Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Bars with Mexican food in Central LA

You want a cold drink paired with authentic Mexican flavors, and you expect both to be handled with care.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated
01
La Popular Hollywood image 1
La Popular Hollywood image 2
La Popular Hollywood image 3
View all

Large outdoor patio with fire pits and shuttered overhead cover creates a cozy, inviting space. Interior blends stylish decor with a quality sound system, offering a warm atmosphere that transports guests. A traveling tequila cart adds a unique touch to the relaxed vibe.

Classy, upscale bar with great service sits in a lively area. It offers a top spot within walking distance for a refined night out.

Salsa arrives quickly, dark and robust with the right heat. Carnita and chicken tinga tacos offer superb flavor and balanced spice. Mole chicken enchiladas and quesabirria tacos stand out for their amazing taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food was delicious and tasted fresh."

"I finally found a classy bar within walking distance."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays with drinks priced between $7 and $8.

2

Sunday brunch is available from 10 am to 3 pm, perfect for post-church visits.

3

Validated parking is available for up to two hours with a restaurant receipt.

02
El Carmen image 1
El Carmen image 2
El Carmen image 3
View all

Space showcases Lucha Libre decor with festive, eclectic design inspired by Mexican cinema and masked wrestlers. Atmosphere is loud and energetic, filled with Spanish music and a busy, fun vibe. Crowd enjoys strong, creative margaritas and highly praised tacos in a lively late-night setting.

Small dive bar offers best tequila-based drinks and top-notch bar food. The place has a cool Lucha vibe and valet parking nearby.

Tacos stand out with buttery, spiced potatoes in a thin, crispy shell and flavorful carne asada. Drinks like Margaritas with Tajin on the rim complement the great salsa and guacamole. Prices range from $5-7 per taco.

People are saying

"I had the best tacos of my life; they were so delicious."

"You have to try the tacos here; they're the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available Monday to Friday from 5โ€“7pm with $8 margaritas and $3 tacos.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Street meter parking is available, but expect to walk a block or two.

03
Mr.Tempo Cantina image 1
Mr.Tempo Cantina image 2
Mr.Tempo Cantina image 3
View all

Restaurant combines modern art and old architecture with colorful murals and an upbeat music vibe. DJ plays lively sets, creating a fun night out atmosphere. Space includes a cool bar on top and a hidden room showcasing artwork.

A cool bar on top offers a great spot to relax. Bartenders like Ingrid provide attentive service and great recommendations.

Mexican food here stands out for its exceptional birria tacos and unreal flavor that differs from typical offerings. The dishes deliver a very delicious and memorable taste experience.

People are saying

"I'd come back just for the chips and salsa."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and make your visit extra special."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $8 cocktails and food options for $10.

2

Dancing takes place on Sundays, adding to the lively atmosphere.

3

Validated parking is not available; use nearby public garages instead.

04
Encanto Restaurant image 1
Encanto Restaurant image 2
Encanto Restaurant image 3
View all

Midcentury modern design with dim lighting creates a warm, intimate setting. Loud music and live mariachi performances fill the space, making conversation difficult. Margaritas and Mexican wines complement flavorful dishes like carne asada and ceviche sampler.

A beautiful bar area offers a comfortable spot to enjoy drinks. Staff provide attentive service, making it welcoming for solos and groups alike.

Bone-in carne asada stands out with perfect seasoning and cooking. The mushroom tacos, fingerling potatoes, and chips with guacamole and red salsa offer strong flavors. The $10 margaritas are consistent and well-made. Churros filled with ricotta melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor fajitas here are flavorful and came out fast."

"The bar staff struggled to get the game on TV for us."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and challenging; check behind the restaurant for spots.

2

Brunch includes a mix of appetizers and an entree for $45.

3

Happy hour on weekends features good tacos and discounted drinks.

05
Te'Kila image 1
Te'Kila image 2
Te'Kila image 3
View all

Mexican-style decor and vibrant EDM music create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. The space offers outdoor seating and a cozy, homey vibe with a lively crowd. Large portions and big margaritas complement the fun, casual setting.

An energetic and welcoming atmosphere fills the bar, making it a great spot for game day, especially for Seahawks fans. Bartenders like Victor and Ericka stay attentive and efficient even when the place is packed.

Grilled corn on the cob comes smothered with mayo, cheese, and spices for an explosion of flavors. Tacos like carne asada, Al pastor, and shrimp offer tender, flavorful bites. The Giagantรจ mega burrito stands out for special occasions. Sides include delicious black beans and rice.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos and nachos, is delicious and generously portioned."

