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La Ezkina Grill & Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
La Ezkina Grill & Cantina
7.9
Polished cantina with a spirited bar, patio seating, and weekday happy hour focused on margaritas and snackable plates. Tacos land with reliable flavor and sit-down comfort near the Broadway corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio (mix and match), Chicharrón bites with salsa, Arroz a la Ezkina side with tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Lively bar energy with weekday happy hour and patio seating.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos and cocktails
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6 pm for happy hour pricing
What to order: Taco trio; chicharrón; house arroz
Insider tip: Bar seats and front patio turn over fastest during peak HH.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot behind the building plus limited metered spots along Broadway; street parking tight after 6 pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top fit right in, though some guests dress up for the bar scene.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; background music and bar chatter keep it energetic but still workable for conversation on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; mid-afternoon transitions smoothly into happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several tacos, enchiladas, and salads can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for plant-based modifications to salsas and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and most grilled proteins are naturally gluten-free; inform your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—outdoor tables and upbeat lighting make for a fun, low-pressure date spot where drinks lead easily into dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Arriving before 6 pm during happy hour or after 8 pm keeps waits short; peak patio times can fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—families are welcome earlier in the evening; high chairs and booth seating available, though the vibe turns more adult after 7 pm.
Best For
Better for: More polished sit-down setting and cocktail craft than most taco-focused spots downtown.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quick grab-and-go taco or prefer quieter dining; the bar energy stays lively throughout service.
La Ezkina Grill & Cantina
7.9
Polished cantina with a spirited bar, patio seating, and a weekday happy hour built around margaritas and snackable plates. It’s a convenient meet-up spot near the Broadway corridor when you want sit-down comfort and solid value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Trio, Chicharrón appetizer, Arroz a la Ezkina
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Lively bar energy with weekday happy hour on the patio.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos and cocktails
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6 pm for HH pricing
What to order: Taco trio; chicharrón; house arroz
Insider tip: Bar seats and the front patio turn over fastest during peak HH.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and nearby cross streets; free after 6 pm but fills quickly. A small paid lot sits half a block north near the bank.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top work fine, but many guests lean semi-dressy for evening outings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour—conversation possible indoors, easier on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, faster for bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating on patio or at bar.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several meatless tacos, enchiladas, and rice plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request modifications on veggie tacos or salads.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas and several entrées are naturally gluten-free, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want casual energy—fun patio seating, margaritas, and upbeat music make it relaxed but social rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weekdays; during peak Friday happy hour or weekend dinners, expect a short wait unless you arrive before 6 pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families, especially for early dinners; no dedicated kids’ menu but staff accommodate simple orders.
Best For
Better for: Casual happy-hour margaritas and lively patio gatherings with friends or coworkers.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet conversation, refined dining, or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus.
La Ezkina Grill & Cantina
7.8
Polished cantina with a lively room, a strong happy hour, and a taco-forward menu alongside cocktails. Works for casual meetups when you want sit-down comfort without overspending.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio, Chicharrón taco, Arroz a la Ezkina
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Sit-down cantina energy with approachable pricing and patio seating.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos and drinks
When to visit: Daily 4–6 pm happy hour
What to order: Taco trio; chicharrón; arroz a la Ezkina
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on North Broadway and nearby cross streets; limited free spots after 6 pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are common, but groups often dress up slightly for evenings.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours; conversations are possible but the music and crowd give it a festive hum.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie tacos and rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options such as veggie tacos and guacamole plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas used for most tacos; gluten-free sides available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a fun and casual vibe. The atmosphere is upbeat and social, not intimate — better for relaxed, conversational dates with drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weekdays, but expect a wait of 20–40 minutes on weekends during dinner hours. Patio and bar seating often turn faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — families are welcome early in the evening, though the crowd leans adult later at night due to the bar scene.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail pairings, upbeat atmosphere, and sit-down comfort that smaller taquerias lack.
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or a quiet meal — the focus here is social dining and drinks over quick bites.
La Ezkina Grill & Cantina
7.7
Newer cantina with a polished, lively room and a menu of tacos, plates, and cocktails. Good for casual meetups when you want sit-down comfort without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio (mix & match), Chicharrón appetizer, Arroz a la Ezkina
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Lively cantina vibe with approachable pricing and patio seating.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos and drinks
When to visit: 4–6 pm happy hour daily
What to order: Taco trio; chicharrón; arroz a la Ezkina
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along North Broadway and side streets is available but can be tight after 6 pm; nearby public garages on Locust or Cypress are the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops work fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evening drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation-friendly at lunch or early dinner before the music ramps up.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—taco and bowl options with grilled veggies or beans are clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for customizations; staff can omit cheese or crema on several dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items naturally gluten-free with corn tortillas; alert staff for cross-contact care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a lively but comfortable atmosphere. The bar and patio offer energy without being overwhelming, ideal for casual cocktails and conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small groups before 6:30 pm; after that, expect a short wait unless you grab bar seating or a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings are fine for families—staff is accommodating and menu has mild options—but the vibe turns more adult-focused after 8 pm.
Best For
Better for: Group dinners and casual happy hours where you want table service with upbeat energy.
Skip if: You’re after quiet dining or chef-driven plates—this is more about fun and social tacos than culinary experimentation.
La Ezkina Grill & Cantina
7.9
Lively cantina with a full bar and polished plates—street-style tacos share space with larger grill items. It’s a downtown pick for groups who want cocktails, music, and a wide range of fillings from shrimp to slow-cooked pork.
Must-Try Dishes:
Camarón (shrimp) Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward taco spot with a polished room and broad menu.
Who should go: Groups that want tacos and drinks
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 or after 8:00
What to order: Shrimp taco, al pastor, carne asada
Insider tip: Bar seating turns faster during peak hours.