Look closely because you just might drive past this little gem in a strip mall near main in Santa Ana. Despite its unassuming exterior, this restaurant offers flavorful Mexican cuisine at a... More

Look closely because you just might drive past this little gem in a strip mall near main in Santa Ana. Despite its unassuming exterior, this restaurant offers flavorful Mexican cuisine at a reasonable price inside. The chile verde offers moist pork in a tangy tomatillo sauce with a delicious blend of garlic and spices. There's something a little different about the sauce that I can't quite put my finger on -- perhaps they add regular tomato to sweeten it (?). In any case, it is not to be missed. Tacos are a little messy to eat but well worth the effort with deep fried corn tortillas filled to the brim with your choice of meat, lettuce, tomato and salsa. The restaurant does an above average job on enchiladas, tamales and chile rellenos. And rather than simply being fillers, the beans and rice serve as tasty accompaniments to complete your meal. Of all the Mexican eateries I've tried in OC -- and I've tried quite a few -- I really enjoy the salsa that comes complimentary with chips as you're perusing the menu. It is a deep rich tomato sauce spiced with enough peppers to give it a kick and have you reaching for your drink to cool down your mouth. The Little Onion gets very busy at lunch time during the week and is closed on Sundays. Service is fast and efficient, and the decor in this two-story hidden gem is dark and comfortable. For lunch, try arriving at 11:30 or 1:00 pm to avoid the wait. This will quickly become one of your regular haunts. Pros: quality of food, flavor, preparation, fast and efficient service Cons: gets very busy -- long wait for table -- if you arrive right at noon during the week
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Terrific meals. Mexican food is my favorite, and this place is about as authentic as it gets. Even the table salsa and chips are awesome...the salsa is perfect consistency and nice and... More

Terrific meals. Mexican food is my favorite, and this place is about as authentic as it gets. Even the table salsa and chips are awesome...the salsa is perfect consistency and nice and spicy. Burritos, Chimichangas, tacos...whatever you want, you cannot go wrong. Gett here early, it is packed. Pros: Awesome, authentic food with great flavors. Good staff. Cons: Busy.
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My coworkers and I went here for the first time last week. All of us are of Hispanic descent. Let me tell you - IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! We've grown up with Mexican home cooking, and this is as close... More

My coworkers and I went here for the first time last week. All of us are of Hispanic descent. Let me tell you - IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! We've grown up with Mexican home cooking, and this is as close as it gets. Definitely the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to in So.Cal. Try the carnitas, they blew my mind! We went there during lunch rush on a Friday and service was great, despite the crowd. My coworkers and I all agree: Little Onion is becoming a weekly tradition! Pros: Very inexpensive yummy food. Cons: Indoor plants (go on the second floor, you'll see what I mean)
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Any Restaurant that's been in the biz for 30+ years has got to be doing something right, right? Right. Ha. Seriously though, this is a great spot to grab a pitcher of beer for cheap, great Mexican... More

Any Restaurant that's been in the biz for 30+ years has got to be doing something right, right? Right. Ha. Seriously though, this is a great spot to grab a pitcher of beer for cheap, great Mexican food for cheap, and you can stay for a while comfortably or hurry through if you want. Staff is friendly, although after eating there at least 50 times, they still don't seem to know me. I am a huge fan of Little Onion. One of the most important parts of a Mexican Restaurant to me is their chips and Salsa; on this, Little Onion does not compromise. Love this place! Pros: Good and Spicy salsa with Fresh Chips. EXCELLENT VALUE. Cons: Guacamole is not legit
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Sometime have to wait on staff to seat us, they mostly speak Spanish - it's a hidden treasure because the food is great yet it is located in between liquor store and gas station - easy to find... More

Sometime have to wait on staff to seat us, they mostly speak Spanish - it's a hidden treasure because the food is great yet it is located in between liquor store and gas station - easy to find though, just camouflaged. doesnt really stand out. Highly recommend this place whether it's for lunch or after work. You can have your friends join you and have a mini celebration in good company. Nice price.
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This restaurant is very well known. Many times the place is full and there may be a short wait. Parking can be a problem. The food isn't spectacular, but, the chips and salsa are tasty. I... More

This restaurant is very well known. Many times the place is full and there may be a short wait. Parking can be a problem. The food isn't spectacular, but, the chips and salsa are tasty. I especially like the crispy ground beef tacos. Service is quick and you can be on your way in about 30 minutes.
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This is a pretty standard Mexican restaurant, but my family really loves it. The food is pretty good and the service is fine. But for the most part, it's nothing too special.

This is a pretty standard Mexican restaurant, but my family really loves it. The food is pretty good and the service is fine. But for the most part, it's nothing too special.
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AMAZING FOOD! the staff can be a little snippy. They usually get food out quick but they also have been known to forget items. I would take my whole family here.

AMAZING FOOD! the staff can be a little snippy. They usually get food out quick but they also have been known to forget items. I would take my whole family here.
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I wasn?t going to write about this place, I was going to keep it my own little secret since it's so good. It's a secret little gem with fast service, great authentic Mexican food. I've been eating... More

I wasn?t going to write about this place, I was going to keep it my own little secret since it's so good. It's a secret little gem with fast service, great authentic Mexican food. I've been eating at this restaurant for approx. 30 years and plan on keeping up this tradition. Since all the business's moving into the area this place is extremely busy around lunch and rightfully so since it's soooo good. Pros: Great food, good service at decent prices Cons: They're getting to be really crowded and raising prices as awareness is raised
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My coworkers and I used to really like this place but I went there today and after I had finished eating I looked down and saw a r0ach crawling on me! It was so disgusting and HUGE! I screamed... More

My coworkers and I used to really like this place but I went there today and after I had finished eating I looked down and saw a r0ach crawling on me! It was so disgusting and HUGE! I screamed and the waitresses were no help. They weren't even apologetic and they had no intention of comping our meal...they only comped mine after I complained. I'm never going back!
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