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El Paseo Inn
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
El Paseo Inn
7.6
Operating since 1930 in a former winery building, this full-service restaurant offers upscale Mexican dining with tableside guacamole and flaming margaritas. Their wet burritos smothered in house-made enchilada sauce represent old-school Cal-Mex at its finest, served in rooms adorned with historic murals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet Chile Verde Burrito, Combination Burrito, Tableside Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Historic building with painted murals from 1940s
Who should go: Couples and groups celebrating occasions
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm for margarita specials
What to order: Wet burrito, flaming margarita, flan
Insider tip: Request the quieter back dining room
El Paseo Inn
7.8
Established in 1930, this historic landmark features tableside guacamole preparation and houses one of L.A.'s oldest bars. The restaurant occupies what was once the Pelanconi Winery, with original murals from 1946 adorning the walls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside Guacamole, Flaming Margarita, Combination Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Historic building with live mariachi Sundays 1-4pm
Who should go: History buffs and margarita enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 3-6pm
What to order: Tableside guacamole, flaming margaritas, enchiladas
Insider tip: Request patio seating overlooking the marketplace
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lots nearby $8-15, street parking scarce on weekends. Union Station parking $8 with validation
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - tourists in shorts mix with date night couples
Noise level: Loud during mariachi (Sunday 1-4pm), moderate otherwise - good for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean tostadas
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify veggie fajitas, ask about beans (may contain lard)
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortilla dishes available, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially at sunset on the patio - romantic lighting and festive atmosphere breaks the ice. Skip Sunday mariachi hours if you want to talk
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays usually fine, but reserve for Friday/Saturday dinner. Bar seating often available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the mariachi performances and watching guacamole made tableside. High chairs available, kids menu offered
Best For
Better for: Historic atmosphere and strong margaritas beat newer spots. Best tableside guacamole show in the area
Skip if: You want innovative modern Mexican - this is classic comfort food. For trendy tacos, try Guerrilla or Sonoratown instead
El Paseo Inn
7.5
One of LA's oldest bars doubling as a full Mexican restaurant, this historic venue combines tacos with live mariachi on weekends. The old-world cantina atmosphere and strong margaritas make it more of a festive dining experience than a quick taco stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Fish Tacos, Combination Fajitas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Historic bar with Sunday mariachi performances
Who should go: Groups celebrating or seeking entertainment
When to visit: Sunday for live mariachi shows
What to order: Tacos, margaritas, combination plates
Insider tip: Full bar makes it popular for happy hour
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lots nearby ($8-15), limited metered street parking on Main/Spring, arrive early on weekends
Dress code: Casual, anything goes - tourists in shorts mix with locals dressed up for celebrations
Noise level: Loud during mariachi shows, moderate otherwise - skip for intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min on Sundays during mariachi, 15-20 min Fridays/Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, may wait 10 min during peak tourist season
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, bean tostadas, veggie fajitas available
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify bean dishes, ask for no cheese/sour cream
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla options available, but cross-contamination likely in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes on weeknights for a fun, low-pressure vibe with strong margaritas to ease nerves. Skip Sunday mariachi shows - too loud for conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Bar seating usually available for quick margaritas while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 8pm - festive atmosphere kids enjoy, high chairs available, but it's primarily a bar so better for older kids who can handle the noise
Best For
Better for: Full bar experience with tacos - stronger drinks and livelier atmosphere than typical taquerias, plus the historic charm you won't find at modern spots
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or a quiet meal - head to Guisados or Leo's Tacos for better pure taco quality without the tourist scene