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301 Cafe
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301 Cafe

About 301 Cafe

301 Cafe is a premier Mexican restaurant in Placentia, serving bold flavors, welcoming hospitality, and a dining experience that brings people together. Conveniently located in the heart of Placentia, our restaurant is a local favorite for guests looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, a comfortable atmosphere, and dependable quality that keeps them coming back.

With a strong 4.60 rating from 302 local reviews, 301 Cafe has earned a reputation as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Placentia for residents, families, and visitors who want fresh, flavorful food served with care.

We also make dining more accessible and convenient with a wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and wheelchair-accessible toilet, ensuring a welcoming experience for more guests. To experience one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Placentia, CA, visit 301 Cafe and enjoy a meal that combines great taste, comfort, and local charm.

★★★★★ 4.60 rating (302 reviews)
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301 Cafe interior
Est. Local Favorite

A Taste of Tradition

Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.

Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

  • Fresh Daily Specials
  • Private Dining Available
  • Catering Services
  • Takeout & Delivery

Guest Reviews

Hear from our valued guests

Ruben Cazessus

Ruben Cazessus

3 months ago

Great authentic homemade Mexican food.reminds me of abuelitas cooking..great food for great prices..$8 wet burritos can't beat that.. definitely try 301 cafe you will not regret it

Lucinda Brinks

Lucinda Brinks

7 years ago

Although it's been many years since I've been here, it hasn't changed a bit. First started coming here in 1964. I loved how the salsa would make my nose run. I was not disappointed in reliving those memories.

Brian Law

Brian Law

8 years ago

The aerospace industry was booming in the early '60s. My father and his friends would cash their checks at 301 Cafe to buy pitchers of beer on Payday. We families would join the party and eat dinner with them. I ate my first "restaurant" taco at here in 1964-65. The restaurant is now 75+ years old and still going strong. The dining room and bar have the same great ambiance and the overall feel is 1950s-60s Orange County Mexican. 301 Cafe out lasted aerospace and still specializes in traditional dishes served fresh and with a smile. The bar looked ready and pitchers were served. It's probably worth a visit next payday. Say "hi" to Maria.

Chris Mojarad

Chris Mojarad

4 years ago

Alma's food is truly the best Mexican food I have ever had. She makes everything from scratch, including her chips, salsa, guacamole and pickled carrots and jalepenos, that come with every meal. The value is unbelievable. My go to is the 301 special. It is $11 and includes a Tostada, Taco, Enchilada, Tamale or Chile Relleno, Beans and Rice! It is a lot of high quality Mexican food for a great price. Alma's beans are amazing! I don't know what she puts in them, but they have unbelievable flavor. They taste a little nutty with a very slight hint of sweetness. I call them "crack beans", because they are addictive! I really don't know how this restaurant has not been featured on countless food TV shows. The 301 Cafe is an absolute hidden gem of Orange County!

Lynn Jarosz Goode

Lynn Jarosz Goode

4 years ago

Have been coming here for forty years. Same waitress Maria and she remembers us! Chicken Mole to die for and love the pickled carrots

Terry Massie

Terry Massie

3 years ago

Alva is sweet and gracious always! The food is like eating at someone's grandmother's house. Just plain ole delicious food! Before you order, she brings chips and salsa and a creamy avocado dip and your drinks. I had their Ground Beef Tacos and a Chile Rellano and my husband had the 301 special - all delicious! We have been coming here for years, but moved away 7 years ago and still come here every chance we get!! Be patient if it's busy as Alva serves every table!!

Jim Brown

Jim Brown

4 months ago

A placentia icon. Been going here for 40 years or more. Traditional family style Mexican food. Has had its ups and downs over the years currently very much up.

Austin Nunns

Austin Nunns

week ago

Genuinely great service, great food, and great people, all at an insanely low price in this economy. Hidden location made me unsure at first, but well well worth it..my boss and coworkers rave about this place and I'm glad they took me here.

Robert saucedo

Robert saucedo

3 months ago

That place has been there for so long. It's still going. My mom and dad used to go there when it was a bar. It's definitely a dive. But it is amazing. Food, 👌👌 Excellent..

Will

Will

year ago

Some of the best Mexican I’ve had and I’ve had a lot. First of all, you are alittle worried about how it looks alittle run down, but then you find out it’s been here for 75 years and the people running it have been doing so for 50 years. The food is amazing and they start your meal with chips and guacamole long with traditional picked carrots, onion and jalapeños. The salsa is very hot but so fresh and delicious. It’s all vary traditional, but is California style crispy tacos. Trust me you love the food! Service can be alittle slow, be patient , it’s worth it

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about 301 Cafe

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Quiet

Crowd

  • Family friendly
  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Plenty of parking

Visit Us

We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!

Location

301 W Santa Fe Ave, Placentia, CA 92870, United States

Reservations

+1 714-996-8001

Hours

Open Now · Saturday 10 AM-11 PM
Wednesday 10 AM-9:30 PM
Thursday 10 AM-9:30 PM
Friday 10 AM-11 PM
Saturday 10 AM-11 PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 10 AM-9:30 PM
Tuesday 10 AM-9:30 PM
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