Which is the Best Mexican Restaurant in downtown LA?

Question

Going to see Los Lobos at Walt Disney Hall on 10.13.06 (yay!). 5 couples want to eat at great Mexican restaurant in Downtown LA. Been to Ciudad, but not really Mexican. La Golondrina on Olvera St. OK, but service is spotty and kind of $$. La Parrilla, Serenata de Garibalidi too out of the way (all but me and wife go downtown regularly). Looking for good selection (not just tacos / enchiladas), quality food and great drinks. Yes, I want to impress my friends.

Answer 1

Well I had planned to suggest La Serenata, because I think it the best. But may this will do: La Luz del Dia -- on Olvera Street, but cheaper simpler and better than the LA Golondrina. Quote from Jonathan Gold's list of 99 essential LA restaurants:

"La Luz del Dia, serving cactus salad to the hordes. La Luz is a simple place, and most of what it serves are basic permutations of the two or three things it does best. So whatever you think you ordered — soft tacos, tostadas, whatever — you’ll probably get at least one helping of carnitas or picadillo, the chunky Mexican beef stew that, with its carrots and potatoes, looks like a stew somebody’s mother might have made . . . provided that somebody’s mother has an industrial-size garlic press and a Thai tolerance for chile heat."

W. Olvera St., downtown, [phone]. Open Mon. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Tues.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Beer only. Lot parking. Cash only. $10–$15. Mexican.

Answer 2

Mexican Restaurant Downtown La

Answer 3

Here are two of my favorites and I work in downtown LA:
EL TAURINO at 1104 S. Hoover St [phone]. The food here is so aurthentic that Mexican chefs from around the town stop by here on their way home from work to enjoy a pick-me-up. Can get a little crowded. Great bullfighting memorabilia on the walls and pleasant, knowledgeable service.

BARRAGANS at 1538 Sunset Blvd [phone]
Around for 45 years and still going strong. Unbelievable margaritas, great appetizers, the cocido is out-of-this-world and the waitresses are friendly and efficient. May also be more accessible if you are going to Disney Hall as it is practically right down the street. Parking in the area is dicey, but I believe they have a valet in the evening for your convenience.

Have a great time at the concert! Vivan Los Lobos!

Answer 4

I easily have heard of burrito boyz in yet another area neqwr the club district, they are meant to be good. yet Mariachis on yonge between davisville and eglinton is the perfect. they have been there for years and characteristic only below lengthy previous a reno. a lot of foodstuff for ur $. the chimichangas are the perfect....omg!!!!!!!

Answer 5

el cholos on western south of olympic