Category: Restaurant Reviews

Looking for a "hidden jewel" in the Orange County area? Looking for a quirky place that not too many people know about, where you can enjoy great food and a good time? Well, look no further than Azteca Restaurant in Garden Grove. This is an Elvis-themed Mexican Restaurant, complete with a pinball machine and classic rock jukebox. The restaurant is lined from ceiling to floor with Elvis memorabilia. And I do mean ceiling to floor. The ceiling itself is lined with posters from just about every movie Elvis ever starred in! The restaurant plays Elvis concerts and sports on a variety of screens throughout the joint. If you are looking for an "experience" rather than just a meal, be sure to check out this restaurant. Words cannot fully describe the atmosphere and experience of dining at Azteca.

The food is delicious too. I've visited the restaurant on a few occasions, and I have yet to be disappointed. Initially, I was skeptical because I didn't believe an Elvis-themed restaurant could possibly have good Mexican food. It didn't seem like a natural fit. However, I have yet to leave the place without finishing my entire meal (portion sizes are good, but don't expect Claim Jumper sized dishes). I've especially enjoyed the burritos and chimichangas.

If you are looking for something fun and different from your normal routine, be sure to check out Azteca's adjacent bar as well, aptly named the Crooners Lounge. You can access the bar while in the restaurant by entering through western themed swinging wooden doors. The Crooner's Lounge has happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 7pm, and then from 10pm to closing. The place has a cool vibe, and their martinis have been raved about by the Orange County Register. The margaritas are also a local favorite. Go, and you won't regret it.

TIP: The best nights to go (if you want to beat the crowd) are Mon. to Thurs. The restaurant can get noisy and crowded on a weekend night, as Garden Grove residents are well-aware of the fun atmosphere of the restaurant. There is extra parking in the rear of the restaurant, right across the street from the Home Depot.

If you're an avid fan of fine Cajun cooking, you'll truly appreciate the many flavorful dishes of Jack Shrimp. As a New Orleans themed restaurant, some scrumptious and mouthwatering (literally) southern dishes follow. Jack Shrimp is most famous for its, well, what else? Shrimp! Personally, I find the Jammin Jambalaya plate, a specialty of the house, an utter delight of rich spices and zest. The best part is its back door prices, which makes it an everyday lunch and dinner favorite.

Although Jack Shrimp is a Cajun specialty restaurant, it definitely does not discriminate against salad and sandwich lovers. Jack Shrimp's menu contains lots of variety, including southern inspired appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, soups, pasta, and house specials. If you love Cajun dishes but can't handle too much spice, don't sweat it - many of Jack Shrimp's plates come non-spicy.

Craving some Jack Shrimp yet? Experience this authentic and tasty Louisiana cooking for yourself - you'll be hooked, guaranteed. As my mottos goes, "Once you go Jack, you never go back."

If you feel like eating a wholesome Japanese meal without shelling tons of cash for it, Sango Sushi is a must. This mom and pops style restaurant offers a variety of delicious appetizers and meals, many of which can be ordered in combination with one another.

Some items you will find on the menu include various types of beef bowls, noodles, curries, appetizers (e.g., gyoza, tempura, sesame chicken, baked scallops, etc.), a la carte choices (e.g., chicken and salmon teriyaki, sashimi, pork cutlet, etc.), combination choices (e.g., beef teriyaki and tempura, salmon teriyaki and tempura, etc.), salads, side orders (e.g., edamame, miso soup, rice, etc.), and sushi.

Sango Sushi is ideal for those on the go because of its quick service and cheap menu - about $6 for a meal. To top it off, the food tastes great. I highly recommend the crunchy roll sushi, yum!

Weekends are usually a lot more hectic than the weekdays. Expect the possibility of a crowd, but don't worry because the restaurant functions like a dine and dash joint. You won't wait long.