Sarinana's Restaurant
Santa Ana
Established in 1939, this historic Santa Ana institution is celebrated for its traditional handmade tamales and freshly fried-to-order crispy hard shell tacos. Creators consistently highlight the crunchy OG beef taco, tacos dorados de papa, rich red beef and pork tamales, and classic sides like albondigas soup and fresh guacamole. Operating as a no-frills, family-run pillar with deep roots, it preserves original multi-generational recipes that consistently draw loyal crowds.
Commenters display intense, nostalgic loyalty, widely declaring the restaurant to serve some of the best hard-shell tacos and Mexican comfort food in Santa Ana. Praise specifically centers around the shredded beef tacos, sweet corn tamales, and house-made green and red salsas. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive with patrons celebrating it as an essential local hidden gem.
- Bring cash, as this is a traditional cash-only establishment.
- Order the signature crispy 'OG Beef' tacos fried fresh to order.
- Try the potato tacos (tacos de papa) paired with house red hot sauce.
- Sample the sweet corn, pork with red sauce, or red beef tamales.
- Pair your meal with their beef taquitos, fresh guacamole, and refreshing watermelon drink.
- Prepare for longer waits and heavy lines around the winter holiday season.
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
Photos