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Casita del Campo
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Casita del Campo
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A Silver Lake landmark since 1962, this colorful Mexican restaurant offers classic preparations in a festive atmosphere with multiple dining rooms and patios. Daily happy hour runs 3-6pm with $2 off all drinks and appetizers, drawing locals for reliable enchiladas, carnitas, and strong margaritas in an LGBTQ-friendly environment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas, Albondigas Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Over 60 years of neighborhood history with theatrical basement space
Who should go: Families and groups seeking traditional ambiance
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm daily for best drink deals
What to order: Carnitas, enchiladas suizas, classic margaritas
Insider tip: Check out the drag shows on weekends in the basement theater
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on surrounding streets, easier before 5pm. Small lot adjacent to restaurant fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts perfectly acceptable. Locals come as-is from work or errands.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly in main dining room, louder on patios during happy hour and weekends with live music.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 6pm, especially Friday/Saturday. Happy hour (3-6pm) seats faster.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, spinach quesadillas, and bean-based dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes (skip cheese/sour cream on veggie items), but not a vegan-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Some options available - corn tortillas substitute for flour, but no dedicated prep area. Alert server to cross-contamination concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for casual first dates - lively atmosphere takes pressure off, affordable prices (especially happy hour), but can get loud on weekends. Better for second/third dates when you're comfortable with energetic vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and during happy hour (3-6pm). Weekends after 6pm, expect 30-45 min wait or call ahead. Bar seating usually available as backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - families are regulars, large booths accommodate groups, standard kids menu available. Earlier hours (before 7pm) quieter for young children.
What's the deal with the basement theater? Separate performance space hosts drag shows, comedy, and live entertainment on weekends. Check their social media for schedule - it's a hidden gem that makes Casita unique in the neighborhood.
How strong are the margaritas? Generous pours with actual tequila (not overly sweet/weak). Happy hour makes them exceptional value at $2 off. Pace yourself - they're stronger than they taste.
Best For
Better for: Choose Casita over newer spots when you want old-school LA charm, reliable classic Mexican (not trendy/modern), strong happy hour deals, and inclusive community vibes. The longevity and neighborhood loyalty speak volumes.
Skip if: You're seeking elevated/modern Mexican cuisine, quiet romantic ambiance, or cutting-edge culinary innovation. For those, try Madre or Chica's Tacos nearby. Also skip if you need extensive vegan/GF options.
Casita del Campo
7.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
This family-owned Silver Lake institution has served traditional Mexican fare since 1962 in a colorful space featuring mosaic tables and a rubber tree growing through the dining room. The restaurant offers multiple patios, weekend brunch, and a basement theater hosting drag shows while specializing in classic plates like carnitas and enchiladas suizas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas, Enchiladas Suizas, Mole Poblano
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Silver Lake landmark since 1962 with basement drag theater and classic charm
Who should go: Families and groups wanting traditional Mexican in a festive setting
When to visit: Weekend brunch or dinner before drag shows in basement theater
What to order: Slow-roasted carnitas, enchiladas suizas, albondigas soup, house margaritas
Insider tip: Multiple patios get rowdy at night, drag shows on weekends downstairs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available but competitive evenings/weekends; small lot behind restaurant
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine, festive atmosphere welcomes relaxed attire
Noise level: Lively to loud - expect buzzing conversation and music, not ideal for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially before drag shows; call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, bean-based options throughout menu
Vegan options: Limited - request modifications on veggie plates, avoid cheese/crema preparations
Gluten-free options: Some options - corn tortillas available, ask about cross-contamination on grilled items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for later dates - the lively, festive atmosphere makes quiet conversation difficult, but perfect if you both enjoy high-energy settings and want a memorable experience over intimate dialogue
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners usually fine for walk-ins; weekend evenings and drag show nights (Fri-Sun) require advance planning - call ahead or expect 30-45 min waits
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - families have come here for generations, with spacious seating, mild menu options, and a colorful atmosphere kids enjoy; avoid late weekend nights when bar crowd dominates
What's the deal with the drag shows? Separate basement theater hosts weekend drag performances - dinner guests can attend shows (ticket required) or dine upstairs unaffected; shows draw crowds so book early for weekend dinner if interested
Is the food authentic or Americanized? Traditional family recipes since 1962 - not trendy modern Mexican but time-tested preparations favoring comfort over innovation; expect old-school enchiladas and carnitas, not haute cuisine
Best For
Better for: Historic charm and neighborhood institution vibes - choose Casita for the festive, communal atmosphere, multiple patio options, and drag show entertainment over cutting-edge cuisine; superior for large groups and celebrations where ambiance trumps refinement
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, innovative modern Mexican, or refined fine dining - the loud, casual environment and traditional menu won't satisfy those seeking intimate settings or adventurous flavors