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La Parrilla Restaurant — DTLA
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
La Parrilla Restaurant — DTLA
7.6
An old-school Westlake-edge Mexican standby with a real neighborhood happy hour. Alongside the tacos and margs, their wings are a low-key sleeper move—simple, satisfying, and priced for casual sharing. Best for value hunters who want wings plus a margarita reset.
Must-Try Dishes:
House chicken wings, Carne asada burrito, Happy hour margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Neighborhood happy hour with wings and classic Westlake comfort.
Who should go: Locals chasing low-cost plates and drinks.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–7pm for best value.
What to order: Wings, asada burrito, margarita.
Insider tip: Split wings + burrito—big portions, easy two-person spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates; meters are usually open before 6pm but fill quickly after. Adjacent residential blocks offer additional spots, though availability tightens around dinnertime. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, and workday wear all fit in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate during happy hour with TVs and groups; still workable for conversations at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on game nights or local events.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and sides offer enough range.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable veggie plates and beans/rice, but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items (corn tortillas, grilled meats), but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for a casual, low-pressure meetup. It’s friendly and welcoming, but not designed for romance or quiet ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arriving before peak happy hour virtually guarantees a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families visit often. High chairs are available, and the menu is approachable for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Value-driven happy hour plates, quick seating, and simple wings paired with low-cost drinks.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, upscale wings, or a quieter, more polished environment.
La Parrilla Restaurant — DTLA
7.8
A long-running neighborhood Mexican spot with a straight-ahead kitchen and an easy, no-pretense happy hour. The draw is classic Westlake execution—warming tortillas, reliable grilled meats, and margaritas priced to keep locals lingering after work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada burrito, Chicken fajitas, Happy hour margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Old-school Westlake Mexican with legit $5-marg happy hour.
Who should go: Locals wanting classic plates and cheap margs.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–7pm for happy hour value.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, fajitas, happy hour margarita.
Insider tip: Order the burrito to split—big portions for the price.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option — generally easy before 6pm, tighter afterward; small adjacent lot fills quickly during happy hour.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; neighborhood feel means jeans and tees are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — plenty of conversation buzz but you can still talk without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — enchiladas, veggie burritos, salads, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified (veggie tacos, rice/beans without cheese).
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options (tacos, grilled meats), but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for low-key, budget-friendly dates where comfort matters more than ambiance; not ideal if you're aiming for something upscale or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate primarily on walk-ins, and happy hour tables turn quickly; arrive on the early side for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, familiar dishes, and quick service make it easy for families; best for ages 5+.
Best For
Better for: Hard-to-beat happy hour value, large portions, and a genuinely local Westlake vibe.
Skip if: You're looking for upscale cocktails, trendy décor, or a quieter, date-oriented environment.
La Parrilla Restaurant — DTLA
7.8
An old-school, full-service Mexican dining room that keeps the focus on hearty plates and a familiar, family-style rhythm. Best orders are the grilled meats and stews with house tortillas—comfort-forward food that feels built for repeat neighborhood visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada plate, Goat stew (birria de chivo), Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hearty, homestyle Mexican plates with long-running neighborhood roots.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting sit-down Mexican comfort.
When to visit: Early evening for calmer dining.
What to order: Asada plate, goat stew, queso fundido.
Insider tip: Split a parrillada platter if you’re more than two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Wilshire and neighborhood side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours, but usually manageable before 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — comfortable clothing is perfectly fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for family celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate — lively tables and background music, but still easy enough for conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; usually seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, and veggie-forward plates are common standouts.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and vegetable plates can be adapted, but the menu leans traditional and protein-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options — corn tortillas and many grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a romantic one — the vibe is warm and homey, not intimate. Great if you want a relaxed, comfort-food setting rather than ambiance-driven dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays. For weekend evenings or groups of four or more, calling ahead is smart to avoid a moderate wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs, forgiving noise levels, and hearty plates make it very family-friendly. Great for kids 5+ who enjoy classic Mexican dishes.
Best For
Better for: Large-format platters, grilled meats, and a cozy, traditional sit-down experience that’s ideal for families and groups wanting dependable Mexican comfort.
Skip if: You want modern Mexican, craft cocktails, or lighter, vegetable-forward plates — this is a classic, hearty, old-school spot.