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Bar Amá
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Bar Amá
8.4
Josef Centeno’s downtown Tex-Mex cantina balances comfort and craft, with puffy tacos, borracho beans, and mole-leaning plates that feel personal rather than performative. The room stays lively without losing warmth, and the menu rewards both quick bites and full dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puffy tacos with lengua carnitas, Menudo, Super nachos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-driven Tex-Mex with puffy tacos as the signature.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting comfort plus cocktails
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating
What to order: Puffy tacos, menudo, borracho beans
Insider tip: Ask what’s best that night—specials land strong.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Historic Core; nearby paid garages on 4th and Spring usually have spots ($8–$14). Ride-share is easiest on busy nights.
Dress code: Casual-to-smart casual; jeans and a button-down or a simple dress fit the room’s lively Tex-Mex cantina vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-high during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible but expect a lively, energetic room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime-time 7–8pm slots.
Weekday lunch: Often seated immediately; light midday traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including queso, veggie-forward sides, and customizable tacos; not a fully vegetarian menu but accessible.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modifications can work, but core Tex-Mex dishes skew dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Many plates can be made GF thanks to corn tortillas and naturally GF sides; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm, buzzy atmosphere and shareable Tex-Mex plates make it fun and low-pressure, ideal for casual-but-special first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but waits can run long on weekends. Walk-ins are common; aim for early evening or late dinner to minimize delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy Tex-Mex flavors; high chairs and a relaxed environment help, but peak hours may feel loud for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Tex-Mex staples executed with chef-driven polish—particularly puffy tacos, queso, and borracho beans—served in a lively, cocktail-friendly room.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional Mexican cuisine or a quiet dinner; the vibe here leans festive and Tex-Mex focused.
Bar Amá
8.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Bar Amá is chef Josef Centeno’s Downtown Tex-Mex dining room, blending queso, puffy tacos, and enchiladas with a strong cocktail list in a dim, compact space that runs dinners to 10pm. It’s the late-night Mexican choice when you want a full bar, shareable plates, and a sit-down environment that still feels casual and lively.cite7turn6search1turn6search3turn6search5
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso with chips, Green chicken enchiladas, Mushroom birria tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef-driven Tex-Mex with serious queso, puffy tacos, and a full bar.
Who should go: Groups or dates wanting cocktails and elevated late-night Tex-Mex.
When to visit: Prime-time late dinner around 8–10pm before nearby bars.
What to order: Queso and chips, green chicken enchiladas, mushroom birria tacos.
Insider tip: Aim for Super Nacho Hour at the bar to sample favorites at a lower spend.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 4th and Main is limited at night; nearby paid structures (4th & Spring, Paragon Garage) are the most reliable options. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests wear jeans with a nicer top. Slightly dressy works well for the lively, dim dining room.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; you can hold a conversation, but expect a lively Tex-Mex buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A — the restaurant focuses on dinner service; early weeknights have the shortest waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including queso, mushroom birria tacos, vegetable sides, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be modified, but the menu leans cheese- and meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-friendly thanks to corn tortillas; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, cocktails, and shareable plates make it fun and energetic, though it can be loud during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — arrive early (before 7pm) or be prepared for a short wait at the bar. Weeknights are easier than weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is small and busy, but older kids and teens who enjoy Tex-Mex can fit in; not ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward Tex-Mex, queso, and puffy tacos in a stylish, lively Downtown setting.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional Mexican regional cooking, very quiet conversation, or a menu with extensive vegan options.
Bar Amá
8.6
Bar Amá is Josef Centeno’s downtown Tex-Mex cantina, where queso, puffy tacos, and strong margaritas meet one of DTLA’s most talked-about happy hours. Early evenings bring office workers and industry friends into the bar for discounted nachos, tacos, and cocktails in a dim, brick-lined room a block from Grand Central Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tex-Mex Queso with Chips, Grilled Shrimp Puffy Taco, Fideo with Octopus & Kielbasa
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-driven Tex-Mex with a dedicated nacho-focused happy hour downtown.
Who should go: Groups who want serious queso, tacos, and cocktails
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for Super Nacho Hour pricing
What to order: Tex-Mex Queso, grilled shrimp puffy tacos, fideo
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for fastest access to happy hour plates and cocktails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th and Main is limited during peak hours; nearby paid garages on Spring and Broadway typically run $8–$14 for early evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; office attire, jeans, and simple date-night tops all fit the room’s relaxed-but-stylish crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour; conversations are doable at tables but bar seating trends louder.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for walk-ins, especially in the first hour of service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; happy hour 4–6pm can draw a brief line for bar seats.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including queso, fideo, veggie-forward sides, and some tacos; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—certain sides and modified plates can be made vegan with adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Several items translate well to gluten-free, especially tacos and braises; always clarify tortilla preference.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something fun, casual, and energetic; the dim dining room and cocktail-forward happy hour make it social without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially at the start of happy hour. Bar seats fill first, but small groups can often walk in with a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults due to the bar-centric vibe and louder room, though early evenings with older kids are possible; no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour snacks and cocktails with a chef-driven Tex-Mex twist, plus a lively, downtown energy competitors often lack.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, extensive vegan options, or a spacious dining room—it’s compact, louder, and geared toward social drinking.
Bar Amá
8.6
Bar Amá is chef Josef Centeno’s downtown Tex-Mex cantina, where queso, puffy tacos, and strong margaritas anchor one of DTLA’s most talked-about happy hours. Super Nacho Hour packs the bar with locals chasing $5 nachos, tacos, and drinks in a dim, brick-lined room just off 4th and Spring.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tex-Mex Queso Nachos, Grilled Shrimp Puffy Tacos, Fideo with Borracho Beans
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Chef-driven Tex-Mex cantina with a long-running, nacho-focused happy hour.
Who should go: Groups craving queso, tacos, and cocktails before downtown shows
When to visit: Weekday Super Nacho Hour for $5 nachos and margaritas
What to order: Tex-Mex queso nachos, grilled shrimp puffy tacos, fideo
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat during Super Nacho Hour for fastest refills and the best view of the open kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 4th and Spring is limited after 5pm; nearby paid garages on Spring typically run $6–$12 for evening entry.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for downtown nights out.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during Super Nacho Hour; conversation is doable at tables but tougher at the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak happy hour overlap.
Weekday lunch: No wait or minimal wait; bar seats fill first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including queso, fideo, and veggie-forward small plates; substitutions available.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads can be modified, but most Tex-Mex staples rely on dairy.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free; corn-based dishes help, but verify with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for fun, energetic dates who enjoy cocktails and Tex-Mex; the lively atmosphere is less ideal if you prefer quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially on weekdays. Arrive early during Super Nacho Hour to secure a bar seat without delay.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—families come early, but the bar-forward energy and noise after 6pm cater more to adults.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest happy hour values downtown, especially for queso lovers and groups seeking shareable Tex-Mex in a lively room.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, extensive vegan options, or parking convenience—other nearby spots may suit those needs better.
Bar Amá
8.7
Bar Amá is Josef Centeno’s downtown Tex-Mex cantina, where puffy tacos, queso, and margaritas anchor a weekday Super Nacho Hour at the bar. Since 2012, it’s been the go-to spot in the Historic Core for happy hour tacos with real chef attention and a lively, close-packed room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp puffy tacos, Green calabacitas tacos, Tex-Mex queso with chips
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef-driven Tex-Mex bar with puffy tacos and a dedicated Super Nacho Hour focused on tacos, queso, and margaritas.
Who should go: Tex-Mex fans chasing serious tacos and cocktails downtown
When to visit: Weekday Super Nacho Hour at the bar before dinner
What to order: Shrimp puffy tacos, green calabacitas taco, Tex-Mex queso
Insider tip: Grab a seat at the bar right when Super Nacho Hour starts to work through tacos and queso before the after-work rush hits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th and Spring is limited during peak hours; nearby paid garages (4th & Hill, Broadway/Spring Arcade) run $6–$12. Ride-share is easiest during happy hour.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine, but many guests lean trendier after work.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during Super Nacho Hour; expect energetic bar chatter but still manageable for small-group conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes during peak evenings; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the room fills quickly right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options including the calabacitas taco and queso-focused starters.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward dishes can be modified, but tacos rely heavily on dairy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some tacos and plates are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual, fun first date — the lively bar energy, strong margaritas, and shareable tacos make it easy to break the ice, though it’s not ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during happy hour at the bar. For prime dinner windows, put your name in early or aim for the bar, which typically turns faster than the dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — kids are welcome, but the tight layout, bar-centric vibe, and louder happy hour scene make it better suited for adults or early family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Bar Amá excels at chef-driven puffy tacos, queso, and a lively Tex-Mex happy hour that feels more curated and energetic than most downtown options.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet meal, strictly traditional Mexican tacos, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options — this leans Tex-Mex, indulgent, and bar-forward.