Whether you’re a Disney park hopper looking for a delightful meal or a local hunting for a new go-to, Calaca Mamas deserves a place on your radar.

Why Calaca Mamas Stands Out Among Mexican Restaurants in Anaheim

Anaheim is home to plenty of Mexican eateries, but Calaca Mamas takes the fiesta up a notch with vibrant Día de los Muertos-inspired décor, a menu full of fresh & organic ingredients, and playful spins on traditional favorites. I was delighted when an invite to join them hit my inbox. I’ve driven past it countless times, wondering what yumminess waited inside.

From slow-braised birria to elote topped with tangy crema and cotija, every bite feels like a celebration. The chef’s creativity shows in their signature dishes down to their desserts like an adorable churro cart served with dipping sauces.

Perfectly Positioned on Harbor Blvd.

When it comes to restaurants on Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim, location is everything. Calaca Mamas is perfectly situated directly across from Disneyland Resort. Pop over after a day of park hopping or after checking into a nearby hotel. But it’s also perfect if you’re cruising Harbor looking for dinner.

To be totally honest, as an Anaheim local, I’m often hesitant to travel to the resort district. Total mistake on my part! I had had Calaca Mamas on my foodie bucket list for years, but never made it over. To think of how many taco trios I missed out on is heartbreaking.

Parking is straightforward with a metered parking lot shared with the Best Western. Bring your ticket & receive 2.5 hours of validated parking for free.

A Great Option for Restaurants Near Disneyland

Finding restaurants near Disneyland that aren’t inside the park (and don’t require park admission) can be a challenge. Calaca Mamas solves that problem offering generous portions, a full bar, and relaxed seating just minutes from the gates.

It’s a perfect spot for:

• A hearty breakfast before your Disney day
• A midday taco break without paying theme park prices
• Post-fireworks margaritas with friends on the patio

You can be in and out in an hour or linger with drinks and dessert while the post-show crowds thin out.

Calaca Mamas Menu Highlights

Our helpful waiter shared the Quesabirria Tacos were a popular favorite. Other menu items include burritos, tacos, and bowls with your choice of protein. All of the ingredients are organic.

We started with guacamole served with chips, radishes, and cucumbers. Because I’m commited to being thorough, we also got the elote. Three corn cobs on a stick arrived with yummy cremayo, tajin, cotija cheese, and cilantro.

Vegetarian Options

Finding places where vegetarian options aren’t merely a selection of side dishes always feels like a win for me. I opted for the taco trio with each of the vegetarian selections: Jackfruit Al Pastor, Charred Cauliflower, and Mushrooms. Each featured its own salsa.

One tricky piece with authentic flavors is often food cooked in lard, but our waiter assured me I was good to go.

The food is also gluten-friendly. However, those with allergies may want to discuss cross-contamination with other foods containing gluten.

Drinks

Looking for a date night spot or a post-park cocktail? Make sure to saddle up to the bar at Calaca Mamas.

I loved the Cabo Sunset featuring Cutwater Three Sheets rum, Giffard passion fruit liqueur, Peychaud bitters, lemon juice, housemade guava passion fruit foam. Not only was it pretty, it was so delicious.

My husband opted for one of their mocktails called the Blushing Maria. The strawberry and mint flavors were so fresh, and I hate to admit I probably stole more than a few sips.

There’s also a full selection of margaritas, tequilas, whiskeys, and more!

Desserts

Do not skip dessert at Calaca Mamas! Here are a few favorites I’d recommend:

• Flan de la Abuela
• Fried Ice Cream
• Cinnamon-sugar churros with chocolate and caramel

The churros were served in an adorable table-top churro cart with a lit sparkler, making it the perfect treat for a birthday or celebration.

Calaca Mamas Vibe

The dining room is lively, colorful, and full of details perfect for Instagram. Painted skull murals, bright papel picado banners, and cozy lighting create a warm yet energetic vibe. Outdoor seating is also available for those who want to soak up the Anaheim sunshine.

Final Verdict – Our Calaca Mamas Cantina Review

If you love bold Mexican flavors, colorful settings, and friendly service, Calaca Mamas Cantina should be your next stop. It’s a standout, perfectly located for locals and visitors alike.

For locals: We know the instinct is to avoid Harbor Blvd. unless you’re headed into the parks. Trust me, it was me, too. Calaca Mamas is worth breaking that habit. You don’t need a Disney ticket to enjoy a great meal, just a good appetite and maybe a craving for churros.

Looking for more Anaheim hotspots and must-do’s?

Pick up a copy of 100 Things to Do in Anaheim Before You Die today.

Calaca Mamas Cantina

Calaca Mamas Address

1550 S. Harbor Blvd.

Anaheim, CA 92802

Parking is available at the metered lot shared with Best Western. 2.5 hours of validated parking for patrons.

Full the full menu and additional information, visit the Calaca Mamas website.

In 2023 most restaurants have seen close to a 30% or greater decline in sales and we have certainly been one of them. We have, as a family, and as an extended family through our staff, poured our heart and soul into this business since 2015. We hope that this is just a temporary closure while we figure out how to float Pour Vida through these difficult times. We have every intention of reopening and redoubling our efforts. We have been a part of this community since we began in our first spot and would hate to have to leave for good. We are fortunate to have very understanding building owners and are working diligently to come to a resolution that keeps us in the neighborhood.

The location originally opened on Center Street Promenade in 2015. The colorful spot proudly displayed “Tacos are cheaper than therapy” on a neon sign making their casual and fresh vibe apparent. The walk-up counter offered a variety of tacos from land, sea, and garden each more delicious than the last. Among my family’s favorites: the Anaheim Burger Taco, Pineapple Skirt Steak, and the must-eat Brussel Sprout.

The hip taqueria moved down the street to a larger space with indoor and outdoor dining. The blossoming restaurant expanded to include locations in Newport Beach and Fullerton, California. But the pandemic hit small businesses hard.

Owners posted, “We will keep operating in our Downtown Fullerton location and hope that our Anaheim supporters will follow us there. We ask that our diners give us some grace as we navigate through this tough time and continue to support while they can.”

As an Anaheim local, it saddens me to see community members closing their doors, even temporarily. I hope we can all rally around Chef Jimmy at the Fullerton location.

Pour Vida Address

101 N Harbor Blvd.

Fullerton, CA 92832

Pour Vida Hours

Sunday – Wednesday 11 AM – 9 PM

Thursday 11 AM – 10 PM

Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 11 PM

With all things in flux, it bears a note that Pour Vida Tortillas & Taps is listed as one of the 100 Things to Do in Anaheim Before You Die. I hope that the restaurant’s temporary closure is just that, temporary, and we can be eating Brussel Sprout tacos in Anaheim again soon.