La Costa

TLDR: SOLID Mexican food, patio seating only. Literally the fastest service I've had anywhere.It town for the weekend and we asked the hotel for a recommendation for a Mexican place. After driving through some slightly sketchy parts of town, we pulled into a strip mall to find the La Costa's building somewhat in the middle of the parking lot surrounded by covered patio seating. One side was mostly enclosed with heaters in the ceiling with the other side being more open.Simple classic menu (quesadillas, burritos, tacos, tortas, etc) and everything we had was great. The service was quite literally the fastest service I've ever experienced for any food vendor, anywhere.While not a "sit down" restaurant, you know exactly what to expect when you walk up. Reasonable prices, good food, insanely fast service. Would absolutely eat here again.

DELICIOUSSSS food my cabeza burrito was so juicy and my horchata was perfect. The prices are super affordable and the staff is friendly.There's plenty of outdoor seating but it's only outdoor seating. Also, to go to the bathroom you need staff to open it for you and it could definitely be cleaner. Otherwise, a super solid place to go for affordable, quick, and delicious bites!

I got myself a surf and turf burrito here and it was delicious. I could not believe how fast they made the food and the hot sauce they give is great as well. Carne asada and shrimp were great and burrito was moist and not dry. The ratio of meat to rice and beans was well balanced as well. Staff were nice, but I had a hard time understanding at times. Fortunately everything was satisfying. There is outdoor seating and plenty of parking in the lot.

5 stars simply because my most recent visit was so memorable. Thank you to the gentleman who handed off my sister & I's order- never have I experienced such kind customer service from any of my past experiences with La Costa. Granted, I don't come here for the service but it truly was such an unexpected treat. With my sister and I being able to squeeze in some girly QT, we made the decision to enjoy an early dinner. My sister had been raving and raving about La Costa's aguachile being an absolute must and I knew I couldn't go wrong since I could never pass up a good cocktele/ceviche. Parking was a breeze but do be advised that there were a few sketchy characters roaming the streets & premises. Mind yours and simply head to the registers. Per usual, the menu is largely posted with LC's offerings and will not disappoint the pickiest eaters.Purchases:-Large Aguachile [hold the crackers and requested for tostadas only]-Burrito De Carne [asada]The food was good. My only slight dissatisfaction applies to the asada. LC's asada isn't like anything I've ever had - no bad, just DIFFERENT. The spices they use to marinate/cook most definitely stands out a bit too much for my liking. Burrito itself was big in size and overall tasted fire alongside my sister's homemade jalapeños. Aguachile was AMAZING. My eyes were a lot bigger than my stomach!! The guy asked if I wanted a regular or super and I immediately went with the super and BOY!! That kicked me in the butt. Portions truly are massive and the same thing goes for the size of each shrimp. These babies aren't rinky dink!! They are plentiful, delicious, and oh so very sour- all the classifications that I love. 1000% recommended if you aren't squeamish about eating raw shrimp and love you a good puckering. I most certainly plan on coming back. The food here is too good to pass up!

I got their campechana which is a seafood mixed cocktail.The campechana came with imitation crab , one singular oyster, lots of plump shrimp, octopus, avocado, pico in a tomato juice type of sauce. It also came with tostada and crackers. It's reasonably priced for what you get. My order came out quickly, likely this seafood cocktail has already been premade.

Tostada mixta - a mix of shrimp, octopus, and imitation crab, was $18. Turns out there were several pieces of raw shrimp. That made me lose my appetite. Not enough vegetables/garnishes. And way too much fake crab. Not enough cilantro and onions on the tacos. Tortilla was cold. Wish the fish taco had more pico de gallo or salsa. Is it normal for the tortilla to be not be warmed? Torta bread is not toasted or warmed so it gave a very stale bite. Lots of hype for this place but for benefit of the doubt, maybe I went on the wrong day. It was a Sunday lunch.

Hmmm... not much to say. My husband likes this place. I don't. Crab is fake, not tasty at all. I guess I just hide it with ketchup.

Doordash Pick Up Order:Tortillas in both tacos were very meh (definitely not hand made)6/10 Lengua Taco - Meat was kind of slimy and really soft. I thought beef tongue would have a bit more toughness. There was not much flavor as well because I think it might just be steamed/boiled. Hot sauces made up the flavor.8/10 Fish Taco - Fish was not that crispy, but the it was still cooked well on the inside (tender and flaky). Batter was thin so it did not taste like all bread which was good. It could use more of the orange sauce for flavor.8/10 Carnitas Burrito - Solid burrito in quantity and quality. Meat was not dry and ratio compared to rice was also good. Other fillings were about average.

SO GOOD! Ordered three tacos: carne asada, al pastor, and chile verde. All meats were super tender and flavorful. Cashier was friendly and food came out very quickly. Plenty of outdoor seating with a cute patio setting and music.

This place has been around forever and just as good. They have two location, one on alum rock the other on Monterey. Service is straight forward. Walk up to the counter and order, they are known for their seafood here but the tacos and burritos are just as good. I ordered a mix coctal and it came out quick. There's plenty of outdoor seating. Great prices and good food.