The Halal Guys

Halal does not only mean meat. If there is a music at the background with curse words and workers are collected randomly, that place is not really halal. That was my experience.

This is a great place for a quick bite to eat. It\'s often packed (at least during lunch), so it\'s not like a relaxing spot where you can leisurely eat with friends. But if I\'m in a rush, this is a great place to get food in like 2 minutes (assuming no line) and it\'s super casual. The food is good, and both the red and white sauces are AMAZING -- legitimately maybe some of the best sauces I\'ve ever had on anything. It\'s basically street food (Halal Guys is famous for its food carts in NYC), so it\'s not the healthiest. I do crave it every now and then, but afterwards I sometimes wish I hadn\'t consumed such oily/greasy food. Still, really glad this place is open. If you haven\'t tried it, you\'re missing out.

I have been a long time fan of the original halal cart in NY. Obviously I got really excited when I learnt that they have opened a location about 4 miles from where I work in Tustin, CA. My first 3 trips were all in vain because I did not want to stand in line for hour and a half plus. Finally I made it one day (actually at night for dinner) and got a chance to finally get reintroduced to the mixed platter. It was OK nothing spectacular. Two things that I immediately realized that the quantity was way less than what I am used to getting at the cart in NY also taste was about 80% of what I remembered when compared to the original. The place was extremely busy and I counted more than a dozen people in the kitchen and behind the counter, as compared to 3 or 4 guys at the cart in NY. However the line moved really slow. The staff needs to work fast! As compared to the line here in in Cali. the line in NY moves 3 to 4 times faster. I might go back to this location but it is definitely not a deal at all. For almost $10 you get a little more than half of the food that you get in NY for cheaper.

I\'m in love! Obviously not as good as NYC, but it\'s getting there! Service was extremely fast. Wish they put more white sauce on the rice, but overall, delicious!

The food is so good I almost cried. It\'s the Adele of halal restaurants.

Awesome food! The classic platter with chicken

Have been hearing about this place from so many people and was not disappointed when we went in. I have returned many many times and the food is always excellent! I usually the Extra Protein (double meat), because I like to make it 2 meals for about the price of 1 and a half. Always friendly, fast and hassle free! Love this place the other ones in Long Beach and Los Angeles.

It was quite similar to the Halal Guys in Houston in terms of service, taste and ambiance. I tried the chicken wrap which was pretty good. The service was fast. Will be back again if i am in the area.

Slightly disappointed in the food here. Had both the Chicken and Gyro platters. The chicken was better. Service was fast and friendly. For take-out they pack it up good and give you large packet of the white and red sauce (whichever you prefer) which is good. The red sauce is pretty spicy (more than I expected). Look forward to try again when they come to the Bay Area

Anonymous

Yelp

Dec 22, 2024

3

Wanted to try the famous Halal Guys but didn’t want to go to New York so I came here. I ordered a gyro beef and falafel plate. I got 3 lines of the red sauce and that sauce was hot af, I had no idea but I do now. After this experience I watched videos on YouTube warning about the sauce. The food was a bit overrated and the portion wasn't that big but it was good to try this restaurant. The employees were chill too.

Anonymous

Yelp

Oct 31, 2024

5

The Halal Guys in Costa Mesa is absolutely fantastic! If you're a fan of delicious, flavorful, and authentic halal food, this place is a must-visit. The chicken and beef gyro platter is to die for—perfectly seasoned and cooked, served on a bed of fluffy rice with fresh veggies and their famous white sauce that’s just the right balance of creamy and tangy. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of food you get. The staff is always friendly and quick, making the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, The Halal Guys consistently delivers an incredible meal. Highly recommend to anyone craving tasty and satisfying Middle Eastern cuisine!

Anonymous

Yelp

Oct 3, 2024

4

The food was okay. It was good but not great. My family and I got the beef and chicken platter, the chicken and falafel platter, and a chicken sandwich to go. We paid almost $50 for these three items. Thought that was a little steep, but I wanted to try it. Luckily, as we walked out an employee realized they had not served the falafel on my plate, I am glad they caught it because I would have been very upset to get home and find out they got my order wrong.

Anonymous

Yelp

Apr 28, 2024

5

One of the best places to have Gyro! Food was fresh, excellent customer service, overall a very good experience.

Anonymous

Yelp

Mar 22, 2024

4

Tasty! The carts in the east coast load the platters more. The price went up as well, the price is 13.50 now in 4/23. But the food was very good ?

Anonymous

Yelp

Sep 17, 2023

2

This halal guys is not the same as others I've tried. NY halal guys was amazing and Chicago locations same... The food at this Costa Mesa spot is not good. Gyro meat chopped up like ground beef flavorless meat.

Anonymous

Yelp

Mar 3, 2023

4

We went here after a night at the beach. I had this before in SF but still wanted to check this one out. I got the combo platter with chicken and beef. I saw some complaints on here about the portions but I'ma a big dude and it was definitely enough for me. My wife got the sandwich and fries. Everything worked out. I would return if in the area.

Anonymous

Yelp

Dec 29, 2022

2

My meal was mostly rice and lettuce, thin slices of beef and no substance to the meal at all. Really you’ll get better value at a Burger joint. Don’t waste your money.