0 Followers
Mírate
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Mírate
8.5
This stunning three-story hideaway features a tree-towering courtyard and award-winning cocktails from bar director Maxwell Reis alongside Chef Alan Sanz's Baja-inspired menu. The mezcaleria showcases rare agave spirits and pre-Hispanic fermented beverages, while dishes like aguachile tatemado and short rib birria reveal sophisticated technique in a lush, vine-covered setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aguachile Tatemado, Fried Chicken Taco, Short Rib Birria
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Ranked #12 on 50 Best Bars North America 2025 with museum-quality cocktails
Who should go: Cocktail connoisseurs and special occasion diners
When to visit: Dinner for cocktails under the lit tree
What to order: El Taquero spicy margarita, aguachile, fried chicken taco
Insider tip: Find the semi-hidden entrance on Vermont just before High Tops bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm. Arrive early or use rideshare. Nearby public lot on Vermont & Melbourne ($8 flat rate)
Dress code: Elevated casual to cocktail attire - think stylish date night. Jeans acceptable if paired with nice top/shoes
Noise level: Surprisingly intimate despite crowds - courtyard acoustics absorb sound well, can hold conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Bar seating first-come but limited
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including mushroom tacos, elote, multiple aguachiles, and creative vegetable plates
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - 3-4 options, staff knowledgeable about modifications. Call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Good options - corn tortillas default, several naturally GF dishes, kitchen aware of cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice - romantic courtyard ambiance with enough visual interest to ease conversation lulls. Shareable format encourages interaction. Book the courtyard for maximum effect.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - 50 Best Bars ranking increased demand. Weeknights before 7pm you have better odds. Bar seating available walk-in but space is limited. Make reservation 1-2 weeks ahead for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - sophisticated bar atmosphere, limited kids menu, late-night energy. Better for teens 16+ who appreciate craft cocktails (mocktails available) and upscale dining.
How much should I budget per person? $75-110 per person with 2-3 cocktails and shared plates. Cocktails run $16-20, most dishes $14-28. Easy to spend more exploring the rare mezcal collection.
Is the cocktail hype real? Absolutely - Maxwell Reis's program justifies the 50 Best ranking. Museum-quality presentation meets legitimate flavor innovation. Even cocktail skeptics leave impressed. The mezcal selection alone is worth the visit.
Best For
Better for: World-class cocktails in stunning setting, rare agave spirits education, sophisticated Baja technique over trendy tacos, special occasions requiring wow-factor ambiance
Skip if: You want quick casual Mexican, need family-friendly environment, looking for traditional preparations over modern technique, tight budget under $50/person, or prefer loud party atmosphere over intimate conversation
Mírate
8.3
Modern Mexican restaurant ranked #12 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2025 with three-story dining centered around a courtyard tree. Chef Alan Sanz delivers elevated brunch like chilaquiles and croque señora while bar director Max Reis crafts cocktails with rare agave spirits unavailable elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Croque Señora, Fried Chicken Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Award-winning bar program featuring pre-Hispanic fermented beverages and rare mezcals
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking elevated Mexican dining
When to visit: Saturday brunch for full bar and outdoor ambiance
What to order: Chilaquiles, any taco, bartender's choice cocktail
Insider tip: Explore non-agave Mexican spirits like bacanora and sotol
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive on weekends. Meters free on Sundays. Consider rideshare for brunch rush.
Dress code: Elevated casual - think nice jeans and button-downs. The Instagram-worthy space attracts stylish crowds.
