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El Barco
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El Barco
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El Barco

Mexican · Santa Ana

Taste Mexico's heart in Santa Ana

4.5 · 165 reviews Google

El Barco Opening Hours

Monday 12:00–23:00
Tuesday 12:00–23:00
Wednesday 12:00–23:00
Thursday 12:00–23:00
Friday 12:00–23:30
Saturday 12:00–23:30
Sunday 12:00–22:00
elbarcocantina.com

About El Barco

Nestled in the heart of Santa Ana at 1120 W 17th St, El Barco offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Mexico. Our cozy, rustic-chic interior, adorned with warm tones and traditional Mexican motifs, creates an inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like home. With a rating of 4.5/5 based on...

Nestled in the heart of Santa Ana at 1120 W 17th St, El Barco offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Mexico. Our cozy, rustic-chic interior, adorned with warm tones and traditional Mexican motifs, creates an inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like home. With a rating of 4.5/5 based on 165 reviews, we take pride in delivering exceptional flavors and memorable dining experiences. From classic tacos and burritos to hearty enchiladas and fresh ceviche, our menu reflects the rich diversity of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, we provide various seating options to cater to your preferences. Join us at El Barco for an unforgettable journey through Mexico's culinary delights.

What Customers Say About El Barco

El Barco is a popular Mexican restaurant known for its delicious food, drinks, and friendly service. Customers rave about the tacos El Gobernador, Cito Fries, and micheladas. The atmosphere is often described as fun, clean, and laid-back, with great music.

Popular Dishes

tacos El Gobernador Cito Fries Alta mar Pulpo Zarandeado tacos Ensenada Taco Fish chicharrones Empanadas (3)

Best For

Couples Groups Celebrations Casual Late Night

Tip: Ask the bartender for drink recommendations, as they are friendly and knowledgeable.

Frequently asked questions about El Barco

El Barco is located at 1120 W 17th St, Santa Ana.
El Barco offers mexican cuisine.
El Barco has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
The most recommended dishes at El Barco based on customer reviews are: tacos El Gobernador, Cito Fries, Alta mar, Pulpo Zarandeado tacos, Ensenada Taco.
El Barco is ideal for couples, groups, celebrations, casual dining, late night.
El Barco is a popular Mexican restaurant known for its delicious food, drinks, and friendly service. Customers rave about the tacos El Gobernador, Cito Fries, and micheladas. The atmosphere is often described as fun, clean, and laid-back, with great music.
Ask the bartender for drink recommendations, as they are friendly and knowledgeable.
165
Reviews

El Barco Santa Ana Reviews

4.5
20
5★
60%
4★
15%
3★
5%
2★
0%
1★
20%
Reviews (40)
B
Branden Luxander

Honestly, the Best Bar&Grill spot in O.C . @ElBarco The food and drinks are amazing , I’ve been here more than 8x and I cannot ever complain, the Food ,Drinks ,Customer Service and Live music is 10/10 ! The entire staff is Amazing 👌🏽🙏🥂🍹🥃🌮🦐 [ *Mar Y Tierra,*Guacamole,Gov. tacos.]

O
Oscar V

First time going there. I went with my friend Nick Lopez. Great food. Fish chicharrones are to die for. I will be back

C
Carlos G

The beers were great. I like the Morena. The empanadas w/ the green sauce were 🔥. I had the Ensenada Taco w/ shrimp & a Gobernador. Gobernador was my favorite. Tons of table space, good bar seats & lots of TVs. I’m looking forward to comin back here.

E
Elvia Penaloza

Such a great place! We had our anniversary lunch here. I had the Alta mar and my husband had the surf and turf, so delicious! The octopus was cooked perfectly, I was very impressed.The waitstaff was very tentative. Overall 10/10!

a
adriana alvarez

Super aesthetic mexican restaurant. The asada tacos were really good and the meat was cooked well. The music is always a vibe and there is lots of seating for big party’s. Luis our server was super friendly and welcoming, and provided great recommendations as to what to order. OVR: 10/10

v
victor lopez

They took over The Old Ship. They now have a Mariscos place with a bar. They have bomb micheladas and mixed drinks. The bartender is very friendly and can help you pick out your drink. Highly recommend. 👍

D
David Carbajal

Outstanding service and excellent food! Cesar went above and beyond to make our dining experience enjoyable. His attention to detail and warm attitude made a big difference. Highly recommend both the restaurant and Cesar for exceptional service.

