La Chiquita Restaurant
About This Spot
Stepping into La Chiquita Restaurant is like being warmly welcomed into a cherished family kitchen hidden away in a quiet Santa Ana corner. The moment you cross the threshold, there’s a comforting stillness that sets the pace—a gentle invitation to slow down, unwind, and savor something homemade. It’s not flashy or rushed; rather, it carries the subtle echoes of tradition and daily life, where aromas tease the senses and every detail feels thoughtfully familiar.
The space itself holds a nostalgic charm, almost as if time has paused in a cozy nook reminiscent of decades past. Simple, unpretentious, and imbued with a genuine warmth, La Chiquita creates a mood that encourages easy conversation and shared moments over plates brimming with the kind of Mexican comfort food that feels crafted by hands who know the recipes by heart.
Here, the vibrancy of the food mirrors the neighborhood’s spirit. Whether it’s a plate of richly sauced enchiladas swimming in a green chile glaze, a burrito that’s just the right mix of hearty and spicy, or a freshly made tamale that whispers of slow, loving preparation, each dish tells a story beyond flavor. There’s a homely rhythm in the marinated meats, the spicy sauces, and the crunchy chips paired with salsa, grounding the experience in the everyday joy of a simple, satisfying meal.
For those who appreciate unfiltered authenticity, La Chiquita offers that—a place where tradition prevails over trend, and the familiar feels like something rediscovered. It’s the kind of spot where locals return not just for the food but for the unspoken comfort of feeling at home in the company of good, honest cooking and friendly faces.
What’s Available Here
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fast service
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Serves local specialty
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Historic
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Family friendly
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Groups
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Locals
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 08:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |
Nelson Roman 22 Dec 2025
This is where mom and pop came to enjoy abuela’s recipe. This is as original as it gets. Great service and price. If you are around come and try it. Will def comeback.
Jen Knight 05 Dec 2025
This was definitely a hole in the wall vibe. The inside feels like you have been transported to the 70s. The food was also authentic and homemade. I ordered the chicken enchiladas plate. It was delicious, but the Verde sauce had some spice in case you can't handle that. My husband ordered the carnitas and rates it 7.5 out of 10 ten being the best he's ever had. We dug the food and atmosphere so will come again and try other dishes.
Jojo Jojo 28 Nov 2025
6/30/2025 = 5 Star = ordered Carne Asada , I love it , so hot outside and cold inside, good to have some beer too .
Terry Roland 21 Oct 2025
It's like being home. The cooking, the place and the friendly service. The food pure homespun Mexican with wonderful sauces, well marinated season meat and a blend of specialty tacos, burritos and, my favorite, chicken enchiladas.
Ann Premazon 04 Oct 2025
I was looking for a place to eat near the Amtrak station and stumbled upon this gem two blocks away. We were in and out very quickly. The food was absolutely delicious. We started with some nachos, some of our party had the pork special and I had the homemade chicken tamale. When it comes to Mexican food and it's the first time going to a restaurant you never know what to expect, this will meet and exceed all your expectations. You can see by all of the teams they support and the pictures on the wall that this is an established family run business. they also have plenty of parking so if you drive just passed the restaurant and pull into the driveway you'll see plenty of spots to park. we went for lunch and although the restaurant was full there was not a long wait. If you're planning to take a train or come into the station anywhere around lunch time I truly suggest trying this restaurant.
SEANWICHES 20 Sep 2025
I was dropping my lady off at the train station and we stumbled upon this amazing restaurant a couple minutes away. As we walked in the door we felt welcomed like it was somebody’s home. The carnitas plate was really good and the tortillas were amazing, I’d add a side of sour cream and maybe some shredded lettuce. My lady had the chicken tamale plate, it was great as well, but the salsa verde was a tad hot spicy for her. I gladly finished it for her If you’re in the area, definitely pop by for a fabulous meal.
Robert Mack 19 Sep 2025
My friend Jeff Gibson has been coming here since the 80’s. He told me he wanted to take me and the team to have some authentic Mexican. He delivered. Cool little spot in a residential community which makes it feel more “homey”. Great service; and big portions of tasty home cooking. I’ll be back.