Mercado González Costa Mesa A Taste of Mexico in California

Visiting Mercado González Northgate Market in Costa Mesa, California, feels like experiencing a vibrant piece of Mexico in the heart of Southern California. This Mercado is not your typical supermarket; it is a large market and food hall that combines authentic Mexican culture, cuisine, and community into a lively atmosphere. Located at 2300 Harbor Blvd, Mercado González is a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Mercado González Food Stalls

This venue is designed to resemble a Mexican mercado with a modern twist, featuring over 20 food stalls or “puestos.” You can enjoy a variety of options, such as tacos from tacos, savory carnitas, or a delicious torta. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the famous El Moro churro stand, a beloved Mexico City legend making its U.S. debut here, offering crispy churros paired with seven types of hot chocolate. For a more upscale dining experience, Maizano offers fine dining at a reasonable price.

Popular Food Vendors at the Market:

Tacos Los Guichos: A paradise for taco lovers. Tacos Los Guichos offers street-style tacos featuring soft corn tortillas loaded with choices like carne asada and al pastor. Fresh salsa and toppings complete your meal.

Carnitas Don Miguel: This vendor specializes in slow-cooked, succulent pork. Carnitas are prepared in the traditional Michoacán style, featuring tender, slightly crispy edges packed with flavor. You can purchase by the pound to take home or enjoy them on-site.

Chiva Torta: If you’re in the mood for a sandwich with a Mexican twist, this is the place for you. Their tortas are substantial, featuring crusty bolillo rolls packed with meats and layered with avocado, beans, cheese, and spicy salsa. It can get messy, but it’s delicious!

El Moro: El Moro, a beloved icon in Mexico City since 1935, has recently introduced its famous churros to the U.S. at Mercado González. Visitors can enjoy hot, crispy churros sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and seven hot chocolates ranging from sweet to spiced.

Maizano restaurant: Expect dishes such as tamales, memelas, or even blue-corn quesadillas, all showcasing the rich flavors of traditional masa. While this restaurant is sit-down dining, it remains rooted in Mexican street food traditions. If you want to celebrate a special occasion, consider the Maizano restaurant in Mercado González.

Produce, Meats, Beards, and More

The heart of Mercado González is its food scene. Beyond the stalls, you’ll find a full tortillería churning out fresh tortillas, a butcher shop, a cheese counter, and aguas frescas stands with imported beers, tequilas, and mezcal to wash it all. You can also stock up on Mexican pantry staples—dried chiles, beans, spices—browse handmade crafts, or pick up a bouquet from the flower stall.

Best Time to Visit

Mercado González is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Parking is free in the lot out front, but it can get packed, especially on weekends. Crowds are biggest in the late afternoon or evenings, so if you prefer a quieter trip, aim for early mornings. Address: 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, California. Visit the Market website for more details.

Summary

Mercado González is more than just a market; it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re there to eat, shop, or enjoy the atmosphere, this store celebrates Mexican heritage with every bite and every step. If you find yourself in Costa Mesa, it’s worth a visit—or even a day trip.

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