Award-winning

Chaak KITCHEN

4.8

1835 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Top Tags:

Inspired by Executive Chef Gabbi Patrick’s Yucatecan roots, CHAAK features Mayan staples of pibil, recados, seafood, smoke, and exotic spices combined with her signature modern flare. Located in Southeastern Mexico, the Yucatan peninsula differs from other regional Mexican cuisine with Spanish, Caribbean, and Mediterranean influences, dense tropical climate, and deep roots of the native Mayan culture. Experience the spirit of the Yucatan at CHAAK.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 51 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Regional Mexican, Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Fri, Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Bar Fri–Sun 2:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(657) 699-3019
Website
http://www.chaakkitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic, Women
Executive chef
Gabbi Patrick
Private party facilities
For parties of 8 or more, please call us!

Location
215 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Neighborhood
Tustin
Cross street
E 2nd Street and El Camino Real
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

CHAAK WINE TASTING: "Mexico Comes to Tustin"
$55.00 per person
Prepaid
Oct 16, 2023 only
Join us on Monday, October 16th for an exclusive Wine Tasting event with La Competencia Imports! This private event will feature over 20+ wineries from Baja, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Zacatecas, and Coahuila. This is one of the biggest showcases of Mexican Wines in Orange County, as Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen + CHAAK Kitchen have been among the first to support Mexican Wines. Monday, 10/16, 4-6pm @ CHAAK | Private Event | Wine Tastings + Small Bites Included | Order wines for take-home available for purchase!

Popular dishes

Sikil P'ak$9.00
pumpkin seed dip, totopos, cucumbers
Ceviche Campeche$17.00
striped bass, octopus, tomato, avocado, leche de tigre
Crudo Chaak$16.00
hamachi, aguachile, habanero quemado, shallot escabeche
House-Made Sausages$17.00
veal, spicy pork, escabeche
Camarones en Recado Negro$17.00
tiger prawns, mojo de ajo, chilmole rice, radish salpicón
Campeche Pulpo al Guajillo$17.00
charred octopus, garbanzo puree, chayote, red chorizo
Almejas al Vapor Picantes$17.00
little neck clams, green chorizo, herb broth, scallions, avocado
Arugula Salad$14.00
avocado, soft-boiled egg, lardons, manchego, house dressing
Smoked Chicken Salad$15.00
persian cucumbers, baby gems, avocado, cherry tomato, citrus vinaigrette
Pavo en Recado Negro$19.00
turkey, blackened chilmole, radish salpicon, tortillas
Codoniz a la Brasa$19.00
grilled herbed texas quail, crema de esquites

Masa

Enchilada en Cazuela$15.00
gruyere, swiss, monterrey, red chile sauce, avocado, crema
Tamal Colado$15.00
spicy pork sausage, wild mushroom ragu, scallions
Empanadas$14.00
oaxaca cheese, epazote, habanero-romesco salsa

Panuchos y Salbutes

Pato Ahumado$17.00
cherrywood smoked muscovy duck, salpicon, molcajete habanero, duck chicharron
Pollo Pibil$16.00
cherrywood smoked chicken, salpicon, escabeche, tomate frito
Cochinita Pibil$16.00
smoked achiote pork, escabeche, avocado aioli, salpicon

Jardin

Esquites$12.00
grilled corn, bone marrow, lime, cilantro, pecorino
Rajas con Queso$14.00
oaxaca cheese, roasted pasilla, charred pearl onions
Chayote Frito$9.00
fried chayote, avocado aioli
Coliflor$14.00
roasted cauliflower, mojo de ajo, chile aioli
Ejotes$14.00
F.M. green beans, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, pecorino cheese

Main | Fuego

Makkum Whole Branzino$52.00
achiote-citrus, roasted peppers, onions, hoja santa
Parrillada Yucatan$52.00
8 oz. prime arrachera, spicy sausage, pollo pibil
Cochinita Pibil$32.00
achiote smoked pork shoulder, au jus, avocado aioli
Pollo Pibil$28.00
cherrywood smoked half chicken, thyme-achiote glaze, chayote-apple slaw
Bone in Prime New York Strip$76.00
24 oz bone in New York, porcini recado, papa fritas, watercress coulis

What 1,835 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Orange County
Innovative
Orange County
Contemporary Mexican
North Orange County
Innovative