S
Sissy Lattouf

I visited El Barco and loved it. Nadya took excellent care of us. She was fast, attentive, and very friendly. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. I can’t wait to come back!

David Carbajal
David Carbajal

Outstanding service and excellent food! Cesar went above and beyond to make our dining experience enjoyable. His attention to detail and warm attitude made a big difference. Highly recommend both the restaurant and Cesar for exceptional service.

Sissy Lattouf
Sissy Lattouf

I visited El Barco and loved it. Nadya took excellent care of us. She was fast, attentive, and very friendly. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. I can’t wait to come back!

Branden Luxander
Branden Luxander

Honestly, the Best Bar&Grill spot in O.C . @ElBarco The food and drinks are amazing , I’ve been here more than 8x and I cannot ever complain, the Food ,Drinks ,Customer Service and Live music is 10/10 ! The entire staff is Amazing 👌🏽🙏🥂🍹🥃🌮🦐 [ *Mar Y Tierra,*Guacamole,Gov. tacos.]

Oscar V
Oscar V

First time going there. I went with my friend Nick Lopez. Great food. Fish chicharrones are to die for. I will be back

Carlos G
Carlos G

The beers were great. I like the Morena. The empanadas w/ the green sauce were 🔥. I had the Ensenada Taco w/ shrimp & a Gobernador. Gobernador was my favorite. Tons of table space, good bar seats & lots of TVs. I’m looking forward to comin back here.

Elvia Penaloza
Elvia Penaloza

Such a great place! We had our anniversary lunch here. I had the Alta mar and my husband had the surf and turf, so delicious! The octopus was cooked perfectly, I was very impressed.The waitstaff was very tentative. Overall 10/10!

adriana alvarez
adriana alvarez

Super aesthetic mexican restaurant. The asada tacos were really good and the meat was cooked well. The music is always a vibe and there is lots of seating for big party’s. Luis our server was super friendly and welcoming, and provided great recommendations as to what to order. OVR: 10/10

victor lopez
victor lopez

They took over The Old Ship. They now have a Mariscos place with a bar. They have bomb micheladas and mixed drinks. The bartender is very friendly and can help you pick out your drink. Highly recommend. 👍

Karen Rodriguez
Karen Rodriguez

My sisters and I met for drinks and food to celebrate my sisters birthday. Luis A.took great care of us. The margaritas, tacos, empanadas and music were outstanding!!! Awesome music from the 80’s, oldies funk. We will be back. Karen SAHS

V
V Gonzalez

Popped in for drinks and some appetizers. My husband and I loved the laid-back, clean and fun atmosphere. The bartender made great drinks, the food was delicious, and the service was attentive and friendly. 10/10 will be back again.

M
Miguel A Ibarra

Tried their tacos El Gobernador and they were delicious. Also got their Cito Fries (Cajun) and were super delicious. Wife had their tostadas de aguachiles and she gives them a 10/10. Atmosphere was nice and chill and later in the evening it reminded me a little of Original Mike’s.

M
Mark Anthony-Johnson

Overall, outstanding. Friendly service. The food and drinks were great. The atmosphere doesn’t feel so much like a taqueria which wasn’t a bad thing. This was great

Mark Anthony-Johnson
Mark Anthony-Johnson

Overall, outstanding. Friendly service. The food and drinks were great. The atmosphere doesn’t feel so much like a taqueria which wasn’t a bad thing. This was great

Miguel A Ibarra
Miguel A Ibarra

Tried their tacos El Gobernador and they were delicious. Also got their Cito Fries (Cajun) and were super delicious. Wife had their tostadas de aguachiles and she gives them a 10/10. Atmosphere was nice and chill and later in the evening it reminded me a little of Original Mike’s.

