La Huasteca

While Buena Park’s largely Korean dining and shopping destination The Source isn’t known for its non-Korean options, the Mexican restaurant La Huasteca and neighboring Italian pizza/pasta specialist Il Fiora are surprisingly compelling enough to distract from dozens of Korean neighbors. Apparently transplanted from an LA location that opened in 2004, La Huasteca joined The Source in 2017 as a sit-down, full-service restaurant with a large menu of basic and step-up Mexican items, as well as an ample bar. It’s on the fourth (top) floor of the mall, a largely freestanding building with indoor seating.

With 10 different types of tacos priced at $3.25 to $4.50 each, it’s possible to have an affordable meal at La Huasteca. Most entrees are in the $18-25 range, with a collection of traditional plates including everything from achiote-braised pulled pork and salsa verde chicken to hot skillet meat/seafood fajitas, enchiladas, steaks, and stir fries. Healthier options include entree-sized soups and a substantial collection of seafood dishes, such as multiple ceviche, aguachile, and grilled choices, plus high-end molcajete hot stone bowls.