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La Mejikana
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
La Mejikana
8.2
A lively Ashland Ave room that plays like a night-out Mexican spot—big energy, cocktails, and a menu built around tacos plus richer, plated mains. The best orders stay focused: one birria-forward item, one shareable starter, and one taco set to keep the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesa Birria Tacos, Birria Taco, Queso Fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-energy Mexican dining where birria and shareables drive repeat visits.
Who should go: Groups doing tacos-plus-cocktails
When to visit: Weekend night if you want full energy
What to order: Quesa birria tacos, queso fundido, birria taco
Insider tip: Split queso fundido early—then go birria for your main order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Ashland Ave and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm on weekends. No confirmed valet. Rideshare often easier for peak nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; night-out outfits fit right in, jeans are fine if styled.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours—expect energetic music and crowd noise that can challenge quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation during peak night-out hours; bar seating may turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Generally little to no wait outside of short lunchtime rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese-forward starters and non-meat tacos are available, though the menu leans meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited—expect a small number of adaptable items; confirm preparation with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes (corn tortillas, certain mains), but cross-contact is possible—ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energy over intimacy. It’s lively, cocktail-driven, and fun, but not ideal for long, quiet conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings; on weekend nights, expect a wait unless you arrive early or aim for bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The volume, late-night energy, and cocktail focus make it better for adults and older teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: High-energy tacos-and-cocktails nights, birria-forward orders, and social group dining with a party vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, traditional family-style Mexican cooking, or a kid-focused, low-noise environment.
La Mejikana
7.9
A modern Mexican bar-restaurant that fits the happy-hour brief when you want a full menu plus drinks in a moody room. The best move is to order for contrast—one taco set, one shareable, one agave-forward cocktail—so the table gets range without menu sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade tortilla tacos, Mole plate, Margarita
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Modern Mexican cooking with a bar program built for after-work hangs.
Who should go: Happy hour groups who still want real dinner options
When to visit: Weekdays early evening for quickest service
What to order: Tacos on handmade tortillas, mole dish, a margarita
Insider tip: Order one composed plate for the table—then keep the rest tacos.
La Mejikana
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A modern Mexican spot that fits families who want a lively room and a menu that spans tacos, shareables, and kid-friendly staples without feeling like a chain. The move is to order for range—one taco set, one shareable, and one “saucy” plate—so everyone gets something they actually want.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Shrimp ceviche, Al pastor wings
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Mexican menu built for sharing in a high-energy room.
Who should go: Families who like a lively dinner
When to visit: Early weekend dinner to beat peak crowds
What to order: Carne asada tacos, ceviche, wings
Insider tip: Split a shareable first—then follow with tacos to pace the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding blocks; usually manageable earlier in the evening but gets tighter after 6:30–7pm. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are common, but a polished top fits the room’s trendy energy.
Noise level: Lively to loud — conversation is fine at the table, but it’s not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie taco and shareable options available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or fun-first date than an intimate one — the energy is high, the food is shareable, and the vibe keeps things light but not private.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays, but weekends fill up quickly and waits can stretch close to an hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — best for elementary-age kids and up. The menu has familiar flavors and the noise level makes families feel comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Families or groups who want a modern, upbeat Mexican spot with broad menu appeal and a lively dining room.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional, old-school Mexican cooking or a quiet, relaxed dinner setting.