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LA Cha Cha Chá
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
LA Cha Cha Chá
8.1
This vibrant Mexican rooftop brings Acapulco vibes to downtown with palm groves, string lights and a 11,600-square-foot terrace overlooking the Arts District. Weekend brunch features inventive dishes like chorizo eggs in purgatory and sope benedict alongside mezcal-forward cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Eggs in Purgatory, Sope Benedict, Tostada & Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Michelin Plate 2022 rooftop oasis with tropical Mexico City-inspired atmosphere
Who should go: Groups seeking festive Mexican brunch with downtown skyline views
When to visit: Weekend brunch for best atmosphere; earlier arrival for shade
What to order: Chorizo eggs in purgatory, sope benedict, mezcal cocktails, chilaquiles
Insider tip: Parking garage across the street; rooftop can get hot midday so dress accordingly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Parking garage directly across the street; street parking difficult in Arts District on weekends
Dress code: Casual chic - sundresses, linen shirts, stylish streetwear welcomed; it's a rooftop so consider sun and heat
Noise level: Lively - bustling rooftop atmosphere makes conversation possible but not intimate
Weekend wait: Reservations highly recommended; walk-ins face 60-90 min wait
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for weekday lunch; focus is weekend brunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including veggie-forward sopes, mushroom dishes, and egg preparations
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 adaptable items if you request dairy substitutions
Gluten-free options: Moderate - corn tortillas available but cross-contamination possible in busy brunch service
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want festive energy, no if you want intimate conversation. The lively rooftop vibe is fun and impressive but not ideal for deep getting-to-know-you talks. Better for 2nd-3rd dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Tough on weekends - arrive right at opening (10am) or expect 60+ min wait. Bar seating sometimes available for parties of 2. Weekday availability is minimal as they focus on weekend service.
Is it kid-friendly? Open-air space works for well-behaved kids 8+, but the cocktail-forward vibe and $$$ price point skews adult. No kids menu. Better for families seeking relaxed breakfast than festive brunch scene.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for Instagram-worthy rooftop brunch with creative Mexican dishes and skyline views. Best downtown option for groups celebrating something special who want festive energy without hotel rooftop pretension.
Skip if: You need air conditioning (exposed rooftop gets hot), want quiet romance, are on a budget ($$$ adds up with cocktails), or prefer traditional American brunch over inventive Mexican preparations.
LA Cha Cha Chá
8.4
This rooftop Mexican spot transforms the Arts District with lush garden vibes and sweeping Downtown views. The kitchen delivers modern Mexican plates like hongos tacos with earthy mushrooms and a build-your-own steak pa'taquear station with NY strip. Happy hour runs Friday through Sunday afternoons with discounted drinks and tacos, making it a prime post-work destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hongos Mushroom Tacos, Steak Pa'Taquear Station, Bone Marrow Esquites
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sister to Mexico City's Terraza Cha Cha Chá with stunning rooftop setting
Who should go: Date night crowds and groups seeking elevated Mexican
When to visit: Friday-Sunday happy hour or sunset dinner service
What to order: Hongos tacos, tostada terraza with bluefin tuna, mezcal cocktails
Insider tip: Request a table by the railing for best Downtown skyline views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, street parking challenging after 5pm. Nearby lots at $10-20 for 3 hours
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans with button-down or blouse work, avoid athleisure
Noise level: Moderate with music - can hold conversation but not library-quiet
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple taco options including hongos, plus vegetable-forward small plates
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, ask server to modify dishes (remove queso, crema)
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas default, kitchen can accommodate with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic rooftop setting with views provides natural conversation starters, lighting is flattering at sunset, and sharing tacos keeps things casual yet elevated
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - try arriving right at 5pm when they open or after 9pm. Weekdays before 6pm you'll likely get seated. Bar seating is first-come-first-served
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - no kids menu, sophisticated ambiance geared toward adults, and rooftop safety concerns for young children. Better for teens 14+ if bringing family
Best For
Better for: Best-in-class for rooftop ambiance and Downtown views while eating Mexican. Wins for date nights, special occasions, and photo-worthy moments. Happy hour offers upscale vibe at accessible prices
Skip if: You want quick, casual tacos under $15 per person, authentic Oaxacan/street-style Mexican, or a quiet conversation spot. Also skip if you're bringing large groups (6+) - space is tight
LA Cha Cha Chá
8.7
This stunning rooftop restaurant from Mexico City brings sophisticated Mexican cuisine to the Arts District with panoramic downtown views. The mostly-outdoor space feels like a lush garden party, while the kitchen delivers dishes like tuna tostada with chile morita aioli and pollo a las brasas. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, it balances ambiance with serious culinary execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tostada Terraza, Pollo a las Brasas, Aguachile Negro
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Mexico City cuisine with stunning skyline views
Who should go: Date night seekers and special occasion diners
When to visit: Sunset dinner or weekend brunch with reservations
What to order: Tuna tostada, steak pa'taquear, house cocktails with mezcal
Insider tip: Request patio seating during golden hour for best views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available ($15), or use nearby paid lots on 4th/Hewitt. Street parking exists but very limited after 5pm on weekends
Dress code: Elevated casual to dressy - nice jeans acceptable but pair with button-down or dress. Many guests dress up for the atmosphere
Noise level: Moderately lively - outdoor setting helps conversation flow, though weekend nights get buzzier. Can still hear your date
Weekend wait: 90+ min without reservation, walk-ins rarely accommodated. Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: More flexible but still recommend reserving. 20-30 min possible for bar seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including mushroom tacos, elote, multiple ceviche-style preparations
Vegan options: Limited but available - 3-4 dishes, kitchen can modify some plates. Call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - many corn-based dishes naturally GF, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress and budget allows (expect $100-150pp with drinks). The views and ambiance create natural conversation starters. Just know it sets a high bar for future dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult, especially Thu-Sun after 6pm. Your best shot: arrive at 5pm opening or try for bar seating on weekdays. For weekend dinners, reservation is essentially mandatory
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - sophisticated ambiance, higher price point, and later crowd skew adult. If bringing kids (12+), book early dinner slot (5-6pm) before date-night energy peaks
Best For
Better for: When ambiance matters as much as food - the rooftop views and Instagram-worthy setting make this the top choice for special occasions, proposals, or impressing out-of-town guests with LA's skyline
Skip if: You want affordable Mexican food, need a quiet intimate corner, have dietary restrictions requiring extensive menu flexibility, or prefer guaranteed walk-in availability