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Cantina Frida
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Cantina Frida
7.9
This vibrant cantina brings sophisticated Mexican cuisine to Beverly Drive with an emphasis on craft cocktails featuring top-shelf mezcal and extraordinary tequilas. The contemporary space showcases authentic regional Mexican dishes made from scratch daily, creating a modern dining environment perfect for both business lunches and festive dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Poblano, Carnitas Tacos, Ceviche Mixto
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Extensive mezcal collection from different regions of Mexico
Who should go: Business diners, Happy Hour seekers, tequila lovers
When to visit: 3-6pm weekdays for $5-6 Happy Hour specials
What to order: House margaritas, mole dishes, guacamole trio
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu mezcal flight to taste rare varieties
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking with 2-hour meters until 8pm
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - jeans acceptable but lean polished
Noise level: Lively but manageable - booths better for conversation than bar area
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seats usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 dedicated options plus customizable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 3 options, can modify vegetarian dishes on request
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for drinks and apps during Happy Hour - upscale but not stuffy, good energy without being too loud. Skip weekend dinners when it gets packed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and Happy Hour usually fine walk-in. Weekend dinners book ahead or expect 30+ minute wait. Bar seats are first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) during early dinner. No kids menu but will do simple quesadillas. Business lunch crowd makes it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Mezcal education and business entertaining - more refined than Gracias Madre, better cocktails than El Coyote
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or budget-friendly portions - try Tacos Tu Madre or Leo's instead
Cantina Frida
8.2
This vibrant cantina brings Mexico City's energy to Beverly Hills with creative burritos featuring top-shelf mezcal-marinated proteins and house-made salsas. Live mariachi on weekends and an extensive tequila collection make it a local favorite for festive dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Molcajete Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Heart of Beverly Hills location with daily happy hour specials.
Who should go: Groups, after-work crowds, weekend brunchers
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm Mon-Thu, weekend brunch
What to order: Molcajete burrito, margarita flight, churros
Insider tip: Monday happy hour extends to 7pm with $13 margaritas
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Beverly Dr (2hr max until 6pm), public garage on Crescent 2 blocks away
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - nice jeans and a stylish top work, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Loud on weekends with mariachi, moderate weeknights - better for groups than intimate dates
Weekend wait: 60-90 min Friday/Saturday without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5 dedicated options including black bean and grilled veggie burritos
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian items by removing cheese/sour cream
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla option available, but kitchen has cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the lively atmosphere and strong margaritas help conversation flow, but weekend mariachi makes intimate chat difficult
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 20-30 min wait, weekends tough but bar has full menu and turns over quickly
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided, but gets adult-focused later with bar crowd
Best For
Better for: Superior happy hour deals and live entertainment compared to other Beverly Hills Mexican spots - more festive than Tocaya, better drinks than Chipotle
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos (try Teddy's Red Tacos) or quiet business dinner (go to Mastro's)
Cantina Frida
8.3
Upscale cantina showcasing regional Mexican mixology with over 100 tequilas and mezcals alongside modern interpretations of street tacos. The vibrant murals and communal dining tables encourage festive group gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Carnitas Tacos, Lobster Tacos, Ceviche Tostada
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Extensive mezcal collection with tableside service
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and celebration groups
When to visit: Happy hour 4-7pm weekdays
What to order: Duck carnitas, tableside guac, mezcal flight
Insider tip: Ask for the secret off-menu tacos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking scarce after 5pm - consider rideshare for happy hour
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - nice jeans fine, but lean polished for dinner
Noise level: Lively buzz - good for dates but gets loud with mezcal crowds after 8pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower and mushroom tacos plus sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian options, ask server
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, alert server for cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for drinks-first dates - sit at the mezcal bar for easy exit option, move to dinner if vibes are good
Can I get a table without a reservation? Try the bar or communal tables - full parties often available without wait, especially if you're flexible on timing
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than toddlers - no kids menu but festive atmosphere works for families before 7pm
Best For
Better for: Mezcal education and tableside theater - no other Beverly Hills spot matches their agave expertise
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos under $5 - this is elevated Mexican with prices to match
Cantina Frida
7.9
This modern cantina channels Mexico's communal dining tradition with shareable plates and an extensive mezcal selection featuring over 50 varieties. The vibrant murals and upbeat atmosphere make it a reliable choice for groups seeking festive Mexican fare without the Rodeo Drive premium.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail Aguachile, Cochinita Pibil Tacos, Tableside Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Extensive mezcal library with rare small-batch selections
Who should go: Groups wanting shareable Mexican plates and cocktails
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm or late night after 10pm
What to order: Aguachile, sharing platters, craft margaritas
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu mezcal flight featuring rare finds
Cantina Frida
7.8
Contemporary Mexican dining focused on premium tequila and mezcal programs alongside traditional dishes crafted from fresh ingredients. The modern cantina atmosphere brings upscale communal Mexican dining culture to Beverly Hills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cadillac Margarita, Carnitas Tacos, Chiles Rellenos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Extensive artisanal tequila and mezcal collection with mixology focus
Who should go: Groups wanting elevated Mexican with cocktail emphasis
When to visit: Happy hour Monday-Thursday 3-6pm for best deals
What to order: Cadillac margarita, shared plates, premium mezcal flights
Insider tip: Try the house sangria made with regional Mexican wines
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking challenging after 5pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans ok but lean dressy for the Beverly Hills crowd
Noise level: Moderately loud - conversation possible but not intimate
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie tacos and quesadillas
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options, ask server about modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, staff knowledgeable about prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates - the lively atmosphere and shared plates work well for established connections, but might be too loud for getting-to-know-you conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Hit or miss - try arriving right at 5pm opening or after 9pm. Happy hour bar seating is your best bet for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - the bar-focused atmosphere and later crowd make it better for teens and adults. No kids menu visible
Best For
Better for: Premium tequila selection beats most LA Mexican spots, and the Beverly Hills location offers more polished service than casual taquerias
Skip if: You want authentic hole-in-the-wall Mexican, need quiet conversation space, or are on a tight budget (drinks add up quickly)