Puesto
A small chain of upscale Mexican restaurants with premium-quality dishes and presentation
Depending on the restaurant you choose in Orange County, you’ll find some of the most authentic street tacos anywhere outside Mexico, as well as many excellent elevated tacos with higher-end ingredients. If you’re looking for street tacos, start in Santa Ana; if you want elevated ones, go directly to Puesto – and be prepared to pay for them.
From the blue tortilla tacos to aguas frescas and their shrimp and fish ceviches, everything Puesto serves looks and tastes “premium” – not the opposites of similar items served elsewhere, but the perfected, “at any cost” versions. Chips are still included, and the salsas are atypically tasty and fresh. As a result, expect to pay $9 to $10 for a single taco, except on Taco Tuesdays, when Puesto offers significant savings.
In Irvine, the dining rooms are in upscale plazas, with dim lighting and business casual vibes, catering more to couples and small adult groups than young families. However, kids’ meals are offered and reasonably priced. The chain also has a location in Anaheim, as well as several shops spread across San Diego and other California cities.
From tamarind shrimp to filet mignon, Puesto’s highest-end tacos pack outstanding flavor and good looks, thanks in part to blue corn tortillas and bright garnishes. Even simpler tacos such as al pastor, carnitas, and mushroom benefit from proper individual attention, too, while a passion fruit ceviche is a win for healthier dining.
Desserts are consistently delicious, if not always particularly Mexican: pineapple upside-down cake and coconut chocolate cake are worth trying, as is the tres leches cake.
Parking can be tricky, particularly at the Michelson location, but putting that aside, we’d go back to Puesto any time. Our experiences have been consistently very good to great, and worth their prices – a great example of elevating a cuisine while preserving the key elements that make even simple Mexican food so compelling.
Stats
Price: $$
Service: Table
Open Since: 2016 (OC)
Addresses
3311 Michelson Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
949.608.7272
8577 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
949.608.9990
Instagram: @eatpuesto