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Javier’s Cantina & Grill, Irvine
June 4th, 2007, 3:22 pm · 14 Comments · posted by Cynthia Furey
Big names and chain restaurants are what the Irvine Spectrum is all about, so you know what you’re in for when you go there.
This is why Javier’s Cantina and Grill is an unlikely restaurant to have planted itself on the Spectrum grounds. Though it’s the second and only other link in a chain (the original location is in Laguna Beach), it’s as far from a chain restaurant as you can get, especially for the Irvine Spectrum. Maybe this is why, on a weeknight, the bar is crowded with people who chose to watch sports on the televisions here and instead of at nearby Fox Sports Grill.
Javier’s serves some of the standard menu favorites offered at other Mexican restaurants (combination platters and the like). Among these is the Carne Asada Burrito Combo ($12), with generous chunks of softly charred meat wrapped so tightly the tortilla almost burst from its contents.
My dining companion Marvin ate every single bite, only before he begrudgingly agreed to let me have
a taste. It scores high on my burrito scale, but I liked my dish of Enchiladas Mariscos ($17) better.
Javier’s seafood combinations have never disappointed me, even when taco or enchilada fillings are threatened with smotherings of cheese or other detractors.
The crab and shrimp in these enchiladas are plentiful, and even their muted flavors stand up to the heavier side orders of the plate. The thick slices of avocado are a nice addition, even if their sole purpose was ti add some color to the dish.
For dessert, there are only a couple of choices, a Fried Ice Cream or Flan ($4). Go with the flan, as it’s just light enough after a filling meal. Flan recipes often runs the risk of being too eggy or too sweet, but this one ended our meal on a good note.
Information: Javier’s Cantina and Grill, 45 Fortune Drive, Irvine. 949-872-2101.
- Cynthia Furey
14 Comments
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I have to disagree and say that the food here was dreadful. I made the mistake of taking someone there for a thank-you lunch. I had the worst guacamole and taco/enchilada combo plate. The guacamole was tasteless; the combo plate was too salty and came out room temperature.
In contrast, I had a really good meal at Taleo also in Irvine.
Javier’s is some of the best Mexican food around. I love this place and would eat there more often if it were closer to me. The seafood enchiladas are the best.
Sorry but all these so called mexican food places in irvine and newport have no idea what real mexican food taste like, its all artificial and not worth the money. If you want a real place to eat go to AVILA’S restaurant on the border of santa ana and tustin.
Javier’s is all about the over done hype of being seen out on the town…if you want real Mexican food with authentic flavor and soul, go to Super Mex. Super Mex is the best mexican food in Orange County.
Javier’s has the best mexican food in all of orange county. The owner and it’s staff are all friendly and courteous. Don’t take my word for it, go try it! Besides, one thinking that Taleo is good, does not know good food!
Javier’s has the best nachos in California. Not even close. Their shrimp and crab enchiladas are to die for, as well. If you don’t like the guac, which I loved, send it back and stop complaining. They are a very friendly group of people who will do anything to make your dining the ultimate in pleasure.
This is one of the best mexican seafood places around. The atmosphere is so awesome, the style and design of the restaurant is unique. The food there is excellent. It is real Mexican food, not washed up American/Mexican food.
I’ve only been there once. Honestly I don’t remember what I had but I remember thinking I’d go back.
I think Javiers is one of the tastiest Mexican Restuarants I have ever been to. They offer a variety of authentic food that is super tasty!!!The atmosphere in both locations are great, and the service is remarkable…I love love love, Javiers!!!
Javier’s is the best! I have never had a bad meal, everything on the menu is tasty. Start with shrimp ceviche, it’s great.
I LOVE JAVIER’S!!! I USED TO GO TO THE LAGUNA BEACH LOCATION AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK - ALWAYS A TREAT! LOVE THE POLLO A LA CHIPOTLE!!! BEST CADILLAC MARGARITAS!!!
If you want good, authentic Mexican food - the only place in Orange County is Morenos in Orange!
Overpriced drinks and food, however, the food is good and the drinks, well, are strong. The food is a gem and compares to food that can be found along the central coast of the mainland of Mexico. Similar food can be found at Taco Rosa in Newport Beach. If you want cheaper authetic Mexican food, then look no further than Santa Ana, however, ones needs a Spanish refresh to order the freeking food.
I like Javier’s alot…used to go to Laguna Beach quite a bit but then now go to Irvine equally. However now it must end…a bit disappointed with them now is that they don’t accept strollers at their locations…first got denied in LB, and thought maybe Irvine would accept…guess not. It’ll be a LONG time till we go back to Javier’s unless someone wathces the kids that night.