Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa, CA: What to Expect

Nov 26

The long awaited Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market is finally open!

Unlike the other food halls in Orange County, Mercado Gonzalez is a true blend between a food hall and an actual grocery store. Some visitors are here to do groceries, some are here to enjoy a meal and live entertainment, and some end up doing both.

Northgate Market was started as a local market by the Gonzalez family, with its first location in Anaheim, CA. They’ve since become one of the most popular Latino grocers in California.

Mercado Gonzalez Vendors

Here’s a list of the vendors you can find:

Carniceria - a variety of cuts of meat

El Moro Churreria - freshly made churros and champurrado (Mexican chocolate drink)

Cremeria - delicious fresh cheese

Tortilleria - watch these tortillas come right off the conveyor belt

Mercado Gonzalez tortilla stand — Freshly made tortillas

Tamaleria - order tamales for your family party or enjoy them on-site

Birreria - birria is a traditional Mexican meat stew that you can eat by itself or with tacos and other dishes

Asados Los Mesquites

Pasteleria Gonzalez

Floreria - a selection of flower arrangements

Mercado Gonzalez flower arrangement selection

Mariscos El Pariente - seafood dishes

Hacienda La Cofradia - a walk-in refrigerator stocked with beer and liquor

Aguas Frescas - fresh juices

Paleteria La Nena - ice cream and paletas

El Sinaloense - Mexican-style sushi

Chiva Torta - tortas

Las Cazuelas Guisados - guisados

Marisqueria El Puerto - fresh seafood to take home

Panaderia - desserts for your sweet tooth

Dulceria - traditional candies, as well as Mexican-inspired ones

Chiles Y Especias

Maizano - restaurant specializing in Mexican corn dishes

Key Info

Address: 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA

Parking: There is free parking in the lot out front, but there’s also valet for a fee.

Meet Joshua Gonzalez, General Manager Mercado Gonzalez and Business Development

Tell us a bit about Northgate Market’s beginnings.

The roots of Northgate Market trace back to the Gonzalez Reynoso family, who immigrated to the United States from Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, in the early 1970s. Seeking a better life for their family, they settled in Anaheim, California, where they started their journey as small business owners.

In 1980, the family purchased their first small market in Anaheim to create a store that catered to the Hispanic community. They named it “Northgate,” inspired by the Anaheim neighborhood where the store was located. This first store was modest but the foundation of a thriving business.

From the beginning, Northgate Market was more than just a grocery store—it was a place where the Gonzalez family could share their Mexican heritage’s authentic tastes and flavors with the local community. They focused on offering traditional Mexican ingredients, fresh produce, and products that reminded customers of home.

Despite its growth, Northgate Market has remained a family-run business, with members of the Gonzalez Reynoso family actively involved in its operations. Their commitment to maintaining the values of quality, authenticity, and community that guided the business from the start continues to drive its success.

Today, Northgate Market has become one of the leading Mexican-themed grocery chains in the region, with multiple stores serving diverse communities.

How did the concept for Mercado Gonzalez originate?

The concept for Mercado Gonzalez originated from a deep desire to preserve and celebrate Mexican culture through food and community. The Gonzalez family recognized a growing need for authentic Mexican grocery stores that provided high-quality products and a connection to Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.

Mexico’s vibrant, bustling markets inspired the Gonzalez family to create Mercado Gonzalez. They wanted to replicate that lively atmosphere in their stores, with fresh produce, hand-crafted goods, and various products that would remind customers of their experiences in traditional Mexican mercados. They also wanted to ensure Mercado offered authentic, traditional foods while maintaining the highest standards of freshness and quality—ensuring that every product reflected the true essence of Mexican cuisine.

Finally, the Gonzalez family envisioned their store as a cultural hub where families could gather and celebrate their heritage. It was their way of bringing a piece of Mexico to their community while fostering a sense of belonging and pride for everyone who walks through their doors.

What is the significance of being located in Orange County?

Mercado Gonzalez is located in Orange County for several strategic reasons, including the thriving business climate, a growing and influential Latino community, its proximity to

major markets, and an increasing demand by residents seeking an authentic Mexican culinary experience without traveling to Mexico.

The area’s significant Latino population readily presented a substantial market for Mexican-themed grocery stores like Mercado. As the Latino population in the U.S. grows, the demand for culturally relevant groceries and authentic food items has expanded. This cultural alignment and demand for authentic Mexican products and cuisine made this region a prime location for Mercado Gonzalez.

What do you hope visitors will take away from a visit to Mercado Gonzalez?

When our visitors leave Mercado, we want them to feel connected to Mexico’s vibrant traditions. From the fresh produce and artisanal products to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, Mercado Gonzalez aims to transport shoppers to the heart of Mexico. We also want them to feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their heritage, knowing they can rely on us for authentic products and support for local businesses and artisans.

We also want them to walk away with an array of Mexico’s vast and various cuisines, including ceviche inspired by the Mexican coasts of Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Baja; specially seasoned and marinated meat and chorizo for grilling; savory regional Mexican tamales; carnitas and chicharrónes inspired by Don Miguel Gonzalez Jimenez’s recipes; and delicious churros and chocolate from El Moro.

Above all, we hope that visitors leave with a positive and memorable experience, feeling that they’ve been treated with care, respect, and exceptional service. We aim to create a lasting impression that repeatedly brings them back to Mercado Gonzalez.

Any other information you want to share with readers?

We hope visitors of Mercado leave inspired to bring authentic Mexican flavors into their kitchens. With a wide selection of traditional ingredients, spices, and freshly prepared foods, we encourage our customers to explore and experiment with new dishes or recreate family favorites.

We also want every visitor to appreciate the high quality of our products and the diverse selection. Whether shopping for everyday essentials or specialty items, we aim to meet every shopper’s needs with authenticity and excellence.

Finally, Mercado Gonzalez is a gathering place beyond being a grocery store where people can connect with their culture and community. We want our visitors to feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their heritage, knowing they can rely on us for authentic products and support for local businesses and artisans.