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Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Part of Vicente Del Rio’s Frida group, the Westwood outpost pairs polished regional Mexican cooking with a sidewalk patio overlooking Lindbrook. It’s where families, students, and office groups settle in outside for guacamole, mole, and mezcal margaritas before or after neighborhood events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Poblano Enchiladas, Guacamole en Molcajete, Shrimp Tacos Gobernador
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Lively regional Mexican cooking with a central patio for mezcal-fueled meals.
Who should go: Groups wanting sit-down Mexican with strong drinks outdoors.
When to visit: Primetime evenings when the patio fills with celebrations.
What to order: Guacamole en molcajete, mole poblano enchiladas, shrimp tacos.
Insider tip: Start with patio margaritas, then linger over coffee and dessert.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Lindbrook and nearby residential blocks is available but competitive during evenings; the Broxton public garage usually has open spots and is the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine for the patio.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversations are doable but expect energy from the patio and nearby foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait unless a large group arrives at the same time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and veggie-forward plates are available.
Vegan options: Moderate — a few dishes can be made vegan upon request, but options are limited.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several gluten-free items including tacos and many mains; staff accommodates substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially for a casual, upbeat first date where you want energy rather than intimacy. The patio is social and fun, not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are common, but the patio fills fast during peak evenings. Arrive early or be flexible with indoor vs. outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come often. There’s space for strollers outdoors, and the menu works well for kids who like tacos, rice, or mild dishes.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, celebratory meals, and outdoor margarita-heavy hangs where you want reliable Mexican staples and a lively patio.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, regionally niche Mexican cuisine, or a romantic ambiance — other Westwood spots offer a calmer environment.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Frida’s Westwood outpost anchors a busy corner of the Village with polished regional Mexican cooking, strong tequila and mezcal cocktails, and a sidewalk-facing dining room that fills with celebrations. With more than two decades of brand history and a deep menu, it’s where locals book group dinners before games, movies, and campus events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole en molcajete, Mole poblano enchiladas, Shrimp or fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A long-running Mexican restaurant pairing classic dishes with a serious bar.
Who should go: Groups planning cocktails and a lively sit-down meal.
When to visit: Primetime evenings or game nights for maximum energy.
What to order: Guacamole, mole enchiladas, a tequila or mezcal cocktail.
Insider tip: Time happy hour on the patio before a movie or UCLA event.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Broxton or Glendon structures; limited metered street parking on Lindbrook. Expect challenges after 6pm and on game nights.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests wear jeans with a nice top; groups often lean dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours—conversation is doable but raised voices may be needed indoors. Patio is moderately quieter.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, longer on UCLA event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating indoors or on the patio.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid choices including enchiladas, salads, and veggie-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—2–3 customizable items if you request no cheese/cream.
Gluten-free options: Good options; corn-based dishes translate well, and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy and strong cocktails, but not ideal for intimate conversation because the room can get loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small parties off-peak. For weekend dinners or groups, book ahead—walk-ins can face long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families; staff is accommodating and the menu has approachable dishes. Evenings can be loud, so earlier seatings work best for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, strong tequila/mezcal cocktails, and polished regional Mexican dishes in a central Westwood location.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or strictly vegan options—other nearby spots may be better suited.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Frida Mexican Cuisine sits just off Westwood’s main intersection with a menu that can flex from quick executive lunch to longer, tequila-backed meetings. Large booths, patio tables, and a broad lineup of tacos, salads, and plated mains make it a reliable choice when you need something crowd-pleasing but still polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rib eye tacos, Queso fundido with chorizo, Mole poblano enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume Mexican spot balancing business-friendly booths with full bar energy.
Who should go: Teams needing reliable Mexican with margaritas and easy reservations.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the evening bar and game-day rush.
What to order: Rib eye tacos, queso fundido, mole poblano enchiladas.
Insider tip: Use the patio for louder team lunches and the back room for pitch decks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Broxton Avenue structure; limited metered street parking on adjacent blocks.