"Ericka's friendly service and quick drinks made the bar experience a blast."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available every night.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great value and delicious options.

3

An automatic 18% gratuity is added to all orders.

06
All Season Brewing Company image 1
All Season Brewing Company image 2
All Season Brewing Company image 3
View all

Brewery occupies an old Firestone tire station with an open air concept and seamless indoor-outdoor setting. Atmosphere feels casual and fun with arcade games and skeeball keeping energy high. Large seating areas include a semi-private party room and a patio.

Large space offers plenty of seating and a wide selection of beer options. Staff keeps the bar flow going smoothly even when it gets busy and loud. Food serves as solid bar fare.

Tacos here come with quick service and a vegetarian jackfruit option. Nachos and tacos offer a tasty alternative to typical bar snacks.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious beer and games in the back."

"They have plenty of beer options on tap, including local brews."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great beer selections at affordable prices.

2

Social hour specials are available for a limited time.

3

No outside food is allowed on the premises.

07
El Cholo - The Original image 1
El Cholo - The Original image 2
El Cholo - The Original image 3
View all

Historic Mexican restaurant with nostalgic decor and divided dining areas creates a cozy, old-timey vibe. Strong, flavorful margaritas and classic Hispanic dishes define the experience. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with a mix of quiet booths and lively spaces.

Marvelous bar staff deliver excellent service consistently. Nik stands out as a top bartender who enhances the bar experience.

Old style Mexican food stands out with authentic flavors and refried beans that are notably rich. This spot serves consistently traditional dishes that capture classic tastes.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's margaritas were excellent and a highlight."

"The bartenders here are awesome and took great care of us."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $9, with valet service available.

2

Green corn tamales are available from May through October.

3

USC students get 50% off with a valid ID.

08
Guelaguetza Restaurant image 1
Guelaguetza Restaurant image 2
Guelaguetza Restaurant image 3
View all

Spacious indoor and outdoor seating features colorful decor and authentic Oaxacan roots. Live music, including a marimba band and mariachi, creates a lively, noisy atmosphere that immerses diners in culture. A large mezcal selection complements the vibrant setting.

A mezcal bar offers a top-tier selection that stands out. The full bar has cocktails and TVs showing Mexican league football, with quieter seating behind the bar.

Mole sauces stand out with over 40 ingredients and spices in each, showing no shortcuts in preparation. The Coloradito mole offers a unique flavor that many find transformative.

People are saying

"The mole at this Mexican food spot is absolutely delicious."

"I enjoyed the full bar and great food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available but can be expensive.

09
Casita Del Campo image 1
Casita Del Campo image 2
Casita Del Campo image 3
View all

Midcentury style Mexican restaurant with a hot pink house and multiple cool rooms and patios creates a festive atmosphere lively enough for big parties. Outdoor spaces feature dog-friendly patios with music playing all genres, while indoor lounges offer private rooms and a casual game-watching spot. Energy stays vibrant with a mix of group-friendly vibes and unique campy touches.

Multiple cool rooms, patios, and bar lounges create a varied space. Privacy curtains at bar booths offer dignity for LGBTQ patrons. Staff from valet to bar provide consistently great service.

Mexican food here features authentic flavors with dishes like carnitas with oranges and carne asada burritos standing out. Portions are generous and salsas balance perfectly between thick and runny.

People are saying

"This Mexican food feels like a party, it's my favorite ever."

"The bar's atmosphere is lively, intriguing, and inviting."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $7, and street parking is limited.

2

Brunch is available on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm.

3

They host events like game days and pride season parties.

10
Mi Corazon Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mi Corazon Mexican Cuisine image 2
Mi Corazon Mexican Cuisine image 3
View all

Large space with fantastic decor and a welcoming bar area hosts lively crowds drawn by DJ sets and mariachi bands. Atmosphere is fun and loud, making it a popular spot for groups and celebrations. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the energetic vibe.

The bar offers a nice spot to hang out with a relaxed vibe. It serves 805 beer and food like carne asada fries, and also features a kids menu making it family-friendly.

Authentic Mexican food shines through dishes like potato tacos, carne asada fries, and spicy chilaquiles. The queso dip and carne asada stand out, paired well with the famous Cadillac margarita.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here genuinely good and reasonably priced."

"The bar's decor and open layout create a nice environment."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like Mother's Day.

2

Bottomless mimosas are available for an hour and a half during brunch.

3

Taco Tuesday offers decent value, but it's not available every week.

Discover more

Central LA, Los Angeles

Area guide