name I didn’t catch) stopped by to ensure I was enjoying my meal. Their attentiveness was so remarkable that I jokingly asked if I seemed disgruntled, clarifying that their care had truly brightened my day. Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Irvine exceeded my expectations with its warm hospitality, fantastic value, and delicious food. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. I’ll definitely be returning soon!

Taco Tuesday! I had one short rib taco and a shrimp taco. The margaritas were yummy too! Our server Paige was great. She was friendly and attentive.

I got the Ahi appetizer and the Salmon Mason dish. Both were amazing, so delicious.

Went to this place for our Christmas gathering. Since we're in a big group, we had a set menu. I had crab and shrimp enchilada with rice and beans. It was really good. Flavor was just right. Highly recommended. Our server Paul was great. He was very attentive and took good care of our table.

Easily the best tacos I've had north of the border. Short rib tacos and carne asada tacos are incredible. Their queso fundido is one of the best things I've ever tasted. Their flour and corn tortillas are thick and authentic and taste amazing. The chips and salsa are great too. Wonderful atmosphere whether you eat inside or out and great service. We took home the extra along with the leftover rice and beans (which are also great) and had tacos for breakfast the next morning. Can't wait to go back!

10 out of 10. Authentic Mexican food. Very delicious and the customer service is awesome.

Harv

Solid place to have a night out and sit inside a covered patio. Came here recently with some friends and ended up getting the fajitas along with some happy hour drinks. The server/bartender was awesome! He even brought out some spicy salsa cause the ones that came with the chips we found too bland. Even the manager was really helpful and even offered us extra chips to help us finish our drinks after the meal. The restaurant is inside a mall that has several restaurants and unless you want to sit at the bar, I would definitely make a reservation or get put on the waitlist and come back. The decor is a little swanky with candles here and there and a good noise level that you can still hear the person two seats away without the music drowning them out. I would recommend the happy hour to get things started with the alcohol and food.

Samir Khayat

Fantastic Mexican restaurant! The food is delicious, authentic, and full of flavor. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the service is excellent. If you’re in Irvine, CA, don’t miss the chance to enjoy some truly amazing Mexican cuisine.

Alex S

Had a great time here for an early New Year's Eve dinner. They had music - great ambiance! The food is delicious!! Will definitely come back!

Sea Oh (DC & California Attorney)

After a particularly rough day at work, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. Initially, I tried visiting Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Brea, but the lack of parking led me to their Irvine location instead. What a fortunate turn of events! The Irvine location offered ample parking, making my arrival stress-free. From the moment I stepped inside, I was warmly greeted by the host, who seated me immediately. I was thrilled to learn about Chef Joe's Weekend Special—a three-course meal for an incredible $29, a steal in California! I opted for the seafood campechana cocktail, grilled steak enchilada, and arroz con leche, and added Manila clams as an extra dish. The service was exceptional. My server, Carlos, was professional, patient, and incredibly attentive, elevating my solo dining experience. Manager Isabel also checked in, ensuring everything was to my satisfaction. Their genuine care stood out, especially compared to some Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve visited worldwide, where service often fell short. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was impressed by the generous portion sizes. The seafood campechana cocktail and grilled steak enchilada were highlights, bursting with flavor. The Manila clams, while slightly smaller than ideal, were still quite tasty. The arroz con leche was a perfect, comforting end to the meal. Throughout the evening, Carlos remained attentive, checking in and clearing plates promptly. Even the general manager (whose name I didn’t catch) stopped by to ensure I was enjoying my meal. Their attentiveness was so remarkable that I jokingly asked if I seemed disgruntled, clarifying that their care had truly brightened my day. Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Irvine exceeded my expectations with its warm hospitality, fantastic value, and delicious food. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. I’ll definitely be returning soon!

Crystal S

Taco Tuesday! I had one short rib taco and a shrimp taco. The margaritas were yummy too! Our server Paige was great. She was friendly and attentive.

James Griffey

I got the Ahi appetizer and the Salmon Mason dish. Both were amazing, so delicious.

MERCEDES GARCIA

10 out of 10. Authentic Mexican food. Very delicious and the customer service is awesome.

