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Daisy Margarita Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Daisy Margarita Bar
8.4
From the award-winning Mírate team, this vaquero-style cantina reinvents the margarita with inventive cocktails like mangoneada with popping boba and guacamole slushies. Chef Alan Sanz serves modern Mexican fare alongside beverage director Max Reis's 100+ tequila and mezcal selection in a rustic space with fringe-accented leather stools.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Árabe with Green Apple Slaw, Chile Relleno with Cashew Mole, Queso Fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Wildly creative margaritas from the Best Bar in the West team
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and margarita lovers seeking innovation
When to visit: Happy hour for creative drinks without the weekend crowds
What to order: Mangoneada margarita, taco árabe, chile relleno
Insider tip: Every cocktail purchase comes with a jukebox token
Daisy Margarita Bar
8.6
From the award-winning team behind Mírate in Los Feliz, beverage director Max Reis and chef Alan Sanz reimagine the modern cantina with molecular-level cocktail craftsmanship. The guacamole margarita slushie and purple cabbage-infused margarita showcase playful innovation, while dishes like aguachile de chayote and grilled branzino exceed typical bar food expectations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aguachile de Chayote, Grilled Branzino, Chicharrón del Parque with Cured Yellowfin
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Award-winning beverage director creates molecular-level margaritas using sous vide and precision techniques
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and adventurous eaters seeking elevated Mexican dining
When to visit: Weeknights to avoid hour-long weekend waits, make reservations
What to order: Classic margarita, mangoneada with popping boba, crab tostada
Insider tip: Request Max's recommendations at the bar for off-menu cocktail experiments
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Ventura Blvd and side streets, can be challenging on weekends. Small paid lot behind building ($8-10). Arrive 10 mins early for weekend reservations.
Dress code: Elevated casual to cocktail chic - trendy fits encouraged given the Instagram-worthy setting. Jeans acceptable if paired with dressy tops/shoes.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - expect upbeat energy with music, but you can still hear across the table without shouting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting at 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - aguachile de chayote, mushroom dishes, creative vegetable preparations beyond typical beans and rice
Vegan options: Moderate - 3-4 options available, mostly vegetable-forward dishes. Can modify some items but call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, many ceviches and aguachiles naturally GF. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely - it hits the sweet spot of impressive without being stuffy. The molecular margaritas are conversation starters, lighting is flattering, and noise level allows actual conversation. Just make a reservation to avoid awkward hour-long waits.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights (Mon-Wed) you have decent odds arriving before 7pm. Weekends and Thursdays, expect 60+ min waits after 6:30pm. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and moves faster - great option for parties of 2.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - it's a cocktail-focused bar environment with no kids menu and limited seating space. Teens 14+ who appreciate elevated food would enjoy it, but families with grade-schoolers should choose elsewhere.
How much should I budget per person? $60-85 per person with 2 cocktails and sharing 2-3 dishes. Margaritas are $16-18, small plates $14-22, larger entrees $28-36. Easy to spend more if exploring the cocktail menu extensively.
Is it worth the hype? Yes if you appreciate cocktail craftsmanship - the molecular margarita techniques are genuinely unique in LA. Food exceeds typical bar fare expectations. Skip if you just want straightforward tacos and standard margaritas.
Best For
Better for: Go here over typical Mexican restaurants when you want cocktail innovation that rivals LA's best bars, elevated ingredients (branzino, premium seafood), and a scene-y vibe. Best margaritas in the Valley by technical execution.
Skip if: You want traditional Mexican flavors, large portion sizes, family-style dining, or casual neighborhood tacos. Also skip if you're budget-conscious - standard Sherman Oaks Mexican spots offer better value for straightforward cravings.