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Trejo's Cantina - Hollywood
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Trejo's Cantina - Hollywood
7.9
Trejo’s Cantina brings Danny Trejo’s playful take on tacos, bowls, and margaritas to a lively corner of Cahuenga. The menu leans toward healthier-leaning Mexican with vegan options, while the space functions as a buzzy hangout for pre-bar hops and casual meetups. It’s less chef-driven than some neighbors, but the branding, music, and crowd keep it feeling current.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas taco or street tacos trio, Cauliflower or jackfruit taco, Trejo’s nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: A celebrity-backed cantina with colorful tacos, margaritas, and a lively soundtrack.
Who should go: Friends meeting for casual tacos, drinks, and people-watching.
When to visit: Late afternoon happy hour or early weekend evenings.
What to order: Carnitas tacos, cauliflower or jackfruit tacos, nachos.
Insider tip: Take advantage of happy hour for better value on tacos and drinks before hopping to nearby bars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga is hit-or-miss and tight after 6pm; nearby public lots on Selma and Ivar usually have space for $8–$15.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; jeans, tees, and sneakers fit the vibe, though many weekend guests lean slightly trendy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during happy hour and weekend evenings; expect background music and chatter but still manageable for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on bar traffic, typically quicker for smaller groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait and easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian tacos, bowls, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Yes — one of the stronger vegan selections in the area, including jackfruit and cauliflower options.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many tacos can be made gluten-free on corn tortillas, and bowls are an easy alternative.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date where you want energy rather than intimacy. If you're looking for quieter or more romantic, consider neighboring sit-down restaurants.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly. Peak weekend hours may require a short wait, but bar seating often turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings; the space is casual and the menu is approachable. After 8pm, the crowd skews louder and more bar-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meetups, quick tacos before a show or bar hop, and solid vegan-friendly Mexican options in a lively setting.
Skip if: You want chef-driven dishes, quieter dining rooms, or elevated cocktails — other Cahuenga Corridor spots may suit those nights better.
Trejo's Cantina - Hollywood
8.1
Trejo's Cantina is Danny Trejo’s Hollywood taqueria, serving a wide roster of tacos from carnitas and fried chicken to vegan cauliflower and jackfruit alongside strong margaritas. With indoor and patio seating, TVs, and a full bar, it doubles as a pre- or post-show hangout near the Pantages and Cahuenga nightlife.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas taco, Cauliflower taco, Fried chicken taco
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Celebrity-backed cantina where creative tacos and cocktails anchor a lively room.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos, margaritas, and a Hollywood-night energy.
When to visit: Pre-show evenings or happy hour before nearby theater events.
What to order: Carnitas taco, cauliflower taco, fried chicken taco with margarita.
Insider tip: Hit weekday happy hour for discounted tacos and drinks at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid lots typically run $8–$15 depending on event nights.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy if heading to a nearby show or nightlife afterward.
Noise level: Lively with music and bar energy; conversations are doable but not quiet—expect moderate to loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table during peak pre-show windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with faster service and easier seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including cauliflower, bean-based, and seasonal veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Several strong options such as jackfruit and cauliflower tacos plus sides that can be made vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available and dishes can be adapted, but cross-contact is possible—best to alert the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, upbeat first dates—especially if you want tacos, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes; walk-ins are common, but expect waits before shows or on weekends. The bar area often opens up first.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for families during daytime and early evening; later hours skew louder and more bar-forward, better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: A broader taco lineup and stronger cocktail program than most quick-service taquerias in the area, plus a fun indoor–patio setup ideal for groups.
Skip if: You want a low-key, traditional taqueria experience or need very quiet dining—other spots will be more relaxed and focused on classic flavors.