V Gonzalez
V Gonzalez

Popped in for drinks and some appetizers. My husband and I loved the laid-back, clean and fun atmosphere. The bartender made great drinks, the food was delicious, and the service was attentive and friendly. 10/10 will be back again.

E
Eddie Hernandez

Ok place to come and get an appetizer or quick bite like tacos. Had the aguachiles and 2 tacos. The meat was good for the tacos de asada and Al pastor. The flight of margaritas was bomb, you can tell they use real fruit to make them, tamindo, pepino and watermelon.

E
Erick Torres

This spot just opened where The Olde Ship used to be. The food was really good, the Pulpo Zarandeado tacos was really good with plenty of kick. The service was great, Jose and Antonio are really great bartenders and barbacks. They let us sample a new drink from Canelo and it was really good. Looking forward to coming back. My girl liked the Cocktail. Local brewery selection.

B
Brian Spanel

Loved the Ship and it makes me chuckle that the name basically remains the same but now en Espanol. Pepino Margarita was fire and the ceviche de pescado is delightfully tangy,fresh and satisfying . Service was great and very friendly.

Eddie Hernandez
Eddie Hernandez

Ok place to come and get an appetizer or quick bite like tacos. Had the aguachiles and 2 tacos. The meat was good for the tacos de asada and Al pastor. The flight of margaritas was bomb, you can tell they use real fruit to make them, tamindo, pepino and watermelon.

Erick Torres
Erick Torres

This spot just opened where The Olde Ship used to be. The food was really good, the Pulpo Zarandeado tacos was really good with plenty of kick. The service was great, Jose and Antonio are really great bartenders and barbacks. They let us sample a new drink from Canelo and it was really good. Looking forward to coming back. My girl liked the Cocktail. Local brewery selection.

R
Razor Sharp

First time trying this place after seeing it on social media. Food: 7/10 Freshness: 10/10 Flavor: 6.5/10 Ambience: 8/10 Service: 10/10 Overall Rating: 7.5/10 The food was fresh and clearly made with quality ingredients, but the flavor just wasn’t quite there yet. I ordered the shrimp boil it was decent, but lacked seasoning and depth. I also tried the Mar y Tierra plate. The overall dish was good, though the chicken didn’t stand out. The breaded shrimp, however, was a pleasant surprise crispy, flavorful, and definitely not the typical frozen kind. The service was excellent. Staff were very attentive, and I saw them go above and beyond while celebrating a guest’s birthday, which was great to see. Prices are on the higher side, which I feel isn’t quite justified yet considering the flavor. Maybe once they’ve fine-tuned their recipes, the price point will feel more worth it. Would I come back? Definitely. I’m hopeful they’ll dial in the flavors by my next visit.

Razor Sharp
Razor Sharp

First time trying this place after seeing it on social media. Food: 7/10 Freshness: 10/10 Flavor: 6.5/10 Ambience: 8/10 Service: 10/10 Overall Rating: 7.5/10 The food was fresh and clearly made with quality ingredients, but the flavor just wasn’t quite there yet. I ordered the shrimp boil it was decent, but lacked seasoning and depth. I also tried the Mar y Tierra plate. The overall dish was good, though the chicken didn’t stand out. The breaded shrimp, however, was a pleasant surprise crispy, flavorful, and definitely not the typical frozen kind. The service was excellent. Staff were very attentive, and I saw them go above and beyond while celebrating a guest’s birthday, which was great to see. Prices are on the higher side, which I feel isn’t quite justified yet considering the flavor. Maybe once they’ve fine-tuned their recipes, the price point will feel more worth it. Would I come back? Definitely. I’m hopeful they’ll dial in the flavors by my next visit.

