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Best Tacos in Costa Mesa – Salt & Lime

Why Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria is Costa Mesa’s Best Mexican Restaurant

If you’re searching for the best tacos in Costa Mesa, look no further than Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria. Inspired by the vibrant culinary culture of Tulum, Salt & Lime brings an innovative twist to traditional Mexican cuisine, combining bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of beachside dining. Located at 350 E 17th St #2, Salt & Lime is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food with a contemporary flair.

A Menu Full of Flavor and Innovation

At Salt & Lime, every dish is carefully curated to offer a unique dining experience. Start your meal with fan favorites from the "For the Table" section, like the Small Batch Guacamole made with hand-pressed avocado, citrus, and jalapeño, or the savory Esquites, a charred corn delight that combines lime and cotija for a smoky, flavorful bite. Don't forget to try the Poke Nachos, a fresh take on nachos topped with ahi tuna, avocado, and grilled mango.

If you’re in the mood for something light, Salt & Lime’s salads provide fresh and vibrant options like the Watermelon Salad with tajin, cotija, and toasted pepitas, or the Grilled Caesar with chipotle Caesar dressing, crispy corn, and manchego.

For the taco lovers, Salt & Lime offers an array of tacos served on either house-made blue corn or flour tortillas. Whether you prefer the Citrus Marinated Chicken taco with pico de gallo and cotija, or the Tempura Local Halibuttaco with spicy mayo and purple cabbage slaw, each bite is packed with flavor. Vegetarian diners will love the Charred Sweet Potato taco, which combines avocado, cotija, and toasted almonds for a unique and satisfying dish.

Happy Hour Done Right

One of the best times to visit Salt & Lime is during their happy hour, which runs every day from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (excluding Taco Tuesday). Enjoy discounted appetizers like Citrus Salt & Lime Chips, Crispy Chicken Tenders, and the Charred Sweet Potato taco for as low as $4.50. Pair your food with a refreshing Citrus Margarita or Paloma, both of which are available for just $9 during happy hour. Whether you’re winding down after work or catching up with friends, Salt & Lime's happy hour provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in great food and drinks at unbeatable prices.

Catering That Elevates Any Event

Planning an event or party in Costa Mesa? Salt & Lime's catering services are designed to impress. Their custom taco boxes, filled with a dozen of your favorite tacos, make entertaining easy and delicious. Choose from curated options like Surf & Turf or Vegetarian Boxes, or customize your selection to create the perfect taco spread. Salt & Lime even offers bottled margaritas to-go, so you can enjoy their signature cocktails no matter where your celebration takes you.

Discover Other Mexican Dining Options in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is home to a variety of excellent Mexican restaurants, each offering its own twist on traditional fare. Descanso Descanso Restaurant delivers a unique experience with their chef’s table where you can watch your meal being prepared. Sol Cocina Sol Cocina offers Baja-inspired dishes and is known for its coastal ambiance, while Taco Mesa Taco Mesa provides classic Mexican street food with a commitment to fresh ingredients. These are just a few examples of the great options in the area, making Costa Mesa a true destination for Mexican cuisine.

Taco Tuesday at Salt & Lime

Taco Tuesday at Salt & Lime is a Costa Mesa tradition. With a deal like "buy any 3 tacos, get the 4th free," it’s hard to resist stopping in for dinner. Indulge in classics like the Citrus Marinated Chicken taco or try something new, like the Herb Marinated Eggplant taco, a perfect choice for vegetarians. Pair your tacos with an ice-cold Corona or Modelo Especial for just $5, and you’ve got yourself the perfect midweek treat.

A Taste of Tulum in Costa Mesa

From the moment you step into Salt & Lime, the ambiance transports you to the shores of Tulum, with its coastal décor, friendly service, and refreshing margaritas. The attention to detail extends to every corner of the menu, with each dish thoughtfully prepared to highlight the vibrant flavors of Mexico while incorporating a modern twist.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, enjoying a leisurely dinner, or planning a large event, Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria offers a dining experience like no other in Costa Mesa. Visit them today at Salt & Lime ModernTaqueria and taste the difference.