Best Family Friendly Mexican Restaurants in Highland Park
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
La Fuente Restaurant
Decades-old, family-run spot serving classic Mexican plates all day.
Notable Picks
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
What Makes it Special: Decades-old, family-run spot serving classic Mexican plates all day.
8.3
El Pescador is a long-running Mexican marisquería where towering molcajetes, ceviches, and whole-fish platters anchor a full bar with beer and cocktail happy hour specials. With TVs tuned to sports, big booths, and hearty portions, it’s a dependable early-evening meetup for groups craving seafood-forward Mexican plates and margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Molcajete Double with mixed seafood and meats, Caldo de camarón, Shrimp aguachile
What Makes it Special: Seafood-heavy Mexican menu with true food-and-drink happy hour.
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-owned since 1969, Penny’s Burgers is a corner standby for charbroiled burgers, breakfast burritos, and old-school plates that cross between diner and fast food. It’s the kind of place where portions are generous, prices stay modest, and the menu quietly covers both American and Mexican comfort staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled cheeseburger with fries, Breakfast burrito with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, Carne asada fries or plate with rice and beans
What Makes it Special: A 1960s-era neighborhood counter slinging burgers, burritos, and plates all day.
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
This Figueroa outpost of Tacos Ensenada focuses on Baja-style seafood with fish tacos, shrimp burritos, and ceviche tostadas served in a casual, counter-service setting. It’s an easy, affordable way to get crisp, hot pescado tacos without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco de pescado (fish taco), Burrito de camaron (shrimp burrito), Ceviche tostada
What Makes it Special: Baja-style fish tacos and shrimp burritos in a no-frills room.
Worthy Picks
#5
Taco Fiesta
7.8
A practical Figueroa corridor counter spot that locals use for quick, satisfying taco plates and combo specials. The cooking stays simple and reliable, making it a useful everyday option rather than a destination play.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken tacos, Chile relleno burrito
What Makes it Special: Reliable neighborhood tacos with strong everyday value.