Naugles

This review is for the HB location. Please get it together quick. We are so excited to have Naugles back, but it was painful to order they were so slow. Cheese in the bean and cheese burrito was not melted, when the order came up the person at the window couldn’t tell us what was what.
Again, we want you back, so get it together quick before everyone moves on.

The put every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears into fighting to revive their brand and it shows in their food.
We’ve never been disappointed eating at the test kitchen. We won’t go to touristy spot on PCH, so please keep the TK running.
Good service and the owner is super friendly. Love how he embraces the community.
It was well worth the wait. The tacos are just so bomb.

It ain’t what it looks like. But hey if they can convince the new generation that this is good food. More power to them.
And as far as the Naugles name at least they bought the rights to it. But no other member of the Real Naugles family is or has anything to do with this venture capitalistic move.
Like I said more power to them. Maybe their food will get better. Hopefully

Came in here for a couple combo burritos and got hard uncooked beans that I had to keep spitting out. Besides that the burrito itself was somewhat bland tasting. I enjoyed the meat, that had a very real and fresh taste, even though it wasn’t minced enough. Overall experience was not very good and I feel I got my hopes up. I did not feel it tasted as I remembered. I did not have this experience when recently trying Pioneer Chicken out here in Downey again, for the first time in over 25 years! That instantly took me back, and woke up taste buds that have been dead for years! I expected the same with Naugles and did not get that same experience. I still might give them another chance, maybe order something else this time. Some nachos or bun taco perhaps.

Just like I remembered. The bean bowl is just amazing. Don’t know why it went away for 25 years but just happy it’s back. I hope they increase there scheduled soon. Only open Saturday and Sunday.

Blast from the past! It’s great to have Naugles back. Sure they’re just starting out in the test kitchen but they want to get it right and I think that’s great. I stopped in and got a beef and cheese burrito and a taco cup. The burrito was huge! Certainly bigger then Del Tacos version. The Taco Cup was my favorite. Full of flavor from the meat and cheese. Rock on Naugles. I hope to get back soon.

Representing El Toro Naugles aka Lake Forest:
I came in looking for my 1980’s flashback. I wanted my Macho Combo burrito with sour cream but could only find a one pound «Hambre» beef burrito on the menu so I assumed that was it so I ordered it up. Seemed extra sloppy and wet (I wonder if they still add the oatmeal to the meat to thicken it up).
Also got the nachos that came with liquid cheese and not the classic cheddar cheese, back in the day they would add a lot of real cheddar and the blast it in a steamer.
Only flashback for me today was the KROQ style music of the 80’s.
I so wanted this to be like the good old days but it fell short in my fogged memories, my 22 year old son liked it and said he would have given four stars.
Will I be back? No time soon.

Just the way I remember it a cheese burrito and nachos. Who remembers the mid to late 80’s and the 90’s. Friday and Saturday night on 182 ND and Western. That was the good old days no worries. hopefully they open more locations soon.

Went here with my wife, who grew on on Naugles. She said it tasted the same as when she was a kid growing up in the 80’s, so I’m glad she got a taste of nostalgia from her past. I got the chicken burrito, but it was bland for my taste and too many beans, which probably contributed to the blandness. Her beef tacos were very good and the classic combo cup was good, as well. Will we go back? Probably to get her fix again, but it’s a bit too far to be a regular spot.

I don’t think I actually liked the «original» «Back in the day» Naugles but took some friends that had fond memories of the «Less attractive twin» to Del Taco.
I will say that the food was really good and I will be customer when they open their new physical location «Somewhere in OC»
I read another review and they where tearing down the chips and beans, but I get that this is a shot at the nostalgia customers who are coming here for flavors and styles they remember from the 80’s. So the chips are «Era Correct» but anyone under 40 probably wouldn’t get that!
I ordered the «NOT MACHO» nachos (LOL!) and they where REALLY GOOD! If you usually eat DELTACOBELL (EL TACO) then the taco meat is pretty much what you’re going to get in those spots with a little different flavor. I liked it more, but it’s a taste thing and I’ll admit it was something of a nostalgia thing. I was a child of the 70’s in the OC and this place tasted like I was 10 again!
Wife ordered a Taco and Bean and Cheese Burrito (She wants it pointed out that she didn’t eat it all because it was a ton of food!) both good portions and tasty.
The other couple with us ordered the «NOT MACHO» Combo burrito and his wife ordered the Taco cup with thumbs up and smiles said they are looking forward to having this as an option.
Fountain Sodas are not big brand name sodas, they only come in one size but you can have refills, We had the Cream Soda and Root Beer at our table and they where both winners!
This isn’t a «TACO SHOP» or authentic Mexican food spot. It’s a «Weto» Surfer kid on the way home from the beach, Simplified for gringo tastes Mexican food spot but they do exactly that pretty well!
Thanks for reading my review!

