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Mi Corazon
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mi Corazon
7.7
This modern mexi-goth spot opened in 2012 serves nuevo-tradicional cuisine using organic chicken, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught seafood in a striking atmosphere with día de los muertos décor. Daily happy hour runs Monday-Friday 4-7pm, featuring over 60 tequilas and mezcals from family-owned farms alongside vegan-friendly menu options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Enchiladas, Pozole Verde, Mole Enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Nuevo-tradicional approach with extensive tequila selection and vegan options
Who should go: Health-conscious diners seeking quality ingredients
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or Sunday DJ nights
What to order: Vegan enchiladas, pozole verde, specialty margaritas
Insider tip: Sunday features DJ performances for a lively atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive in evenings, easier to find spots on residential side streets 1-2 blocks away. Sunset Junction area gets tight after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Trendy casual to date-night polished - jeans welcome but locals lean stylish. The goth-glam decor invites fashion-forward choices.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly during happy hour, but gets louder on weekend nights and Sunday DJ sessions. Request booth seating for better acoustics.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm. Bar seating usually available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait. Happy hour (4-7pm) fills up around 5:30pm but turnover is steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - multiple items per menu section including mushroom tacos, veggie enchiladas, and seasonal vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Strong selection - dedicated vegan menu items clearly marked, including cashew crema substitutions and plant-based proteins
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, several naturally GF dishes, but kitchen is not dedicated gluten-free (cross-contamination possible)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for happy hour dates (4-7pm weekdays). The atmospheric lighting and booth seating create intimate conversation spaces, and the extensive mezcal/tequila list provides talking points. Avoid Sunday DJ nights if you want to actually hear each other.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays and happy hour: likely yes, though you may wait 15-20 min during the 5:30-6:30pm rush. Weekends: make a reservation or arrive right at opening (5pm) or plan to sit at the bar where walk-ins are accommodated first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate unique atmospheres. The día de los muertos décor is visually striking but not Disney-style kid-focused. Earlier dinner hours (5-6:30pm) before the bar crowd arrives work best. High chairs available.
How's the happy hour value? Solid deal - discounted drinks from their premium tequila/mezcal selection (normally pricey) plus appetizer specials. Best ROI is sampling high-end spirits you wouldn't normally order. Food portions are shareable.
Is it actually Instagram-worthy? Absolutely - the gothic-romantic Mexican décor with skull motifs and moody lighting photographs exceptionally well. Signature cocktails come with visual flair. Peak lighting is the golden hour window (6-7pm).
Best For
Better for: Choose Mi Corazon when you want elevated Mexican with ethical sourcing (organic/grass-fed/wild-caught) in a designed atmosphere. The 60+ agave spirits selection and vegan-forward menu beat typical Silver Lake Mexican spots. Perfect for impressing someone who cares about ingredient quality without sacrificing ambiance.
Skip if: You want traditional hole-in-the-wall Mexican authenticity, quick casual service, or family-style value portions. If you're seeking abuela-style recipes or bargain pricing, neighborhood taquerias will serve you better. Also skip on Sunday nights if you dislike DJ/bar scenes.
Mi Corazon
7.6
This Silver Lake spot opened in 2012 focusing on nuevotradicional Mexican cuisine using organic chicken, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught seafood. The mexi-goth decorated interior features over 60 tequilas and mezcals, with weekend brunch offering bottomless mimosas and DJ entertainment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Enchiladas, Vegan Enchiladas, Pozole Verde
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Sustainable sourcing with organic and grass-fed proteins plus extensive agave spirits
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and brunch crews seeking vegan-friendly Mexican
When to visit: Weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas, Friday late night until 2am
What to order: Vegan enchiladas, pozole verde soup, mole dishes, craft margaritas
Insider tip: DJs on select nights, mariachi on special occasions, taco Tuesday deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive but easier on weekdays. Sunset Junction area has metered spots. Allow 10 minutes to find parking on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the mexi-goth vibe welcomes everything from brunch athleisure to date night outfits. Jeans perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during brunch with DJs - conversation possible but requires some projection. Quieter weekday dinners allow normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday 7-9pm. Brunch waits can hit 60+ minutes for bottomless mimosas.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - can typically walk in and be seated within 5-10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple dedicated options including mushroom tacos, veggie enchiladas, and seasonal vegetable plates. Staff knowledgeable about modifications.
Vegan options: Strong selection - specifically noted vegan enchiladas plus adaptable dishes. Uses plant-based proteins and can modify most vegetarian items.
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available for tacos and enchiladas. Staff can guide on mole and soup preparations. Some cross-contamination risk in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for second or third date. Weekend nights get loud with DJs and the festive brunch scene is more group-oriented. Weekday dinner offers the intimate vibe you want, with 60+ tequilas providing good conversation starters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinner and lunch - yes, usually fine. Weekend brunch or Friday/Saturday dinner - make a reservation or expect 45+ minute waits. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and moves faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately kid-friendly for early dinner (before 7pm) and weekend brunch. The mexi-goth decor is dark but not scary. Has high chairs available. Friday late nights (until 2am) skew adult-only with bar scene vibes.
What's the deal with bottomless mimosas? Weekend brunch only, typically 90-minute time limit. Comes with food purchase requirement. The DJ creates a party atmosphere - expect a scene, not a quiet breakfast.
How does the tequila selection compare? 60+ tequilas and mezcals puts it in Silver Lake's top tier for agave spirits. Staff can guide tastings. Premium pours available but also solid mid-range options. Better spirits selection than food program.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Mexican with sustainable sourcing (organic/grass-fed proteins) that most competitors skip. Stronger vegan program than typical Mexican spots. Agave spirits selection rivals dedicated mezcalerias. Weekend brunch scene with DJ entertainment creates party atmosphere missing from traditional Mexican restaurants.
Skip if: You want quiet, intimate dining - the festive atmosphere and weekend DJ scene make this loud. If you're seeking traditional abuela-style Mexican cooking, the nuevotradicional approach may feel too modern. Premium sustainable sourcing means higher prices than neighborhood taquerias. If you need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends without wait.