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El Grullense

4.5 (121 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican
Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

El Grullense Photos

EL GRULLENSE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids

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The outside street view
Franco L.

This little place is AMAZING every single time. I've been fortunate to have been returning here for almost 20 years. The food here is consistent. The burritos and tacos along with the meats inside are all tender and tasty. But get this, they also serve crazy good soups/ caldos. Beef or chicken depending on what day of the week. Their salsas are a completely satisfying addition to the meals. The salsa are tasty and spicy in that order. They are perfect for all they have to offer from burritos to sopes to quesadillas. If your in mid town LA, slightly west of downtown, don't hesitate to stop at this authentic eatery. Parking is on the street or in the lot on the east side of the building. Yes, the music comes on a little loud about every five minutes but that's part of the authenticity. Thank you Grullense for the years of more than satisfying food. I'll be returning for years more.

Quesadilla de Carnitas
Salvador M.

If you around the area, live around here or just passing by, you have to try El Grullense food. I have been coming here for over 20years, great service, great people, food is great, my favorite is the Quesadilla de Carnitas plate. See picture. Small inside, but nice authentic decoration. Only downside is the loud music from their jukebox. Food 5 out of 5 Service 5 out of 5 Overall: 5 out of 5

three tacos on a paper plate
Ray G.

I found this place by search for great tacos on Yelp. I got a few carne asada tacos and a pastor taco. They were quite reasonably priced at $2.50 each. The flavors of both meats were delicious. However, the asada was super dry and grainy. The pastor was fine.

Chicken taco with all the extras
Kyla H.

Love this place hands-down one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles right across from where I get my nails done I'm hooked. They also serve bomb burritos and tasty tortas too! But for me tacos are my fave

Carney asada tacos
Cheryl C.

Oh my god!!! I ordered the carne asada tacos for 1.50 each and they were aaaamazing! The place looks a little sketchy, but you will not regret it! Lots of tender juicy beef, no fat, cilantro, onions, and red sauce. Better than king taco by yards.They also give you pickled carrots and peppers. I want some more now.

Menu
Noah I.

I happened upon El Grullense somewhat by chance, and I'm extremely happy I did. It's one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles, hands down. I only had one item here, but it's absolutely amazing here: the carne asada tacos. It came with the classic fixings of onion, cilantro, and two choices of salsa (a red which was spicy and a green which was medium). The meat was the perfect consistency and flavorful as can be; it ranks among the best carne asada tacos I've ever had. The prices are also phenomenal, with each taco resting at $1.50. The indoor area is small, but there's enough seating available to snag a seat. You can also order at the outside takeout window for quicker ordering. Again, I'd just like to reiterate that if you're reading this, you should get up and go to El Grullense immediately.

Llasmin H.

I absolutely love this place it is my #1 taco spot in Los Angeles! I have been coming to this location for years thanks to an Ex-boyfriend shout to you lol! Anyways, these taco's right here are BOMB.com and not to mention that special red sauce that is spicy and just freaking amazing!!! I can literally have one sauce for each taco.They give you a good amount of meat every single time and the taste has never changed so far throughout the 7 years I have came to this place. Love their onions and carrots too! This place is not for the faint hearted nor for everyone. It is a hole in the wall for a reason so don't expect no 5 star service or top notch hygiene, but that's because tacos are just tacos and what I mean by that is, I do not believe that Mexico uses gloves for tacos?! Not sure , but don't quote me on it either. All I want to review is how I love this place and hope that fellow taco fan eaters love it too!

Not the greatest presentation, hard carots
Dulce C.

Its ok when there is no other place available. Carrots are enormous but hard jalapeños look old. Takos are just om. The place needs some TLC, seems to be neglected. Will i go back again? I dont think so. Ponganse las pilas paisas!!

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9 months ago

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7 months ago

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6 months ago

Been going here for 13 years or longer best tacos hands down ! I love a carnitas and my wife favors the pastor

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10 months ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Best Taqueria in LA hands down!!! This is a LA classic that is my secret spot for the top tacos in town.

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3 years ago

Best taco and burrito fair prices and good taste. Adrian the cook and everyone else very friendly.

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

I love it here all the workers are so kind and it's so quick to get food I love them and food is so fresh

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12 years ago

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5 years ago

Very small place but their food is amazing!!!! Meat just melt in your mouth. And prices are good. I love it

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

I love this place! I've been a customer for 32 years. The food is delicious. And the menudo perfect for a hangover.

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4 years ago

I just love the food,and noticed not many people leaving a review,so yea.. It's the bomb.

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12 years ago

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Sonoratown

Sonoratown

4.4
(2.3k reviews)
2.0 mi
$$

Sonoratown's hype is real and hype is justified. I don't know why I never came here when I lived in…read moreDTLA, what a miss on my part. Oh well, no time like the present. I wanted to order all the things but I exercised some restraint and just ordered the CARAMELO ($8.75 - Flour tortilla, pinto beans, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado salsa, salsa roja, avocado, cabbage.). I picked chorizo as my protein option. I also, of course, had to also add the smoky grilled poblano chile for $1.25. It was SO good and FLAVORFUL - it didn't even need the salsas. Although, I will note that both the salsas were lovely. The flour tortilla was clearly freshly made. Also, it was a massive portion. I don't know what I was expecting. If this is the size of their caramelo, I don't want to know how giant the burrito is. I also had to get the cucumber agua fresca to pair with my caramelo. It was perfectly sweetened and wonderfully refreshing. I'll have to make my way back here now to try the burrito 2.0 and chivichanga.

Cute spot, very clean staff all very busy but still have time tontine care of your order which is…read morevery admirable. The tacos de cabeza!!!!! Wow they are amazing. The way the perfect thin tortilla just lets you taste all the meat and sauce perfectly (I want some as I'm writing this). I can really see why this place is so popular.

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Seating area
Seating area
COSTILLA BURRITO 2.0: grilled steak, chunky guacamole, monterey jack cheese, pinto beans & chiltepin salsa
COSTILLA BURRITO 2.0: grilled steak, chunky guacamole, monterey jack cheese, pinto beans & chiltepin salsa
Burrito cabeza

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Burrito cabeza
DAMA

DAMA

4.4
(1.4k reviews)
2.1 mi
$$$

Was brought here by a friend as they knew I was a foodie and wanted to show me their favorite tapas…read morespot Downtown in the Fashion Distric for an early birthday celebration. Cute building with lovely patio seating: from the trailing hanging pothos plants, Spanish tiles, to relaxing latin-house music the vibes were welcoming. I'm not much of a drinker though, when asked if I wanted to make my pina colada a "float" I thought incorrectly about ice cream. It was graciously explained that you take an additional shot of rum and float it on top of the drink or mix in to make it extra boozy. The pina colada is top notch they hollow out a real pineapple to make the drink and it's the size of your face! The watermelon cocktail was delicious and there is also a mezcal option. Tasted like if a watermelon aqua Fresca was combined with a margarita, there is a hint of salt that brings out the fruit sweetness. We special ordered a bunch of different proteins and vegetables at half portions to make a feast: Aguachile- Light refreshing starter, kanpachi perfectly marinated and great for the summer heat. Crispy potato- Phenomenally done fingerling potatoes. Whipped beans- Carnitas on top made this dish. Fried chicken tacos- Found the chicken slightly on the dry side, if there was a creamy/thicker sauce would be even better... nothing wrong with flavor, good mild heat. I did enjoy the fresh shredded cabbage and carrots, reminded me of bahn mi. Empanadas- Loved the acidity of the sauce that cut through the fattiness of the ground meat. Light shell. Crispy Squash flower- Delicate crunch, like an angelic version of a jalapeno popper. Lamb chops- Definition of "treat-yourself" luxurious meat lollipops. Celery salad- Simple dish but the lemon flavor and tartness really helped break up the richness of other dishes. Churros- Light crunch and small, petite dessert. The thin caramel sauce is addicting. Fine dining, for those special occasions or if you just want to splurge for a morale boost highly recommend this restaurant. Valet parking or park across the street or around the corner in a lot for $5-10.

We've probably been to Dama two dozen times. It's one of our regular spots and we love it…read more First of all the service is always great. The staff are lovely humans who really seem to care about their customers. We have some faves on the menu. The bean dip is fabulous and I'm addicted to the baby gem salad. They have recently amped up the filling in the delicious crispy squash blossoms and I love the acidity and heat. The fish is also a hit in my books. One dish that doesn't work for me is the lamb chops, which is a shame since it's my favorite protein. I've ordered them multiple times with clear instructions on temperature and have found them overcooked and tough. The beef tostada was just ok. Whilst I loved the pickled veg on the side, the beef was underseasoned. It wasn't bad - just not up to the standard of other dishes. The vibe in the place is welcoming and the restaurant is nicely appointed. We will continue to be regulars and it's really worth trying if you haven't been yet.

Photos
Lovely interior and decor -- summer getaway
Lovely interior and decor -- summer getaway
Calamari
Calamari
Whole Organic Rotisserie Chicken Dinner (serves 3-4)

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Whole Organic Rotisserie Chicken Dinner (serves 3-4)
Guelaguetza Restaurante

Guelaguetza Restaurante

3.9
(3.2k reviews)
0.9 mi
$$
Curbside pickup during COVID-19
Family-owned & operated

Came here to watch the World Cup game and it was a VIBBBBBBE…read more Great accommodating staff, they really were on top of cleaning up the tables and filling up our drinks The food was AMAZING! I recently visited Oaxaca & this is exactly like their mole. So. Good. Can't recommend this place MORE. Take your friends, family, coworkers they have large party friendly seating Definitely will be coming here again!

If you're looking for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Los Angeles, Guelaguetza Oaxacan Restaurant is a…read moremust-visit. Located between Koreatown and Pico-Union, this restaurant delivers an outstanding dining experience from the moment you're seated. My wife and I both ordered the Mole Coloradito with chicken, and it was absolutely delicious. One detail we really appreciated was being able to choose between white meat or dark meat--a thoughtful touch that lets you customize your meal to your preference. The mole was rich, complex, and full of flavor, exactly what you would hope for from a restaurant known for its Oaxacan specialties. As a welcome appetizer, they bring fresh chips and salsa to the table, but what really impressed us was when they replaced the salsa with their incredible mole sauce. It was so good we found ourselves dipping everything into it. Both meals were served with rice that was perfectly cooked with a great consistency and flavor. For those feeling adventurous, give the Chapulines (grasshoppers) a try. They may sound intimidating, but they were surprisingly enjoyable and added to the authentic experience. The staff was exceptionally friendly, attentive, and patient with those of us who are not fluent in Spanish. Their hospitality made us feel comfortable and welcomed throughout our visit. Great food, authentic flavors, and wonderful service make Guelaguetza a restaurant we'll definitely be returning to. Highly recommended!

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Beautifully painted mural outside of Guelaguetza Restaurante
Beautifully painted mural outside of Guelaguetza Restaurante
Chapulines
Chapulines
Delicious chocolate cake.

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Delicious chocolate cake.
Mirate

Mirate

4.2
(1.2k reviews)
3.8 mi
Private events
Outdoor seating

Girl dinner on the open-air patio, and everything worked: food, drinks, and service that was…read moreattentive without hovering. Mírate is known for its agave program (ranked among the best bars in North America, with a dedicated mezcaleria), and it shows even in simple orders. Our skinny spicy marg, skinny Cadillac, and two ranch waters were all clean and well balanced. The crab & cheese buñuelitos, the taco de ribeye, and the potatoes & piquillos, which quietly outperformed for a $10 side. One note for fellow spice-sensitive folks: the salsa molcajete is their mildest salsa, but it still had a kick for me. My friend's branzino arrived beautifully charred and plated. If you're gluten-free or celiac, this kitchen gets it. They swapped in corn tortillas without hesitation and took care of my celiac friend with zero stress. Not a given, even in LA. The multi-level space is stunning, so come a few minutes early to take it in. Parking is easy too: valet at the restaurant or 2 lots about a block away. Already planning what to order next time.

I was really hoping to leave a positive review, but unfortunately that wasn't the case…read more I've been to Mirate before on June 20, and my experience then was nothing like my visit on July 10, 2026. One of the reasons I recommended Mirate is because it's known for being a highly rated modern Mexican restaurant with exceptional service and knowledgeable staff, especially when it comes to tequila and mezcal. Unfortunately, that was not my experience at all. Before ordering food, I asked our server about the differences between the mezcals and which flight they would recommend. The only explanation I received was, "It's just different families, so I'd go with the higher quality one." There was no real information or guidance, and it was obvious they didn't know much about the mezcal selection. I ended up choosing one based solely on what sounded best. We were then informed that the menu had recently changed and is now mostly tapas. That's perfectly fine, but I noticed several items from my previous visit were still available, so I figured I'd order a few favorites along with some new dishes. Most of the food was actually great. The ribeye tacos, tostada, and buñuelitos were all delicious. However, the carne asada was extremely disappointing. We only sent back one plate because I felt bad sending both, and that's when a manager (the gentleman with the man bun) came over. He explained that they have a new chef from Oaxaca, but what confused me was that they were serving Argentinian-style steaks as their carne asada. Instead of a traditional Mexican-style cut, it was thin, flat, and honestly looked like a breakfast steak. For a restaurant that prides itself on being a modern Mexican restaurant, serving Argentinian steak as carne asada just didn't make sense to me. To his credit, he removed both carne asada plates from our bill, which I genuinely appreciated. After that, he asked if there was anything else we'd like. I personally said no, but someone else at the table asked for one more ribeye taco. The manager replied, "You know what? I'll bring you one, and I'll bring them another too." Naturally, I assumed he was offering the extra taco as a goodwill gesture since I hadn't ordered anything else. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the bill and realized both tacos had been added to our tab. I wasn't going to argue over the price of a taco, but it was frustrating because I never asked for it. In fact, I ended up giving that taco away to my friends. If it wasn't complimentary, it shouldn't have been presented as if it were. Another thing worth mentioning is that while the carne asada portion has clearly gotten much smaller, the price remains exactly the same, which doesn't seem justified. Overall, my biggest disappointment is that there was no indication when making the reservation that this was essentially an experimental period with a new chef introducing major menu changes. Had I known beforehand, I never would have recommended Mirate for our dinner, and to be completely honest, I probably wouldn't have made a reservation at all. I only get two days off each month, so this was supposed to be something I could really enjoy. Instead, it honestly felt like a waste of my time and money. I'm sorry to say that while there were a few good moments, they faded very quickly. Unfortunately, the negative parts are what have stayed with me, and that's what I'll remember most about the experience. It's disappointing because I know how great Mirate can be since I experienced it just a few weeks ago. I truly hope they can regain the quality of food, service, and overall experience that made me recommend it in the first place . ( for the picture of the flat carne asada the full steak has 2 more strips added but we had tried it before taking a picture however that's MOST of the "carne asada" portion in the picture )

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Brunch
Brunch
Mirate
Brunch

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Brunch
Holbox

Holbox

4.7
(2.6k reviews)
2.1 mi
$$

I honestly still can't believe I managed to snag a reservation. I know how hard these are to get,…read moreso I went in with pretty high expectations...and somehow it still exceeded them. I've been a fan of Holbox for a while, but the tasting menu is a completely different experience. Every course was thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and just ridiculously good. There wasn't a single dish where I thought, "Eh, I could've skipped that." You can really see why they've earned the Michelin recognition--it's so well deserved. What I appreciated most was that nothing felt overdone or pretentious. It was just incredible food, amazing ingredients, and a team that's clearly passionate about what they do. If you ever get lucky enough to score a reservation, don't even think twice. It's one of those meals you'll be talking about long after it's over.

There is usually a line but I'd say it moves fast and worth the wait. If…read moreYou're waiting in the sun they have water and umbrellas that they offer. Whenever you get close to the door they give you a menu so you can start looking Over it before you order. Then when you make it inside you still wait in line but it's shorter. It's in a food hall. So after you order it's brought to you but don't expect fine dining experience here just because they're a Michelin star. It's a bit loud because it's a food hall. I tried the spot prawn and scallop aguachile. That one was my favorite dish. It had a potent lime taste that brought everything together. You could taste how fresh the fish was. Then I tried the branzino fish which if you've ever eaten it there are bones that you will have to tackle through. Suble lemon flavor and soft pieces of fish. It was a large fish that was easily shareable. It came with rice and beans and also tortillas. The other item I tried was the sea urchin in a shell. It tasted cold and fresh and the flavors were mild. The last item I tried was the Baja taco it was crispy and a thick fish with a little dressing inside it like mayo and a little spicy kick.

Photos
Kitchen view
Kitchen view
Taco de pulpo
Taco de pulpo
Tostada de Atun

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Tostada de Atun

El Grullense - mexican - Updated July 2026

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