La Chiquita Mexican Restaurant is an institution in Santa Ana. This year marks their sixtieth anniversary!
Their owner, Sammy Montoya, purchased the restaurant, and the similarly named mini-grocery store next door, in 1994. He has taken good care of La Chiquita ever since.
Montoya came here from a ranch in Mexico. He joined his brothers, who were both in the restaurant business. He learned quickly and then got into the business himself when he bought La Chiquita.
La Chiquita is located at 906 E. Washington, in the historic Logan Barrio. It is in an area that features businesses and homes and it is fairly close to the Santa Ana Metrolink station. The neighbors gather every year, on the final Saturday in September, at Chepa’s Park, located at 1009 N. Custer St., to celebrate the Logan Barrio Annual Reunion, with a fun and filling potluck.
Customers love La Chiquita! Here are a few excerpts from Yelp:
Painting apprentices enjoy La Chiquita’s food, while donating their painting services at the Red Cross, in Santa Ana
I have enjoyed La Chiquita’s catering for years. They have provided meals for a program I teach for. Let me just say that no one walks away with anything less than a full stomach! The crispy tacos and enchiladas are heavenly. So is the cocido.
Montoya told me about one of his customers, Morry, who came in one day and said he could no longer eat La Chiquita’s rib-sticking food, on doctor’s orders. No worries, said Montoya. He whipped together a healthy meal that is still served today. Of course it is called “Morry’s Special.” It is a bowl of “frijoles de la hoya,” pinto beans cooked in a savory broth. It is topped with salsa and diced chicken breast, with Mexican cotija cheese on top. Delicious!
Customers often dine in, but they also come by and pick up food to go. Montoya already knows their favorites!
You can call Montoya and order your food to go, or order catering services, at (714)543-8787. Click here to read La Chiquita’s menu.
And do be sure to try La Chiquita’s Happy Hour, daily from 4 to 7 pm. Domestic beer is served ice cold for only $2, and imports, including my favorite – Dos Equis Amber, can be had for only $3. And how about those Margaritas, for only $3.99?
What are Montoya’s future plans? He is now the Event Coordinator at the Green Parrot Villa. It is a wonderful venue located across the street from the Bowers Museum, on 2035 N. Main St., in Santa Ana. You can call them at 714-542-7775.
The Green Parrot Villa offers indoor seating for up to 150 guests and outdoor seating for a combined seated capacityof 300 guests. They have their own selection of suggested menus can also customize menus according to their clients’ wishes. They have a great wine selection and can accommodate everything from a business event to a wedding reception.
Montoya also has a new enterprise he is working on called ACN. Their main product is a video phone network that is now online in Korea and Mexico. This amazing phone will allow families to contact their friends and family in these countries and see their loved ones as they catch up on things. Montoya is looking for individuals who want to get involved in this opportunity. Click here to contact him.
Montoya is firmly rooted in the past, with La Chiquita, the present, with that restaurant and his bookings at the Green Parrot Cafe, and now the future, with ACN. There is truly no end to this immigrant businessman’s energy and commitment to his family and his community!
Tilly’s Life Center’s (TLC) recently raised over half a million dollars to support their youth…
On November 25, 2024, at approximately 1:46 PM, Fullerton Fire and Police personnel responded to…
OCFA fire crews responded to two significant vehicle accidents in Garden Grove last Friday, requiring…
On November 24th, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Newport Beach Fire Department units NE63, NT63,…
‼️UPDATE‼️ Earlier today, our robbery detectives arrested November 20, 2024, #WantedWednesday suspect Izaya Cuellar (35)…
Late Friday night, police officers responded to Balearic Park regarding a vehicle doing “donuts” on…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
My Mom worked alot of years for Joe Saucedo, He was the Owner at the time my mom worked there late 60's to early 70's she used to serve john Wayne's daughter Belinda, Greg Munoz Many Judges and lawyers. Joe's brother David used to run the Tortilla factory next door. I remember the Beltran's Cesar used to run the little market on the corner, his brother jimmy used to work at the meat counter. My Mom's name was Della and she used to take us to work some times and we would play with Joe and David's kids. I heard when Joe got sick and started to sell a lot of these people got together and bought the restaurant. My Mom is still around and that restraurant brings alot of memories to her as well as myself.