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Best Mexican in Mid-Wilshire
Best Burritos in Mid-Wilshire
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
El Coyote Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Open since 1931, El Coyote is a boisterous Beverly Boulevard institution known for combo plates, strong margaritas, and a dining room packed with regulars, tourists, and Hollywood lore. The food leans classic Mexican-American, but its longevity and party energy make it a go-to for big nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Enchilada, Green Corn Tamales, Enchiladas Suizas
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Nearly century-old Mexican-American icon where combo plates and margaritas rule.
Who should go: Groups wanting loud, nostalgic Mexican with big margaritas.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the rooms buzz with energy.
What to order: Cheese enchilada combo, green corn tamales, enchiladas suizas.
Insider tip: Book early and ask for a booth to better handle the noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot behind the restaurant that fills quickly; limited metered street parking on Beverly and Formosa; rideshare is easiest on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, button-downs, and comfortable outfits fit the lively, old-school atmosphere.
Noise level: Loud — conversation can be difficult during peak hours, especially in the main dining rooms.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are common but waits can be long.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian-friendly classics like cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, and meatless combo plates.
Vegan options: Limited — modifications possible (hold cheese, swap sides), but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Several inherently gluten-free items (corn tortillas, tamales, fajitas), but no separate prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something loud, nostalgic, and high-energy — it’s not ideal for intimate conversation, but great for a fun, low-pressure night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but expect long waits during peak dinner hours. Arriving early (5–6pm) drastically improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common. The big booths, mild dishes, and festive energy work well for kids ages 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Large group dinners, birthday outings, and classic Mexican-American comfort with strong drinks in a lively room.
Skip if: You want modern regional Mexican cooking, a quiet date-night environment, or strict dietary accommodations.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm