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Añejo Cantina & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Skip 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.
Añejo Cantina & Grill
8.3
Since 2015, this two-time OpenTable Diners' Choice Award winner brings authentic Mexican dining with live Latin music every Friday and Saturday night. The Añejo Style Carne Asada and whole oven-baked Branzino showcase chef ambition that extends beyond standard cantina fare, while the spacious two-level space with outdoor patio overlooking Ventura Boulevard creates a festive atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Añejo Style Carne Asada, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, Whole Branzino for Two
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Live Latin music on weekends and award-winning authentic Mexican cuisine with festive atmosphere
Who should go: Groups celebrating, happy hour seekers, live music lovers
When to visit: Happy Hour weekdays 12-6pm, or Friday/Saturday nights for live music
What to order: Carne asada fries, bacon-wrapped shrimp, house margaritas
Insider tip: Arrive during extended happy hour for $4 margaritas and discounted appetizers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant plus street parking on Ventura Blvd - easier before 7pm weekends
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, but festive vibe means people dress up for celebrations
Noise level: Lively to loud - background music always, live band weekends makes conversation challenging
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ min during live music nights (Fri/Sat after 8pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie fajitas, enchiladas, and multiple taco varieties
Vegan options: Limited but workable - can modify several dishes, ask server to substitute beans for cheese/cream
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, many proteins and sides naturally GF, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the lively atmosphere and live music create energy but make intimate conversation difficult. Weekday happy hour is quieter if you're set on coming here.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) - yes, easily. Weekend dinners - risky, especially Friday/Saturday with live music. Book ahead or arrive at 5pm to beat the rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - full kids menu, spacious layout accommodates strollers/high chairs, and festive vibe means kids' energy blends in. Avoid live music nights if you have young children sensitive to noise.
How's the outdoor patio? Prime real estate with Ventura Boulevard views - covered and heated for year-round use. Request patio seating when booking, as it fills up fast on nice evenings.
Is the happy hour worth it? Absolutely - extended 12-6pm weekdays with $4 margaritas and half-price appetizers is one of Sherman Oaks' best deals. The bacon-wrapped shrimp alone justifies the trip.
Best For
Better for: Añejo beats competitors on atmosphere and value - the live music entertainment, extended happy hour, and two-level space make it ideal for groups and celebrations. More ambitious entrees (whole branzino, specialty carne asada) show kitchen talent beyond typical cantina fare.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, intimate date night, or quick in-and-out service. Also skip if you're seeking cutting-edge modern Mexican - this is festive and authentic rather than innovative. Consider Casita del Campo for romance or Tocaya for fast-casual modern Mexican.