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A Tí
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
A Tí
8.4
Modern Mexican bar from former Bestia chef de cuisine Andrew Ponce, serving inventive tacos that blend traditional Mexican flavors with LA's multicultural influences. Creative dishes like Japanese sweet potato tacos and duck confit with date mole showcase culinary innovation on blue corn tortillas, accompanied by craft cocktails including yuzu margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet Potato Taco, Al Pastor with Cinnamon Pineapple, Duck Mole
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Bestia alum's inventive fusion of Mexican tradition with global ingredients
Who should go: Adventurous foodies seeking creative takes on classic tacos
When to visit: Dinner from 5pm onwards, Sunday brunch 11am-3pm
What to order: Sweet potato taco, al pastor, duck mole, ume paloma
Insider tip: Patio seating provides ideal spot to start or end Sunset Boulevard nights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm. Arrive early or use ride-share. Nearby lots on Sunset $8-15
Dress code: Elevated casual - trendy but comfortable. Dark jeans and nice top work, sneakers fine
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can hear your date without shouting. Gets louder after 8pm
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without reservation after 6pm. Bar seating first-come, shorter wait
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting 5pm, Sunday brunch 11am-3pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 creative options including Japanese sweet potato and seasonal veggie tacos
Vegan options: Limited - 2 tacos can be modified, ask about dairy-free options. Better choices nearby
Gluten-free options: No - blue corn tortillas contain gluten, no substitutions available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate patio setting, shareable format encourages interaction, creative menu is conversation starter. Not too loud, not too quiet. Price point shows effort without breaking bank ($40-60pp with drinks).
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - try arriving right at 5pm opening or after 9pm. Weeknights (Mon-Wed) walk-ins usually work. Bar seats available first-come for solo/couples willing to eat at bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - small space, late hours (opens 5pm), craft cocktail atmosphere. Teens fine for Sunday brunch. Better family taco options exist in Echo Park.
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion tacos and craft cocktails in date-worthy atmosphere. Choose A Tí when you want inventive takes on Mexican classics, not traditional authentic tacos. Patio ambiance beats most LA taco spots for romance.
Skip if: You want traditional Baja-style tacos, need budget-friendly meal under $25pp, have dietary restrictions (especially GF/vegan), bringing kids, or seeking quick casual bite. Also skip if you don't drink - cocktail program is major draw.
A Tí
8.2
Chef Andrew Ponce, a Bestia and Taco María alum, reimagines Mexican cuisine through LA's multicultural lens with Japanese sweet potato tacos and salsa negra infused with Chilean urfa pepper. What started as a pop-up became a permanent fixture thanks to creative bar food, zippy yuzu margaritas, and al pastor with cinnamon-pickled pineapple that keeps the patio buzzing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Bluefin Tuna Tostada, Duck Confit with Date Mole
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Modern Mexican fusion by Michelin-trained chef using unexpected international ingredients
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking creative Mexican with cocktails
When to visit: Dinner for patio atmosphere, Sunday lunch for brunch
What to order: Al pastor tacos, bluefin tostada, ume paloma cocktail
Insider tip: Menu changes frequently—ask about rotating specials and seasonal dishes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 5pm. Arrive early or use Sunset Boulevard lots 2 blocks north ($8-10)
Dress code: Casual-chic Echo Park style - jeans and nice tops work, but elevated from beachwear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - bustling patio energy without shouting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 7pm, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including Japanese sweet potato tacos and seasonal vegetable plates
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - 2-3 items, chef accommodates with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Moderately accommodating - corn tortillas available, ask about cross-contamination protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic patio setting with creative food that gives you something to talk about, plus cocktails are conversation starters. Not too loud, not too quiet. Reserve the patio if weather permits.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, weekend dinners risky. Bar seating is first-come and gets full menu - arrive right at 5pm for best shot. Sunday brunch is more forgiving around 11am.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids (10+) who eat adventurously - it's not a kids' menu spot. Patio works better than interior for families. Not ideal for toddlers due to noise level and limited traditional options.
How spicy is the food? Chef balances heat thoughtfully - most dishes have gentle warmth rather than fire. The salsa negra brings complexity over pure heat. Staff will guide you to milder or spicier options.
Is it worth the hype? Yes if you appreciate ingredient creativity and technique - this isn't your standard taco joint. Skip if you want traditional Mexican or large portions for the price.
Best For
Better for: Creative cocktails and internationally-influenced Mexican that's sophisticated without being stuffy - fills the gap between casual taquerias and high-end Californios. Best patio scene in Echo Park for date nights.
Skip if: You want generous portions, traditional preparation, or family-style Mexican. Also skip if you prefer quiet dining - this has energetic neighborhood buzz. Budget diners should look elsewhere ($50-70/person with drinks).