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El Zarape Vine
Master Critic Review
El Zarape Vine
8.2
Just off Hollywood & Vine, El Zarape Vine is a sibling-run cantina built around tacos, ceviches, and a deep agave list. It feels more like a neighborhood bar than a tourist stop, with late hours, strong margaritas, and a menu that leans hard into birria, tinga, and shareable nachos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria, Ceviche Mixto, Carne Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Sibling-run agave bar with a full taco, birria, and ceviche lineup.
Who should go: Tequila fans who still care about their taco quality.
When to visit: Evenings for happy hour rolling into late-night drinks.
What to order: Quesabirria, Ceviche Mixto, Carne Asada Fries.
Insider tip: Aim for earlier in the night for quicker service and patio seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Hollywood & Vine is limited after 6pm; garage parking at Ovation Hollywood or nearby lots typically runs $8–$15 for the evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit in, but many diners lean slightly polished for Hollywood nights out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable early evening but gets louder during peak happy hour and late night.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes for a table; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early evening weekday visits usually have little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — options like veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas, and customizable nachos.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of items can be made vegan with substitutions, but choices are modest.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free items, especially tacos on corn tortillas; cross-contact possible due to shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the agave-focused bar, patio seating, and shareable plates create a relaxed but fun atmosphere. It’s better for casual chemistry-building than a formal dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most likely — they operate largely walk-in, though prime weekend hours fill up fast. Arriving before 7pm improves your chances significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — it's casual enough for families early evening, but the bar-forward crowd and higher noise level after 8pm make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Stronger margaritas, late-night hours, and a more locals-first vibe than many Hollywood Boulevard tourist spots.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional Mexican cooking, a quiet dining room, or extensive vegan options.