El Calamar
Mexican Restaurant
$$
4.0
(950)
El Calamar is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring seafood dishes that resonate with authenticity, particularly praised by long-time customers. While the majority are satisfied with the food quality and freshness, service experiences appear to vary, influencing some diners' overall enjoyment.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (714) 884-4510
Address: 315 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
Opening hours
Photo gallery
Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" After visiting El Calamar, I can't shake the feeling of satisfaction! The camarones a la diabla were bursting with flavor, and the handmade tortillas only elevated the experience. Our server, who I think was named Paola, was incredibly friendly and attentive. The atmosphere felt cozy despite the restaurant being quite busy. I also loved the chips and salsa provided at the start. Can’t wait to go back! " (*Curated Review*)
" I recently had a chance to eat here and was quite impressed with the ambiance. It felt very homey, and the friendly staff made me feel welcomed immediately. However, the food was a bit hit-or-miss. I tried the fish tacos, and while the fish was cooked well, they could have used a bit more seasoning. On the other hand, my friend's molcajete looked amazing and tasted even better! Overall, I think I'll return, but I might try something different next time. " (*Curated Review*)
" The experience at El Calamar wasn't as good as I expected. The food was decent, but I've had better seafood elsewhere. I ordered the shrimp dish, which felt like it was missing seasoning. The service was fine, and the ambience was fun, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. Perhaps it was just an off night, as I know many people love it here. " (*Curated Review*)
" We visited El Calamar on a Saturday evening, and it was absolutely packed. Our expectations were high, but we left feeling a bit disappointed. Although the service was friendly, our food took a long time to arrive. When it finally did, my dish was lukewarm and not very flavorful. The atmosphere was wonderful—great music and vibrant decor—but the food quality didn’t match up. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day, so I’d be willing to give them another shot down the line. " (*Curated Review*)
" We decided to try El Calamar after a friend recommended it for their seafood. The vibe was amazing! It felt lively and welcoming even though it was a busy weekend. I ordered the tostada de ceviche and it was delightful; fresh fish with a hint of lime. My only critique would be on the portion size—it could've been a bit larger for the price. But overall, a fantastic dining experience! " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (762)
" I went to El Calamar with my partner. While the wait for seating was a bit frustrating due to the crowd, it was well worth it. Their fish tacos are a revelation! Crunchy, fresh, and seasoned perfectly. The downside was the awkward seating that felt cramped at times, but with good food, it became easy to overlook. We left satisfied and will make it a point to return. " (*Curated Review*)
" I visited El Calamar for my birthday and it was an experience I won't forget! The food was fantastic, especially the fish tacos which were incredibly flavorful. The only downside was that it took a bit longer for my order to come out, but my friend ordered a margarita while we waited, and it was totally worth it. The restaurant had a nice buzz to it, but I could see how it might get a bit loud. Overall, I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun night out with amazing food. " (*Curated Review*)
Have been to El Calamar? Share your experience with other people!
Explore Other Cuisines Near Santa Ana, California 92706
Top rated nearby
Address: 628 W La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA
Address: 11906 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843, USA
Address: 887 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Address: 665 Paularino Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Address: 12563 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840, USA
Address: 2175 W Orange Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA
Address: 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Address: 676 S State College Blvd #101, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Address: 18315 Brookhurst St #1, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA
Address: 2431 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA