Chicken was top notch, different from the Cuban style. Green peas were great and I preferred them over the black beans, which were good. The Moro, the combination of rice of beans were excellent. Would not recommend the veggie empanada, probably a lot better with meat. They play some great Dominican music for atmosphere. Service was solid read more

El Bacano - Black beans - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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Small Dominican restaurant located in a strip mall in North Hollywood. Look and feel of the menus and interior has kind of a Miami vibe to it, but this observation is from someone who hasn't spent a significant amount of time in Miami. This wonderful restaurant offers delicious Dominican food in a city where there is a dearth of Dominican options. Pardon my ignorance if there is a large community here in LA and that I am just unaware. I ordered the Santana's chicken - or their version of pollo guisado - as well as a cheese and diced salami empanada to start. The portions are pretty large here so the entrée lasted to me about two meals. The chicken was just so flavorful with all the different spices and ingredients. Really well done. I had mine with moro instead of the regular rice because I wanted that extra umph (and protein) from the beans. The empanada had a nice crisps to it and once you've bit in your mouth is met with the oozing, delicious cheese and salty salami. I really enjoyed my meal here. The people here are really friendly and helpful. I was created right as I walked in. There's not a lot of seating area so there's probably a lot of takeout orders here, although I was able to dine in since the place wasn't super busy at the time of my visit. I really enjoy restaurants like this that offer something different to the area and with good execution. The prices here are really reasonable as well. The lot was pretty large so I had no problems finding parking during my visit read more

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I usually don't leave a review after just eating somewhere once. However sometimes all the signs are there and you can taste the care that goes into one dish that speaks for a restaurant. Today for me that was Sancocho stew. The meat was tender, the broth was flavorful, and the plantains and corn were plentiful. Well worth the 20 bucks as it's enough for two meals. The restaurant is small, but cute and very clean and the service at the counter was very nice. I saw a lot of people picking up here for take out so I can't wait to try more dishes. read more

El Bacano - Stew Sancocho - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

So it was 4 of us and we had a lot of different plates and it was ok I found you thru instagram food was delicious but nothing compared to New York but I enjoyed it will I go back honestly no! The service cashier was great eating in to go containers I didn't like my opinion! Spent about 50.00 for one person I could have ate better somewhere else ambiance was live small restaurant! Parking was good a lot of parking read more

*** Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants (2024): #81 *** As one of just a couple Dominican restaurants in all of Los Angeles, El Bacano would be worth checking out based on that alone. However, seeing this place listed on the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants list provided even more motivation. Located in a strip mall in North Hollywood, the space is small, but the ambiance is nice. With the music and decor, it's definitely a vibe. This is the type of restaurant where you order and pay at the front, then take a seat and wait for your food to be prepared. To eat, I ordered the Santana's Chicken, priced around $16. Served with a salad, beans, rice, and more, this dish certainly satisfied. The chicken was extremely tender and flavorful. The beans were great, as well. If you're in the area, make sure to give this place a try! read more

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Qué vaina más buena! Those fried Dominican pork chops with rice and beans were dabomb --yes thats dopeass for good. IYKYK. My friend had camarones guisados with side of aguacate. 2 Dominicans here approve it. Nuff said read more

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I don't get it. There's great Latin Chicken all over this city and this did not live up to it. Along with being one of the ugliest restaurants in LA El Bacano lacked flavor. The Santana Chicken was ok. The beans pretty good. The salad barely passable. The burger was extremely overcooked and dry. Why all the accolades? Can't be the blinding bright lights that line the entire restaurant making it difficult to even look at those you're dining with. Kinda bizarre read more

El Bacano - Lights - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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El Bacano looks like an episode of Miami Vice with bright, neon, and tropical colors. It's the only place in LA where you can sit down and enjoy Dominican food. If you haven't tried the Caribbean flavors of this cuisine, hurry up and visit El Bacano in N. Hollywood already. Come and try the hearty breakfast plates, mangu (mashed plantains), guisados (stewed meat plates), and chimi burgers. Santana's Chicken: If you're hungry, this pollo guisado plate will hit the spot. The big pieces of tender bone-in chicken have been slowly stewed in a flavorful gravy of garlic, oregano, spices, and cilantro. The garlic has essentially transformed into pure flavor while the peppers and onion add a little texture. The white rice is firm and buttery. Pour the delicious gravy over the rice. Why do I have the urge to drink the sauce through a straw? The plantains are golden, crispy, and soft. The red beans are in a richly flavored broth. Did I mention that there's also a salad? You can choose between a green salad or a potato salad. Morir Soñando: This icy beverage is an elevated Orange Julius or melted creamsicle with more concentrated flavor. Dining Area: After ordering at the counter, there are about seven tables in this little space. The background music has a vibrant energetic beat and the friendly staff is having a great time. Parking: The large Victory Plaza shopping center has plenty of parking spaces. read more

