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El Coyote Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
El Coyote Cafe
8.6
Open since 1931, El Coyote is a sprawling Beverly Boulevard institution where combination plates and classic burritos share the table with strong margaritas. Its multi-room dining areas and patio stay busy with generations of Angelenos using it as a default spot for group Mexican dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Burrito, Beef and Bean Burrito, Combination Plate #1
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Nearly century-old Mexican landmark pairing classic burritos with famous margaritas.
Who should go: Groups wanting loud, nostalgic Mexican dinners with drinks.
When to visit: Weeknights for energy without the peak weekend chaos.
What to order: Carnitas burrito, combination plate, house margarita.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth in the older dining rooms if you want peak classic El Coyote atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small onsite lot plus limited side-street parking; lot fills quickly after 6pm so expect to circle on Beverly or adjacent residential blocks.
Dress code: Casual to casual-nice; jeans, tees, and relaxed dinner outfits all fit the nostalgic vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours due to multi-room energy and celebrations; conversational but raised voices may be needed in larger dining rooms.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, longer for large groups or patio requests.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits; typically seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, tostadas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—order bean-based items without cheese and confirm preparation methods.
Gluten-free options: Some corn-based dishes work, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen; communicate clearly with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual, upbeat first dates where atmosphere matters more than intimacy. If you want quieter, choose a smaller Mexican spot nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially for small parties. Larger groups should reserve or arrive early to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—big booths, quick service, and familiar Tex-Mex plates make it easy for families, though noise levels can be high for very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group Mexican dinners, birthday gatherings, and strong margaritas in a classic LA institution setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking modern Mexican cooking, quieter date-night spots, or extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.
El Coyote Cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Open on Beverly Boulevard since the 1950s, El Coyote is a loud, tile-lined Mexican restaurant where pitchers of margaritas, combo plates, and big booths fuel birthdays and reunions. The food leans classic and cheesy more than cheffy, but its decades-long history makes it a sentimental special-occasion hangout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Create-your-own combination plate with enchiladas, tacos, or chile relleno, Chicken fajitas with peppers and onions, House margaritas, including seasonal fruit versions
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A decades-old Beverly Boulevard institution where margaritas, combo plates, and colorful decor set a party tone.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing fun, nostalgia, and margaritas over fine-dining polish.
When to visit: Lively weekend evenings when the dining room is buzzing.
What to order: Combo plate, chicken fajitas, a round of classic or spicy margaritas.
Insider tip: Ask for a bigger booth if you’re celebrating so the table can handle shared plates and large margarita pitchers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Beverly and surrounding residential streets; meters open up after 6pm but can be competitive. Small on-site lot fills early.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in jeans, colorful tops, or relaxed dinner attire for celebrations.
Noise level: High — expect loud birthday songs, clinking margarita pitchers, and lively group tables. Conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar and patio fill quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including enchiladas, fajitas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — some veggie dishes can be modified but expect dairy-heavy plates.
Gluten-free options: A few naturally gluten-free items; ask staff for tortilla and sauce details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want lively, nostalgic energy — it’s loud, festive, and better for fun nights than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait during peak dinner hours. Arriving before 6pm or joining the waitlist helps minimize delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large booths, friendly staff, and familiar dishes make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Groups seeking nostalgic LA Mexican, big margarita pitchers, and celebratory energy in a classic setting.
Skip if: You want modern Mexican cooking, a quiet dinner, or lighter, health-focused dishes.