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La Nena Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
La Nena Cantina
8.5
La Nena Cantina’s 2025 Hollywood opening brings a coastal-leaning Mexican cantina to Columbia Square, with a sunlit patio and a menu that treats burritos with the same care as ceviches and tacos. Handmade tortillas, a dedicated Burrito La Nena, and burrito party packs make it an unexpected option for more upscale burrito cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito La Nena, Burrito Gobernador, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Design-forward cantina with named burritos and a full burrito bar program.
Who should go: Brunch crews and date nights wanting polished burritos and cocktails.
When to visit: Golden-hour evenings for patio light and after-work drinks.
What to order: Burrito La Nena, Burrito Gobernador, chips with tableside-style salsas.
Insider tip: Use the Burrito Bar and party packs for office or studio catering nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking at Columbia Square is the most reliable option; limited metered spots on Sunset and Gower fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and nice tops fit the cantina-meets-coastal vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively indoors, calmer on the patio; conversational for dates but energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, especially around golden hour.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; patio tables may take 5–10 minutes on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burrito builds, salads, and sides can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few plant-forward components and burrito modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are available and many coastal dishes are naturally gluten-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The breezy patio, cocktails, and polished coastal-Mexican dishes create a warm, relaxed environment without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, especially on weekdays, but peak evenings at Columbia Square fill fast. Walk-ins are seated quickest on the patio or the high-tops near the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime visits are fine for families, but evenings skew adult with a social bar scene. Best for older kids who can handle lively energy.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, polished burritos, and a patio setting that elevates casual Mexican dining into a night-out destination.
Skip if: You want grab-and-go burritos, ultra-budget pricing, or a quiet meal far from Hollywood’s evening energy.
La Nena Cantina
7.9
In the Paramount Studios Columbia Square development, La Nena Cantina serves elevated handmade tortillas and a curated agave cocktail program, and their happy hour offerings have been noted by diners. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand‑made Corn Tortillas, Short Rib Tacos, Ceviche de Pescado
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Hand‑rolled tortillas + craft agave drinks in a stylish studio‑district setting.
Who should go: Working professionals after office hours
When to visit: Late afternoon happy hour (around 4‑6 pm)
What to order: Short rib tacos, ceviche sampler, agave margarita
Insider tip: Arrive before 5pm to secure window side seats overlooking Paramount lot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at Paramount Studios ($12), street parking difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine, but lean dressy for a more polished look.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but the ambiance remains lively.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with options like cheese quesadillas and vegetable tacos.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options such as guacamole and roasted vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area for gluten-free dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the ambiance is stylish and relaxed, perfect for a first date with its combination of delicious food and a curated drink menu.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It can be tricky during peak hours (especially Friday evenings). Arriving early is recommended to secure a table without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more geared toward professionals and couples, the casual vibe makes it suitable for older kids. Not specifically tailored for young children.
Best For
Better for: This place excels at offering elevated Mexican cuisine in a sleek, stylish environment, perfect for business lunches or date nights.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more laid-back, family-friendly Mexican spot, there are alternatives better suited to that vibe.
La Nena Cantina
8.3
La Nena Cantina is a design-forward cantina at Columbia Square where scratch-made moles, handmade tortillas, and mezcal cocktails carry dinner easily into late evening. It feels more like a modern cocktail den than a traditional taqueria, but the kitchen backs the looks with serious regional Mexican flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Poblano, Mole Negro Enchiladas, Handmade Tortillas with Salsa Flight
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Stylish cantina marrying complex moles with a strong mezcal program.
Who should go: Design-minded diners craving modern Mexican and cocktails.
When to visit: Late weekend dinners that roll into mezcal nightcaps.
What to order: Mole poblano, mole negro enchiladas, salsa flight with tortillas.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation to linger over moles and mezcal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $12, street parking can be tricky after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are fine, but lean toward dressy for a more polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easy with a date or group, but can get louder during busy hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – offers several vegetarian options like cheese quesadillas and vegetable moles.
Vegan options: Limited – 2-3 options, including a couple of vegetable-based moles and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area for gluten-free dishes, including most moles and salsas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the chic, intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for a romantic evening. The mezcal cocktails add a unique touch, and the thoughtful menu offers something for everyone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends when it can get busy. Walk-ins can expect a wait, especially during dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? While La Nena Cantina isn’t specifically geared toward kids, it’s suitable for older children who enjoy flavorful Mexican food. There’s a relaxed vibe, but the cocktail-focused atmosphere might not be ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: La Nena Cantina excels at offering a more upscale, modern take on Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on mezcal cocktails and regional moles. It’s great for those looking for a trendy, design-forward experience.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a casual taqueria or a kid-friendly, no-frills experience, this might not be the right choice. Opt for a more laid-back spot instead.
La Nena Cantina
8.8
La Nena Cantina brings a design-forward take on coastal Mexican cooking to Columbia Square, pairing complex moles and taco platters with a serious tequila and mezcal program. Handmade tortillas, from-scratch sauces, and a mural-lined dining room make it a go-to for dinner dates and cocktail-heavy nights in Hollywood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Negro, Taco Tasting (asada, pollo, pastor, carnitas, pollo mole), Tacos de Rib-Eye
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Scratch-made moles and tacos in a mural-filled, design-focused cantina.
Who should go: Diners seeking upscale Mexican and strong cocktails in Hollywood.
When to visit: Golden hour into dinner for patio light and energy.
What to order: Mole Negro, Taco Tasting, Tacos de Rib-Eye.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation for a livelier bar-forward scene.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking at Columbia Square is the most reliable; street parking on Sunset is limited and tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual trending stylish; jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for photos and cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; conversational at early dinner, louder after 8:30pm when the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A — the restaurant is primarily a dinner-focused spot; early-evening walk-ins face minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several veggie tacos and starters rely on grilled vegetables and scratch-made sauces.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can be modified, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Strong options — most tortillas are gluten-free and several mains can be prepared without gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the design-driven space, warm lighting, and strong cocktails create a comfortable but elevated first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early walk-ins (before 6:30pm) usually succeed; prime hours need a reservation unless you’re willing to sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the atmosphere leans adult with cocktails and later-night energy; older teens may be fine, but it’s not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, complex moles, and a polished agave program make it stronger for date nights and celebratory evenings than casual neighborhood cantinas.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fully vegan options, or fast-service tacos — several nearby street-style spots are better fits for those needs.