El Bacano - Santana's Chicken: pollo guisado with white rice, red beans, plantains, and salad - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

I got the stewed chicken (guisado I think?), with the red beans, salad w vinaigrette a side of maduros and a large morir soñando. Cost me around $30 for everything and the food is AMAZING!! So happy I found this gem in my backyard! read more

First time trying Dominican food. The la bandera with moros was very tasty. The meat so tender. The mangu was just ok for me. Glad that I tried it. Guava drink super fresh. I would come back here again if I'm in the area. read more

El Bacano - La bandera - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

My sister invited me for lunch. Parking is vast. Establishment is very sterile and clean. Limited seating. Not good for large groups. Tables only accommodate groups of 4 or Less. No Restrooms on site so if you get Frequent Bubble Guts you're kinda Sh out of Luck. My Santana chicken plate is served with rice and black beans. Flavorful and tender chicken. Black beans and rice equally good. Portions are nice. My Morir Soñando drink was good, just a little too sweet for my liking. Service was good and straightforward. Only advice is they don't really follow up to ask how you're doing after the food is served. I'd definitely recommend them for some solid Comida Dominicana. read more

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I call to place an order on Wednesday 29,2025 At 5:26 and Rude as lady with bad attitude answer the phone I requested a plate of food with rice and extra breast i told her we will pay extra for it and she said no go someone where else I ask her to talk to manager and she hang up I call gor the 3 time and she kept hanging up the phone this is the worse server I ever got in this place....... I would not recommend this at all unless you like being treated like crap I believe I you are bringing business to a place and your paying extra for what your asking for no one should refuse to it cause it's bringing money to the restaurant. totally bad service bad place. read more

I've never had a full meal here, just smaller items like fried plantains, fries, fried salami, and empanadas. All of those are delicious and savory, especially the empanadas. I'm not sure when I'll sit down for a full meal, but I hope it's soon. I've seen other people enjoying their food, and it looks amazing, so I can't wait to try a full dish. The only downsides are the wait can be a bit long, and there's no bathroom, but nothing too major. read more

El Bacano - Menu - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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Never tried Thai kind of food before I seen it every time I'm in the Area. The girl at front answered all the questions I had about the food and she give us her preferences. We got the macho chicken and bistek encebollado. My good those Moros/Casamiento were delicious and the chicken was a very unique flavor but delicious. Definitely coming back for more read more

El Bacano - Bistec Encebollado 9/10 - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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El Bacano was such a beautiful surprise, my boyfriend loved it. The food was full of flavor and reminded me so much of home -- every bite tasted like it was made with love. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere had that cozy, familiar feeling that's hard to find. If you're craving authentic Dominican food in LA, this place is truly special. read more

El Bacano - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

The food is bland and definitely not what it looks like on the pictures. My rice and beans were missing. I'm more disappointed at the fact that I was sooooo looking forward to try their food and I regret it so much :(. The food actually look old. Disappointed! read more

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New eatery adventure. Haven't had Dominican food in ages - not too common in SoCal. This place is local (to me) in the SFV. Always up to support small Latino business. The place is a small storefront, probably seats 20. But the old adage holds true, though: "good things come in little packages!". This place knocks it out of the ballpark. The food is excellent - nothing like that homemade flavor and seasoning. (For those that don't know, Dominican food is similar to Cuban and Puertorican food.) Additionally, generous portions and good service - I hope they stick to the plan. Highly recommend. One of the best Latin food that I have had in a long while. Impressed!! + read more

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Ordered food to get delivered and wow!!! The food was still hot and so delicious!!! We ordered the pollo guisado and la bandera and it was seasoned and cooked to perfection w/a side order of chicken empanadas. Food is reasonably priced and delicious, can't beat that at all!!! read more

