I'm so pleased to know the restaurant good food & service.clean cozy good location parking is ok. Margarit's are the best good prices

I love the vibe of this restaurant! It reminds me of Mexican restaurants from my childhood that have been hard to come by. It's dimly lit inside with string lights, fun decor, and classic shiny red booths. Fresh chips and salsa are delivered to you when you're seated. The food is good too! It's like an Americanized Mexican food kind of vibe, but still pretty good and flavorful. I got an asada burrito and the meat was tender and the tortilla for the burrito was nice and toasted and delicious. The rice was good too. The chips and salsa were good. My only complaint is we were offered to start with guacamole and we agreed and the guacamole was good but cost as much as our lunch special (around $15.50) which was insane. But otherwise, I would definitely come back here. I really enjoyed everything overall. read more

We were returning home to West LA through the North Hollywood-Toluca Lake neighborhood after completing our early morning shopping for Mexican tamales and pastries in preparation for Christmas Day, when my brother-in-law asked if we had ever eaten at Ernie's Mexican Restaurant. Um, nope, even though he insisted that he often takes family members and friends there for Mexican cuisine, which he claims leans towards Cal-Mex. LOL. However, we've been visiting Los Angeles for the past thirty years, we've eaten at places such as Guelaguetza, Guisados, ¡Lotería!, Salsa & Beer, Tacos Tumbras a Tomás, and various food stalls in DTLA's Grand Central Market. None of our previous experiences seemed to be what would be described as Cal-Mex b, but what WOULD I know since we're visitors from Hawai'i? Since it was a Sunday morning, just past 11 a.m., my BIL mentioned that we, the usual Sunday brunch crowd, hadn't come yet, so the parking lot was relatively empty. Also, he reminded us to bring our sunglasses because the restaurant's interior is dark, and when we exit, we'd be blinded by the sunshine. Upon entry, the hostess greeted my BIL with cheery familiarity since he and his friends often come here, as he said. The interior was festively decorated with Christmas ornaments and festooned with Mexican paper streamers. All of the servers wore "wild" yet tasteful Christmas sweaters or vests. The dining room and bar area seemed small in comparison to the building's exterior until the server proudly offered to show me around to their additional dining rooms, outdoor patio, and stage for Mexican music performances. The server brought us a basket of freshly fried, airy tortilla chips and two ramekins of salsa (spicy and mild), which we munched on while sipping Micheladas and waiting for our meals. I thought my palate had become more chili pepper spice-tolerant, but that spicy salsa brought me to tears. Then the jovial server brought the onslaught of food. FOOD: -Lunch Special #2 Cheese Enchiladas Rancheras: two cheese enchiladas smothered in Ernie's ranchera sauce, topped with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream, and served with refried beans and Mexican rice. My BIL said the Mexican food was more Baja-style/Cal-Mex than Oaxacan-style, which we're used to. The ranchera salsa was smooth, tomatoey, sweet, and chili-forward. I liked that the serving portion wasn't "groaning board-like" and I left content. $15.95 -Lunch Special #6 Taquitos: two deep-fried tortillas, rolled and stuffed with shredded beef (choice of chicken or beef), served with guacamole and sour cream. Served with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice. Again, compared to other Mexican restaurants we've eaten at, the portion was not overwhelming. My husband and I swapped a taquito from his plate with a cheese enchilada from mine. The taquito was perfectly deep-fried, and the shredded beef filling was flavorful and tender. $15.95 We'd return for the ambiance, service, flavors, and value whenever we're in the area again. read more

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Delicious! So good ! Great cute spot for family dates or friends anytime! Go check it out coming from a true Mexican! Love put culture and our food !! I live far from here but I loved it and I will be back! read more

