Leo’s Mexican Food

Leo’s Mexican Food is a local treasure. It has been around since 1948 and the original family still owns and runs the restaurant. Something that makes them stand out from the rest. They also boast that customers have been coming to Leo’s for generations and are very thankful.

As far as traditional, authentic Mexican food in the southland, Leo’s is the best. Try the carne asada, served with guacamole and tortillas of course. Or if you like fajitas, they have a combination of beef, chicken and shrimp that is to die for. Leo’s also offers healthy alternatives, such as halibut al horno, which is baked in a special, spicy sauce, and served with rice, salad and tortillas.

If you are looking for a meeting place for an office get together, or a location for a family party, try Leo’s. They have been catering to small and large groups for decades. They send the party to go and can cater up to 500 people off site. For more information call for pricing and availability 310-370-0111.

Leo’s Mexican Food is located at 16006 Inglewood Avenue in Lawndale, 90260. They are also on the web at www.leosmexicanfood.com or you can email them at leo@leosmexicanfood.com

Lula

Lula is a gem. It’s an easy-going, breezy, artsy, wonderful spot for delicious food. That right there should get you to Santa Monica, but if you need more, they definitely deliver.

The atmosphere is bright and humble, it feels like you are hanging out at your best friend’s house and your best friend just happens to know how to mix a great cocktail and cook up a scrumptious meal. Most of us are not so lucky, and that is why you need to head over to Lula.They offer more than 175 tequilas, for mixing or sipping. The patio is drenched in natural sunlight and gaiety, and the margaritas are always flowing. The cuisine is just as dreamy.

Try the adventurous lobster taquitos or the traditional guacamole. If you are sampling with friends, I suggest the tamale plate or the plato de botano. For an entrée try the rock shrimp burrito, carnitas tacos or if you can’t make up your mind order the Ricardo Sampler, it has a bit for every taste. Wash it all down with a Sin in the City, you guessed it, it’s the Mexican cosmopolitan, and its delicioso.

Lula is located at 2720 Main Street in Santa Monica, 90405. For more information call 310-392-5711 or email info@lulaconcinamexicana.com .

 

Casa Escobar

Casa Escobar has a beautiful, time-honored style about it. Located in gorgeous Marina Del Rey since 1946, you couldn’t ask for a more enjoyable meal. Sit out on the patio and devour the sunlight and the margaritas.

They serve up traditional favorites like paellas and enchiladas, tamales, tacos and more. The restaurant can also accommodate larger groups with their banquet rooms. A perfect location for an office party, rehearsal dinner or even a wedding reception. To celebrate with them, contact the banquet department at 310-822-2199.

Casa Escobar is located at 14160 Palawan Way in Marina Del Rey, 90291. They are open Sunday for brunch, 10am-2:30pm, Fri-Sat for lunch 11:30am-3pm. Happy Hour and Early Bird Dinners are celebrated Mon-Fri, 4pm-7pm, Dinner is Mon-Thurs, 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat, 3pm-12am and Sun, 2:30pm-10pm.  

Sonora Cafe

Step through the doors of Sonora Café and you feel like you’ve walked into a whole other world. It’s a cultural fiesta of artwork, design and beautiful accent pieces. And the food definitely matches the flair.

Just as you would expect, the cuisine is as bold as the color on the walls. Filled with spice, zest and full flavors.Standout dishes are Prince Edward Island Mussels or the Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche to start. For your entrée, definitely try the signature Texas Barbecue Pork Chop or the Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass. Save room for the Trio of Crème Brulee, my personal favorite, or the home-made ice cream. 

The wine list is award-winning and holds over 100 varietals and their tequila list is as impressive, if not more. Or if you are an old-fashioned margarita drinker, they have the best in town. Try the 1800 and Cointreau hand-shaken margarita, magnifico!

Sonora Café is located at 180 S. La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, 90036. They are open for dinner nightly from 5:00pm. Fiesta hour is Mon-Fri, 5pm to 7pm. For reservations call 323-857-1800.

Cozymel’s Mexican Grill

Cozymel’s Mexican Grill is a delicious Mexican Restaurant with a cozy feel. Whether you enjoy the traditional dishes or something a little more daring, they have the stuff. At Cozymel’s they even have a suggestion for a “personal fiesta”. If you enjoy friends, margaritas and tasty food, they you’ll love what they have to offer.

Walking up to the building you get a feeling of the historic traditions of Mexico. The beautiful stone structure isn’t your average abode. Once inside the sensation of fiesta is in the air, not to mention the smell of salty tortilla chips and tangy salsa. The menu is as diverse as you could ask for. Start with the ceviche or fresh guacamole, and don’t forget to try the sopa del dia (soup of the day), or the Tijuana Caesar. From there you can jump into a scrumptious entrée. Traditional items include baked chile relleno, carne asada and tacos al carbon. Or if you are a little adventurous try the Enchiladas Santana, seafood chimichanga or the award-winning chipotle honey glazed salmon. My favorite is the crab enchiladas.