Mike Expo

Cha Cha's is the absolute best if you're looking for top-tier food and drinks with authentic flair. Enchiladas, tacos, margaritas, and staff are all amazing. Get it. ❤️

Len Francisco

Went to this place for our Christmas gathering. Since we're in a big group, we had a set menu. I had crab and shrimp enchilada with rice and beans. It was really good. Flavor was just right. Highly recommended. Our server Paul was great. He was very attentive and took good care of our table.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen – Irvine, CA Absolutely outstanding! Every visit to Cha Cha’s is an explosion of Latin flavor, vibrant atmosphere, and first-class hospitality. The food is consistently fresh and flavorful — from their legendary tacos and wood-fired enchiladas to the mouthwatering guacamole and signature margaritas. The staff is friendly, attentive, and makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re here for brunch, happy hour, or dinner, it’s always a celebration! Cha Cha’s captures the perfect blend of California energy and Latin flair — definitely one of the best dining experiences in Orange County. 🌮🍹🎶 #ChaChasLatinKitchen #IrvineEats #OCFoodie #LatinFlavors #FoodLovers #IrvineDining #TacoTime #MargaritaMoments #OCRestaurants #CaliforniaEats #FoodieFavorites #TasteOfLatinAmerica #CheersToChaChas

Visiting the area & 2 people recommended Cha Chas, and I see why. Everything tasted great, the drinks were good & the wife loved the flan. Camaraderie between employees was even fun to watch. Highly recommend

Shane Lesovsky

Visiting the area & 2 people recommended Cha Chas, and I see why. Everything tasted great, the drinks were good & the wife loved the flan. Camaraderie between employees was even fun to watch. Highly recommend

Robert Feliu

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen – Irvine, CA Absolutely outstanding! Every visit to Cha Cha’s is an explosion of Latin flavor, vibrant atmosphere, and first-class hospitality. The food is consistently fresh and flavorful — from their legendary tacos and wood-fired enchiladas to the mouthwatering guacamole and signature margaritas. The staff is friendly, attentive, and makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re here for brunch, happy hour, or dinner, it’s always a celebration! Cha Cha’s captures the perfect blend of California energy and Latin flair — definitely one of the best dining experiences in Orange County. 🌮🍹🎶 #ChaChasLatinKitchen #IrvineEats #OCFoodie #LatinFlavors #FoodLovers #IrvineDining #TacoTime #MargaritaMoments #OCRestaurants #CaliforniaEats #FoodieFavorites #TasteOfLatinAmerica #CheersToChaChas

Ordered the Seafood Caldo. Came loaded with fish, squid, shrimp and clams and bit of angel hair pasta on the bottom. Broth was well seasoned with herbs and just the right amount of spice. Will definitely try again later on bottomless mimosas Sunday.

Great atmosphere and service. The highlight was the Mango Lemonade! Food was brought out in a timely manner. We enjoyed the main courses but the guac and tres leches did not meet expectations.

What a neat place to have Happy Hour with your friends and family. Enjoyed the open airy patio around the bar area. Service was a little slow in getting drinks, food order arrived first. However, the manager had taken notice and quickly apologized, graciously adjusted the mishap. The evening continued without any more hiccups. I'll definitely be back.

+4

We have been to Chacha’s many times, our server was once again Carlos great service, so far we have enjoyed every time, only this time I ordered veg. Fajitas since they make it with Mushrooms, it was more onions and oily so it was bit disappointing. Overall great happening place!!

This place is a cool spacious Spanish restaurant for a hang out! Highlights of the menu: 1. Crispy calamari + shrimp: very fresh! 2. Shrimp ceviche: the shrimps are fresh and crunchy 3. 6 tacos: steak mojo, chicken, fresh fish, carnitas, short ribs, and shrimp The restaurant is located a very big and convenient complex in Tustin. They have lots of tables and suitable for big parties. There are inside and outside seating areas for the flexibility.

+2

I tried the steak quesadilla and the meat in it was pretty good. I wish they used a better quality tortilla. Chips and salsa was on point. And churros were amazing! Couple friends ordered fish plates and were disappointed by the portion size.

Great place to hangout with friends, great ambience it's just that it is too hot today for lunch, I would recommend to go around 4 or 5 pm. We had these appetizers for sunday brunch, they are awesome, generous amount of servings and also, drinks are awesome! Drink responsibility though... Keep it safe and have fun!

I recently visited Cha Cha's with my girl for a date night and I was impressed by the owner's personal touch as he came to each table to check on his guests. He was very friendly and genuine. However, I was a bit disappointed with the food quality and staff service. The red habanero salsa had a great flavor but lacked the extra kick I was hoping for. The seating is first come first served and the place can get pretty busy, but luckily we were able to find a spot. The patio and interior both had a great atmosphere with fun music and a nice crowd. I would definitely recommend sitting outside if the weather is good, which is usually the case in SoCal. I ordered the three taco dish. The wild mushroom tacos were my favorite, they were big and flavorful, but not too spicy for me. The guacamole was also delicious and I would eat the wild mushroom tacos all by themselves. However, I found the prices a bit high and some of the dishes, like the rice, were just okay. Cha Cha's has a high-end restaurant vibe that you would expect to find at The Spectrum. It's a great addition to the restaurant selection in the Market Place, but I hope they can improve the food quality and staff service to match the manager’s personal touch.

