Guest Post: Best Mexican Food in LA
Today’s guest post I’ll admit is long overdue- Virginia emailed me this summer about sharing the best spots in LA, and I’m so happy to finally share this post.
While I’m not living in LA anymore, these Mexican spots might be worth the drive! To be fair, I should probably write the best Mexican spots in San Diego too! Take it away, Virginia.
When you are craving spicy salsa and flavor-packed food, but can’t afford to head south of the border, just turn your car in the direction of L.A.
The options for tantalizing Mexican food are endless, with a delicious menu to tempt you seemingly on every corner.
No matter what you are looking for, with the number of restaurants sporting authentic Mexican cuisine in the greater L.A. area, you will, in no way, be disappointed.
These restaurants are some of the best-of-the-best, satisfying customers– one enchilada at a time.
Take a look, but don’t think too hard—no matter which one you choose, the food will definitely hit the spot:
1. Guelaguetza
Located in Koreatown on Olympic Boulevard, this restaurant might seem like it has itself confused, but trust us—the food is anything but confusing.
They are known for their delicious tortillas and one-of-a-kind asiento spread.
To keep things happening and hip, live music tends to play nightly; however, Thursday nights are reserved for classic Mexican films– the entertainment abounds.
2. La Casita Mexicana
The food here is off the charts, and the chefs who work behind the scenes are no different.
Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu are famous for their loaded enchiladas, which are unlike anything you have had before.
3. Loteria Grill
The food here starts at breakfast and doesn’t stop until customers are satisfied after clearing away the dinner plates.
At Loteria Grill, boring is not an option.
Fortunately, the restaurant has more than one location: Studio City, Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Westlake Village, so there is no excuse to avoid this place if you are looking for truly authentic Mexican dishes.
4. Babita
From the outside, Babita may look unassuming, but after your first bite, you’ll think twice!
The chef and owner, Robert Berrelleza, has truly perfected his food, and his love for cooking spills over into his restaurant.
5. Tacos Ensenada
The backdrop to this restaurant is the San Gabriel Mountains. The soups will make you ask for more, but the true crowning glory?
Why, the fish tacos, of course! For authentic fish tacos that make you think of white beaches along the Mexican Riviera, look no further.
The fish is fresh and the cabbage slaw is a perfect balance of tang. Order up!
6. El Huarache Azteca
Customers from all around come here for, what else, the huaraches!
When you perfect something this good, it’s only natural to name your restaurant after it.
7. Coni’Seafood
Sometimes all you want is some nice, flavorful seafood. Well, look no further!
Chef Sergio Penuelas delights in serving up plate-after plates of amazing bites from the sea.
8. Yuca’s
The carne asada here is so delicious that your mouth will water after every bite– not to mention the tamales, which will find you with an instant craving the first time you try one.
At Yuca’s, customers feel like family. It’s no wonder people keep coming back for more.
9. La Taquiza
No matter what you order at La Taquiza, the food is sure to please.
Everything is created to taste authentic, full of flavor and spices, and the chefs definitely know what they’re doing.
10. Birrieria Apatzingan
Found in the San Fernando Boulevard, on Laurel Canyon Drive, you’ll soon learn that the meal of choice here is the goat stew.
Some customers, first-timers, of course, are usually squeamish about the idea, but almost everyone is soon smitten by this unique combination of flavors.
Conclusion
From the heart of L.A. to the San Gabriel Mountains, your quest for authentic Mexican food should start and end here.
Get out there—and don’t stop till you’ve tried everything on the menu!
Virginia Cunningham is a writer for Northwest, a mother and yoga enthusiast in Los Angeles. After living in L.A. for quite some time, she’s tasted most of what the great city has to offer, especially when it comes to Mexican food.
There you have it! Has anyone tried any of these Mexican restaurants? Is there somewhere we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
