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La Popular Hollywood
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
La Popular Hollywood
8.7
Opened in 2025 inside Ovation Hollywood, La Popular brings a polished Mexico City–style dining room and bar to the Hollywood & Highland complex. While tacos and agave cocktails headline, hefty burritos and a brunch-ready breakfast burrito give visitors a more composed, sit-down burrito experience with views toward the Hollywood Sign.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria burrito, Carnitas burrito, Breakfast burrito
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Modern CDMX-inspired dining with refined burritos and agave-focused cocktails.
Who should go: Groups wanting elevated Mexican and cocktails near Hollywood landmarks.
When to visit: Evenings for sunset views and pre- or post-show dinners.
What to order: Birria burrito, carnitas burrito, chips with guacamole.
Insider tip: Book patio seating to pair your burrito with Hollywood Sign views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ovation Hollywood’s garage offers validated parking, typically $4–$8 depending on time; street parking is minimal and competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual, leaning polished—jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; conversations are doable at smaller tables but group energy and bar traffic create a buzzy backdrop.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially around showtimes and sunset.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins can be seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options, including veggie burritos, salads, and several sides.
Vegan options: Limited; a few plant-forward dishes can be customized, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Solid support—corn tortillas and multiple dishes can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its modern CDMX aesthetic, patio views, and craft agave cocktails create an impressive but approachable setting ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—weekday lunches and early dinners are easiest, but weekend evenings strongly favor booking ahead due to show traffic from nearby theaters.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families are welcome, and high chairs are available, but the vibe skews adult and cocktail-forward during evenings.
Best For
Better for: Polished, sit-down burritos with full-service hospitality, agave cocktails, and Hollywood Sign views—an elevated alternative to quick-service spots.
Skip if: You want cheap, fast burritos or a quieter, low-key meal; this is more of a destination experience than a casual grab-and-go.
La Popular Hollywood
8.8
Set inside the Ovation Hollywood complex, La Popular presents modern Mexico City–style cuisine and an elevated agave‑centric cocktail program, making it a polished yet lively happy hour destination. Locals go for the design‑forward space and strong bar energy before showtime on the boulevard. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Enchilada, Mahi Mahi Taco, Ahi Tuna Tostadas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Modern CDMX‑meets‑Hollywood concept with views of the Hollywood Sign.
Who should go: Cocktail‑savvy pairs and creative‑cuisine seekers
When to visit: Happy hour 3‑6 pm or after 9 pm daily
What to order: Short rib enchilada, ahi tuna tostadas, signature agave cocktail
Insider tip: Ask for a patio seat with fire‑pits and view of the Sign.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at $12, street parking is difficult after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are acceptable but lean towards dressier attire for a polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is possible, but expect a lively atmosphere, especially during happy hour.
Weekend wait: Expect 45-60 minutes wait without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially during non-peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with several vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options available, including a couple of veggie-focused dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area for gluten-free options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the ambiance is perfect for a romantic and intimate date. The stylish decor and views of the Hollywood Sign create a memorable setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While walk-ins are welcome, it's recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak hours like happy hour or weekends, to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? The restaurant is not specifically designed for kids, but families with older children may enjoy the atmosphere. It's best suited for adults or groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: La Popular excels at offering a sophisticated and modern atmosphere with unique, agave-forward cocktails and a Mexico City-inspired menu, making it a great spot for those seeking a trendy, elevated dining experience.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual, family-oriented Mexican spot or a quick bite, consider alternatives like a more laid-back taco stand or a more affordable happy hour option.
La Popular Hollywood
8.5
La Popular brings a Mexico City-style menu of tacos, enchiladas, and shareable plates to an indoor–outdoor space perched above Ovation Hollywood. It’s the polished option for late-night Mexican, with a deep agave list and a kitchen that keeps ribeye tacos, quesabirria, and creamy shrimp tacos flowing after evening shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Tacos, Quesabirria, Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Modern Mexico City cooking with serious cocktails above Hollywood Boulevard.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting refined Mexican near major theaters.
When to visit: Post-show evenings for tacos, cocktails, and skyline views.
What to order: Ribeye tacos, quesabirria, creamy chipotle shrimp tacos.
Insider tip: Share the salsa tray and churros to bookend the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $15, limited street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are fine, but lean towards dressy.
Noise level: Moderate – can hear your date but background music adds energy.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a variety of vegetable-based tacos and sides.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly dishes available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free tortillas and separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the atmosphere is romantic with a great balance of casual elegance and fun vibes, perfect for impressing someone without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but it’s highly recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends when the space fills up quickly due to the popularity of the location.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the atmosphere is laid-back, and there’s a variety of shareable plates that are great for families. However, the late-night hours might not be ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: La Popular is ideal if you're looking for a polished, upscale Mexican experience with a view and a great cocktail selection in a late-night setting.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual, quick taco fix without the frills, there are other spots in the area that offer a more straightforward dining experience.
La Popular Hollywood
8.6
Perched inside Ovation Hollywood with views toward the Hollywood Sign, La Popular channels a CDMX-style cantina with shareable taco plates, quesabirria, and larger mains like carne asada and chicken mole. It’s polished enough for a night out but relaxed enough for pre-show tacos and margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Tacos, Short Rib Enchiladas, Chicken Mole Poblano
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: CDMX-rooted modern Mexican cooking in a polished, view-heavy setting.
Who should go: Groups and couples planning dinner around Ovation Hollywood.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner or sunset cocktails before a show.
What to order: Ribeye Tacos, Short Rib Enchiladas, Chicken Mole Poblano.
Insider tip: Request a window or patio table for the best Hollywood views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ovation Hollywood’s garage offers plentiful parking; expect $4–$8 with validation. Street parking is scarce and competitive on Hollywood Blvd, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top are perfect. Many guests lean slightly dressy due to the pre-show and date-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak dinner hours; conversations are doable but expect energy from bar traffic and groups.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options including veggie tacos, salads, and enchiladas.
Vegan options: Limited — about 2–3 dishes can be made vegan; ask your server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Strong options — many tacos and mains are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished setting, curated cocktails, and Hollywood views create an elevated yet comfortable vibe that works well for a first date without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are common at lunch and early dinner. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive before 6:30pm or opt for patio/bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 6+ — the space is spacious, service is quick, and the menu has approachable classics. Very young kids may find peak dinner hours too loud.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups, polished cocktails, and a slightly upscale Mexican experience with Hollywood views.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic street-style tacos, very quiet dining, or budget-focused meals — smaller neighborhood spots may fit better.