Dress code: Business casual; button-downs and clean denim are common for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate—easy enough for presentations in a booth, but the bar area gets lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on UCLA events and games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with immediate seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian enchiladas, salads, veggie fajitas, and multiple starters.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for custom vegan tacos or salads without cheese/crema.
Gluten-free options: Strong options—corn tortillas, grilled proteins, and several mains can be made gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want something casual but polished, though it’s more suited to business lunches or group outings than intimate dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—weekday lunches and early evenings are easy; peak UCLA nights or big sports events may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids’ menu items, flexible booths, and friendly staff make it comfortable for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, corporate lunches, and anyone wanting full-bar Mexican with predictable speed and space.
Skip if: You’re seeking boutique regional Mexican, ultra-quiet dining, or tasting-menu-level execution.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.5
Frida anchors the Lindbrook side of Westwood Village with a full bar, polished dining room, and a menu that moves from guacamole and tacos to mole and steak. It stays busy into the evening with UCLA crowds, game-day groups, and date nights looking for sit-down Mexican with cocktails rather than a quick grab-and-go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de Carnitas, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, Mole Poblano Enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A full-service Mexican restaurant pairing agave-heavy bar program with classic regional dishes.
Who should go: Dating couples and groups wanting cocktails with their tacos.
When to visit: Evenings before or after UCLA games and Westwood movie showtimes.
What to order: Guacamole, tacos de carnitas, cochinita pibil, mole enchiladas.
Insider tip: Sit on the patio or window tables for people-watching on Lindbrook.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in nearby village garages; limited metered street parking on Lindbrook. Evenings can be tight during UCLA events.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished for date nights and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; you can hold a conversation at a table, but bar-adjacent seating gets louder during peak evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on UCLA game days.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; often seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including enchiladas, salads, and vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — 1–2 customizable plates plus sides.
Gluten-free options: Many tacos and mains can be prepared gluten-free; staff is familiar with requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room, solid cocktails, and steady evening energy make it an easy, conversation-friendly choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weeknights. On weekends and UCLA event nights, expect a wait unless you arrive early or sit at the bar or patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids 6+; booths and a flexible menu help, though the lively bar energy may feel loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Mexican meals with cocktails, polished service, and group-friendly booths — ideal for celebrations or date nights.
Skip if: You want quick, budget-friendly Mexican or a quieter environment; choose a fast-casual spot instead.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.4
Frida anchors the Lindbrook side of Westwood Village with a full bar and a wide taco section ranging from carnitas and al pastor to cochinita pibil and rib eye. With 1000+ reviews and more than two decades of brand history behind it, it’s where late-evening taco cravings meet sit-down service and tequila-backed nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, Tacos al Pastor, Taco Tasting (five-style sampler)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume Mexican restaurant pairing extensive taco options with a serious bar program.
Who should go: Groups wanting sit-down tacos with cocktails in Westwood.
When to visit: Late dinners Thursday–Saturday when the bar stays lively.
What to order: Tacos de cochinita pibil, tacos al pastor, Taco Tasting plate.
Insider tip: Start with guacamole en molcajete and split the taco sampler to explore styles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking in the Lindbrook/Westwood Village structures; limited metered street parking that becomes difficult after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly polished for late-night dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at tables, but the bar area runs louder on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer after 8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie tacos, enchiladas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; request modifications to certain tacos and sides.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free using corn tortillas; servers are familiar with requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished dining room, full bar, and lively-but-not-overwhelming energy create an easy setting for a first date with structure and atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially before 7pm or on weekdays. For late-night weekends, a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid a 30–45 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. High chairs and booth seating are available, but the energy leans more adult-friendly during late evenings.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down taco dinners with cocktails, a polished room, and large-group accommodation—something most quick-service Westwood taco spots can't offer.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast grab-and-go tacos or a strictly budget meal; nearby counter-style spots will be a better fit.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.3
Frida’s Westwood location, from the Frimex Restaurant Group, functions as the more polished Mexican option in the village with a full bar, brunch, and a broad taco section. While entrées run higher than counter-service neighbors, sharable plates, lunch specials, and taco combos let savvy diners tap into its long-running reputation without overspending.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, Tacos al Pastor, Fish Tacos Baja Style
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Upscale Mexican spot pairing a deep tequila list with tacos, moles, and brunch.
