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Fred's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, California

Fred's Mexican Cafe & Cantina

4.2 (1609 reviews)

300 Pacific Coast Hwy #201, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Mexican restaurant
Bar
Latin American restaurant
Restaurant

About Fred's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - steak house in Huntington Beach, California

Local chain serving a menu of Mexican faves & margaritas in a funky, festive setting.

Customer Review Summary

Fred's Mexican Cafe & Cantina offers great food and service in a picturesque beachside location. Some patrons appreciate the romantic ambiance and ocean views, while others note that the seating arrangements are not ADA-friendly, leading to uncomfortable outdoor dining experiences on cold days. The food receives mixed reviews; some find it delicious and healthy, while others describe it as an Americanized version of Mexican cuisine, with some dishes lacking flavor. Despite the slightly high prices, many reviewers feel the location makes it worth it, though some may consider exploring other dining options in Huntington Beach. Overall, the restaurant is seen as a reliable choice, particularly for gatherings, with attentive staff and a relaxed atmosphere.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • College students
  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Usually a wait

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.2 out of 5
5
906
4
354
3
170
2
59
1
120
Based on 1609 reviews

Tony Nitz

2 months ago

Really enjoyed the food, and the service was great. The only downside was that inside, there were no typical low top tables. Everything was high top tables or elevated, which is difficult for individuals with disabilities. So we had to sit on the outside patio. Even though the heaters were on, the wind was blowing pretty good, and it was cold. It kind of takes away from the experience. If it was more ADA friendly, I would have given it a full 5 stars.

Belem Ramos

3 months ago

I've been here a few times during my visits to Huntington Beach, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean view. The balcony adds a nice, romantic vibe, and perfect for catching up with friends. The food is decent—an American take on Mexican cuisine. It's not the most authentic, but still tasty enough to enjoy. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the beachside location makes it worth it for a nice meal.

Ramses Stevens

6 months ago

The ambience and food of this place is wonderful and the service unmatched in the area. Super clean restaurants a lot of food for the money and simply healthy delicious Mexican food.!!! I came with an entire huge Mexican family and everybody was full and happy and pleased and it’s gonna come back time and time again. party of eight just came again wonderful food excellent ambience, majestic view. Excellent service, wonderful prices and some damn good genuine California Mexican food. Gustavo is an excellent host and rick an excellent server. We had a variety of different plates and everyone was happy and the appetizers were fresh tasty not greasy and just right if you wanna enjoy yourself, let go of all your worries and have an excellent day or start off an excellent evening come to Fred’s. You won’t be disappointed. …

The Curious Critique - TOP 5% GOOGLE REVIEWER

1 year ago

Not bad... Great, no... But not bad at all. The service was a little slow, but good. The prices of the meals were a bit pricey, but you are by the beach and a tourist trap...So, that was a bit expected. But still a bit high for the amount and quality. The quirky ambiance was fun and inviting. Seating outside was nice with a beautiful ocean view. Will be a second trip, but so many other choices for great food, may not be for awhile. Will update once we visit again.

T. O.

1 month ago

Ok, great location,you're literally across the street from the HB Pier. Food and drinks were served quick. Staff were awesome and chill. Ordered the Tacos w Rice and Beans. Rice was horrible w zero flavor, Beans were ok. I asked for " Salsa " and I swear .to god they brought me a small cup of cheap crushed tomatoes in a cup. This had literally NO taste to it. No spice , nothing, I asked the Server about it and he claimed it was a " Secret Recipe" They should definitely keep that a " secret " . Drinks were ok, I live 8 blocks from Fred's, while a great location, friendly service, reasonable prices, there is much better food and drinks off Main Street in Huntington Beach, Ca.

Travel X

4 months ago

Super cool place facing the ocean. Service is good and food is yummy. Great experience!

Sherman N. Peabody

6 months ago

Fred's is a staple in our household. It's the first place we go when guests arrive. The food is delicious! The server staff is very attentive, and even the manager stops by to check on the service. Besides all this, Fred's offers the most picturesque dining experience with views of the beach crowd, HB pier, and gorgeous sunsets. 5***** We love Fred's!

Dr. Delphina Avila

6 months ago

EnJOYed the view, the food and the ambiance! Experienced the ceviche and salad! There are many other options to explore! Check them out when you are in Huntington Beach! Blessings

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 10 AM–11 PM
Monday 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday 10 AM–11 PM
Sunday 10 AM–10 PM
Thursday 11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–10 PM

Price Range

$20–30