3Dog Cantina, (1615 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, 90028; 323.465.1750) a new airy, classic cantina, soft opening up on Cahuenga on tomorrow.
With two levels of brick, Spanish tile and wrought iron they serve up Mexican food and tequila. Think, carnitas-topped nachos, crispy pork-belly tacos, chiles rellenos, birria (a meat stew), al pastor, beer-battered fish tacos, mole poblano wings, ceviche-topped oysters, chicken mole tortas served with queso fresco, spit-roasted pork loin tacos with roasted pineapple salsa, flank short ribs served with homemade corn tortillas and imported masa, guacamole spiked with spicy chili peppers from the rooftop garden and tortillas that are pressed in house and served at the family-style taco bar. As for dessert, order up house-made churros and coconut-fried ice cream.
The drinks are (you guessed it) mostly tequila-based, with a bunch of margarita options (habanero, mango, cucumber-mint, strawberry, etc.). Plus, the Pancho’s Pisco (passionfruit, simple, lemon), La Estrella (vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, honeydew, sparkling wine) and the Jameson-based Burro Negro.
Sit in the main room with it’s cascading sky lights or grab one of the two banquettes that come equipped with beer taps. All the way in the back (or come around through the secret separate alley entrance) and relax in the overgrown enclosed (dog friendly) patio. The patio has doggie burrito bowls and wall hooks for leashes.
