Sarinana’s Restaurant, also known as Sarinana’s Tamale Factory, has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Santa Ana for over 85 years. This family-owned establishment occupies a converted house tucked in an industrial area, offering homestyle cooking that feels like dining at grandma’s table. Known for exceptional hard-shell tacos, fresh tamales made daily, and house-made salsas served in convenient squirt bottles, owner Teresa and her team create dishes that taste “like your mom or grandma prepared the food for you fresh at home.”
The Menu
Sarinana’s specializes in authentic Mexican comfort food with fresh, made-from-scratch preparations.
Tamales reign supreme. Made fresh daily, varieties include Pork Tamales (red sauce), Chicken Tamales (green), Cheese and Rajas Tamales (jalapeño and cheese), and Beef Tamales. Locals order dozens for Christmas. The restaurant also sells masa for home tamale-making.
Hard-Shell Tacos earned acclaim as some of Orange County’s best. Tacos Dorados (fried tacos) feature perfectly crunchy shells with shredded beef or carnitas, topped with lettuce, cheese, and house salsa. One reviewer declared these “the best crunchy tacos in Orange County.” Carnitas Tacos deliver authentic flavors.
Menudo stands out as exceptional, reminiscent of homemade versions. Popular for breakfast and brunch.
Breakfast includes Huevos a la Mexicana, Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, and breakfast burritos. The Ham and Cheese Bean Breakfast Burrito receives high recommendations. Machaca and Asada Breakfast Burritos earn praise.
Tortas include Torta de Lengua (beef tongue) with generous portions. Burritos come regular, as Wet Burritos (sauce-covered), or bowls. Sopes, Chile Relleno, Cheese Enchiladas, Taquito Plates, and Cheese Quesadillas complete the menu.
Sides include refried beans (“always great tasting”), rice, and chips. House-made salsas in squirt bottles (red and green) add authentic spice. Agua Frescas include Cucumber Lime. Horchata, Coffee, and Champurrado available.
Pricing runs $10-$20 per person, some plates $30-$50. Portions are generous.
Reservation and Delivery Options
Sarinana’s operates first-come, first-served with no reservations. The small restaurant seats about four tables inside with outdoor seating. Lines form during peak times, especially holidays and mornings for fresh tamales.
The cozy atmosphere resembles “someone’s home” with historic charm in a converted house setting. Service is fast despite small operations.
Takeout available by calling (714) 558-8650 ahead. High holiday tamale order volumes. Delivery serves Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, and Orange.
Parking: Street parking on 5th Street, lot behind restaurant (follow signs), or across the street at shopping center. A liquor store operates directly across the street.
Wheelchair accessible inside (step at entrance). Credit cards accepted. Outdoor seating available. Casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Owner Teresa provides welcoming service. Staff speaks English and Spanish. Cashier can appear overworked during busy periods.
Location & Details
Sarinana’s Restaurant is located at 2218 W 5th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703.
Phone: (714) 558-8650
Website: ordersarinanasrestaurant.com
Instagram: @sarinanastamalefactory
The restaurant operates in Santa Ana’s industrial area, a “hidden gem” that people pass without noticing, though regulars say “you can’t pass down 5th without getting Sarinana’s.”
Ratings: 4.2-4.5 stars across platforms. Google 4.4 stars (479 reviews), Restaurant Guru 4.2 (1,344 reviews), Sirved 4.5 stars, Restaurantji 362 reviews.
Reviews praise authentic flavors, generous portions, friendly service, and homestyle preparation. Many reviewers cite 60+ year histories with the restaurant. Tamales, hard-shell tacos, menudo, and breakfast burritos earn particular acclaim.
Some reviews mention occasional dry tamales or bland dishes. A few note the small, dated space and overwhelmed service during peaks. However, most celebrate authentic, home-cooked flavors.
The family-owned establishment has served Santa Ana for 85+ years, maintaining traditional recipes. Multiple reviewers describe childhood memories and family traditions connected to Sarinana’s.
Find the location: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sarinana’s+Restaurant+2218+W+5th+Street+Santa+Ana+CA
Sarinana’s represents old-school Mexican-American cooking—unpretentious, authentic, and made with love.