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Rodeo Mexican Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Rodeo Mexican Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 1990, this family-owned Echo Park restaurant has served breakfast through dinner with a full bar. The enchilada plates and breakfast burritos anchor a menu that balances authenticity with neighborhood accessibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Enchilada Plate, Carne Asada Plate, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Three-decade neighborhood staple with full bar and all-day breakfast service
Who should go: Families and locals seeking sit-down Mexican meals with drinks
When to visit: Weekday breakfast avoids crowds, happy hour features cocktail specials
What to order: Three enchilada plate, cocido beef soup, Spanish-style breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Order delivery for consistently hot food and generous portions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Sunset Boulevard and side streets, typically easier to find during off-peak hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, athletic wear all welcome. Neighborhood spot with zero pretense.
Noise level: Moderate - family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable conversation volume, slightly louder during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: 10-20 minutes typical, walk-ins usually accommodated within reasonable timeframe
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, seats available immediately most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, bean and rice combinations, plus quesadillas
Vegan options: Limited - bean-based dishes available, request no cheese/sour cream. Staff accommodating with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited - some meat and bean plates work without tortillas, but cross-contamination likely in kitchen. Not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. The full bar and relaxed vibe work well for daytime or happy hour meetups, but it's more neighborhood cantina than intimate spot. Consider for brunch dates or low-pressure second dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they operate walk-in only, no reservations taken. Weekday visits rarely have waits, weekends may require 10-20 minutes during peak brunch/dinner hours. Arrive before 11am on weekends for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - this is a family neighborhood spot with high chairs, patient staff, and a menu kids actually eat (quesadillas, tacos, rice and beans). All ages welcome, loud children not an issue here.
Do they do large groups? Yes - family-style operation can accommodate groups of 6-8 without advance notice, larger parties should call ahead. Expect some table combining and relaxed service timing for bigger groups.
Is the full bar worth it? Solid for a neighborhood Mexican spot - margaritas are well-made and fairly priced, happy hour specials make it worthwhile. Don't expect craft cocktails, but you'll get reliable classics and cold beer.
Best For
Better for: All-day breakfast options, sit-down service with full bar, consistent delivery execution, and three decades of neighborhood trust. Choose this over fast-casual chains when you want table service and a full meal experience without downtown prices.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Mexican, Instagram-worthy presentation, or specialty cocktails. Also skip if you need guaranteed gluten-free prep or sophisticated date-night ambiance - this is comfort over craft.
Rodeo Mexican Grill
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
This family-owned neighborhood staple has served Echo Park since 1990, delivering solid, authentic Mexican fare from menudo to sizzling steak plates. The tres leches cake earns consistent praise, while the welcoming atmosphere and affordable beer prices create the kind of warm, family-friendly environment that brings locals back weekly for generous portions of comfort food classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Plate, Tres Leches Cake, Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: 35-year neighborhood institution serving reliable Mexican comfort food with heart
Who should go: Families and locals seeking no-frills authentic Mexican meals
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quick service, breakfast for fresh menudo
What to order: Carne asada plate, asada fries, finish with tres leches
Insider tip: Happy hour from 3-7pm daily offers discounted beer and cocktails
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on Sunset Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find except weekend evenings
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, whatever you're comfortable in
Noise level: Moderate - family-friendly atmosphere, easy conversation at your table
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical, 20-25 min on busy Friday/Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, quick service for business lunch crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, veggie burritos, cheese enchiladas available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify bean dishes without cheese or sour cream, ask about lard-free beans
Gluten-free options: Possible - corn tortillas available, rice and bean bowls work, inform server about cross-contamination concerns
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic ones - it's a no-frills neighborhood spot with good food but not much ambiance. Works if you want relaxed and authentic over impressive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. It's walk-in only, and waits are typically short except weekend dinner rush when you might wait 20-25 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - this is a family institution with high chairs, patient staff, and kids eating here constantly. The casual vibe means nobody minds if your kids are a bit loud.
How long does a meal take? Lunch runs 30-40 minutes start to finish with quick service. Dinner is more relaxed at 45-60 minutes, but you can eat faster if needed - they won't rush you out.
Is the beer selection good? Basic but solid - Mexican beers (Corona, Modelo, Pacifico) plus domestic options, all priced well especially during 3-7pm happy hour when they're discounted.
Best For
Better for: Choose Rodeo when you want authentic neighborhood Mexican food at genuinely cheap prices with generous portions - this beats trendy spots on value and beats chains on authenticity. The tres leches cake alone is worth the visit, and the 35-year track record means consistent quality.
Skip if: Skip if you want upscale Mexican with craft cocktails and design-forward spaces, need extensive vegan options, or want a romantic date atmosphere. Also skip if you're seeking regional Mexican specialties beyond standard comfort dishes - this is solid neighborhood cooking, not culinary innovation.