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Don Lino's Mexican Food & More
Master Critic Review
Don Lino's Mexican Food & More
8.1
Family-run breakfast and lunch spot praised for tender birria tacos with flavorful consomé and unique spicy-sweet mole enchiladas. The welcoming atmosphere and dedicated service make it a favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine with standout chilaquiles and juicy carne asada.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos with Consomé, Mole Enchiladas, Chilaquiles with Green Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family warmth with above-average execution on traditional Mexican staples
Who should go: Breakfast lovers and families seeking genuine home-style cooking
When to visit: Morning for chorizo con huevos and fresh chilaquiles
What to order: Birria tacos, mole enchiladas, chilaquiles with meat topping
Insider tip: The mole has a unique sweet-spicy balance unlike most LA versions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on Normandie Ave and side streets, usually easy to find mornings and lunch. Small lot behind building fits 4-5 cars.
Dress code: Casual comfort - gym clothes, work attire, whatever you're wearing. This is a no-frills neighborhood spot.
Noise level: Low to moderate - conversation-friendly breakfast spot with families and regulars, never loud.
Weekend wait: Closed evenings - breakfast and lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait possible 12-1pm on weekdays, otherwise seat immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, bean and cheese options, plus breakfast items with eggs and potatoes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes (beans without lard, veggie tacos without cheese) but not a dedicated vegan menu
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely in small kitchen. Best for gluten-sensitive rather than celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates or casual morning meetups. The authentic family atmosphere is charming but it's counter-service style in a no-frills space - save the first impression for dinner, come here when you're comfortable enough to share chilaquiles over formica tables.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's walk-in only. Arrive before 11:30am on weekends to avoid the brunch rush, or come after 1:30pm when lunch crowds thin out. Weekday mornings you'll seat immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - this is a family-run spot that welcomes children of all ages. High chairs available, patient staff, and simple options like quesadillas and scrambled eggs. The casual vibe means no one minds if kids get a little noisy.
How long does a meal take? Quick turnaround - order at counter, food arrives in 10-15 minutes. Budget 30-40 minutes total for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. Perfect when you're hungry and don't want to commit to a 2-hour brunch.
Do they have good coffee? Basic drip coffee and Mexican hot chocolate - not a specialty coffee destination. If you need a latte, grab one elsewhere and bring it (they won't mind). Come for the food, not the coffee program.
Best For
Better for: Home-style Mexican breakfast without the wait or price tag of trendy brunch spots. The birria tacos and mole enchiladas punch above the price point, and the family service creates regulars. Choose this over Guisados or HomeState when you want authentic comfort over Instagram-worthy presentation.
Skip if: You want trendy ambiance, craft cocktails, or dinner service. If you're looking for upscale Mexican or date-night atmosphere, head to Guelaguetza or Broken Spanish instead. Also skip if you need extensive vegan options or guaranteed gluten-free preparation.