El Bacano - La Bandera - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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AMAZING !!!!!!!!! First time here and the food was so delicious. I'm just mad we haven't been here before, but we will definitely be back. we have the Santana chicken and it came with a delicious fresh juice. this is the house special dish read more

I have been waiting for a Dominican brick & mortar to open up in LA since I moved almost ten years ago. El Bacano is providing exactly what I've been missing! Location: it's inside of a little shopping complex near LA fitness. Easy to get to. Huge parking lots with tons of available spots. The restaurant is on the smaller side, but there are tables inside to sit at and dine-in (we took our food to go). The person taking our order at the counter was patient, helpful, and friendly. She double checked what we ordered was correct, thankfully, because I definitely ordered the wrong beans on accident which was an easy quick fix thanks to her attentiveness. The foooooood. We ordered the bistec encebollado and la bandera, which were both amazing. The side of red bean moro really amplified the plates. Pairing the meals with morir soñando truly made everything feel like home. I will absolutely be back soon. read more

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New Yorker here giving this hole in the wall stamped approval! It was about time a Dominican restaurant, with this quality, showed up in LA. The Desayuno (Mangu) was so rich and the texture was on point! Onions were so flavorful so order an extra side 100%. The Sancocho is amazing too. I will definitely be coming back next week for more read more

Amazing food! My boyfriend and I had dinner here last night and it was so delicious. I wanted him to feel like he was back home in the Bronx and El Bacano hit the spot. We ordered the Mangu (sweet), La Bandera, 16oz Morir Sonando, and Ensalada de Papa. Every single dish was packed with flavor and the meat was so juicy. The staff were friendly and very nice. We can't wait to come back for more Dominican food. read more

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Best Dominican restaurant you'll ever have! Warning tho! You will get addicted to eating here everyday!! Great service and great seating. :)

I am thrilled, actually ecstatic, to have found a Dominican eaterie nearby. This is actually the only one in all of LA County. I had my first taste of Dominican back in Miami, and I fell in love! Ever since then, I have been on a constant search for anything in So Cal. So glad to have found this one! My favorite cooking feature is that almost everything is fried, and there's lots of plantains involved with most meals. This place recently opened and have a great extensive menu! There's a good amount of seating inside too, oh but they are closed on Mondays. I always have to get a Dominican empanada first. They're the best of all because they're fried! I really can't do with the baked ones anymore. Not after sinking my teeth into one of these baby's! You choose from either ground beef, chicken, vegetable, or salami and cheese. I went with the chicken and it came with a really good dipping sauce. Deeeelicious! The Mangu is a very interesting plate with fried over medium eggs topped over a bed of mashed plantains and grilled red onions. It's served with a side of fried salami, and fried cheese blocks. You can choose your sides, but you gotta always get the fried cheese! We also love that they sell grape soda. And coming soon, smoothies! There are so many dishes that I wanna try! I'll be tasting everything on their menu eventually. Cannot wait! read more

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Good ass Dominican chicharron it was bussin really liked it outta everything I try I try mangu with tres golpes also rice beans and chicken stew and we took a to go of oxtail rice and beans read more

Every Friday I am here this place has become one of my favorite place . The food is amazing the stuff is so cool and music just wow. Would definitely recommend read more

I'm Domincan. The owners are sweet. Good customer service. To be very honest this place is not for me. I dont like buffet style greasy food and here its greasy. I really wanted to like it. read more

The restaurant itself is cute. Small space but a good amount of seating. The woman at the counter was very nice. They serve everything in a to go container which makes it easy if you don't finish your food and want to take it home. I enjoyed my chicken empanadas. They were crispy and also larger than other empanadas. While I enjoyed my food, it wasn't my favorite. My boyfriend loved the Chuletas frita. But overall it's worth a try. read more

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The food is very tasty and flavorful. But my beans & rice was not included. I take that to mean they ran out or they need to change the way it's stated on their delivery page. I selected + Tostones, as you'll see in my photo. I did not select no rice. I am college educated. There is no way I fumbled the reading comprehension. If El Bacano in fact did run out of beans & rice, I should've been notified and I would've cancelled. If there is an option for No rice, French rices and + tostines and it is REQUIRED I select in order to put my order in, then I one would assume the meal comes with rice unless you click NO RICE. Huge mistake. Will never order from here again. Which is too bad because the food is good and reminds me of Miami. read more

