By Ashley Burnett

Enjoying Taco Tuesday while following COVID-19 guidelines can be a little complicated with constantly changing rules and regulations. But luckily, Irvine still has a plethora of options, with plenty of outdoor dining spots to enjoy the city’s perfect weather and some socially-distant tacos, plus plenty of takeout options. Here are our recommendations for where to celebrate Taco Tuesday and what deals you can expect.

Puesto

Puesto is well-known for its delicious seafood and asada, but Taco Tuesdays is when the eatery really shines. Grab your choice of any taco for $4 (and maybe indulge in a Puesto margarita for $9) from 3 p.m. until close. Favorites include the al pastor, tamarindo shrimp, and Baja fish varieties. Right now, the eatery is open for outdoor dining, as well as for pickups and delivery.

Urban Seoul 2.0

At Urban Seoul 2.0 at Irvine Spectrum, you can enjoy any taco for $2.50 on Tuesdays, from their pork belly tacos to their gogi to the spicy pork. Pair then off with a $5 soju margarita or a $4 beer for a great Tuesday night. You can enjoy either takeout or dine outdoors at Urban Seoul 2.0, which has ample seating.

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen

Tuesdays at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen are all about their signature tacos and premium tequila. Get half off both on Tuesdays—taco plates (which come with three tacos) are half off, including their signature tacos like the short rib, wild mushrooms, and steak mojo varieties. At Cha Cha’s, you can dine outside or grab an order to-go.

Chronic Tacos

Chronic Tacos has two Irvine locations for double the Taco Tuesday fun. The Chronic Tacos on Alton Parkway offers $2 tacos, while the one on Culver Drive offers $1 off their tacos during Taco Tuesdays. Both locations are currently open for takeout or delivery.

Taco Rosa

From 3 p.m. to close, enjoy the special Taco Tuesday menu at Taco Rosa with the purchase of a beverage. Tacos are $1.95-$2.95. You’ll find favorites like carnitas, frito de papa, and the blackened calamari taco on the menu. Right now, Taco Rosa is open for takeout or dining outdoors.

TLT Food

Grab tacos for $3 each on Taco Tuesdays at TLT Food, or $4 for premium tacos. Other deals include $3 house beers and $4 margaritas. Try The OC (with chicken tinga or ahi) or the Vegas (with short rib, buttermilk-fried onions and horseradish crema). TLT Food has both outdoor seating options as well as takeout options.

Taquiero Taco Patio

At the charming Taquiero Taco Patio by UCI, Taco Tuesdays mean $1 off all chicken and pork tacos (try the cochinita pibil taco or pollo asado), plus a dollar off margaritas and draft beers. Prior to the pandemic, the eatery also had mariachi bands on Tuesdays. While they aren’t hosting live music at the moment, you can still dine on their patio or order to-go.

Ashley Burnett is a writer and editor living in southern California. Her work has previously appeared in Locale, LA Travel Magazine, TravelAge West and various other publications.