This is as good as it gets! I am just old enough to remember Naugles as a kid. I have to admit I was pretty excited when I found out they were re-​opening. To anyone complaining that it wasn’t 100% up to their expectations, yes please go back to eating that crap at Del Taco and Taco bell that will assuredly give you food poisoning.
The food here costs more, because they use real ingredients– DUH. The difference in quality is noticeable if you know anything at all about food quality. I cannot remember the last time I went to any fast food chain that gave such huge portions of real ground beef. That being said, I recommend the Combo burrito, and the hard shelled tacos. This is real old school fast food people. I weep for future generations who never knew what fast food places used to be like. But you have a chance here, so get your ass over to Naugles and thank me later.

It’s probably the nostalgia that brings people back. Visited the test kitchen with my parents (mom worked a second job at Naugles when we were growing up). Ordered a few different thing to try — chicken burrito, cheese burrito with red sauce, chips and salsa. The chicken burrito was good, cheesy burrito was not quite melted, and the chips were store-​bought and stale.
Frankly, I much prefer Del Taco. A bit pricy for the offerings too. Might come back if in the area, but isn’t worth a special trip.

We have been here a couple times now and have never been disappointed. Great service and great food. Reminds me of some good childhood memories with the sauces and the quality of the food. I can’t wait until they open up more locations to make it more accessible to everybody. We’ve had the salad cups, combination burritos, and the bun tacos. The cheese burrito is amazing as well.
The best part about this place is you’ll never have to ask for extra cheese like some of those «other places.»
This is a test kitchen so they are still working on future items and refining everything.

You know what? Naugles isn’t bad. I totally get that this isn’t the original Naugles and is more of a Naugles reincarnate based off the many articles I’ve read from local publications and even a few Unilocal reviews, but I’ve been wanting to try this place out since they first got bombarded their first weekend and yes, I could definitely see myself coming back if I ever think about it on a Saturday or Sunday.
I came in after the lunch rush and found plenty of seating, quick service, and affordably priced food. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito, a bun taco, and a bean cup. All. For. Me. I regret nothing. Red sauce on everything since I know that’s what Naugles was known for.
I wouldn’t expect anything unique or out of the ordinary from Naugles. Quite honestly, I came here because the name is a legend and I’m a sucker for novelty. Naugles is the equivalent of Del Taco (probably because Del Taco came from Naugles) so if you’re a fan of DT, you’ll likely enjoy Naugles.

OK so it was more like two and three-​quarter stars. I was really excited about getting to visit Naugels, because this is a place I ate at all The time when I was in high school and certainly paid many a 2:00am visit as a young adult when the bar shut down. Naugels did an excellent job of soaking up the alcohol .
I ordered an original crispy taco, combo burrito, and a combo cup. All of the portion sizes were way larger then I remember them being. I was barely able to finish the taco and a couple bites of the combo cup and took the ginormous burrito home for later. The taco shell was a little on the stale side, and while the taco had plenty of meat which would make most people happy I was looking for a little more lettuce. The burrito was HUGE, like on par with Chipotle. I was really surprised. The combo cup that I ordered was basically beans meat, cheese and sauce. I was thinking I was ordering the old taco in a cup. No biggie, it was just a repeat of what I already ordered .
So while the nostalgia factor was there for me the food really didn’t deliver the flavor packed punch I was looking for.

I don’t know anything about the old Naugles, but I did want to check out this place due to the hype. Came over on a Sunday and ordered a sample of different items to go, and after the staff got done arguing with each other they took my order. I got 2 burritos, and 4 tacos, and I had to go back since they forgot my burrito.
On to the food. I would say like some other Unilocalers that this food tastes like really good Del Taco (and that isn’t an insult, I like DT). The only difference is that they don’t have Del Taco prices.
Hard beef tacos: ²⁄₅ stars – A standard taco shell with meat and toppings. It tasted good, but for $ 2.50 it wasn’t worth the price. A normal taco that should be 99 cents max.
Chicken soft taco: ⁴⁄₅ stars – I really like the portion size, and if I returned I would get this again. Chunks of chicken with toppings, and was really filling. Chicken was tasty!
Combo and Bean Burritos ³⁄₅ stars — Wasn’t a fan of the portion size and the price. The food was really good, the beans are very good, but again it seemed like the burritos were light and for the cost (3.50÷5.50) it wasn’t worth it, they taste like Del Taco burritos.
I really liked their sauce that they offered, it had a unique taste, and the sauce alone makes the trip worth it — -
I thought Naugles was ok considering everything. This is their test location, and I hope it works out for them to expand, I think their product has great potential for improvement, and I think once they get to somewhere permanently the sky is the limit.
If I am in the area and the timing is right I would stop by again, but other than the sauce, I can get this elsewhere. If you haven’t tried Naugles, it’s worth giving them a chance.

Having over 900 reviews, I get my fair share of replies from business owners. Recently, the owner of Naugles sent me the longest, most detailed response I have ever received. Kudos to him for caring so much about a single review. I still stand behind what I wrote but I greatly respect the time and trouble he went through to send me this note…
Here is part 1. No, it all would not all fit in one update…
Hi Mike,
We have an official website where people can ask us questions and we have good answers for everything you brought up. But since I just saw your review on Unilocal I wanted to address a few points.
First of all, we do not push nostalgia. We simply offer good food. If someone wants to read nostalgia into it then they can. There are many chains that started before Naugles did that are still around and people do not go to them for nostalgia. When people went to Naugles in the 70’s and 80’s they just went because they liked the food.
«I was kind of excited to try it again after so long but I am no longer a fan of retried beans in my burritos, or ground beef in my Mexican food.»
This is just the Naugles theme. It’s not trying to be everything. We’ve tried adding carnitas and people went ballistic over us attempting to change things up. Of course, the Mexicans who tried our carnitas loved it. But they also love our ground beef. But obviously there’s still a matter of personal preference and if someone doesn’t like beans (I am not a big bean person myself) or ground beef (I am okay with it now and then) then, hey, they don’t like it. By the way, if your concern with refried beans is lard (and I’m not sure that it is) then I will point out that there is no lard in our beans; just fresh pinto beans, water, and some spices and a little bit of salt. I do prefer black bean burritos myself and that option for Naugles may be explored later on.
«The place is not fit to house a restaurant. Why they picked this location is beyond me. For a corporate kitchen or offices, sure.»
Our signage clearly and unmistakably and distinctly shows that that’s exactly what it is: a corporate kitchen. The guy running the deli that was there before told us he thought it might be better if we used his space as a starter store for our chain. We got a good deal on the lease so we took it. In the meantime, we are heavily scouting more suitable locations and a note on our doors says as much.
«But a retail store across the street from the water treatment plant? Please… The poop factory is pumping out all sorts of aromas and, on certain days, it’s beyond stinky.»
I’ve been there at all times of day (literally around the clock, 24 hours a day) and have never detected any of the aromas and have never seen a customer detect them and have never seen any complain about it. Different spots along Ellis might get those smells but we don’t.
«Terrible parking and inadequate seating must have their business park neighbors scratching their heads.»
The parking issue is one of the reasons we switched to weekend-​only hours for the time being. There was no rule that said we had to but we wanted to be considerate to neighboring businesses.
«The beef was okay, but still not a fan of ground beef in my tacos.»
So you went in knowing you wouldn’t like it. Fair enough. We also have chicken and may be adding other protein options such as pork.
«Lettuce and cheese and tomato were good and I added more of the red sauce.»
So, at least something turned out good for you.
«There are far better Mexican fast food joints that serve carne asada, carnitas, fish, fresh salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, chiles or rice that offer a more refined taste that, in my opinion, far transcends this 70’s nostalgia that others were craving.»
We actually make our salsas and hot sauces fresh on the premises. And, once again, we are not offering nostalgia. When people go to In-​N-​Out (which opened 22 years before Naugles did) they go because they like the food. We feel we are simply bringing something back that should have never gone away, and only went away, not due to lack of popularity, but because of a couple bad business moves.
More importantly, we have never claimed Naugles to be the only type of Mexican food people should eat. We also are extremely aware that it is Mexican food that has been Americanized somewhat. Apart from my Naugles work I write a blog about Mexican food I have tried in Orange County and having started Naugles has not kept me from continuing to try more. I have had carne asada, pollo, carnitas, al pastor, goat, grasshopper, rabbit, quail, cabeza, lengua, tripas and much, much more in my experience so far at approximately 300 Mexican restaurants in the county (and many more outside the county) of all different types.

