0 Followers
La Fuente Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Fuente Restaurant
8.4
Family-run by the Sapien family for over 40 years, La Fuente is an old-school Highland Park staple for combo-plate comfort Mexican, big breakfasts, and frosty bebidas. Locals slide in after work for enchiladas, burritos, and beers at prices that still feel fair given the generous portions and long community history.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles rojos with eggs, La Fuente steak plate, Taquitos con guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Decades-old, family-run spot serving classic Mexican plates all day.
Who should go: Families and longtime locals craving classic combo plates.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoons for relaxed, unhurried early dinners.
What to order: Chilaquiles, La Fuente steak, taquitos con guacamole.
Insider tip: Weekday afternoons are quieter if you want a lingering meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa is generally available, though it can tighten after 6pm; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—family chatter and clinking plates, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during the early peak; later evenings tend to move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of options like cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, chilaquiles, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be modified (beans without lard, veggie tacos without cheese), but menu is mostly traditional.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn-based dishes work for many, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and unpretentious—great for breaking the ice over hearty comfort food, though it’s not a candlelit, fancy setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in friendly. Even on weekends, waits are usually manageable and move quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, shareable plates, mild options, and a family-run vibe make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic, comforting combo-plate Mexican at honest prices, generous portions, and a long-standing neighborhood feel that competitors can’t replicate.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern, chef-driven Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, or a more polished, date-night ambiance.
La Fuente Restaurant
8.2
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Next to Highland Park’s Chicken Boy statue, La Fuente runs an all-day Mexican menu heavy on chilaquiles, huevos plates, pozole, and combo platters at budget-friendly prices. Locals treat it as a reliable neighborhood dining room for both hearty breakfasts and low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles verdes with eggs, La Fuente steak plate, Pozole or machaca breakfast plate
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Highland Park spot doing big plates and all-day breakfast.
Who should go: Breakfast people who still want solid combo-plate dinners.
When to visit: Mornings for chilaquiles before the dining room fills up.
What to order: Chilaquiles with eggs, La Fuente steak, pozole on cooler days.
Insider tip: Sit near the front windows for faster coffee refills and people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the primary option; usually easy before noon, but can get tight after 6pm on York and Figueroa. No valet.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, tees, and weekend-brunch comfy wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak breakfast hours but still easy to hold conversations.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes, depending on neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; you can walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good amount of options—chilaquiles, cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, and egg dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize some dishes by skipping dairy/eggs, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally GF items like pozole and corn tortilla–based plates, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a relaxed, low-pressure meet-up. It’s bright, friendly, and casual—not fancy—so it works better for comfortable conversation than high romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. La Fuente doesn’t rely on reservations, and walk-ins are the norm. Arrive earlier on weekends if you want a window seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Spacious booths, quick service, mild-flavored kid-friendly dishes, and a laid-back dining room make it great for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Big breakfast plates, reliably hearty combo platters, and great value compared to trendier Highland Park spots.
Skip if: You want upscale cocktails, dramatic ambiance, or modern fusion Mexican—this is a classic, no-frills neighborhood spot.