M
Michael Garcia

My first visit was amazing as I sat at the bar with my cousin and enjoyed appetizers and drinks. We were served on by Jose and Antonio, which both dudes deserve 5 stars across the board! Unfortunately on my second visit with my wife, it was a disappointing experience. On Saturday February 24th around dinnertime we were seated directly behind the dancefloor where the mariachi never played due to delays. Our female server was nowhere to be found after taking our order. After receiving our food, I waited about 45 minutes before finally waiving her over to bring our check. Once the bill was paid for I asked for a refill on my soda, to my surprise she stated that she would need to charge me for an additional soda. I was perplexed as I had just been waiting for a refill to enjoy with my dinner, yet she never came around once to check on us. I must say that I have never been to any restaurant where I was asked to pay for a refill due to the bill already being paid. I really want to support small business in Santa Ana, but after this experience I doubt that I will endorse this location to anyone.

Michael Garcia
Michael Garcia

My first visit was amazing as I sat at the bar with my cousin and enjoyed appetizers and drinks. We were served on by Jose and Antonio, which both dudes deserve 5 stars across the board! Unfortunately on my second visit with my wife, it was a disappointing experience. On Saturday February 24th around dinnertime we were seated directly behind the dancefloor where the mariachi never played due to delays. Our female server was nowhere to be found after taking our order. After receiving our food, I waited about 45 minutes before finally waiving her over to bring our check. Once the bill was paid for I asked for a refill on my soda, to my surprise she stated that she would need to charge me for an additional soda. I was perplexed as I had just been waiting for a refill to enjoy with my dinner, yet she never came around once to check on us. I must say that I have never been to any restaurant where I was asked to pay for a refill due to the bill already being paid. I really want to support small business in Santa Ana, but after this experience I doubt that I will endorse this location to anyone.

A
Ana Lubina

The empanadas where small. The waitress was MIA like always. Drinks took long to come back. We had to get up and look for our waitress literally I wish we would have had a great experience like everyone else in the reviews did. Empanadas where forture cookie size. I have never been to a mariacos place that charges for chips and salsa this place does. No toilet paper in the ladies bathroom. Food is pricey for the size.

A
Anamarie Andrade

I had really been excited to try this place for a while. Today was the day, I finally went, and was truly disappointed. The food looked ok, and the drinks look amazing. Unfortunately neither of them were any good. The prices were definitely way overpriced for the food and drinks being so unsavory. I will definitely will not be returning, or recommending this place to anyone.

H
Harvey R

Worse shrimp cocktail I’ve ever had It was really disgusting It tasted like someone threw a gallon of lemons juice and Clamato in a bowl and called it a day I’m never ever ever ever coming back to eat here….

Anamarie Andrade
Anamarie Andrade

I had really been excited to try this place for a while. Today was the day, I finally went, and was truly disappointed. The food looked ok, and the drinks look amazing. Unfortunately neither of them were any good. The prices were definitely way overpriced for the food and drinks being so unsavory. I will definitely will not be returning, or recommending this place to anyone.

Harvey R
Harvey R

Worse shrimp cocktail I’ve ever had It was really disgusting It tasted like someone threw a gallon of lemons juice and Clamato in a bowl and called it a day I’m never ever ever ever coming back to eat here….

Ana Lubina
Ana Lubina

The empanadas where small. The waitress was MIA like always. Drinks took long to come back. We had to get up and look for our waitress literally I wish we would have had a great experience like everyone else in the reviews did. Empanadas where forture cookie size. I have never been to a mariacos place that charges for chips and salsa this place does. No toilet paper in the ladies bathroom. Food is pricey for the size.

L
Lizet Guerrero

I've gone there a couple of times and not sure what happened to the quality of the food, but it very disappointing. The calamari was rubbery, not at all fresh. Tried their Mai Tai and it was terrible. I will say, their steak and potatoes were bomb!

Lizet Guerrero
Lizet Guerrero

I've gone there a couple of times and not sure what happened to the quality of the food, but it very disappointing. The calamari was rubbery, not at all fresh. Tried their Mai Tai and it was terrible. I will say, their steak and potatoes were bomb!

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About El Barco

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1120 W 17th St

Santa Ana, CA 92706

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Highlights

Highly Rated
4.5/5 stars
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Many Reviews
165 reviews
👨‍🍳
mexican
Cuisine type

Restaurant Info

🕐 Hours Today
12:00, 23:00
Rating
4.5/5
💬 Reviews
165

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