Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen — Restaurant in Brea

I came here to check out their drink menu and partake in the happy hour lounge menu out on their patio as we people watched and soaked up the first round of libations. I started my evening with the Fresh Watermelon (ElJimador 100% pure tequila, fresh watermelon, hibiscus juice, fresh lime and agave nectar). This was highly recommended because it was a seasonal drink and would only be around until the end of Summer. You don't have to tell me twice. I was sold and ordered another round of this wonderfully refreshing drink.

Due to traffic, I missed the first round of happy hour entrees (the guacamole and ceviche) but luckily, I was just in time for the Chicken Flautas (fresh chicken, roasted corn, gaujillo chile, Oaxacan cheese, in crisp flour tortillas, served with mango-habanero salsa). Flautas are one of my favorite Mexican dishes and these were slightly crispy and bursting with flavor. The mango habanero wasn't as spicy as you'd think it would be and added a nice cooling finish.

After another round of drinks and polishing off the flautas, we were ready for the Nachos Cha Cha's (crispy tortillas topped with epazote black beans, melted Mexican cheeses served with pico de gallo, jalapeno-escabeche, and sour cream). After one bite, it's hard to share and I like that cheese was melted over every bite. There was no chip left untouched which is exactly how I like my nachos - smothered with toppings.

Another favorite of the night was the quesadilla (Mexican cheeses, Poblano chile, white corn, jalapeno-escabeché, fire roasted tomato salsa, and sour cream). Ours came with a juicy marinated grilled skirt steak and we were licking our chops from all the flavors.

The most surprising and unassuming dish of the night was the "Wood Fired" Queso Fundido (Traditional "cazuela" baked cheeses over Oaxacan cheese, in crisp flour tortillas; roasted poblano pepper and potatoes). I didn't know what to make of this bubbling cheese dish but it was recommended that I stir up all the goodness, dig in, be silent, and just savor. I did just that and wow, I think this is the dish that will keep me coming back to Cha Cha's. Don't believe me. Order for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about.

We ran out of tortillas for our Queso Fundido but luckily we were saved by the Cha Cha Fries (crisp Yukon gold potatoes, tossed with fresh garlic and herbs, and served with a smoked chipotle aioli). There aren't your traditional fries and I liked that they were thicker and potato-y. I like potato on my fries. After all, I want to know what it's made of. Right?

The night ended with the Crisp Calamari (lightly coated with Mexican spices and golden corn meal and served with lime-cilantro aioli). I'll be the first to admit that I hate calamari but that all changed after the first bite. Cha Cha's makes a crispy calamari and my friends were surprised that I was polishing off this dish. Cha Cha's, you've changed me forever.

Cha Cha's is a great spot for date night, lunch with old friends, or a special occasion. If you're still looking for a reason to go, here are three enticing options:

Taco Tuesday - 50% off all tacos and tequila Wine and Enchilada Wednesday - 50% off enchiladas, wine, and housemade sangria Champagne Sunday Brunch - bottomless mimosa, brunch specials,...

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern following an extremely disturbing incident that occurred at your establishment today. As a frequent customer, I have previously held your business in high regard. However, the events that transpired have compelled me to reconsider my patronage and strongly advise others against visiting. The conduct of your hired security service was utterly unacceptable and deeply troubling. My sister was subjected to a verbal assault by a security personnel member for no apparent reason. The profanity and aggressive body language directed towards her were appalling and entirely unwarranted. Furthermore, I was physically assaulted by the same security individual. Upon requesting the presence of management to address this egregious behavior, a female employee emerged and responded with laughter and the dismissive statement, "Do you know who owns this place? And Brea PD has our back! And we are not calling the cops for you." This response is not only unprofessional but also demonstrates a shocking disregard for the safety and well-being of your customers. It is particularly alarming that this entire incident unfolded outside the entrance of your restaurant. The fact that your management appears to condone the actions of a third-rate security company that verbally assaults women, physically assaults customers, and, in my case, threatened me with a knife (identified as CSP Security Inc.) is incomprehensible. I find it unbelievable that Chacha's management would stand behind such reprehensible behavior, exposing your establishment to significant legal ramifications. Your handling of this situation demonstrates a complete lack of concern for your customers and a shocking endorsement of thuggish security practices. I sincerely hope that you will take this matter with the utmost seriousness and take immediate action to address the severe misconduct of your security service and the inappropriate response of your...

Updated: Aug 7, 2024

Taco Tuesday 50% off at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen in Downtown Brea!!

3 Tacos for $9 Great Deal (add $1 each for Short Rib and Shrimp) Steak Mojo (FAVE): Comes with a tomato-habanero salsa and pickled onion Chicken: comes with an Avocado salsa and lime-chile cabbage Wild Mushroom: comes with corn, rajas, cotija and avocado salsa

I wish the tacos were filled more, especially the protein. For me, the steak mojo was the most flavorful. My friend liked the short rib the best. We were both disappointed in the Wild Mushroom.

Happy Hour: Fresh Guacamole $8 Tastes creamy and yummy. Loved the fire roasted salsa that comes with it. The 1st one had a hair in it. They replaced it with a new one.

** There was also a hair stuck to the bottle of water, but we let it go. With it being a hot day and being seated outside, it would have been nice to have ice for the water. It was super busy so the server always seemed in a rush.

Grande 24oz Fresh Watermelon Margarita $22 My friend was shocked at the price when we saw the check. The 1st one was a little weak. She got another one, which was stronger. But, at $44 for 2, was it worth it?!

I’ve come here many times. It’s my first time not being able to give them 5 Stars.

One of my favorites in @brea.downtown is @chachaslatinkitchen 🌯🌮

If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a treat!

🔹 Shrimp Ceviche 🔹 Chicken Flautas 🔹Taquitos

🔹 Crab & Shrimp Enchilada 🔹 Chicken Enchilada

I love the appetizers here! The Crab & Shrimp Enchilada is delicious! It’s one of my favorites! I’ve ordered this dish many times and it doesn’t disappoint! The creamy habanero pesto sauce so flavorful!

The music can get pretty loud. The outside patio area is a little better for having conversation. Service is good.

It can get quite busy, especially on the weekends. The ambiance is fun and lively.

Overall great...