Read what Eric wrote about Montes Mexican Restaurant located at 2610 Westminster Avenue in Santa Ana, CA. (5 stars)
Just like any other cuisine, excellent Mexican food can be found in hole-in-the-wall locations. This newly opened Mexican restaurant is located on 17th street near Santa Ana College and conveniently positioned across the street from Northgate Market. If you bring 18 of your friends, one will have to stand outside. Yes...it's small. You won't just see the kitchen, you'll be in it. Reservations are not accepted, nor needed. There is no salsa bar, Mariachi band, or Corona on draft. Finally, I am not posting a street view photo fearing you may not go.
17th Street is speckled with hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants for several miles. And with Santa Ana having more than 75% of the 310,000 residents being Hispanic, you can imagine they demand authentic good tasting and fair-priced cuisine. This place fits the bill. The two musts are the double-tortilla street tacos (asada or chicken) and the Mayor Traut (loaded) asada nachos. Just like the Mayor, the nachos are authentic, a bit cheesy, but have it all.
While not the place for an intimate date night, baby shower luncheon, or a good pizza, you won't be disappointed if you are looking for a great option north of the border.
