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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Downtown LA
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Downtown LA
Best Cheap Tacos in Downtown LA
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Downtown LA
Best Late Night Tacos in Downtown LA
Best Late Night Mexican in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
El Patrón Cantina
8.2
A Wilshire-front cantina with a real downtown happy-hour pulse, where tacos are the main event and margaritas keep the room humming. The menu leans classic-to-modern Mexican, and the taco lineup holds up whether you’re here for after-work bites or a late-night reset. Expect lively energy, steady crowds, and a bar-driven flow that suits sharing plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Quesabirria tacos, House margarita
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A bar-first DTLA cantina where tacos and margaritas anchor a true happy hour.
Who should go: After-work crews and taco groups
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or Taco Tuesday
What to order: Al pastor tacos, quesabirria tacos, margarita flight
Insider tip: Go early for bar seats before the late-night surge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available through nearby garages along Wilshire; limited metered street parking that fills quickly after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual-to-smart casual; after-work attire fits the room, but jeans and tees remain common.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy hour and late night; conversational at early evening bar seats.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes depending on bar traffic and events nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is quick and bar seating is widely open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several taco builds and sides can be prepared vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of veg-forward tacos and sides, but modifications may be needed.
Gluten-free options: Several tacos can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas; cross-contact possible during peak hours.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — the lively cantina vibe, strong margaritas, and shareable tacos help break the ice, though noise can spike later in the night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the evening. Bar seats go first, so arrive before the happy-hour surge to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — early evenings work for families, but the room shifts toward a louder bar scene later, making it better suited for older kids or early outings.
Best For
Better for: Energetic happy-hour tacos, shareable plates, and bar-forward flow with strong drink value compared to quieter sit-down Mexican spots nearby.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a calm dinner, extended conversations, or a fully vegan/vegetarian menu — the atmosphere trends lively and bar-centric.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 1:30am
Tuesday11:30am - 1:30am
Wednesday11:30am - 1:30am
Thursday11:30am - 1:30am
Friday11:30am - 1:30am
Saturday11:30am - 1:30am
Sunday11:30am - 1:30am