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SAN GABRIEL. This Nuevo Latino hotspot earns tops marks for innovative twists on traditional Mexican dishes. The menu, far from the usual litany of combination plates, offers extravagant entrees like epazote-crusted snapper with mango-lime relish, chiles en nogada (a pepper stuffed with minced meat, fruit, and nuts), and lamb shank mixote (marinated dry in ground chiles and then steamed in beer). For dessert, treats like a wine-poached pear atop ice cream and rice pudding brûlée are on offer.
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Border Grill
1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · 310-451-1655
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SANTA MONICA. You may be familiar with this restaurant's owners from their "Too Hot Tamales" cooking show. If not, then you're in for a treat. Border Grill's menu of lighter, authentic Mexican cuisine suits even the most finicky palates. The biggest surprise for some diners is that not all Mexican fare is super-spicy and loaded with cheese; this food is full of complex flavors and fresh vegetables and fruits. Alongside meaty tacos and burritos, you'll find an assortment of vegetarian and seafood options. Exceptional dishes include achiote-marinated pork and seasoned carnitas on corn tortillas. Mojitos and margaritas made with premium tequilas pack a powerful punch – bring a designated driver!
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El Tepeyac
812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033 · 323-267-8668
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EAST LOS ANGELES. Bring your appetite to this casual eatery, where you can feed yourself for the entire day if you choose carefully. Burritos are truly enormous – oversized tortillas packed to bursting with rice, beans, your choice of meat, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and a variety of other ingredients. Other Mexican classics are offered, but burritos are the reason regulars return. Eat inside if you like, but most customers opt to commune with their burritos at long tables outside or back at the office.
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Guelaguetza
11127 Palms Blvd, Palms, CA 90034 · 310-837-1153
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PALMS. Boasting an inventive menu, this small restaurant is big on taste (and spice)! Enjoy goodies like goat stew, mole, or crickets cooked to perfection. Laid-back casual atmosphere is punctuated by the warming smells of cinnamon and chile. Great breakfast stop as well.
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SANTA MONICA. For seafood done Mexican style, try this Santa Monica favorite. Regulars attest to the fact that the consistent presentation of the expertly prepared seafood dishes have made them steadfastly loyal. Order the fish quesadilla, the shredded beef in red chile sauce, or the chicken enchiladas. Excellent margaritas round out the experience. The décor is done in warm tones and features carved stone pillars and a lovely fountain. An upscale casual atmosphere pervades.
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WESTWOOD. This place is an off-shoot of its famous East LA cousin, and the food is just as good. Fresh fish either grilled or in a burrito, a gordita stuffed with shrimp, and weekend breakfast specials keep the crowds coming back. They do not accept reservations for groups of less than eight, so be prepared to wait. No worries, though: this is one of the top Mexican restaurants in LA, so the time is well spent.
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Lotería! Grill
6333 W 3rd St, Farmer's Market, Los Angeles, CA 90036 · 323-930-2211
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WEST HOLLYWOOD. Hungry shoppers who chance upon this Mexican food stand during their wanderings through the Farmer's Market are delighted with its filling, authentic fare. Well-stuffed burritos, packed with beef, chicken, and pork, are just the beginning – albondigas (meatballs) in chipotle, tacos topped with zucchini and succotash, and even fresh cactus are a sampling of the appetizing fare available. Lime-aid, watermelon juice, and even hibiscus flower tea help wash it all down.
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Monte Alban
11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 · 310-444-7736
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WEST LOS ANGELES. It's said that the true test of a restaurant's authenticity is its clientele – if expats eat there, it must be the real thing. Monte Alban is the real thing. Its strip-mall location may not be the most elegant, but the decor is warm and festive. Of course, the reason most people show up is for the food – specifically, for moles (sauces) that grace most dishes and send Oaxacan food lovers into spasms of pure delight. Whether you choose black, red, yellow, or green mole, you're sure to be satisfied. And if you're not sure what or how to order, the friendly staff are happy to point you in the right direction.
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Poquito Más
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2215 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 · 310-474-1998
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WEST LOS ANGELES. For a quick, healthy, inexpensive Cali-Mexican meal, this mini-chain is one of the best options around. Favorite menu items include ahi tacos, vegetarian burritos, huge quesadillas, and famous tostadas, all of which include fresh, house-made tortillas. Don't forget to complement your choice with a freshly prepared salsa from the salsa bar. Tortilla soup is in high demand on cooler days, and there's a special children's menu, too.
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Tlapazola Grill
11676 Gateway Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025 · 310-477-1577
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WEST LOS ANGELES. Grilled pork tenderloin with mole amarillo or chicken with mole negro – Tlapazola brings unique Oaxacan-style to LA. The restaurant combines dozens of herbs, different types of chocolate, and a number of chiles in their recipes, a lush culinary practice that keeps regulars coming back for delicious lamb, chicken, and pork dishes. The ambience is cool and casual, and when you're not checking out what other diners have ordered, you'll want to commit to trying some dish you've never encountered before.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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