Alta Baja Market; Santa Ana’s Source for Heirloom Beans
Let’s cut to the chase—if you’ve ever strolled through downtown Santa Ana, you’ve probably felt it. That vibe. The inviting environment of a casual neighborhood where history, culture, and small businesses are part of the fabric of the area. And smack dab in the heart of it is Alta Baja Market.
Welcome to Alta Baja Market: Where Culture Meets Community
This isn’t just another specialty grocery store. Nope. Alta Baja Market is where Latin culture, crafts of California, and the community’s spirit come together in one heck of a vibrant space.
“My name’s Delilah Snell. I’m the owner of Alta Baja Market in downtown Santa Ana, Orange County.
As Delilah puts it:
“Alta Baja Market celebrates the flavors and the makers of California, the American Southwest, and Mexico.”
Seriously, whether you’re hunting down heirloom beans, cold agua frescas, or one of the largest collections of Mexican wine in the country, this is your place.
The Story Behind Alta Baja Market: A Border-Inspired Dream
So how did this all start? Pull up a chair, because Delilah’s origin story is as inspiring as it gets.
“Long story short, I was asked to do a concept in this space, and I was just thinking about what I would like to go to. I had been traveling a lot through the Southwest and in Mexico. I’ve done a lot of stuff with small makers in California, and I just thought, what about addressing the border as a business? You know, this all used to be a connected area, and I just did some Googling and realized I don’t think there’s an idea like this.
And from that spark, Alta Baja Market was born—a space that’s part specialty grocery store, part educational space, part cultural hub, and 100% authentic.
“We are a cafe. We do breakfast and lunch. But we also have a number of just really interesting products from the regions that I was just explaining. And people also say like, the energy in here feels really good.”
The Heart of Santa Ana’s Downtown: Alta Baja Market in Action
What You’ll Find at Alta Baja Market
If you’re picturing a basic one-stop shop, think again. Alta Baja Market is brimming with goodies and experiences that reflect the vibrancy of a specialty food shop:
- Heirloom beans from the legendary Steve Sando and Rancho Gordo (Delilah’s personal favorite!)
- The largest collections of Mexican wine in the U.S.—yes, you read that right
- Cold agua frescas are perfect for that Friday night stroll through the downtown stretch
- Unique lunch items you won’t find anywhere else in the Orange County area
- Handmade products showcasing the crafts of California
- Community-driven events: workshops, book signings—you name it
The Bean Festival and Beyond
And let’s not forget the Encuentro Bean Festival, which started back in 2019 and has grown into a three-day extravaganza:
“There are films, panels, tours, tastings… We do mezcal tastings, wine tastings. We do a new thing called the Bean Monologues, which are stories about beans. We actually had a bean magician!”
Image from Rancho Gordo
If you think Alta Baja Market is just about shopping, think again. The annual Encuentro Bean Festival has become a must-attend event in Orange County.
“It took me two years to convince Steve [Sando] to come down to Orange County and do a bean supper. In 2019 we did it… and something really cool happened. Now it’s a three-day bean festival. There’s films, panels, tours, and tastings. We do mezcal tastings, wine tastings. We do a new thing called the Bean Monologues, which are stories about beans. We actually had a bean magician too!
And if that’s not enough? The five-course bean supper sells out in mere hours.
“It’s 150 seats times two in four and a half hours. And we do wine pairings with it… it sold out in four hours. So if you do want to go, you gotta sign up for either Alta Baja’s newsletter or Rancho Gordo’s newsletter.”
A True Piece of the Downtown Fabric
Alta Baja Market isn’t just a business—it’s part of the fabric of downtown Santa Ana. Delilah and her team are committed to sustainability, using seasonal ingredients, preserving food, and minimizing waste. They offer job training for local youth and promote the culture of the downtown through walking tours and community partnerships.
“We’re really into our community. We have a mentorship program with local youth. We give job training to teenagers who’ve never had a job before.”
And the location? Unbeatable. You’re right in the middle of the downtown area, surrounded by historic buildings, independent shops, and that unmistakable vibrancy of a specialty food shop.
Why Alta Baja Market Should Be on Your Orange County Bucket List
Thinking about visiting? Here’s why Alta Baja Market is worth your time—and then some.
