Award-winning

El Mercado Modern Cuisine

4.5

397 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Good for special occasions
Lively
Charming

El Mercado Modern Cuisine brings you the daily adventure of obtaining fresh ingredients from the market to cook the perfect supper.

At El Mercado Modern Cuisine, we take this everyday trip and transform it into a modern dining experience.

We carefully choose our ingredients for our hand-crafted cocktails and dishes to bring you the best expression of our Modern Cuisine.

Offering a Taco Tuesday specials, Happy Hour every day (5pm-7pm). Bottomless Mimosas on Sundays from 11am-3pm. All night Happy Hour on Wednesdays.

Live Entertainment on the weekend.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Global, International, Latin American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri 17:00–00:00 Sat 15:00–00:00 Sun 15:00–21:00
Phone number
(714) 338-2446
Website
http://elmercadomodern.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Let us plan your special event. Celebrate your birthday, private corporate event, happy hour gathering, etc. We have multiple options from our Patio, Dining Room and semi private lounge area.

Location
301 N Spurgeon St, Fl 1, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Area
Santa Ana
Cross Street
3rd Street
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

AguachileUS$15.00
Shrimp, serrano, cucumber, avocado, red onion, chipotle powder
Avocado ToastUS$13.00
Sourdough, everything bagel seasoning, organic sunflowers, cucumbers
Empanadas (2 Per Order)US$13.00
Seasonal veggies, serrano beet puree, pea puree, queso fresco, sour cream
Homemade Potato ChipsUS$5.00
Chips & SalsaUS$5.00
Roasted tomato salsa
Chips & GuacamoleUS$13.00
Pepitas, tomatoes, onion
CauliflowerUS$15.00
Adobo, sauteèd tomatoes & red onions, crispy potato, peruvian style saltado
QuesadillaUS$13.00
Blue corn tortilla, salsa puya, huitlacoche, Oaxaca cheese
Brussels Sprouts
Burnt Brussels, cheese, mix pickled veggies, xoconostle & chile ancho reduction
- Half LbUS$15.00
- One LbUS$17.00

Mains (Lunch Portions)

A la Mexicana OmeletteUS$15.00
Tomatoes, Onions, Cactus, Verdolaga, Red Tomato Sauce, Choice of Carnitas or Chorizo
Pulpo a la PlanchaUS$19.00
Octopus marinated with Oaxaca chile, Chula Vista tequila glazed, chorizo oil, roasted potatoes, cabbage puree and broth, peas
Breakfast BurittoUS$15.00
Chorizo, egg, potato, cheese, sour cream, pickled onions, tomatoes, avocado
OmeletteUS$15.00
Carnitas, cilantro, onions, salsa verde, roasted potatoes
Buttermilk PancakesUS$10.00
Burnt piloncillo maple syrup, evaporated milk, fleur de sel
French ToastUS$10.00
Easter inspired sweet custard, goat milk sauce, jamaica syrup, orange marmalade, bananas & strawberries
ChilaquilesUS$12.00
Tortilla chips, salsa verde, cotija cheese sunny side up eggs, pickled Fresno, pickled onions
Enchilada VerdeUS$15.00
Free-range chicken, crema, house blue corn tortilla, queso Seco, rice & beans
TlayudaUS$15.00
Oaxaca cheese, black bean spread, pea puree, tomato, cream
Camarones a la DiablaUS$15.00
Sauteed shrimp, mich mole, almonds, red lentils
MoleUS$15.00
Chicken, cotija, pea puree, jocoque, sesame seeds, homemade tortillas, rice & black beans
Huevos RancherosUS$14.00
House blue tortilla, queso fresco, bean puree, sunny side up eggs, salsa Quemada
Estofado Pork BellyUS$15.00
Sunny side up egg, crispy pork belly, estofado sauce, roasted carrots and potatoes
CarnitasUS$15.00
Slow roasted pork, pork jus, salsa verde, pickled onion, cilantro, homemade tortillas
Steak and EggsUS$24.00
8oz Arrachera, scrambled eggs, Potatoes, Salsa Puya

Tacos

Add rice & beans to any taco $4

JamaicaUS$15.00
2 Blue corn tortilla tacos, sauteed hibiscus, pea puree, jicama, avocado
ShrimpUS$15.00
2 Yellow tortilla tacos, garlic-ginger, roasted carrot puree, sauteed shrimp
Pork BellyUS$15.00
2 Yellow tortilla tacos, roasted potato, pea puree, pickled Fresno chilli
AhogadosUS$13.00
3 chicken stuffed flautas, avocado, cream, serranos, cotija cheese, xoconostle salsa, chicken jus

Desserts

Coconut Ice CreamUS$10.00
Coconut flakes, pistachios
Oaxaca FlouressUS$10.00
Vanilla bean ice cream, Oaxaca chocolate, pistachios
Carrot CakeUS$10.00
Easter inspired whipped cream, Pineapple compote

What 397 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Mercado Modern Cuisine offers a vibrant dining experience with "incredible food" and "amazing live music." The menu features diverse, well-prepared dishes and creative cocktails, including standout mezcal drinks. Guests appreciate the attentive service and lively atmosphere, though some note that music can be loud for conversation. Perfect for a festive night out!

