0 Followers
Cinco
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Cinco
8.6
Cinco is an Oaxacan-leaning neighborhood restaurant and bar where the burrito section shares the spotlight with mezcal, craft beer, and thoughtful small plates. Burritos come with well-seasoned meats, black beans, and salsa borracha, in a space that works as well for date night as it does for a mezcal-heavy group hang.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito with Al Pastor, Burrito Vegetal, Tacos al Carbon
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Oaxacan-inspired burritos paired with one of the area’s deeper mezcal lists.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting elevated Mexican and drinks.
When to visit: Evenings for happy hour or a relaxed, buzzy dinner.
What to order: Al pastor burrito, burrito vegetal, chips with guacamole y salsa.
Insider tip: Sit on the patio and pair your burrito with a mezcal flight for the full experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but fills up quickly after 6pm; limited free neighborhood spots nearby and a small paid lot behind the building (~$8–$10).
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit in, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively but still easy to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait; service is generally quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there are solid vegetarian options, including the burrito vegetal and several small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 modified burritos and vegetable-focused sides can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Partially—some items can be made gluten-free (corn-based options, certain plates), but burritos are flour-tortilla by default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—low lighting, warm wood accents, and a thoughtful mezcal list create an intimate setting without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—walk-ins are common, especially at the bar or patio, but weekend evenings fill up quickly, so arrive early for the best shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens will be fine, but the mezcal-forward atmosphere and dim lighting make it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Upscale-meets-casual Mexican dining with standout mezcal flights and elevated burritos you won’t find at typical spots.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast, counter-service burritos or strictly traditional Oaxacan food without modern touches.
Cinco
8.4
Cinco brings Oaxacan-influenced cooking and a serious agave bar program to a sleek, industrial-cool space near LAX, typically serving dinner until around 10pm.【4†turn4search0】【6†turn6search0】 With 800+ reviews and dishes like tlayudas, mole negro, and crafted tacos, it’s the most cocktail- and experience-driven late-night option in the neighborhood.【4†turn4search16】
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo con mole negro, Tlayuda with al pastor, Mahi fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Oaxacan dishes, agave-focused cocktails, and a stylish, buzzy room.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers wanting elevated Mexican near the airport.
When to visit: Later evenings for drinks, tacos, and a lively bar.
What to order: Pollo con mole negro, tlayuda, mahi fish tacos.
Insider tip: Grab bar seats for quicker service and mezcal recommendations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot that fills up quickly; street parking is available but can be tight after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish, especially on weekends.
Noise level: Moderately loud during peak hours with bar energy; you can hold a conversation but expect a lively soundtrack.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Cinco is dinner-focused and not typically open for lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including vegetarian tlayudas and veggie-forward appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited but doable — request modifications on some tacos or salads; staff is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Good selection of naturally gluten-free dishes thanks to corn-based Oaxacan staples; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim, industrial-cool space and strong cocktail program make it a great pick for an impressive yet relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays, though waits build after 8pm. Bar seats are your best bet for a quick walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s not the most kid-oriented spot due to the late-night bar vibe, but older kids and teens are fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Cinco excels in curated agave cocktails, Oaxacan specialties, and a stylish nighttime atmosphere compared to more casual Mexican spots nearby.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, family-heavy setting or budget-friendly plates, you may prefer simpler neighborhood taquerias.
Cinco
8.4
Cinco is Westchester’s go-to happy hour bar for Oaxacan-inspired tacos, $1 happy hour bites, and serious agave spirits near LAX. Since 2013, locals have packed the bar and patio for mezcal-forward cocktails, craft beer, and a taco menu that holds up even outside the discount window.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor street tacos (happy hour special), Queso fundido with chorizo, Oaxacan wings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Oaxacan-influenced tacos with one of the area’s most spirited happy hours.
Who should go: After-work groups, mezcal fans, taco-focused happy hour hunters.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 3–7pm for $1 tacos and drinks.
What to order: Al pastor street tacos, queso fundido, Oaxacan wings.
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat; pair $1 tacos with agave flights the bartenders will gladly talk you through.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot in the back plus generally easy street parking in Westchester; fills up after 6pm but still manageable compared to most LA neighborhoods.
Dress code: Casual to trendy casual—jeans, tees, and light layers are common; feel free to dress up a bit for evening drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are doable on the patio; inside leans loud during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for a table, but bar seats often open up faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though service is limited outside happy hour windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetarian tacos, queso, and shareables available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos can be made vegan, but the menu skews cheesy and meaty.
Gluten-free options: Several tacos and mains are naturally gluten-free; corn tortillas by default help, but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something fun and low-pressure—mezcal cocktails, upbeat energy, and a roomy patio make it lively but not too intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—Cinco is walk-in friendly. Arrive early during happy hour for the best chance at patio seating or grab a bar seat when the dining room fills.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—daytime and early evenings are fine for families, especially on the patio, but the bar-forward vibe isn’t ideal for very young kids later in the night.
Best For
Better for: Cinco excels at value-heavy happy hour tacos, agave cocktails, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe that’s rare this close to LAX.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic dinner or a fully vegan/gluten-free menu—this is a lively bar-first spot with limited specialty dietary accommodations.