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Alice Cooper, Ace Frehley @ Nokia Theater 10/28/09
The fifth day of the fifth month means celebration time for anyone with ties to Mexico, or an affinity for international holidays that involve hard liquor and good food. Here in LA, Cinco de Mayo is a hugely popular Fiesta time, and with the holiday landing on a Thursday, there's sure to be celebrations running through the weekend. In honor of 05/05/05, LAist would like to mention 5 great Mexican restaurants where you can get the eating portion of your party on. And, like we have been doing for the past couple of weeks, we ask you to holler out an "Ole!" on behalf of your own favorite. (Just don't dare mention Studio City's Mexicali; we hate that place with the fiery passion of a thousand suns.) In any event: Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Uno: Casa Vega Great food with an even better atmosphere. The dark ambience makes this Valley haunt a good place to get drunk at lunchtime. (Not that we've ever done that. Ahem.) 13301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks.
Dos: El Compadre boasts a Flaming Margarita, a colorful and cozy atmosphere, and hosts a younger, trendier crowd. Great drinks and great food. 7408 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood.
Tres: Los Feliz's Mexico City has long been a favorite of ours and many people we know, who flock there for savory dishes and their outstanding guacamole. 2121 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles.
Quatro: We hear endless raves about Temple City's Casa del Rey--their authentic cooking, their stellar guacamole, and their flavorful beans make this far flung spot often talked about when the topic of great Mexican food comes up. 9100 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City.
Cinco: We're going a little off-track here, but it's worth every divergent step. Feniger and Milliken's Border Grill is more than an restaurant, it's a destination. The food is inventive, bold, and delicious, the drinks are killer (a pitcher of their Sangria for the table is a must), and the modern, vibrant atmosphere makes any occasion a festive one. 1445 4th Street, Santa Monica.
Did we miss any? Disagree with our picks? Sound off before you've had too many margaritas, mind you--no one likes a sloppy comment. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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It doesn't have haute cuisine or high style, but there's something great about Lares on Pico in West LA.
Geuelgazeta (sp?) on Olympic is one of the best party spots around (it's big, loud, and have killer margaritas), and their Oaxacan is some of the best in town. The original branch on 8th st. is also great, but the Olympic one is my fave.
don antonio's on pico. best frozen margaritas, great atmosphere, great food.
La Cabanita in Glendale! Amazing mole, spicy enchiladas verdes, bottomless homemade chips with two kinds of salsa... And couldn't agree more on Mexicali. That place blows.
LaCabana in Venice is always packed!
Fodor's is recommending:
Monte Alban
11929 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles
310-444-7736
This café serves the subtle cooking of one of Mexico's most respected culinary regions, Oaxaca. Flavors are intense without being fiery. Try the chiles rellenos (bright green chile peppers stuffed with chicken, raisins, and ground nuts); any of the complex moles with chicken, pork, or salmon; or extra-tender stewed goat with toasted avocado leaves.
The Gardens of Taxco (on Harper, right of Santa Monica in West Hollywood) fantastico atmosphere and food. Plus, if you fill out a comment card they will send you buy one get one free dinners forever.
El Conquistador has the fiercest margaritas in town. Two will send you tumbling down the wrought iron staircase in search of somebody -- anybody -- to kiss. Truly, they should be regulated. Don't eat there, though, unless you've had three of them...because that's what it will take to stomach the food.
los fuentes in the valley (victory and reseda i think) has amazing mexican food
Guelaguetza, is the premier mole destination, on Olympic. La Cabañita in Montrose, is great authentic food bad margaritas. Tia Juana on Olympic is where they hand make tortillas in front of you. Rest of the food average, margaritas great! Tere's on Melrose and Cahuenga great clean fresh Mexican no margaritas BUT there are Mexican Cokes in glass bottles. hours 9-9.