Best Trendy Table Hotspots Mexican Restaurants in Fairfax
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Alma Cocina de Mexico
Upscale Mexico City–style cooking with cocktails and fountain-front patio seating.
Notable Picks
8.6
At The Grove, Alma Cocina de Mexico brings a polished, Mexico City–leaning menu of tacos, moles, and seafood to a patio overlooking the fountain. Guests come for shareable plates, serious cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels more like a modern dining room than a mall restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coliflor al Pastor, Quesabirria Tacos, Enchiladas de Mole
What Makes it Special: Upscale Mexico City–style cooking with cocktails and fountain-front patio seating.
#2
Madre
8.5
Madre West Hollywood is an Oaxacan restaurant and mezcaleria where tacos share space with moles, ceviches, and a deep agave list. It’s more of a sit-down dinner spot than a quick taqueria, but its Camaron and barbacoa tacos make it a destination for elevated, regionally focused Mexican cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Camaron shrimp taco, Barbacoa de borrego taco, Mole negro enchilada
What Makes it Special: Oaxacan-driven kitchen with serious mezcals and refined tacos.
#3
El Carmen
8.4
El Carmen is a long-running tequila and mezcal bar on 3rd Street where tacos, chips, and guacamole support a serious margarita program. Locals treat it as a lively, dimly lit hangout for shrimp tacos, al pastor, and strong drinks rather than a traditional sit-down taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos
What Makes it Special: Tequila-focused bar with better-than-expected tacos and lively decor.
8.1
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Open since 1931, El Coyote is a boisterous Beverly Boulevard institution known for combo plates, strong margaritas, and a dining room packed with regulars, tourists, and Hollywood lore. The food leans classic Mexican-American, but its longevity and party energy make it a go-to for big nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Enchilada, Green Corn Tamales, Enchiladas Suizas
What Makes it Special: Nearly century-old Mexican-American icon where combo plates and margaritas rule.