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MÍRAME's lunch offerings
Here's our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles.
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Casa Vega has been in operation for 65 years and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. The restaurant is set on Ventura Boulevard and has been one of the longest continuously family-owned restaurants in all of Los Angeles. Currently headed by Christina Vega, this spot is serving up authentic Mexican food in an invitingly warm atmosphere, a combination that’s sure to capture hearts and appetites. 818.788.4868, casavega.com
The cuisine at Cha Cha Cha
It’s the restaurant giving a modern take on your favorite Mexican cuisine classics. At this Los Angeles hot spot, introduce your taste buds to the fresh flavors of tostada terraza, deviche de betabel or the tostada monumento. While the main course menu items are sure to bring you the satisfaction you desire, here, it’s really all about the dessert. Choose from treats such as the boñuelo, arroz con leche, flan de zanahoria, mazapán and café de olla, or try one of three shaved ice flavors. At the end of your visit to this L.A. find, you may literally want to do the cha-cha-
cha. chachacha.la
Costilla from Damian
Looking for an upscale Mexican dining experience? Look no further than Damian. Located in the Arts District, Damian is rooted in Mexican culture while tying in the seasonal produce of California. Book a reservation and start your dinner with the mussel escabeche and smoked clam, followed by carne asada or gordita, and finally, finish it off with toasted coconut or banana leaf flan. With a multitude of unique menu options and a moody, intimate atmosphere, Damian is definitely making our list of top Mexican restaurant stops. 213,270.0178, damiandtla.com
Let’s talk Mexican food, but more specifically, let’s talk about the Mexican restaurant that’s been open since 1923. One of L.A.'s first Mexican restaurants, El Cholo, is rooted in rich history as it has been passed down through the generations all to end up where it is today, in the hands of Ron Salisburg. This menu has everything from house guacamole to handmade flour tortillas, and let’s not forget about the house favorite, green corn tamales. Looking to take the party with you? They’ve got you covered with margaritas to-go. elcholo.com
Two words: Flaming. Margaritas. Established in 1975, El Compadre specializes in showcasing “the fine foods of Mexico,” and they don’t lie. Along with the infamous flaming margarita, the restaurant also serves mixed cocktails, as well as imported and domestic beers and authentic dishes. Dine inside or on the patio while enjoying the flavors of classic Mexican cuisine through the crispy tacos, steak quesadilla or vagabundo. With a menu full of options for everyone to choose from, you’ll want to put the Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park locations on your to-do list. elcompadrerestaurant.com
Come for the plant-based Mexican cuisine, and stay for diffuser-free agave spirits. At Gracias Madre, we can assure you it’s always been about using locally-sourced, organic ingredients—whether you’re coming for dinner, lunch or a weekend brunch. Here, it’s never too early to raise a glass, and they’ve got you covered with just the right amount of sweetness and bubbles. The team at Gracias Madre honors the mother residing within our hearts, above us, within the earth and of course, in all those who nurture us. graciasmadre.co
Calling all tequila lovers. At Javier’s, step into the rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine with a captivating ambiance to match. Sit around the bar to revel in hand-shaken margaritas and a vast collection of beer and fine wine, as well as many of the world’s finest spirits. Offering one of the West Coast’s largest selections of rare tequilas, Javier’s is doing it up right when it comes to drink service, but don’t worry, they’re not dropping the ball on bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to you via their tasty menu. Their experience-inspired Mexican specialties are created with only the best and freshest ingredients available, because here, it’s about giving you the full package. javiers-cantina.com
Everyone knows that the key to whipping up noteworthy Mexican cuisine is by tapping into your creative side, and Madre is doing just that. The restaurant is home to the broadest collection of mezcal in the United States—over 400 bottles of it, to be exact. Owner Ivan Vasquez is turning heads and taking names when it comes to the Los Angeles Mexican food cuisine. Aside from the sprawling mezcal selection, the restaurant also has an extensive menu to match. With three booming locations and a lively vibe, Madre is not missing a beat. madrerestaurants.com
MÍRAME, founded by Michelin-starred chef Joshua Gil and Matthew Egan, is proving that contemporary Mexican cuisine is best paired with Californian sensibilities. Located in Beverly Hills, the restaurant hosts an ever-changing, ingredient driven menu that embraces the flavors of regional Mexican cuisine while tying in local and seasonal ingredients. The "farm to bar" beverage program offers a wide variety of spirits and artisanal products, the main character being mezcal. MÍRAME literally means "look at me," which is a sentiment that drives the culinary scene and gives the restaurant life. 310.230.5035, mirame.la
Petty Cash Taqueria combines owner Walter Manzke’s memories of Tijuana with his love for good music. A semi-authentic taqueria, Petty Cash is the product of a collaboration between Manzke and a slew of talent sourced from East L.A., Baja and beyond. The menu items at this spot feature street food classics that utilize local, seasonal ingredients rooted in generations of tradition and technique. As for the name, Petty Cash is a play on musical artists Johnny Cash and Tom Petty, because what better way to celebrate your love for music than by combining your two favorite artists? 323.933.5300, pettycashtaqueria.com
So named after a small community in the area we now know as Chinatown, Sonoratown has always kept one simple idea at the forefront: serve tacos in the style of San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, and the restaurant is sticking to just that. The menu offers four choices of meat from the grill to pair with any of a number of items including a burrito, quesadilla, taco, lorenza and more. Centrally located in Downtown Los Angeles, this spot keeps dishing up classic takes on modern favorites. 213.628.3710, sonoratown.com
Brothers Juan, Manuel and Gerardo Anaya are proving that the fresh, authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine you’ve been craving are just around the corner. Based in the heart of Los Angeles, Taqueria Los Anaya boasts "the most traditional Mexican entrees you can find outside of Mexico.” Choose from menu items such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas and sopes, or for an authentic twist, have Taqueria Los Anaya cater your next event. 323.731.4070, taquerialosanaya.com
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