For years, keeping my favorite Orange restaurant a secret felt like a personal mission. The allure of always finding a table, the absence of long waits – it was a treasure I guarded closely. But as graduation nears, I realize this culinary gem is too good to remain hidden. It’s time to share the secret of Anepalco Mexican Restaurant, arguably the best dining experience Orange has to offer.
Anepalco isn’t just one, but two havens of Mexican cuisine in Orange. You’ll find one location serving lunch and dinner near The Outlets at Orange on Chapman Avenue, and another, the truly exceptional one, offering breakfast and lunch on Main Street. While the Chapman Avenue spot is commendable, the Main Street location is where the magic truly happens. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming storefront nestled in a strip mall alongside a Blue Bowl Superfoods; inside awaits an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors that will redefine your expectations.
My introduction to Anepalco Mexican Restaurant was during a Chapman University campus tour in the spring of 2017. My dad and I, craving Mexican food and unaware of Main Street’s distance from campus, stumbled upon this unassuming spot. I ordered tacos, he opted for huevos rancheros, and we were both instantly captivated. The experience was so profound that we returned before even leaving town later that week.
As a Chapman student, Anepalco became a cherished ritual. Every Friday during my freshman year, a walk or Uber ride to Anepalco was my well-deserved reward for navigating the week. Moving closer in my junior year, just a two-minute drive away, felt like a dream come true. It’s become my parents’ top choice when they visit, so much so that we once dined there three times in a single week!
The food at Anepalco Mexican Restaurant is simply outstanding. Over the years, I’ve diligently explored nearly every item on their menu. My current breakfast obsession is the “Huevos Divorciados.” Imagine a tortilla topped with bacon, egg, and two distinct salsas, perfectly divided – hence the name, “divorced eggs.” I’m also a devoted fan of the “Huevos Perdidos,” a hearty dish featuring duck, egg, and potatoes, served in a charming pot with bread for dipping into the rich flavors. And for a sweet indulgence, the guava French toast is unparalleled: crispy edges, a fluffy interior, all bathed in a divine pink guava sauce.
Their lunch menu is equally impressive. Picture fresh, handmade tortillas overflowing with flavorful marinated meats, or a perfectly pressed Cuban sandwich. Anepalco even broadened my culinary horizons by introducing me to the delightful addition of pineapple in guacamole.
When the pandemic struck, my biggest worry was the fate of Anepalco Mexican Restaurant. Despite being a small business, they persevered. During the initial quarantine, my takeout orders became a bi- or tri-weekly affair, a small effort to support them while bracing myself for the possibility of closure. Thankfully, they weathered the storm.
As my college journey concludes, waves of nostalgia wash over me for specific Chapman moments – the fragrance of flowers near Argyros Forum, sunsets from Beckman Hall patio, the refreshing touch of the globe fountain. Anepalco Mexican Restaurant is deeply intertwined with these memories. I’ll yearn for the smoky allure of their salsa, the daily agua fresca variations (orange and pineapple reigns supreme), and the warmth of the staff.
Please, do yourself a favor and experience Anepalco Mexican Restaurant. Grab a table outdoors or order takeout. Venture into the “Cochinita Pibil,” savor the “Al Pastor,” or honestly, explore any corner of their menu. You can thank me later for introducing you to this Orange County gem.