If you are in the mood for cocktails or tequila tasting, you’ve come to the right place. You can even try a tequila flight and try a few new tastes. Of course they also offer beer, wine and may I suggest the pomegranate rita, it’s just the right blend of sour and sweet. Speaking of sweet, top dinner off with a Mexican or Keoke coffee.

Cozymel’s Mexican Grill is located at 2717 Rosecrans Avenue in El Segundo. Restaurant hours are Sun-Thurs, 11am to 10pm, Fri-Sat, 11am to 11pm, with Happy Hour Mon, 4pm to 10pm and Tues-Fri, 4pm to 7pm. Contact at 310-606-5464 or online at www.cozymels.com

Gauchos Village Churrascaria and Carnaval Bar

Skewered meats, live entertainment and a diverse menu that can only capture the heart of Brazilian cooking. Find all of this and more at Gauchos Village Churrascaria and Carnaval Bar!

The owner, Kevin Aksacki, has tried to create a little bit of Brazil in Los Angeles. Bringing traditional flavors and all time favorites, Gauchos is a spicy treat.If you’ve never been to a restaurant where they serve Brazilian style barbecue, this is definitely the place to try.

Start the meal off with some empanadas, or some cheese bread “Pao De Queijo”. They also offer a variety of salads and hot dishes aside from the main event. But you’ve got to try the Ball Tip Steak, Brazilian sausage or the pineapple chicken breasts. In the evening you can enjoy filet mignon, lamb or beef ribs. They even have an “All You Can Eat Authentic Brazilian Buffet.” Meat is skewered and cooked on a hard charcoal grill, the “Churrascaria” then the famous Gauchos round the tables and serve the skewers up special. It’s like nothing you have ever seen.

Finish the night off with a tasty caramel flan or chocolate mousse. And don’t forget to try a Brazilian beer like the Brahma or Sambadoro. You won’t be disappointed.

Gauchos Village Churrascaria is located at 411 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, 91203. They are open Mon-Sat, 11:30am to 2:30pm, Mon-Thurs, 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Fri & Sat, 5:30pm to 11:00pm and Sundays, 12:00pm to 10:00pm. They also offer live music 7 days a week. Contact them at 818-550-1430 or on the web at www.gauchosvillage.com

Border Grill

If you love hot tamales and delicious Mexican food, you must head straight to Border Grill in Santa Monica.The atmosphere is definitely hot. The chefs, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, offer scrumptious traditional cuisine with a gourmet flair. Their cooking is based on dishes originated in Oaxaca and the Yucatan, but they are kicked up a notch.

Enjoy the traditional guacamole for a starter, or try something different like the roasted lamb tacos. If you are a fan of seafood you must try some ceviche, but the choice won’t be easy, they serve ceviche with Ono, Shrimp or Sea bass Amarillo. I’d take some friends and try all three.For the entrees I recommend the Pescado Veracruzano, its filled with a plethora of flavors. Or there is always the Grilled Turkey, and if you are looking for a great steak, try the Gaucho Steak, its muy delicioso.

And make sure to save room for Mexican Chocolate Cream Pie or some authentic sweet cookies. In the mood for a cocktail? They have a full wine list and a tequila list that rivals any restaurant in town. So order up a cab and enjoy yourself.

Border Grill is located at 1445 4th Street, Santa Monica, 90401. Call them about your private parties and other events at 310-451-1655. They are open for lunch every day and dinner every night. They also have a late night menu on Fridays and Saturdays, and offer take out, off site catering, and banquets as well.

Venice Cantina

If you like Nine Thirty at the W, Nacional, The Lincoln and Tengu…then you are going to love Venice Cantina. And get ready to party, cuz they offer over 40 different types of tequila, you may even need to nap out on the beach for a bit.

Venice Cantina is not just a bar atmosphere either, they serve delicious Mexican food with contemporary flair. They also focus more on health than the traditional Mexican cuisine you are used to. Try the rotisserie chicken if you are in the poultry mood, or if you are a true meat eater, you will love their baby back ribs and BBQ beef. But no worries, they have all the sides you are looking for. And you won’t be disappointed with the ambiance either, it’s super cheerful and beachy at the same time. Typical California spot and who doesn’t love that?

And if you are looking for somewhere to hold your next office party or gathering, you can buy out the entire restaurant or there is a private party area upstairs which includes its own bar. Now that’s my idea of a cantina.

Venice Cantina is located at 23 Windward Ave., Venice, 90291 and they are open Mon-Fri, 2:00pm to 11:00pm and Sat-Sun, 11:00am to 11:00pm. Give them a call at 310-399-8420.