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ZipPicks Awards
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Sherman Oaks
Best Mexican in Sherman Oaks
Master Critic Review
Añejo Cantina & Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Two-time OpenTable Diners' Choice Award winner since 2015, this 11,000 square-foot Mexican destination features indoor-outdoor seating, private banquet hall for 200, and live Latin music Friday-Saturday. The expansive menu highlights Añejo-style carne asada, whole branzino for two, and festive weekend brunch with bottomless options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Añejo Style Carne Asada, Whole Branzino for Two, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Valley's go-to celebration spot with private event space and live entertainment
Who should go: Groups celebrating birthdays, corporate events, or weekend brunch crowds
When to visit: Friday-Saturday for live music, weekends for festive brunch atmosphere
What to order: Carne asada, branzino for two, happy hour specials ($4 margaritas Mon-Fri)
Insider tip: Underground parking holds 80 cars - easy access despite second-floor location
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free underground parking (80 spaces) accessible from Ventura Blvd - rare convenience for the Valley
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, but groups tend to dress up for celebrations
Noise level: Lively to loud - expect festive atmosphere, difficult for intimate conversations during live music nights
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without reservation Friday-Saturday (live music draws crowds)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seat within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie enchiladas, mushroom tacos, extensive salad options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify several dishes, but expect standard bean/rice/veggie combinations
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, many grilled protein options naturally GF, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - loud atmosphere and party vibe better suited for groups or established couples who enjoy lively scenes. Try weekday lunch for quieter experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches/early dinners yes, but Friday-Saturday evenings strongly recommend booking ahead. Bar seating usually available as walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - spacious layout, kid's menu available, and festive atmosphere welcomes families especially for weekend brunch. High chairs provided.
How much should I budget per person? $30-45 per person with drinks and shared appetizers. Happy hour can drop this to $20-25. Weekend brunch with bottomless options runs $35-40.
Is the live music worth planning around? If you enjoy Latin music and energetic atmosphere, yes - Friday-Saturday nights transform the space. Arrive by 7pm to secure good seating before band starts.
Best For
Better for: Large group celebrations and events - the 11,000 sq ft space, private banquet hall, and live entertainment infrastructure outclass typical Mexican restaurants. Best weekend brunch scene in Sherman Oaks with bottomless options.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet, intimate dining or authentic regional Mexican cuisine. The focus here is festive atmosphere over culinary innovation. For date nights or serious food conversations, choose smaller neighborhood spots.
Hours
Monday12pm - 10pm
Tuesday12pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm