Puesto Awards

Puesto Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Situated in a highly visible corner of the perpetually lively Park Place business and retail center, this second Irvine offshoot of the San Diego-based upscale taqueria is in a prime location to attract the center’s lunch crowd as well as locals for dinner. The airy, colorful space welcomes the gathering throng with a sleek industrial-themed interior, an intimate outdoor patio and a massive rectangular bar buoyed by a rather nice list of tequilas and mezcals.

Likes: Space design.
Dislikes: Slow service.

Food & Drinks: Diners can start things off with the gooey queso fundido verde or the guacamole generously stuffed with Parmigiano Reggiano. A wide selection of kicked-up tacos anchors the menu. While you can order a classic like carnitas or fish, we recommend trying unique iterations like soft-shell crab, zucchini and cactus, or shrimp with crispy melted cheese. Puesto also features a somewhat sizeable array of vegetarian items, including a rotating plant-based taco of the month. Desserts are highlighted by the tres leches cake. An impressive assortment of Baja beers is on hand, ready to pair with whatever taco you choose.