Noise level: Moderate with lively energy - conversation-friendly but expect ambient buzz during peak brunch hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation - bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - reservations recommended but not essential
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including vegetarian chilaquiles and seasonal vegetable tacos
Vegan options: Limited but doable - ask server to modify tacos and chilaquiles (skip cheese/crema)
Gluten-free options: Corn-based menu works well - many tacos naturally GF, confirm with server on preparation
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the beautiful three-story courtyard creates natural conversation starters, brunch timing keeps it casual, and the bar program gives you something to bond over. Not too quiet, not too loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky for weekend brunch (their prime time). Weekdays are safer. Bar seating is first-come-first-served and gives you full menu access - arrive early or try the 2-3pm sweet spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older - the elevated cocktail-focused vibe and higher price point make it more adult-oriented. No dedicated kids menu. Consider for family brunch with mature kids who appreciate good food.
What's the deal with the bar program? Ranked #12 in North America for a reason - Max Reis sources rare agave spirits and pre-Hispanic fermented beverages you won't find elsewhere in LA. Skip generic margaritas and let the bartender guide you through mezcals, bacanora, or sotol.
How long should I plan to stay? Budget 90 minutes minimum for brunch - the pacing is relaxed and you'll want time to explore cocktails. This isn't a quick bite spot.
Best For
Better for: The most sophisticated Mexican brunch in LA - unmatched agave spirit selection, elevated execution on classics, and stunning atmosphere. Choose this over competitors when you want Instagram moments plus substance, or when cocktail quality matters as much as food.
Skip if: You want traditional Mexican comfort food, need quick service, have young kids in tow, or prefer classic American brunch. Also skip if you're budget-conscious - $$$ pricing reflects the premium positioning.
Mírate
8.4
This multi-story showpiece restaurant features a massive tree growing through the dining room and two dedicated bars including a mezcaleria. Chef Alan Sanz delivers modern Mexican dishes with cocktails by Max Reis that outshine the food, particularly the spicy chorizo-infused margarita.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Arabes, Kanpachi Aguachile Negro, Cochinita Pibil
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Stunning multi-level space with lush courtyard and award-winning cocktail program
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and Instagram crowds seeking atmosphere over food
When to visit: Dinner or weekend brunch, valet parking available
What to order: Spicy margarita with chorizo, tacos arabes, any creative cocktail
Insider tip: Skip dinner and just drink under the giant illuminated tree
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available ($15-18), street parking extremely limited in Los Feliz evenings. Rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Elevated casual to cocktail attire - think date night polished. Jeans acceptable if styled up.
Noise level: Moderately loud especially on weekends - conversation possible but requires leaning in. Lower level quieter than upstairs.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday. Reservations essential.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually accommodated within 15-20 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including roasted vegetable dishes and mushroom tacos. Cocktails are the real star anyway.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes available. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, some dishes can be modified. Inform server of allergies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for first dates if you want impressive ambiance and cocktails over deep conversation. The stunning space is a natural conversation starter, but noise level means you'll be sitting close. Best for confident daters who want visual wow factor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights maybe, weekends nearly impossible. Bar seating is first-come-first-serve and actually preferable - better cocktail service and you can watch the bartenders work. Arrive before 6:30pm or after 9:30pm for best bar seat odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - upscale atmosphere, bar-centric scene, and noise level aren't ideal for families. Teenagers might appreciate the visual spectacle. For family Mexican, look elsewhere in Los Feliz.
How long should I plan to stay? 2-2.5 hours for full dinner experience. If just doing cocktails (the move), plan 60-90 minutes. The space rewards lingering - don't rush.
What's the scene like? Instagram-ready crowd in their late 20s-40s. Lots of dates, girls' nights, and celebrations. Energy peaks 8-10pm. Less pretentious than West Hollywood despite the aesthetics.
Best For
Better for: Choose Mírate when cocktails and atmosphere matter more than food quality. The drinks legitimately rival LA's best mezcal bars, and the multi-story tree courtyard is unmatched for Instagram moments. Best Mexican cocktail program in Los Feliz.
Skip if: You're hungry for serious Mexican food - the kitchen doesn't match the bar's excellence. If you want authentic neighborhood Mexican or value-focused dining, go to Yuca's or El Compadre instead. Also skip if you need quiet conversation or have mobility issues (lots of stairs).