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Mercado González Brings Mexican Marketplace Experience to La Habra

08.17.26

Northgate González Market is bringing its acclaimed Mercado González experience to La Habra, transforming one of the company's longest-standing neighborhood stores into a culinary and cultural destination inspired by the mercados found throughout Mexico.

Building on the success of the flagship Mercado González in Costa Mesa, the reimagined La Habra location will blend the everyday convenience of grocery shopping with authentic Mexican food, artisan goods, live entertainment and gathering spaces that celebrate the richness of Mexican culture.

"For decades, our La Habra store has proudly served generations of families while supporting community partners like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The Gary Center, La Habra and Sonora high schools, and the Boys & Girls Club of La Habra," said Oscar González, co-president of Northgate González Market. "Now we're creating something even more special, a place where people can gather, discover regional flavors, celebrate our traditions, and experience the warmth and hospitality that define Mexico. Mercado González is more than a grocery store; it's where the table comes to life."

The transformation will introduce a new guest experience while continuing to offer the fresh groceries, quality meats, produce and authentic ingredients customers have come to expect from Northgate Market.

Guests will find a lively marketplace filled with handcrafted details, colorful murals, authentic Mexican architecture and culinary destinations designed to transport visitors to the heart of Mexico.

Highlights of the new Mercado González in La Habra include:

Authentic puestos (food stalls): Regional Mexican specialties throughout the market, including Taquería Los Mesquites, Carnitas Don Miguel, Guisados Las Cazuelas, Rosticería Los 13 Pollos, Cevichería El Pariente, Tamalería, Aguas Frescas, Paletería La Nena, Pastelería La González, Tortillería La González and Carnicería La Preferida.

El Moro Churrería: The iconic Mexico City churrería returns to Mercado González, serving its world-famous churros and signature hot chocolate.

Entre Nos Bar: An indoor gathering space where guests can enjoy Mexican beers, craft cocktails, mezcal and tequila, along with live entertainment with friends and family.

Entertainment stage and outdoor patio: A new stage and expanded patio will host live music and community programming, creating a festive atmosphere that brings people together beyond the shopping experience.

Artesanías and dulcería: Authentic Mexican artisan crafts, gifts and traditional sweets that celebrate Mexico's rich artistic heritage.

Additional details, including the grand opening celebration and opening date, will be announced in the coming months.

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Habana Turns the Lights Down for Weekly Candlelight Dinners

08.17.26

Wednesday nights just got warmer at Habana at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. The Cuban restaurant has launched La Candela, a candlelight dinner series held every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m., exclusively at the Costa Mesa location.

More than 600 candles set the scene throughout the dining room and garden patio, creating a glowing backdrop for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. La Candela features Habana's full regular menu alongside a handful of special dishes, including stuffed tostones filled with ropa vieja, roasted pork and shrimp for $18; sea bass a la plancha, pan-seared and served with cilantro rice, buttered cauliflower and carrots, finished with a grilled pineapple relish, for $35; lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onion, tomatoes, bell pepper and fries served over buttered rice, for $35; and a banana fritter for dessert, $18.

The cocktail list rounds things out nicely. Habana recommends pairing La Candela with a pina colada, house-made sangria or the Mojito 1995, named for the year the restaurant first opened its doors.

Step inside Habana and you're transported to 1940s Havana, where old Cuba's spirited culture meets the laid-back, sun-soaked energy of Southern California.

La Candela runs every Wednesday night at Habana in The LAB Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner starting at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays, plus weekend brunch beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For reservations or more information, call 714-556-0176 or visit restauranthabana.com.

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