Los Angeles is known for its Mexican food. Here is a list of some of the spots you should hit up to get your below the border fix:
Café Habana Malibu
Sip on their fuschia hued Prickly Pear Margaritas at this NYC transport. Drive up the coast to enjoy the Cuban-Mexican fusion on their patio. Plus, on Taco Tuesdays, get $3 Tecates and tacos starting at 5 pm and Wednesdays are some wild karaoke times! 3939 Cross Creek Rd.; 310.317.0300
Mexicali Cocina Cantina
This celeb hangout in Studio City gained some recognition in Rachel Ray’s Taco-Off. The restaurant, which has been around for 15 years, serves up one of the best happy hours around town. (they have happy hour twice a day). And Mondays, every food item is discounted 30%! 1261 Ventura Blvd.; 818.985.1744
Casa Vega
This Valley institution is just that an institution. Known for their great happy hours and their skinny margaritas, if you live in Los Angeles, you have to make a stop here. Sober up with their Queso Fundido and the Mexican shrimp cocktail. 13301 Ventura Blvd.; 818.788.4868
Coral Beach Cantina
Located in Malibu just South of Zuma, Coral Beach Cantina is where Malibu locals go to chill for some Pacific breeze! The Nachos Roberto is perfect for a Mexican pig-out. 29350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; 310.457.5503
Casablanca
Open since the ’80s and named for the famous flick, this Venice cantina houses the largest collection of the movie in the world. Try their seafood dishes like the Calamari Steak and while you wait, watch homemade tortillas cook right before they’re delivered, piping hot, to your plate, and they’ll even concoct your margaritas table-side, too! 220 Lincoln Blvd.; 310.392.5751
Paco’s Tacos
Well-known for their margaritas, try their chimichangas, made in Paco’s homemade flour and corn tortillas. Insider tid bit: this place was featured in the first-date scene of Jerry Maguire! 4141 S Centinela Ave.; 301.391.9616
Casa Escobar
There’s nothing fancy about this dark, old-school Santa Monica restaurant, but go with a big gang and enjoy their warm chips, three homemade salsas, and tequila. It’s simple and a great night. 2500 Wilshire Blvd.; 310.828.1315
Mercado
Grab a Latin-influenced craft cocktail at the bar while you wait for your table, and enjoy the scene at this new spot. You’ll love their authentic dishes, which feature fresh veggies from the Santa Monica farmers’ market. Try the day’s fresh catch and order up sides, it will all pair perfectly with your Margarita de Jamaica (centenario rosangel, triple sec, fresh hibiscus, and fresh sour). 1416 4th St., 310.526.7121
Tortilla Republic
Hit up this swanky spot with a slew of friends and ordering pitchers of its casa margaritas. While the main dishes are delicious (and many are healthy), the flourless chocolate cake and the churro are a perfect end to a perfect meal. Plus, they have great happy hours here too! 616 N Robertson Blvd.; 310.657.9888
Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Mexicano’s new outpost on Sunset means strong drinks and table side guac. Founded in NYC, this trendy restaurant is ideal for a date night or an epic girls’ night out. 8570 W Sunset Blvd.; 310.657.4991
Marix
This place is so relaxed with all open-air seating. Because of its popularity and no-reservations policy, you may have to wait, but there’s nice bar area in front to or up some margs (skinny ones available). 1108 N Flores St.; 323.656.8800
The Gardens of Taxco
This Santa Monica spot has been serving Mexico City style cuisine for over 40 years, and the Shrimp in Mole Poblano is one of those dishes you will find yourself craving (it has something like over 100 ingredients)! The best part is the “verbal” menu that you may have to ask to be repeated several times. 1113 N Harper Ave.; 323.654.1746
La Otra Taqueria Escuela
Everyone who has eaten at Steven Arroyo’s new taco joint has marked it as a quick favorite on their list! With vintage shoe forms covering the entire ceiling, this cozy spot is conveniently located just a few steps from The Grove. If you miss Cobras & Matadors, order the Lobster Taco, it’ll bring back great memories. 7615 Beverly Blvd.; 323.932.6178
El Coyote
This place made the list because it’s a hangover hangout with waitress in large hoop skirts and the overall ambiance. The food is as greasy as it gets, but you can’t go wrong with the cheap, strong drinks. Plus, margs are 40% off all day long on Mondays! 7312 Beverly Blvd.; 323.939.2255
Tacos Leo
The late-night line is totally worth the wait! Park in the 76 Gas Station and prepare for tacos-al-pastor bliss. With just a sliver of pineapple, these $1 treats are best paired with anything from the self-serve table of salsa, pico de gallo, and pickled veggies. Corner of Venice Blvd. and La Brea Ave.
