Ortegas' Restaurant — Restaurant in Palo Cedro

Wow!! What a great Mexican restraunt! Today was my first time eating here. We had been up cutting our Christmas tree and everyone was hungry. On a whim, my wife suggested Ortega's because it was close to home and, surprise!! they served an authentic specialty we loved, Birria.

Now, Mexican quisine is my favorite. I've been to Mexico many times, I have Mexican family, I'd think I was Mexican in a prior life if I believed in that sort of thing... It's no wonder that I love Mexican food. So I was surprised to find Birria on the menu of this little place in Palo Cedro.

Anyway, the food was great. Everything but the tortillas appeared to be homemade. The rice had a definate regional character to it. The Birria was really, really good. My son's fiancé is Mexican. She gave it her full approval. My wife had the Carnitas Plate, my son had Carne Asada tacos and my daughter a burrito. We all agreed the food was outstanding. The service was good as well. I belive the gentleman serving us was the owner.

My only two caveats would be that the portions, while not stingy, are not as sumptuous as one might expect. The second is on the nitpicky side - the refried beans were on the runny side and a bit bland. I added some salt, Tapatío and mixed in some rice and it was fine, but everyone noted they could've been better.

Other than that, our first impression was very good. We are looking forward to going again soon....

Absolutely adore this place! Best Mexican food north of Sacramento, I'm sure. Definitely the most legit and tastiest in the whole Redding-adjacent area, and are s standout beyond the just the Mexican restaurant category. The service is always friendly, the food is tasty and hot, and gets served up fast, and they're the only spot Ive found, so far, that makes an actually spicy salsa. I've been here multiple times in the past year or 2 and they are consistent in being good.

I haven't had an opportunity to try their cocktails, so can't review those, but am looking forward to it as they have some interesting sounding offerings: a guava margarita was the special last time I went.

Highly recommended; this place is an...

Used to love this place, however it has really gone downhill. The once impressive salsa bar is now nearly empty--only three salsas now and they were not impressive. No bowls were available for the salsa, just little plastic solo cups (bowls finally came out when I was paying the check). Service was extremely slow. Not a good place for a lunch break--you'll be late getting back. When the food finally came it it was disappointing. Al pastor was bland, carne asada was gristley. at least the beer was cold and reasonably priced...