1,835 Reviews

v
vralba
Los Angeles
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this creative and delicious restaurant! We meet family and friends here whenever possible! (good mid-way point between Los Angeles and Northern San Diego County.
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GM
GiedreM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience5
The food was great and so was the experience. The only negative I have is that food was coming out so quickly that we felt rushed.
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PM
PragmaticMBA
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The flavors of the Yucatán highlighted in the food were amazing and unlike any Mexican restaurant we have ever been to. The chef has done an outstanding job with composing the menu items. Everything is served family style allowing everyone in our party to sample a little of each item we ordered making the experience very enjoyable. The ambiance is perfect socializing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is delicious. Orange margarita was wonderful. Love the setting. Noise level quite high.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience1
Cochinita pibil is amazing. I get it every time. Only reason I ranked low for ambience was because it was so loud in there…I had to read lips and sit very close to my friend. Also it was freezing on the inside near the kitchen even. We should have sat outside on the super cold night because at least they had heaters. At one point we even felt the AC come on. Otherwise, good and drinks were incredible as always.
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CH
CHJK
Orange County
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience5
Service was fine, but subpar. Food was extremely salty and meat was surprisingly dry.
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RD
RumDood
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fantastic. Everything is served"family style" so you're able to try a lot of stuff. Cocktails were very good - especially the El Jefe. Highly recommend the roasted carrots. Our server, Jenny, was wonderful.
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JM
JaimeM
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We ate here for our anniversary. It was fun, delicious and enjoyed the atmosphere. Might be nice to see some new items on the menu.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is absolutely amazing! Second time did not disappoint whatsoever. Totally recommend
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server Orlando was great, food with the exception of the reddish discoloration on the lettuce was superb. Definitely going back and recommending this restaurant to all my friends and family.
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S
Sophia
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Been here twice, once indoor and once outdoor seating. Food is good, but on the saltier side for most of the dishes. If it wasn’t too salty, other dishes were slightly bland. Given the accolades, I expected more flavorful dishes. Atmosphere and service was nice.
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AR
AngelaR
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely amazing!!!! And so was our waiter Ryan. I would give the venue and him both 10 stars if I could do it. :)
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IR
IanR
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing!! Definitely recommend it. Creative and delicious options that are great for sharing.
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S
Soccergirl
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, knowledgeable server, amazing drinks!
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N
None
Orange County
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unbelievable service, food and atmosphere. What a fun place!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Only reason for the one star deduction was parking. So much space surrounding the restaurant but no parking spots. Now that’s out of the way we had a great lunch. We were greeted quickly. Sat in a great table. Isa was friendly and went above to explain the dishes as it was our first time there. Which she did ask which I always appreciate since it sets the tone we will likely need help with recommendations and item ingredients. My husband is gluten sensitive and diary sensitive and she did an excellent job ensuring our meals met his needs but also providing me with the items we edited so I was able to enjoy the meal completely. I really tried remember what we ordered but we ordered so much. I know it was the ceviche, some dip (it wasn’t amazing but it was good), a turkey dish and a pork dish, also the bombas. Yum! We will be back and hope Isa is our server as we really thought she was attentive to details and explained ingredients so we were comfortable
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ryan our server was very cool and nice. Other staff were also really nice.
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SS
SebastianS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Delightful Experience! my wife and I had a delicious dinner and will be back again soon.
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N
Nancym
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I love the eclectic ambiance of this restaurant, it really feels good. We brought my mom 95 years old for a birthday lunch ….great service from our waiter, interesting menu good food and margaritas!
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C
Candy
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My daughter and I love the food at Chaak.The spices are just perfect and the food is always delicious.Yo add to that, the service is excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this place! The drinks and food are amazing! Love how it looks inside. Definitely will be coming back
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KK
KlaudiaK
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Omg! What an incredible dinner the ambience the drinks and we had that special steak for two and it was absolutely delicious five stars I would give it 10 stars if I could our waiter was incredible attentive, he selected of wine with our meal and it was delicious. We will be back and we will be telling anybody that has two ears!
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L
Lovelunchout
Los Angeles
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Fantastic all around. Very enjoyable experience. Food and drinks are outstanding. Very pretty place. Two things to be aware of. It's an indoor/outdoor space and since it's summer the place is pretty much opened up. Was hot outside when we went and so it was warm inside. Server mentioned that they serve family style so it's not like they bring out all the appetizers at the same time and then a little later all the entrees. Things seem to come out when they're ready.
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h
hallowedpeno
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best and most unique restaurants in OC, great for sharing a bunch of different plates with good friends!
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RP
ReenaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and great atmosphere. Everything we ordered was fantastic!
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NN
NormaN
Orange County
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
Great venue. Food too spicy for me but hubby loved it. Service was a little stuffy but on point
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our new favorite places in OC! Food was amazing, service was great, and ambiance was super fun and energetic.
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FV
FVFoodie
Orange County
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
So good! We have been several times and this was our best experience yet. All of the food was so good and the drinks were excellent. Mezcal Old Fashioned is my new favorite drink. We had lots of dishes - our favorites were the carme crudo, enchiladas, Almejas al Vapor Picantes, smoked chicken - it was all so good. Can't wait to go back.
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MC
MichaelC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
What a great hidden place! We've already been back and intend to go often. Just too awesome an experience of everything, from food to ambiance to staff in an area you wouldn't expect, to not return (often). Can't recommend it more.
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a
annag
Orange County
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal! We ordered the strip steak and it took me right back to my favorite restaurant in Venice! Worth every penny and only a short drive instead of a cross country flight. I’ll be back for this specifically again. Well done Gabbi!
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AH
AlexH
Orange County
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service is always attentive and very accommodating!
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EB
EdgarB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food here is amazing and an explosion of taste in your mouth. can't wait to come back
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A
Ashley
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our experience at Chaak. We ordered a lot and just shared amongst our party. Standouts for me was the tartar, Ceaser, esquites, octopus and the branzino. The cocktails were also great. Would highly recommend!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food as always! Ceviche, prawns, turkey mole, branzino, steak - must try! Foodies place!
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SB
SkelBel
Denver
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Restaurant in the OC. Caesar Salad is amazing. Also very cool drink menu. The Melipona is to die for.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything tasted really good. We definitely go back to try more drinks and dishes.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! Beautiful ambiance! Good service. Nice variety of food on menu
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CM
CynthiaM
Portland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always stellar: high quality, sustainably sourced, exceptionally fresh ingredients in unique dishes prepared expertly. It's a true culinary experience to dine here and we look forward to our visits as special treats. The food and beverage menus change periodically just enough to pique one's interest, but it's always so hard to forgo a favorite in lieu of a new experience. Either way, one is never disappointed. I recently embarked on an anti-inflammatory nutrition regimen and was so happy to find items that met my needs because Gabbi Patrick's kitchens use such amazing healthful ingredients! I especially enjoyed the current Aqua Fresca ~ a delicious, refreshing non-alcohol beverage.
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T
Twinmom
Orange County
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was fantastic, as always. Chaak is our go-to for any family celebration.
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g
gtse
Los Angeles
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
Really excellent food! The sausage torta was unique and delicious. It wasn’t too crowded on Saturday noon which is great for catching up with friends!
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FAQs