397 Reviews

D
Daniel
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 20 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Great little restaurant, the food and drinks were amazing and the live music show was the highlight of the night.
Is this helpful?
R
Rudy
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Possibly the best aguas frescas we’ve ever had. Food was great, homemade ice cream. What more can you ask for? Staff goes above and beyond to make sure you’re enjoying the experience.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
VIP
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 12 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great live music. Parking is the biggest challenge but worth it
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 22 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The owner was phenomenal in ensuring our experience was exceptional. The food was great and the location was in a fun area down town..
Is this helpful?
S
Sandra
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 8 September 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food and drinks were really good but too expensive for the quantity you receive. The music was extremely loud, was hard to have conversation at the table. Was given a dirty glass, but immediately replaced when asked for with no apology.
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle
Los Angeles
12 reviews
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on 8 September 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
It was a gathering of 5 women celebrating a special birthday. Horrible restaurant temperature. It was as extremely hot. We asked the sever 3 times about the air conditioner setting. The air was clearly not on. And she gave 3 different vague answers. Never replied directly. Never apologized. Never brouht the manager over to explain anything about the environment. Overall epic fail.
1 person found this helpful
N
NYLDA
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 7 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This restaurant is very upscale, great food and ambiance. Drinks are the specialty.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 31 August 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What an incredible experience! We went to celebrate my sister's birthday, and it couldn't have been more perfect. The food was simply exquisite, and I had the chance to try crickets for the first time—let me tell you, they were surprisingly delicious! I highly recommend visiting this restaurant. The tacos, empanadas, and the coconut dessert were all absolute perfection. To top it off, our server was fantastic and exceptionally kind. A flawless 10/10!
Is this helpful?
C
Columba
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 August 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
La noche Colombiana excelente experiencia ! Los músicos de 💯, no puedo hablar de la comida no cene, bebidas 💯, lindo lugar para una noche de amigas o con el galán!
1 person found this helpful
J
Jennifer
VIP
Orange County
6 reviews
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on 5 August 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
With an award under their belt you would expect the food to be so much better. Dead restaurant and now I understand why. The food is not worth the expense. So sorry but raise the bar to keep that award! Stop the false advertising?
2 people found this helpful

FAQs

El Mercado Modern Cuisine offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (714) 338-2446.

El Mercado Modern Cuisine is rated 4.5 stars by 397 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Mercado Modern Cuisine

301 N Spurgeon St, Fl 1, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross Street
3rd Street
Area
Santa Ana
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri 17:00–00:00 Sat 15:00–00:00 Sun 15:00–21:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Global, International, Latin American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://elmercadomodern.com/
Phone number
(714) 338-2446
Private party facilities
Let us plan your special event. Celebrate your birthday, private corporate event, happy hour gathering, etc. We have multiple options from our Patio, Dining Room and semi private lounge area.

El Mercado Modern Cuisine

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Chicken Enchiladas

Passion Fruit Margarita

Brussels Sprouts

Appetizers

AguachileUS$15.00

Avocado ToastUS$13.00

Empanadas (2 Per Order)US$13.00

Homemade Potato ChipsUS$5.00

Chips & SalsaUS$5.00

Chips & GuacamoleUS$13.00

CauliflowerUS$15.00

QuesadillaUS$13.00

Brussels Sprouts

Mains (Lunch Portions)

A la Mexicana OmeletteUS$15.00

Pulpo a la PlanchaUS$19.00

Breakfast BurittoUS$15.00

OmeletteUS$15.00

Buttermilk PancakesUS$10.00

French ToastUS$10.00

ChilaquilesUS$12.00

Enchilada VerdeUS$15.00

TlayudaUS$15.00

Camarones a la DiablaUS$15.00

MoleUS$15.00

Huevos RancherosUS$14.00

Estofado Pork BellyUS$15.00

CarnitasUS$15.00

Steak and EggsUS$24.00

Tacos

JamaicaUS$15.00

ShrimpUS$15.00

Pork BellyUS$15.00

AhogadosUS$13.00

Desserts

Coconut Ice CreamUS$10.00

Oaxaca FlouressUS$10.00

Carrot CakeUS$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does El Mercado Modern Cuisine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Mercado Modern Cuisine restaurant rated?

Is El Mercado Modern Cuisine currently accepting bookings?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information