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Encanto Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Encanto Restaurant
8.1
This Baja coastal kitchen delivers wood-fired asada and fresh ceviche in a sleek, sultry setting near the Greek Theatre. Executive Chef Chris Lin's menu showcases vibrant seafood dishes alongside the signature $10 margarita and daily happy hour from 4-6pm with $8-10 tacos and $10 cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Swordfish Tacos, Wood-Fired Asada, Fresh Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired Baja coastal cooking with sleek indoor-outdoor design
Who should go: Date night diners and cocktail enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Swordfish tacos, wood-fired asada, $10 margarita
Insider tip: The hidden Hillhurst gem offers spacious seating perfect for pre-show Greek Theatre dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hillhurst and side streets, typically easier to find than other Los Feliz spots. Arrives fills up by 7pm on weekends. Consider rideshare for Greek Theatre event nights.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and a button-down works, but you'll see everything from sundresses to blazers. Date night crowd skews dressier.
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patio - can hold conversation without raising your voice. Gets livelier during happy hour but never club-loud.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation after 7pm, longer on Greek Theatre event nights. Bar seating usually available.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes, brunch may have 15-20 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including grilled vegetable tacos, quesadillas, and seasonal veggie plates. Happy hour includes veggie-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - 2-3 modified options available, ask server about adapting vegetable dishes. Salsa bar is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available for all tacos, several naturally GF ceviche and seafood options. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination but not certified GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - dim lighting, conversation-friendly noise level, and shareable plates create natural interaction. Patio tables are especially romantic. The cocktail program gives you something to discuss if conversation lulls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights and happy hour usually fine for walk-ins. Weekends after 7pm, expect a wait or grab bar seats. Always call ahead for Greek Theatre event nights - they get slammed pre-show.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) than toddlers - it's not a family taqueria vibe. No kids menu, but tacos and quesadillas work. Patio is more forgiving than the intimate indoor space. Brunch is most family-appropriate.
How does the happy hour compare to other Los Feliz spots? Strong value at $8-10 tacos and $10 cocktails - better quality than most happy hour deals. More sophisticated than El Compadre, less scene-y than Bacari. Get there right at 4pm for best patio seating.
Is it worth going if I'm not doing happy hour? Yes - the wood-fired proteins and seafood quality justify full menu prices. Come for the food craftsmanship, not just the deal. The margarita holds up at $10 any time of day.
Best For
Better for: Encanto excels at elevated Baja seafood in a date-worthy atmosphere - choose this over standard Mexican spots when you want wood-fired quality and coastal flavors without being pretentious. The happy hour offers better food quality than most Los Feliz competitors at the same price point.
Skip if: You want traditional interior Mexican, family-style portions, or late-night tacos. Also skip if you need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends or prefer loud, high-energy cantina vibes. Choose El Compadre for nostalgic kitschy fun or Cinco for more traditional preparations.
Encanto Restaurant
8.2
This Baja coastal kitchen opened in 2023 specializing in wood-fired asada and fresh ceviches. The spacious indoor venue features weekend brunch with a tableside Bloody Mary cart, handcrafted margaritas, and an extensive tequila selection perfect for the buzzing dining room atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Carne Asada, Fresh Ceviche, Caesar Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Baja coastal approach with wood-fire grilling and tableside Bloody Mary cart
Who should go: Brunch crews and tequila enthusiasts seeking energetic Baja vibes
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Friday/Saturday dinner for full energy
What to order: Wood-fired asada, fresh ceviche, lamb neck, house margarita
Insider tip: Free parking lot behind the building, arrive early for brunch
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building - best-kept secret in Los Feliz. Street parking also available on Vermont Ave
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly
Noise level: Lively buzz - can hold conversation but expect energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including vegetable tacos, fresh ceviches with hearts of palm, roasted vegetable plates
Vegan options: Limited but doable - ask for modifications on vegetable dishes, skip dairy
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas throughout, fresh seafood options, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Energetic but not too loud, impressive wood-fired cooking, strong cocktails set a fun tone without being stuffy. The spacious layout means you won't feel cramped.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually work as walk-ins. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinners after 7pm - make a reservation or expect 30-45 minute waits.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-focused given the bar scene and noise level, but families with older kids (10+) appear at weekend brunch. Not ideal for toddlers or early dinners with young children.
How's the Happy Hour? Strong play - discounted margaritas and select appetizers weekdays 4-6pm. The extensive tequila selection shines here, and the bar gets lively without being overcrowded.
Is weekend brunch worth the hype? Yes - the tableside Bloody Mary cart is Instagram-worthy and delicious. Expect waits after 10am, but the energy and coastal brunch menu justify the scene.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired Baja cuisine with serious tequila focus, weekend brunch energy, free parking convenience, spacious modern setting that handles groups
Skip if: You want intimate/quiet ambiance, prefer traditional interior Mexican over coastal, need extensive vegan menu, or want quick weekday dinner (kitchen can be slow when busy)