5 Reasons to Check Out Alta Baja Market
- A true taste of the Santa Ana community—where small businesses thrive and Latin culture shines.
- Unmatched selection of heirloom beans and products from Rancho Gordo.
- Cooking classes and educational space events that bring people together.
- A showcase of Mexican wine—perfect for connoisseurs and curious sippers alike.
- Healthy food options that highlight local, seasonal ingredients (with minimal waste thanks to Delilah’s preserving magic!).
And when you’re done exploring the market? Take a stroll through the downtown area. You’ll find curated markets, historic buildings, and a welcoming vibe that’s pure Santa Ana.
As Delilah puts it:
“I think most people have a stereotype about Orange County — that it’s just south of Los Angeles and maybe nothing interesting is happening there — but there’s actually a lot of amazing food, great history, and amazing communities. I feel like it’s definitely worth taking your time to go explore because you’re going to get something that’s unlike any other place. It’s only 45 minutes away, you know, and we’re more than just Disneyland.”
Where is Alta Baja Market Located?
Alta Baja Market is located inside 4th Street Market on the corner of 4th St + Bush Street in Downtown Santa Ana.
From Los Angeles: Take the 5 freeway south to Santa Ana Blvd (train station) and turn right. At N. Spurgeon, turn left and go directly into the large parking structure.
From San Diego: Take the 5 freeway north to Santa Ana Blvd (train station) and turn left heading toward downtown. At N. Spurgeon, turn left and go directly into the large parking structure.
Come for the Experience, Stay for the Community
In a world of big-box stores and cookie-cutter chains, Alta Baja Market is proof that small businesses can make a big impact. It’s a place that captures the heart of Orange County, celebrates the community’s spirit, and invites you to be part of something special.
So next time you’re in downtown Santa Ana? Pop into Alta Baja Market. Grab some heirloom beans, sip on a cold agua fresca, and soak up the vibrancy of this one-of-a-kind spot.
And hey, don’t wait too long to sign up for those newsletters so you can be in the know about Encuentro! Like Delilah said about the five-course bean supper – “It sold out in four hours.”
Inspired to Cook With Rancho Gordo Beans? Us Too! Here Are Some Recipes to Try Next
Incredible Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
This recipe from G-Free Foodie is for the small, commonly available dried Black-Eyed Pea, known as the “California Blackeye.” I order some every year from Rancho Gordo Bean Company.
Santa Maria-Style Beans
Santa Maria-Style Tri Tip is an iconic California recipe that rose to popularity in the 1950s. The triangular bottom cut sirloin was typically ground, until a one-armed butcher (you just can’t make this up) decided to try cooking it over an open flame.
Beans Marbella
This plant-powered spin on the iconic Chicken Marbella recipe is filled with tender California-grown beans and roasted fingerling potatoes. This briny-sweet dish is the perfect cooking project for when you have some time on your hands and are in the mood for a truly hearty meal.
Roasted Cabbage Recipe with Heirloom Beans
In The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, Sando teams up with Julia Newberry to showcase beans in all their glory. This cookbook promises to be an indispensable guide for bean lovers and culinary explorers alike.
One standout recipe? Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Wild Mushrooms and Heirloom Beans. This dish transforms everyday cabbage into a caramelized, flavor-packed centerpiece.
Puerto Rican-Style Baked Beans
Our friend Illyanna Maisonet puts her signature Puerto-Rican spin on the traditional baked beans recipe. What makes it Puerto Rican? Sofrito – a mix of onion, garlic, bell pepper, cilantro and tomato found in many traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Veggie-Packed Minestrone Soup Recipe
We’re in love with Rancho Gordo’s Minestrone Soup recipe. Inspired by Marcella Hazan’s iconic Minestrone alla Romagnola, Rancho Gordo streamlined the recipe – and even adapted it for a slow cooker!
Spring Bean Salad
Celebrate seasonal produce with this Spring Bean Salad, from our friend Illyanna Maisonet. The combination of pinto beans, asparagus, and cucumber is unexpected but incredibly delicious!
Ready To Hit The Road On An Excellent Golden State Adventure? Check Out This CA GROWN Spotify Playlist:
This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.