Top Los Angeles Mexican Restaurants

In spite of the many Mexican eateries scattered all over the Los Angeles area, there are little more than a handful that can be seen as great. Between affordability and good food, here are 10 of the best ones.

Chichen Itza Restaurant - http://chichenitzarestaurant.com/

2501 W. Sixth Street

Open Sunday - Thursday 11 AM - 9 PM, Friday - Saturday 11 AM - 11 PM

The closest you will ever get to the Yucatan without actually going there, this fine Mexican restaurant is unique in its offerings. If you thought of Mexican food as all tacos, beans and burritos, you were dead wrong. Chichen Itza Restaurant offers the most authentic Yucatecan food, for affordable prices, with classic Mayan, Spanish and Lebanese recipes that the chef has made his own.

The atmosphere is quaint and inviting, with a warm ambience of candle lit tables and colorful decor that isn't overdone. Service here is wonderful, with a quick and attentive staff that happily answers any questions you may have.

Joselito's Mexican Food

7308 Foothill Blvd.
Tujunga, CA

Definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Los Angeles area, Joselito's prepares everything fresh and delicious. Their huge menu has something for everyone, with classic Mexican dishes, seafood, and even many vegetarian meals. They also have some of the best margaritas around, each one mixed with one of the many types of tequila they have. Their Sunday champagne brunch buffet has become quite popular, which hosts an omelet and waffle bar. On Mondays, kids get to eat free.

The environment is very laid-back and comfortable, with relaxing Mexican music playing in the background and an ambience that gives a very cozy feeling to customers. The staff is beyond friendly, always happy and eager to help if you need it and overall just make your time there a great one.

El Cholo Restaurant - http://www.elcholo.com/

1121 S. Western Avenue

Open Monday - Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM

El Cholo's offers authentic Mexican food with fresh, savory ingredients. A lot of the meals are typical Mexican-restaurant fare (enchiladas, burritos, etc.), but also have original recipes and have added twists on many of the typical ones. Prices are very reasonable, averaging at about $10, with many foods that cost even less than that and few that cost a lot more. But what this establishment is best known for are its award-winning margaritas, with 10 different concoctions to choose from and all with a lot of alcohol.

The atmosphere is very relaxed, with vintage photos and memorabilia lined around the festive walls. Fireplaces offer a comfy feel to the homey environment, with secluded tables that are great for a romantic evening as well as a family night out. The staff is very curteous and prompt with their service.

As a perk, valet parking is free every weekday from 11 AM - 3 PM, and costs $3 any other time.

Malo - http://www.malorestaurant.com/Menu.htm

4326 Sunset Blvd.

Open Monday 5 PM - 10 PM, Tuesday - Thursday 5 PM - 11 PM, Friday 5 PM - 2 AM, Saturday 9:30 AM - 2 AM, Sunday 9:30 AM - 10 PM

If you're looking for some great-tasting, homestyle Mexican food for cheap prices, Malo's is the place. For such gourmet foods, meals average around $10 and under, with some specialty plates hovering around the $13 - $16 area. Also offered are 150 different kinds of tequila, and a fully organic margarita. It is also said to provide one of the best brunches in all of L.A., which is available on the weekends.

Malo's is very casual, but the dark-toned decor and candle lit tables give it a lowkey, romantic vibe. It's perfect for both a night out with friends or family, or a date night. However, if you want to experience the more festive side, the bar area is the place, with Happy Hour every Monday to Friday, 5 - 7 PM.

The staff provides very friendly service, and are great when it comes to recommendations.

As an added bonus, valet parking is only $1.50.

Gardens of Taxco

1113 N. Harper Avenue
West Hollywood, CA

Open Tuesday - Thursday 4:30 PM - 11 PM, Friday - Sunday 4:30 PM - 12 AM

Gardens of Taxco offer some of the best traditional Mexican food in the L.A. area. Their five-course menu offers absolutely huge servings, so it's suggested that you don't eat for a long time before going to dinner. Their margaritas and sangrias are very unique, but full of excellence.

A very comfy atmosphere is provided, and perfect for a meal with friends, family, or a romantic date. The dark envrionment really sets the mood for relaxation, and the friendly servers all have a great sense of humor and provide great service.

Guelaguetza - http://www.guelaguetzarestaurante.com/

3014 W. Olympic Blvd.

Open daily 9 AM - 10 PM,

This casual Mexican restaurant takes taste seriously, putting the most delicious flavors into every one of the many menu items. Meals come in huge servings, for decent prices averaging at about $10. There isn't much here that you can't find at any other typical Mexican restaurant, but the difference lies in how flavorsome and fulfilling the food is.

The atmosphere is very laid-back, but very basic. The dining area is relaxed, basically providing a clean, simple table to eat on. Not the greatest ambience one might be looking for in a restaurant, but more than worth it for the good, non-expensive food.

Service is usually quick, only during the very busy times they may seem to be a little understaffed. But the friendliness and eagerness to accommodate is always there.

Antonios

7470 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood

Open Tuesday - Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm, Sunday 12pm-10pm

For a truly authentic Mexican experience in everything from the delicious, light cuisine to the festive interior, Antonio's is a great place to check out. It also happens to be one of L.A.'s most popular Mexican restaurants, and for good reason. This isn't a place to come to for the familiar comforts of tacos and enchiladas, but for original food you may have never had the pleasure to experience.

A full bar compliments the authentic food offerings, with even its own selection of private-label wines and tequilas, which has a nice list to choose from. Fresh food and some tasty margaritas are mainly the top perk of this establishment, but the environment is definitely not neglected. With colorful decor and Mexican murals, it gives a cultural feeling without being too overdone. The atmosphere is generally calm in spite of the place tending to become busy. Some nights there is a band playing.

The service is quick and very attentive, always doing their best to ensure their guests are feeling welcome.

Frida Mexican Cuisine - http://www.fridarestaurant.com/

236 S. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills

Open Monday - Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 4pm-9pm

Frida offers gourmet Mexican dining at its finest, with a wonderful selection of flavorsome, heart-healthy dishes and a nice wine list. The food itself is very authentic, served in large portions that may actually be considered "too much" by light eaters. For such types, a delicious appetizer in place of an entree might just be perfect. The cost of things is a bit high, but you get more than what you pay for.

The candle lit atmosphere and authentic, laid-back Mexican decor give off a very warm, inviting ambiance, even during its busiest moments (generally on the weekends). The service you receive here is fantastic, between the warm welcomes of the staff and their efficiency.

El Coyote

7312 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles

Open Monday - Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday - Sunday 11am-11pm

This eatery may not provide the most authentic Mexican cuisine, but the whole idea lies in the fun environment, excellent margaritas and great-tasting, cheaply priced food. A variety of menu items includes flavorsome dishes made with beef, chicken, pork, and even ostrich meat. There are also some great vegetarian choices.

The atmosphere is always festive, with the Mexican decor and a diverse, lively crowd. The staff provides fast and professional service, and does their best to make this joint feel like home.

La Casita Mexicana - http://www.casitamex.com

4030 E. Gage Avenue

Bell

Monday - Sunday 9am-10pm

A small place with cuisine from many different regions of Mexico, La Casita provides the freshest, most authentic food for very affordable prices. All dishes are prepared with expert care and great flavor, and most of them are healthier than anything you will find at a typical Mexican eatery. There are some great meals for vegetarians, as well.

This quaint establishment is just like a cozy home, but with brightly painted Mexican decor creating an inviting, comfortable environment. Aside from the staff's helpful, accommodating service, they are also very welcoming as if you are truly guests in their house - or even part of the family.