Who should go: Groups or dates wanting cocktails with polished Mexican plates.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or Sunday brunch for maximum bar energy.
What to order: Tacos de cochinita pibil, tacos al pastor, fish tacos.
Insider tip: Target weekday lunch or brunch buffet pricing for the best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at the Lindbrook structure is usually available; limited metered street parking becomes difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively indoors during peak hours; patio seating allows easier conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian tacos, enchiladas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable dishes but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many tacos and plates can be made gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — polished ambiance, cocktails, and shareable plates make it an approachable but elevated choice without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; weekends and peak brunch times benefit from booking ahead to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; high chairs and simple taco or quesadilla options make it workable, though the evening bar energy can be loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails, sit-down meals, and group gatherings where ambiance and a broad menu matter more than budget.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap tacos or fast counter-service speed — neighboring taquerias may fit that need better.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.3
Frida Mexican Cuisine is a long-running Westwood Village restaurant serving regional Mexican plates alongside a focused lineup of tacos and agave cocktails. Guests treat it as the neighborhood’s polished sit-down option when they want carne asada, cochinita pibil, or shrimp tacos in a more refined setting than the nearby counters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Cochinita pibil tacos, Grilled shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Upscale Mexican restaurant pairing serious tacos with a full bar and polished dining room.
Who should go: Couples and groups wanting tacos with cocktails and comfort.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekends before peak reservations.
What to order: Carne asada, cochinita pibil, and shrimp tacos.
Insider tip: Sit on the patio or near the windows if you want a livelier village-view experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in nearby Village garages; street parking is possible but tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; lively but still comfortable for conversation, especially at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options, including veggie tacos, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited; a few modifiable dishes but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Several items are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished room and agave-forward cocktails create a relaxed, elevated setting that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weeknights; weekends fill quickly, so walk-ins should expect a wait unless arriving early.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and families; the dining room is comfortable, though the ambiance is more adult-oriented during peak dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: A full-service experience with cocktails, polished plates, and a more refined atmosphere than nearby counter-style taco spots.
Skip if: You want fast, budget-friendly tacos or a grab-and-go meal—Frida is designed for sit-down dining.
Frida Mexican Cuisine – Westwood
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Frida is Westwood Village’s main full-service Mexican dining room, serving region-spanning plates, margaritas, and combo platters in a colorful, sit-down setting. Students, locals, and game-day crowds use it for group dinners, casual celebrations, and reliably familiar flavors right off the Village’s main streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Campechano, Grilled fish tacos, Chile relleno plate
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: The neighborhood’s mainstay sit-down Mexican spot for groups and celebrations.
Who should go: Groups wanting full-service Mexican with margaritas near UCLA.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for lively energy and bigger crowds.
What to order: Guacamole, Burrito Campechano, chile relleno plate.
Insider tip: Ask for the quieter back tables if the bar is loud.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available throughout Westwood Village, but spots fill quickly during evenings and UCLA events; nearby public garages on Broxton and Gayley offer the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, UCLA gear, and relaxed outfits are all common, but groups celebrating often lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is manageable at back tables but the bar area can get lively.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during UCLA home games or large campus events.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait except during small student rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of options including enchiladas, veggie fajitas, quesadillas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few customizable dishes like veggie tacos and salads without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free plates using corn tortillas; staff can guide substitutions for combo platters.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid for casual dates—colorful, upbeat, and not too formal. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for intimate conversation, as the room gets lively on most evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for smaller groups. Walk-ins are common, but parties of 4+ on weekend nights or during UCLA events should expect a wait unless booked ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu is approachable, staff is used to families, and the upbeat environment works well for kids 6 and up; high chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, celebrations, and anyone wanting full-service Mexican with margaritas in the heart of Westwood Village.
Skip if: You want regional-specialty Mexican, quiet dining, or chef-driven plates—other West LA neighborhoods offer more refined options.