+1

Very energetic, lively, and upbeat atmosphere. The food was excellent. Some of the best carnitas I've had. I love how it is cooked and served in an individual size cast iron pan with onions sautéed underneath. My girlfriend's short rib enchiladas were also very good. The meat was so tender and flavorful and we loved what the pungent flavor of the goat cheese brought to the party. Excellent dish. The service could be improved. I understand that many restaurants are still short staffed, but not coming to remove our appetizer plates for 20 min while we waited for our main entrée is a bit too inattentive for me. I also noticed a few other tables sitting around with empty/dirty plates in front of them for far too long. Other than that correctable issue, I'd definitely recommend Cha Cha's!

+1

We had a great dining experience at Cha Cha Latin Kitchen. The food was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service was warm, attentive, and made the evening feel special. One thing I didn’t quite appreciate, though — I asked for my enchilada to be made spicy, and they added about 5–6 thin slices of Serrano chili, then charged extra for it. That felt unnecessary, especially with a bill crossing $100 for two people. Still, overall, the food and service were excellent, and I’d definitely return — just with clearer expectations next time.

Reservations highly encouraged. We arrived earlier than our reservation time but were seated quickly. Excellent customer service. Wait staff were constantly checking in and asking if we needed anything else. Mushroom tacos, chicharrones, and halibut were delicious. Drinks were good too and they modified the spice level since I can't handle spiciness 😅 Nice atmosphere, especially, the patio on a Friday evening.

Came here to celebrate my 15-year service anniversary at work. They were very accommodating for our party of 11 as a walk-in when they opened on Saturday. Shout out to our server Paul D for excellent service and accommodating our needs for less spicy food! The food is delicious but on the salty side. The carne asada and carnitas are very tender and tasty. Tried all four desserts, and they are very good but very sweet. The chocolate ice cream is actually Mexican chocolate flavored with cinnamon. The tres leches cake is very moist and flavorful. We sat outside on the covered patio, and it was very hot with the sun beaming through, and there was no air flow with the shades pulled down all the way.

We went to Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen during the OC Restaurant Week. We really liked the green salsa with the chips. The Sopes were flavorful but a little messy and I wish they had a meat option. The Posole had a milder flavor than what i'm use to but was still tasty. We got the Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas and the Salmon. While they were both good, we probably wouldn't get them again. The Flan dessert was super sweet and extra creamy, which I enjoyed. The atmosphere is lively and the outdoor seating was cozy since they have heaters. And there's plenty of parking in the plaza.

Pretty decent happy hour spot. Not sure if the happy hour is really a “deal,” but we had a good time. - adult beverages are a bit watered down - guacamole was good but needed salt - calamari was good - steak nachos were good - green salsa was good Overall decent

My bf and I got the ceviche sampler ($16), queso fundido with chorizo ($14), and caldo ($25). Our friend got the salmon. The chips came out first with 3 different salsas. Nothing super unique about the chips. The ceviche was solid. It had a strong flavor. The queso fundido was ok (not as good as the one I had in Mexico obviously). It had too many potatoes, and I didn’t taste any chorizo. It comes with 5 tortillas, so it was surprisingly filling. The caldo had great flavor, and the seafood was tender. Ambiance was nice, and service was good

The drinks and food are delicious 😋 I got the 3 tacos and they were a good size. They tasted good and came with rice & beans. I also had a habanero margarita and a mezcal mule. My husband ordered the shrimp & crab enchilada and he cleaned his plate. The place is a vibe, and they had live music playing. The service was exceptional. Kimberly was our server and she was so attentive and sweet. She was super busy but made sure we were okay. I highly recommend this place when your in the area.

Shreepal Shah

We had a great dining experience at Cha Cha Latin Kitchen. The food was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service was warm, attentive, and made the evening feel special. One thing I didn’t quite appreciate, though — I asked for my enchilada to be made spicy, and they added about 5–6 thin slices of Serrano chili, then charged extra for it. That felt unnecessary, especially with a bill crossing $100 for two people. Still, overall, the food and service were excellent, and I’d definitely return — just with clearer expectations next time.

Heidy S

Reservations highly encouraged. We arrived earlier than our reservation time but were seated quickly. Excellent customer service. Wait staff were constantly checking in and asking if we needed anything else. Mushroom tacos, chicharrones, and halibut were delicious. Drinks were good too and they modified the spice level since I can't handle spiciness 😅 Nice atmosphere, especially, the patio on a Friday evening.

I-Lin L

Came here to celebrate my 15-year service anniversary at work. They were very accommodating for our party of 11 as a walk-in when they opened on Saturday. Shout out to our server Paul D for excellent service and accommodating our needs for less spicy food! The food is delicious but on the salty side. The carne asada and carnitas are very tender and tasty. Tried all four desserts, and they are very good but very sweet. The chocolate ice cream is actually Mexican chocolate flavored with cinnamon. The tres leches cake is very moist and flavorful. We sat outside on the covered patio, and it was very hot with the sun beaming through, and there was no air flow with the shades pulled down all the way.

Kyle Tucker

I recently visited Cha Cha's with my girl for a date night and I was impressed by the owner's personal touch as he came to each table to check on his guests. He was very friendly and genuine. However, I was a bit disappointed with the food quality and staff service. The red habanero salsa had a great flavor but lacked the extra kick I was hoping for. The seating is first come first served and the place can get pretty busy, but luckily we were able to find a spot. The patio and interior both had a great atmosphere with fun music and a nice crowd. I would definitely recommend sitting outside if the weather is good, which is usually the case in SoCal. I ordered the three taco dish. The wild mushroom tacos were my favorite, they were big and flavorful, but not too spicy for me. The guacamole was also delicious and I would eat the wild mushroom tacos all by themselves. However, I found the prices a bit high and some of the dishes, like the rice, were just okay. Cha Cha's has a high-end restaurant vibe that you would expect to find at The Spectrum. It's a great addition to the restaurant selection in the Market Place, but I hope they can improve the food quality and staff service to match the manager’s personal touch.

Hugo Moctezuma

We went to Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen during the OC Restaurant Week. We really liked the green salsa with the chips. The Sopes were flavorful but a little messy and I wish they had a meat option. The Posole had a milder flavor than what i'm use to but was still tasty. We got the Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas and the Salmon. While they were both good, we probably wouldn't get them again. The Flan dessert was super sweet and extra creamy, which I enjoyed. The atmosphere is lively and the outdoor seating was cozy since they have heaters. And there's plenty of parking in the plaza.

Richard Woo

Pretty decent happy hour spot. Not sure if the happy hour is really a “deal,” but we had a good time. - adult beverages are a bit watered down - guacamole was good but needed salt - calamari was good - steak nachos were good - green salsa was good Overall decent

Jen

My bf and I got the ceviche sampler ($16), queso fundido with chorizo ($14), and caldo ($25). Our friend got the salmon. The chips came out first with 3 different salsas. Nothing super unique about the chips. The ceviche was solid. It had a strong flavor. The queso fundido was ok (not as good as the one I had in Mexico obviously). It had too many potatoes, and I didn’t taste any chorizo. It comes with 5 tortillas, so it was surprisingly filling. The caldo had great flavor, and the seafood was tender. Ambiance was nice, and service was good

Couple of friends and I went for dinner. We shared the nachos to start with and it was very different from what I was expecting. Like 8 singular nachos coated with cheese, and some dips and add-ons to the side. I had the plate with three enchiladas and only the veggie cheese one was good. The crab and shrimp one was surprisingly bad tasting. Service was good, quick and friendly.

Food was ok, service was also ok. It was busy. Had to keep asking for refills because server was really really busy. Cheese enchiladas honestly not great. Everything was ok. Not like I'm dying to go back.

+3

The food was okay, it was fresh but lacks flavor. Mango habanero margarita was $3 off for happy hour, unfortunately I didn’t taste any tequila.

I went during Happy Hour. It’s a nice place and the service was good but I think that $4.50 a taco for slightly larger than street-size tacos and $6 draft beer and $11 margaritas is really not that good of a deal. The food itself was fine but not really that remarkable. I got a carne asada, carnitas, and fish tacos. The carne asada was good. But the carnitas was a little dry and the fish just had sour cream and cabbage on it. If it was either a better deal or the food was a little better I would consider coming back, but I just don’t feel like I got my money’s worth.

Vlad Satchouk

I went during Happy Hour. It’s a nice place and the service was good but I think that $4.50 a taco for slightly larger than street-size tacos and $6 draft beer and $11 margaritas is really not that good of a deal. The food itself was fine but not really that remarkable. I got a carne asada, carnitas, and fish tacos. The carne asada was good. But the carnitas was a little dry and the fish just had sour cream and cabbage on it. If it was either a better deal or the food was a little better I would consider coming back, but I just don’t feel like I got my money’s worth.

Food and service have declined since my visit a while back. The carne asada was underwhelming and lacked flavor. Food did come out fast, which was nice. Server was average; host seemed annoyed bringing a to-go container. More staff training on hospitality and smiles would help—I hope things improve

Kevin

Food and service have declined since my visit a while back. The carne asada was underwhelming and lacked flavor. Food did come out fast, which was nice. Server was average; host seemed annoyed bringing a to-go container. More staff training on hospitality and smiles would help—I hope things improve