El Chato Taco Truck
Here, it’s all about the carne asada tacos. Feel free to swing by and cure those late-night munchies because this truck keeps its windows open ’til 3 am on weekends, to be exact! 5300 W Olympic Blvd.; 323.523.5822
Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe
Across from the Paramount lot, you’ll find this lunch nook that has been visited by for movie industry workers for years. (Not to mention all the celebs). You can eat on its fantastic patio, or inside with its south-of-the-border decor. Tyr the chicken enchiladas, but the Cadillac margarita and quesadilla combo is pretty good too. 563 Melrose Ave.; 323.462.9421
Cielito Lindo
Old-school recipes take center stage at this taco stand that has been around since the early ’30s. Get your taquitos smothered in avocado sauce and enjoy the gooeiness. Plus, ordering is easy; go for #3: Two taquitos, one chile relleno, beans, and cheese. 23 Olvera St.; 213.687.4391
Tacos Por Favor
I love the name of this place. Always makes me laugh. With multiple locations in Los Angeles, you can get our Por Favor fix no matter what side of town you’re on. The horchata is great. And, the cactus salad pairs best with the shrimp tacos, it’s only $5! 1220 E 1st St.; 323.604.0255
Mariscos Jalisco
The Tacos de Camarón (fried shrimp tacos), are what they’re famous for. This place tied with Guisado’s for the number one spot in “L.A. Taco’s” beloved “Taco Madness 2012” competition. 3040 E Olympic Blvd.; 323.528.6701
El Parian Restaurant
L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold was once quoted saying El Parian is home to the best Mexican dish available within the borders of Los Angeles. We think you’ll agree when you try one of the birria tacos from this hole-in-the-wall joint. The place gets packed on the weekends, so be prepared for a bit of a wait! 1528 W Pico Blvd.; 213.386.7361
El Chavo
Located right at the “five points” intersection, this dark, hip hangout is casual and no resys are required. Its bar, “El Chavito,” hosts a killer happy hour, too: $4 margs, $3 canned beers, $4 well drinks, and free chips and salsa. 4441 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.664.0871
The Best Fish Taco in Ensenada
Get mesmerized by the cooks who fry and batter alongside the cash register and go crazy on the self-serve condiment station. There are only two tacos to choose from, so order both and piling them high with cabbage and avocado salsa. Take a seat outside with a cup of horchata and you’ve got a full meal for exactly $5. 1650 Hillhurst Ave.; 323.466.5552
Ricky’s Fish Tacos
Wait in line long enough, and you’ll spot a local chef stuffing themselves with Ensenada-style lobster tacos under the tent. Follow along on Twitter (@RickysFishTacos) for the daily special, then hurry on over because Ricky’s been known to sell out his entire supply! 1400 N Virgil Ave.
El Cholo The Original
This place is usually any transport’s first Los Angeles Mexican spot to hit up. The green-corn tamales and Sonora-style enchiladas are good and wash ’em down with the pitchers of margs. Collegiate bonus: USC students get half-off all entrees from Monday-Wednesday. 1121 S Western Ave.; 323.734.2773
Mexico City
It may be a beast to find parking on Hillhurst, but as soon as you step inside this retro-vibed space and order a strawberry marg, all of your parking troubles will melt away. The beef fajita burrito is the perfect item to order up. 212 Hillhurst Ave.; 323.661.7227
Taco Zone Truck
Open late, this is the spot is good if you’re trying to be healthy , but also have post-bar cravings. The veggie tacos are super simple, and satisfying or dig into the Suadero. So when it’s 2 am, get your rice, beans, cheese, onions, and cilantro fix here. N Alvarado and Montana Streets; 818.763.4085
La Cevicheria
If you’re really into raw fish, head to this cash-only, BYOB eatery. The Chapin Ceviche will have your mouth watering upon first spoonful. 3809 W Pico Blvd.; 323.732.1253
Los Cincos Puntos
There’s more than meets the eye at this neighborhood meat market and grocer. Head towards the back and order yourself a flavorful carnitas taco, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. It is a supermarket after all. 3300 E Cesar Chavez Ave.; 323.261.4084
La Indiana Tamales
Get a group of friends and head to La Indiana and order up a dozen tamales. Everyone will be happy when they take a bite of those. 1142 S Indiana St.; 323.262.4682
Malo
This Silver Lake staple has a patio, which which can serve as a little oasis for sipping margs. Try the cheddar and mashed potato tacos. They will soon be your new favorite. Or try the mock ground beef and pickle option, too! 4326 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.664.1011
Guisados
Known for truly authentic handmade treats, this spot tied with Mariscos Jalisco, for “L.A.’s Best Taco” in the “Taco Madness 2012” competition. The sampler plate is amazing because the buffet allows you to munch on six separate specialties. For the veggie-conscious, try the “calabacitas” (zucchini and onions) or the “hongos con cilantro” (mushroom with cilantro). 2100 E Cesar Chavez Ave.; 323.264.7201
Other Notables:
La Cabana, 738 Rose Ave.; 310.392.6161
Lares Restaurant, 2909 Pico Blvd.; 310.829.4550
El Huarachito, 3010 N Broadway, Lincoln Heights; 323.223.0476
Casa Escobar, 2500 Wilshire Blvd.; 310.828.1315
El Tarasco Restaurant, 316 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach; 310.545.4241
La Cabanita, 3445 N Verdugo Rd., Glendale; 818.957.2711
Casa La Golondrina Mexican Café, 17 Olvera St., Chinatown; 213.628.4349
Loteria Grill, 6627 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 323.465.2500
Mas Malo, 515 W 7th St., Downtown; 213.985.4332
Tere’s Mexican Grill, 5870 Melrose Ave., Suite 101, Mid-Wilshire; 323.468.9345
El Carmen, 8138 W Third St.; 323.852.1552
Los Tacos, 7954 Santa Monica Blvd.; 323.848.9141
Casa Sanchez, 4500 S Centinela Ave.; 310.397.9999
Esquela Taqueria, 308 N Stanley Ave.; 323.939.8226
Kay ‘n Dave’s, 9341 Culver Blvd.; 310.558.8100
El Compadre, 1449 W Sunset Blvd.; 213.250.4505
El Siete Mares, 313 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.665.0865
Teresita’s Restaurant, 3826 E 1st St.; 323.266.6045
El Arco Iris, 5684 York Blvd.; 323.254.3402
Macho’s Tacos, 1607 N Vermont Ave.
Diablo Taco, 3129 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.666.4666
Restaurante Guelaguetza, 3014 W Olympic Blvd.; 213.427.0608
Tinga, 142 S La Brea Ave.; 323.954.9566
Tito’s Tacos, 11222 Washington Place Culver City; 310.391.5780
