Greer's OC

Following in the footsteps of its 1963 namesake, Little Onion Mexican Restaurant’s much anticipated second location recently opened at Irvine’s Walnut Village Center. Featuring warm Spanish Hacienda style interiors and a lively outdoor patio, the new casual Mexican eatery is owned by Lori Reich Rowe, whose father Lorin Reich founded the original Little Onion Mexican Restaurant 56 years ago.

The Little Onion brand has enduring Southern California roots. After years of restaurant work, founder Lorin Reich acquired a Red Onion location in Hawthorne – renaming and transforming it into the hugely popular “Little Onion” brand. The Hawthorne location closed in the mid-1970s, and his daughter Lori bought the Santa Ana eatery from her father in 2010, which still operates today.

“I’m so proud to honor my father and apply my years of hospitality experience into this exciting new Irvine location,” Rowe said. “Over the years, Little Onion has gained a reputation as the place to go for good, authentic, Mexican food, and I am thrilled to carry on this family tradition over five decades later,”

The newest Little Onion Mexican Restaurant offers fresh and locally sourced traditional Mexican cuisine, including vegetarian options, at reasonable prices.

Chef Agustin Bruno now heads culinary operations at the newest Little Onion as well as the Santa Ana location – bringing nine years of industry experience including his previous two years as sous chef at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen in Brea, California. His menu for the Irvine location shares items from the Santa Ana eatery, such as Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos with Avocado Tomatillo Salsa and Pork Chop with Mole Negro as well as seasonal creative twists on the classics such as Guajillo Short Rib Braised Crispy Tempura Fried Tamal. Beverages include local craft beers, crafted cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and a carefully selected wine list.

Open daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, and starting at 9 a.m. for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner on Saturday.

Little Onion Mexican Restaurant is at 14429 Culver Drive in Irvine. 949.316.4600.

Its original location is at 110 West Macarthur Blvd. in Santa Ana. 714.979.1144.