Best Southwest American Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

Cha Cha’s is our place for comfort food, a great time and great experience. Never fails!!

Went to BC for taco tuesday and was extremely pleased with the food and service

I visited Palenque Mexican Restaurant on Father’s Day with my tres amigos, and overall, it was a great experience! From the moment we walked in, the host who seated us was warm and welcoming, setting the tone for a good time. The real star of our visit was Sally—the bartender and our server—who was absolutely amazing. Her energy made the evening even more enjoyable, and her watermelon margaritas were next level. We loved them so much we each had about four! As for the food, it was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I ordered the camarones a la diabla, which I’ve had in the past and really enjoyed. Unfortunately, this time the sauce didn’t quite hit the same—it tasted reheated, and the consistency was off. It was still decent, but not what I remembered. On the bright side, my friends made better menu choices. The steak fajitas were flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the carnitas were hands-down the best dish at the table—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The bathrooms were clean (always a plus), and the atmosphere overall was vibrant and fun. Despite my so-so entree, I’ll definitely be back—especially for the drinks and to try more of the menu.