Chaak KITCHEN is rated 4.8 stars by 1835 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 51 times today

Experiences are available.

215 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Cross street
E 2nd Street and El Camino Real
Neighborhood
Tustin
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Fri, Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Bar Fri–Sun 2:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Regional Mexican, Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Latinx or Hispanic, Women
Executive chef
Gabbi Patrick
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.chaakkitchen.com/
Phone number
(657) 699-3019
Private party facilities
For parties of 8 or more, please call us!

Chaak KITCHEN

Make a reservation

Additional information

CHAAK WINE TASTING: "Mexico Comes to Tustin"

Ceviche Campeche

Makkum Whole Branzino

Esquites

Entradas

Sikil P'ak$9.00

Ceviche Campeche$17.00

Crudo Chaak$16.00

House-Made Sausages$17.00

Camarones en Recado Negro$17.00

Campeche Pulpo al Guajillo$17.00

Almejas al Vapor Picantes$17.00

Arugula Salad$14.00

Smoked Chicken Salad$15.00

Pavo en Recado Negro$19.00

Codoniz a la Brasa$19.00

Masa

Enchilada en Cazuela$15.00

Tamal Colado$15.00

Empanadas$14.00

Panuchos y Salbutes

Pato Ahumado$17.00

Pollo Pibil$16.00

Cochinita Pibil$16.00

Jardin

Esquites$12.00

Rajas con Queso$14.00

Chayote Frito$9.00

Coliflor$14.00

Ejotes$14.00

Main | Fuego

Makkum Whole Branzino$52.00

Parrillada Yucatan$52.00

Cochinita Pibil$32.00

Pollo Pibil$28.00

Bone in Prime New York Strip$76.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Chaak KITCHEN restaurant rated?

Is Chaak KITCHEN currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information