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This place is authentic DR food. I had the Mangu plate with fried salami, cheese and eggs. It was delicious and the staff was Really nice and friendly, it's a casual restaurant but very well decorated, the music was loud but I feel like it is reminiscent of the colmados in DR, and it's great music so I didn't mind. Love my first plate and I cannot wait to try their other dishes. Mangu is my favorite so I had to try that first. It definitely did not disappoint. I'll be back soon to try the sancocho. read more

El Bacano - Fried Salami, queso frito, eggs and Mangu - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

First time trying Dominican food and it's so full of flavor! I noticed this place opened up this year and have been meaning to try it. Decided to pass by after work and I'm glad I did. I love seafood and the camarones guisados were bomb. Very flavorful and filling. I opted for the fried plantains and it was nostalgic, especially growing up having them on the weekend. Our meal came with two sides and the potato salad was the best I've tried. I was craving an empanada, and the beef was delicious. My husband ordered a guava drink and it was refreshing. The inside is spacious, clean and lit. Make sure to give they a try. The staff is amazing and welcoming. Open to give suggestions and recommendations depending on what you're craving. ;) read more

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My first time trying Dominican food and the mangu was so good! Got the mixed plantains, fried eggs, avocado, queso frito, and salami, with morir sonando. Cool people, nice place. Thank you! read more

El Bacano - Mangu is bomb - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

My husband is Dominican and this is the first time we actually found authentic Dominican food. This Mangu is another level, I highly recommend to order it with mixed plantains!! Honestly everything feels homemade, the quality and size of their plates is amazing. Can't wait to come back!! read more

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such a great spot! i ordered from uber eats and it arrived about 45 mins later and was STILL hot and was SOOOO good. i got the shrimp, potato salad, and veggie empanada. so happy with the flavors and everything i ordered. coming from a new yorker too :) only thing is i wish the veggie empanada had more veggies instead of just peppers and onions. a beyond version would be way better. but can't wait to try more stuff!! read more

Good food I love it me and my wife ate everything it was so delicious. I let my son taste some of it and he was mad he chose pizza

So excited to have found a real Dominican restaurant!!! The chimis were so good and the food was good albeit a little pricey. On the downside their app is confusing you can't add multiple things to your order so make sure if you go on there you check off EVERYTHING you want in your order. Customer service also leaves a lot to be desired but i won't let that discourage me, i will be going back!!! read more

Authentic, delicious Dominican food with authentic Dominican flavors. Eating the delicious bistec enarbolado with rice and beans transported me back home to Dominican Republic I just wish the restaurant was closer to me so that I can enjoy it every day but it was worth the long drive. If you are looking to taste real Dominican cuisine be sure to go to El Bacano read more

Weeeeeepa Ok ladies and gents and kids of all ages This restaurant gets Let's start by the cleanest little restaurant And let's talk about the service young lady at the cash register so nice and the young lady with the red hair good service I appreciate that . Some restaurants lack that these days so appreciate that. Now let's get to the food I had the empanadas so gpooddddd like my mom use to make I am Dominican and this food Took me back . I also had the 3 golpes and it was delish !!!! My husband had the fried chicken white rice and red beans sooooo good he loved it . So definitely will be back try the fried fish But hey you reading this don't take my word for it go ! Go ! Gooo and experience The food yourself . Que no te digan Que no te cuenten Por qué a lo mejor te mienten Like th Foodie with Bootie recommended Dominican girl approved read more

I had the excitement of coming here since I read some reviews. Place was empty when we got there. So I was still hopeful that the food was going be great. When I ordered and received the food, I was disappointed with my husband's serving. Very little onions with his bistec. Needed some salt. Small serving. My food was good just the Moro (black bean rice) was dry and needed salt too. The only good plate was the chicharron. The tostones was cut too thin as well. Like I always said, you have to try it and then make your own review. I giving it a 3 star. The only closely dominican restaurant wasn't what I thought. read more

El Bacano - Carne Guisado - Dominican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

Delicious Dominican food that reminded me of my mom. Portions are large, 2 of us ate and were full from one plate plus a side of maduros. I can't wait to come again. Not very many seats but we made it work read more