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Best Mexican in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Burritos in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Nina's Mexican Food
7.8
A no-frills Sawtelle counter operation built around oversized burritos and platters priced well below the neighborhood's Japanese-leaning average, with a self-serve salsa bar stocking five housemade options that regulars treat as the main event. It runs on volume and repeat visits from the weekday lunch crowd who know exactly what they want. Expect a wait for street parking and a fast turnaround once you order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Fajita Burrito, Molcajete
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: No-frills Sawtelle counter spot turning out oversized, inexpensive burritos and platters with a self-serve salsa bar stocked with five housemade salsas.
Who should go: Budget-conscious regulars craving hearty, authentic Mexican on Sawtelle
When to visit: Weekday mornings before noon for breakfast burritos without a wait
What to order: Lead with the breakfast burrito or machaca burrito, add a side of hard shell tacos, and load up at the salsa bar — portions are huge so one burrito is a full meal.
Insider tip: Grab a seat on the back patio and hit the salsa bar for all five housemade options before they run low.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking plus a small private lot behind the restaurant—street spots get tight during the lunch rush on weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Flexible menu—any item can be made vegetarian, with dedicated options like the veggie burrito and veggie tostada with rice and beans
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual counter-service taco shop with a small, no-frills dining room of about 5-6 tightly spaced tables. You order at the counter and eat on disposable plates. The vibe is friendly and low-key, but there's no mood lighting, no table service, and no romantic atmosphere. Better suited for a casual hangout than a first impression dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - Nina's is walk-in only with no reservation system. It's counter-service, so you order at the register and grab a seat. The indoor space is small (5-6 tables) and can fill up during peak lunch and dinner hours, but turnover is fast since most people eat quickly or take food to go. Off-peak hours you'll have no trouble finding a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the casual counter-service format means zero pressure about noise or mess. Menu items like quesadillas, burritos, and tacos are easy kid-pleasers, and portions are large enough to split. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, and high chair availability is not specified online - call ahead if you need one. Best for families looking for a quick, affordable, low-stress meal.
Is it good for groups? Not ideal - the dining room is very small with only 5-6 tables packed closely together. Groups larger than 4-5 would have difficulty seating together inside. No private dining or large table options. For groups, consider ordering to-go and eating at nearby Sawtelle parks instead. Parties of 2-4 are the sweet spot for dining in.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - patio seating is available with street views along Sawtelle Blvd. Whether the patio is covered or heated is not confirmed online - call to check if weather is a concern. The outdoor area is a nice alternative to the compact indoor space, especially on mild LA days.
Best For
Better for: A fast, wallet-friendly counter-service meal with generous portions—ideal when you want authentic Mexican breakfast burritos or crispy tacos without the sit-down restaurant fuss
Consider Alternatives If: You want a lingering dinner with drinks—no alcohol served, limited indoor seating with tables close together, and counter-service only
Hours
Monday8am - 9pm
Tuesday8am - 9pm
Wednesday8am - 9pm
Thursday8am - 9pm
Friday8am - 9pm
Saturday8am - 9pm
Sunday8am - 9pm