Ok … You already get this isn’t the best fast –mex food any of will ever enjoy! BUT!!! They are really close to genus! While they continue to re-​build the iconic 80’s brand of Naugles this will do!
The positives!!! It’s back!!! The smell alone sparks so many memories prepare to wait about 20 people long, most of those in line are excited to talk about their past /80’s visits to Naugles. There is one register with a credit card reader so be patient! You will live! Participated in the shared excitement! They play the sweet sounds of 80’s music!
We brought up some of our kids who grew up eating the Naugles substitute Del Taco. It has done fine but anyone lucky enough to have tried the original knows there’s a difference! And we’ve indoctrinated them since birth! What they do have is a very small offering of the original menu «for now». Wow, they nailed the taste and smells!
Negatives. Cost is high for beans and ground beef. And it’s a very limited menu so not for everyone. They need to be more efficient. Only one out of the five burritos didn’t fall apart, they need to practice their wrapping skills. We asked for the combo burritos to come with the lettuce, tomato etc. didn’t. Everyone enjoyed their food. Remember… They aren’t reinventing the wheel it’s the flavor of beans and the experience.
All in all a great shared family adventure! Will be back just for fun to share with others. Maybe not so much for the food.

We went in with an open mind.
There is no price cap, on the price we will pay for our food, good food that, is!
First and foremost,
Naugles might have been good 20+ years ago, but not anymore. They should have stayed extinct.
My wife and I ordered:
1 bean and cheese burrito w/​red $ 3.50
1 hombre chicken burrito w/​red $ 8.00
2 bottle drinks $ 4.00
2 hard shell tacos $ 5.00
The food overall is extremely bland, nothing unique. their prices are ridiculously high! $ 2.50 for a hard shell taco, which has only ground meat and lettuce garnished with a small piece of tomato on top.
No sour cream!
The shell was not crispy.
The hombre chicken burrito has a bit more beans than their regular bean & cheese burrito. We got ours with chicken and red sauce. $ 8.00.
RIDICULOUS!
Bland, no flavor, no taste!
The chicken has no seasoning, no taste, no flavor.
The bean & cheese burrito $ 3.50, just about the same size of DEL TACO 1 POUND BURRITO.
SAME!
Bland
No flavor
No taste.
The beans have no flavor, bland.
We tried the hot sauce and the mild/​original.
Same.
Bland
no flavor
no taste to them.
Hey Naugles V. P of Sales, advertisement and product development!
Why should I go spend $ 20.50 for 1 bean & cheese burrito, 1 hombre burrito and 2 hard shell tacos.
I can go into any Del Taco, get a hell of a lot more food for the same price,
better food
better quality
better product
that actually tastes good.
I was a customer of yours back in the 80′. I know what your food use to taste like.
It’s not the same anymore. you spent way too much money in court fighting to get back in business and your trying to recover your court cost by GOUGING the clientele your trying to bring back.
I am sorry, but this is and was the first and last time, I will patronize your establishment.
Side note:
Del Taco
Taco Bell
and any other similar fast food restaurants have nothing to worry about.

Do you remember the 80’s I certainly do we would come with my mom to Naugles for a quick bite to eat when I was a little grommet as it was always a good choice for quality fast food!
This totally reminded me of how Del Taco was in the late 80’s and early 90’s when it seemed like they actually used ingredients that didn’t seem all that fake!
Naugles was delicious and I’m stoked that I found this because it’s close to my work and being one of the first ones to hit it up as I know this place is going to blow up soon with a line out the door and down the street!
Keeping it simple I ordered a Combo Burrito and a Chicken Taco.
Combo Burrito had ground beef, beans, cheese, and red sauce it was super scrumptious and totally hit the spot with that said it also did remind me of the ones that I would get back in the 80’s as it tasted fresh and just all around good!
The chicken taco was also pretty good fresh grilled chicken cheese lettuce and tomatoes that went very well with their hot sauce.
The hot sauce wasn’t really hot but had more of a pepper kinda concept to it but it pared well with the food and gave it a little added delicious boost!
They have a variety of unique sodas I had the black cherry as that’s always my favorite choice and the only time I ever really see that is when I come across the delicious Faygo version, anyway it did not disappoint and had a wonderful cherry flavor that I enjoyed down to the last drop.
I’m sure that this is just a first of many visits to come seeing that I overheard that they intend on opening many more stores by the end of the year some being 24hrs and others just being day stores I guess either way I’m stoked that they are bringing back something that was good in the past and still continues to be good in the present!