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.

Overall:

4.5

(772 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.2

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (714) 884-4510

Address: 315 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Live Music
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Watching Sports

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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!**

" I love visiting El Calamar for a casual meal. The fusion of flavors in their dishes is amazing. I always order their signature ceviche and am never disappointed. The only downside I’d mention is the wait time; it can get quite busy, especially on weekends. But honestly, it’s worth it for the food. The atmosphere is lively, which I appreciate immensely. " (*Curated Review*)

" El Calamar is a local gem. The ceviche is a must-try! Fresh and tangy, it brings back memories of my vacations to the coast. The service was impeccable; my waitress, Alondra, checked in just the right amount and ensured we were happy. The atmosphere was lively, perfect for a night out with friends, though it did get a bit loud at times. I’m definitely planning to come back for their happy hour specials! " (*Curated Review*)

" On our date night at El Calamar, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. The food was delicious, and we really enjoyed the variety of seafood dishes on the menu. The only downside was that the restaurant got quite loud as more patrons came in, making conversation a bit difficult. I'd recommend this spot for its fresh seafood offerings, just make sure to pop in on a less busy night! " (*Curated Review*)

" What a fantastic atmosphere! El Calamar offers a vibrant dining setting packed with life and energy. The ceviche was fresh and bursting with flavors. However, I felt that the service could improve slightly; it wasn’t bad, just a bit slow at times during peak hours. The portions were generous, which I appreciated, making it a great value for money. Will definitely revisit! " (*Curated Review*)

" Not quite what I expected. I ordered the shrimp soup, but it was very bland and didn’t have the richness I was looking for. While I appreciated the effort by the waitstaff, it felt like they were short-staffed that day. The atmosphere felt cozy, but the quality of the food left much to be desired. Hopefully, next time will be better. I'll give it one more try. " (*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*)

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