I gave Ernie's five stars because it simply still exists. On a sweltering hot summer day it was so cool, dark and welcoming in there. My server, Chuy, was so accommodating and gracious. My à la cart chile relleno was simply amazing as well the margarita and flan. The legacy of this place is amazing and we should still enjoy it while we can. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - Chile Relleno à la cart - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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Ahhh Ernie's. I've been coming to Ernie's for easily 40 years. Not for the food. The food sucks. Seriously. This is the worst Mexican food you could ever have. BUT, Ernie's serves its purpose. It's an old studio throwback like The Smokehouse in Burbank. Unlike the Smokehouse, where the food is still really good, Ernie's food is not so much. You come here for the ambiance and the drinks. The Margaritas are strong and the and wait staff is stellar. Those guys and gals have to put in a hard days work to cover for the food. I honestly don't understand why this institution's food is so bad but it is. I ordered two beef tacos with hard corn tortilla and it was practically inedible. The tortillas dripped of grease and the beef was unseasoned. The beans were bland and dry. The rice...I won't even get into it. I don't get how a place with food this bad has been in business this long. I love Ernie's though. It's a party place with lots of memories and for that, long live Ernie's! Parking is good but the bar booths are from the 50s and immovable so if you have a gut or boobs, you will not like the booths in the bar. read more

Great Mexican restaurant to eat. Great atmosphere. Food is good. Service is good, servers are always attentive in case we need something else. Really good margaritas, especially if Gaby prepared them . read more

My second time ordering the #11 lunch special to go. The food has been hot and fresh both times. I loveeeeee that they give you chips and salsa with your to go orders, im always sad missing out on it when ordering to go. The food is just delicious, simple and executed well. Comforting flavors. Around 20$ for one entree item with the side rice and bean + Jamaica. I think that's fair, but I don't think I would eat here without the lunch special prices. Thank you Ernie's! Your chefs and kind man working the front are doing amazing :)!!! read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - #11 lunch special shredded beef taco with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

Literally the place has bottomless chips and salsa, free on sight parking and really good drinks, what more could you want? Sat down with four friends after a busy day, immediate food, no stress in parking, lovely atmosphere, wonderful service 10/10 experience! read more

Went it right after opening Food was amazing and our server Rocio was wonderful. Prices were fair for what we got. Would definitely recommend this place. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

Really wanted this to be an epic mexican dinner but was incredibly let down. Came here repeatedly 20yrs ago and it was delicious and affordable, unfortunately times have changed. Ice cube filled $20 margaritas, $5 chips and salsa (first two small bowls of both no charge), flavorless overpriced entrees and incredibly slow service. A fake crab gringo enchilada for $24?? No thanks. read more

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Worst fajitas that I've ever had in my life. Super over priced for what you get. Found this place via yelp when looking for fajitas in the area, and noticed they had a lunch special. Went in to order their lunch steak fajitas to go. The "steak" they gave me looked like scraps left over, definitely not slices from a cut of meat. Not sure if this only happens for to go orders, but if you want fajitas, then I would recommend finding another restaurant. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - "steak" fajitas - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

Rocio was super kind and sweet and attentive Great place and great people. And great food read more

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This place is classic old school noho and valley. Dim lit, large margaritas, oversized LA style Mexican food. I love the fajitas. Every time I go the staff is friendly. Food good. Often live performances. Is a little divy. But that's the vibe. They have free parking and it's way more chill than similar joints like El Coyote or Casa Vega. I'd say I like Ernie's a bit more than casa Vega. But the two have similar vibes. The latter is just more trendy, so crowded with worse parking. read more

i've been coming here for 40 years since I was a kid. I love it. I have great memories. The food is good. The people are great all the workers. Everybody's very helpful. There is music. It just can't get any better. It's a great place to create memories. read more

Old school Mexican restaurant with delicious food! We stopped here for lunch on our way to the Brady Bunch house. I was surprised it was so quiet because even on a Saturday they had lunch specials and sports playing on the bar TVs. Service was great, and the menu has all the favorites as well as some brunch options on the weekend. If I lived closer, I would definitely be here on the regular. read more

The food was subpar, the tortilla chips were over salted, and the general taste was just not there. I would say that if you are thinking about this and another option, try the other one first. The music was way too loud, it almost sounded like a mixture of being in a dance club with a chill vibe of the actual music selection. The servers were nice, they came and delivered items in timely manor. I would not say anything negative for the servers. read more

The food was amazing and the drinks were delicious! The ambience was warm cosy! Service was excellent too. I've been there three times from home which isn't close but I'm always looking for an opportunity to go! read more

Came back here after speaking with one of the managers, Gabby. She personally reached out to me to get more information and rectified the situation by inviting me and my family back. Sure enough our waiter on a Thursday evening was very accommodating and was quick with getting our order and drinks. I had the taquito special while my mom had a fajita special. Worth giving them another shot, will be back for lunch sometime. read more

Just want to tell everyone. The credit card you use will add about another 4% onto your check. The manager said we do not tell the customers because they get upset ! . She also said the disclaimer is on the bottom of the menu. "ha ha" and bye bye forever. read more

Food was good! Atmosphere was very nice and the service was great! We will definitely be back again soon.

Ernie's is a longtime North Hollywood fixture, with a classic menu and expected aesthetic. The servers are always efficient. We've never had a wait, even coming on a weekend with no reservations. Their classic and flavoured margaritas are good. The food is tasty and reasonably priced. Last time I went, I ordered the Skylab wet burrito, outrageously large and over-stuffed with your choice of meat, rice, and beans. I took most of it home and ate it for two more days. A family of four could probably order one Skylab and split it for a full meal. They have a side parking lot with no valet. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - Gigantic Skylab burrito - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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Ernie's restaurant is an institution in North Hollywood/Toluca Lake. It's just wonderful and the owner came out and brought us a special specialty compliments of the restaurant couldn't have been kinder the waiter West White waitresses were so hospitable. Food was great. I love the atmosphere. It's never just a disappointment if you go to Ernie's if you like or love, Mexican restaurants and Mexican food as I do, you live anywhere in the valley of vicinity and Ernie's is the place for you. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - Me and my buddies have another fantastic meal at Ernie's. - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

I love everything about Ernie's! The food is excellent, as are the margaritas. But.... The service is the very best. You'd think you were dining in an exclusive Beverly Hills restaurant with a $500.00 meal. That's exactly how you're treated, and I love it. Go! Now!! It's just the very best!!! read more

Never been to this location before decided to try it out. Lady in the front was nice and sweet. We decided to sit at the bar. Bartender lacked personality and not very personable. No mention of any specials or happy hour. Looked at the menu I ordered a michelada (not pictured) that was the worst miche I have ever had and to charge $15 for a beer and whatever mix that was is ridiculous i drank it and paid for it though but had to chug it to not taste it. Then we ordered a bowl of tortilla soup and albondigas, my wife enjoyed her albondigas but i have never had tortilla soup with red broth it tasted like enchilada sauce. The saving grace of the whole night was the skylab burrito and crunch taco platter those were good. Sadly we will not be returning. I wish this place all the luck. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

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Every time we come, the food is delicious. The service is fast. We don't have to wait long to get a table. They have live music and it's reasonably priced.!!! read more

I've been back on my Friday solo dinner dates lately and met a really sweet woman this past week, we got to chatting forever at the bar over dinner at another local restaurant and somehow the subject of local Mexican spots came up. I told her although I'm super close to Casa Vega I no longer go there, she said the exact same thing and I told her we are ride or die Dun Cuco regulars. She asked if I've tried Ernie's and I told her no, but I run by it ALL the time. She really talked them up and I knew I'd have to come check them out ASAP. So I did, Monday - for dinner! I cheated on Don Cuco which mind you is only 1.6 miles further down the road but I'll admit Ernie's really came through. The staff 5 STAR, the drinks 5 STAR, the food yummm! My bestie and I both ordered the same items we order at Don Cuco to do a comparison and I have to say, Ernie's held their own. I can't wait to bring my son here to check them out. Will I stop going to Don Cuco? Probably not! But Ernie's is GREAT!!!! I'm so thankful for the trusted recommendation, I'll definitely be adding them into the rotation. Private parking lot out back. read more

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I went yesterday with a group of a few women and I ordered Chilaquiles, which were just mediocre; also, my friends did not really like the food either.... The place was a little loud I had been there one time already and I experienced the same thing: not my favorite Mexican place at all read more

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I love Ernie's. If you are an Angeleno who isn't familiar, think "El Coyote" style Mexican Food, family friendly atmosphere, and live music. What makes it stand out is the fantastic service. At Ernie's you get good food, large portions, and a family friendly atmosphere. Of course everyone loves a complimentary basket of chips, and good drinks to go with them. I am a fan of the cheese enchiladas with rice and beans. Ernie's isn't fine dining, but it is a fun night out with the family, and everyone enjoyed their food. Just ask the waiters for the "spicy" salsa. Recommended! read more

Great venue for family event! We had my sister's anniversary dinner there this weekend and everything was amazing! Food was fresh and delicious! The drinks were on point! The service was excellent! Thanks to Joanna, Gabby, Erica and Don Ramon for providing such exceptional service! We were so impressed with how responsive they were to ask all guests! Definitely recommend, especially for group events! Thanks Ernie's! read more

Came here for a bite to eat with my family . Service was good ! Had a problem with our first margaritas and the bar owner ended up making it from scratch his self and it was perfect ! I had a burrito it was big and I had left overs very tasty ! My kid loved the Shirley temple .. Shirley's aren't refillable that's a bummer however soda is which is cool ! Salsa a little spicy but I love spice so delicious !!! I would certainly go back ! Kids meal portions are also big and filling .. LOVE THE PORTIONS AND ITS NOT OUTRAGEOUSLY PRICED . 6.5 out of 10 read more

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The food was amazing! We ordered their special burrito and it was perfect. Everything i could have wanted! My friend got the chicken enchiladas and they were very delicious as well. The ambiance was really good, there was really lovely live music and it was very cute inside with good seating. The service was also good and the server was very helpful and even accommodated my friends allergy very kindly. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

What a great place! HUGE SHOUT OUT TO HUGO! Amazing servers and delicious food! We had a large group attend and Hugo was an amazing server. So patient and kind. Brought our drinks and food out in a perfectly timely manner with a smile!!! So helpful and accommodating. Hugo is awesome! Also, everyone working there was super kind and helpful as well. We love Ernie's!!! read more

Steak tasted old , chips tasted like old grease, watery salsa. I'm not sure why it's popular. We came on Saturday at noon.

Went for cinco de mayo, first time. Food was ok. Guac was the best part but the margarita was just sugar juice which was really disappointing . I even had to order a shot on the side and that didn't even help. I got more out of the beer I ordered. read more

A gracious dining establishment. Excellent service, lovely servers, and delicious food. Our party of 8 had plenty of room at our long table. The tortilla chips are delicious! Loved the guacamole! And the margaritas were yummy. We particularly enjoyed the live music with a modern ethnic vibe. I highly recommend a visit to this well managed restaurant. read more

The food was excellent. Rice and beans taste like home cooked food. The ambiance is adorable and intimate. Prices are reasonable for portions. Service was OUTSTANDING!!! A rare experience to be waited on by the kind staff. Will be back again in the future. read more

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant - #8 One Item Combo beef tamale with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - North Hollywood, California

This gem is one of the last old school San Fernando Valley Mexican food restaurants with traditional atmosphere and dimmer lighting making for a warmer peaceful ambience. Will dine here any time over the newer upgraded noisy establishments that seemed cut from the same gray slab clone with music way too loud that has nothing to do with the culture or food one would anticipate within the dining experience. Been going to Ernie's for decades and have come to appreciate such establishments staying the test of time as many other of these classic restaurants disappear one by one in the name of progress. read more

I was disappointed. It took them a while to get our order but that's ok. The lady forgot about my water and napkins. She only brought my boyfriend his coke and forgot about mine. We were still eating and they brought our check and they didn't give us a chance to order dessert. We came for the fried ice cream and they were already put the bill in the table. Rude. It wasn't even busy. I worked in restaurants for years so I know. read more

Amazing food. Service was on point. And loved the ambiance. I had a few different dishes and the food was truly delicious. Definitely I would recommend this restaurant. read more