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ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Downtown LA
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Downtown LA
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Señor Fish
8.0
Critic-validated seafood Mexican that earned its DTLA reputation through sharp execution on battered and grilled fish tacos rather than ambiance or fuss. The sprawling patio and fresh-squeezed margarita program make it a natural landing spot for groups who want to spread out downtown without a reservation. Counter-service pacing keeps things moving, though the experience leans on the food doing the talking rather than any front-of-house polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Batter Fried Fish Taco, Scallop Taco, Seafood Tostada
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Jonathan Gold- and Ruth Reichl-endorsed seafood Mexican with a sprawling DTLA patio and a full bar pouring fresh-squeezed margaritas
Who should go: Groups wanting fresh seafood and margaritas downtown
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the patio without weekend crowds
What to order: Open with a fresh margarita, split fish tacos and a tostada, add the scallops if the table is hungry
Insider tip: The margaritas are made fresh to order, not from a mix — worth upgrading to a pitcher for the table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on S Main St in the civic center area; nearby paid lots serve the DTLA corridor—expect to hunt a bit during weekday lunch rush
Noise level: Laid-back and relatively quiet for a casual counter-service spot; staff calls order numbers aloud which adds bursts of volume at the pickup area
Weekend wait: Closed weekends (Mon–Fri only, 7 AM–9 PM)
Weekday lunch: Expect a line at the counter during the lunch rush—multiple reviewers note the queue moves slowly and food prep can take a while when busy
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options available including potato tacos, noted on the menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — this is a lively, cantina-style spot with a pool table, TVs, and a full bar, so the vibe skews casual and social rather than intimate. That said, it could work well for a low-key, no-pressure first date where the goal is fun over formality. The patio offers a more relaxed setting if you want some breathing room. Better for a casual hangout than a candlelit evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Señor Fish is walk-in only and does not take reservations. The space is large, so most times you can grab a table without a wait. Lunch on weekdays gets busy due to the nearby government and office buildings, so arriving before noon or after 1:30 PM avoids the rush. Note: the Downtown location is open Monday through Friday only (7 AM–9 PM) and closed on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, spacious atmosphere and moderate noise level make it welcoming for families with kids of all ages. The menu has plenty of approachable options like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at affordable prices (most items under $10). A dedicated kids menu has not been confirmed online — call ahead at (213) 265-7544 to ask. The overall vibe is relaxed enough that kids won't feel out of place.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the spacious interior with a mix of tables and lounge-style seating comfortably handles larger parties. The full bar, pool table, and TVs give groups plenty to enjoy beyond just the food. No reservations are taken, so for groups of 6+ during weekday lunch, arrive early to secure enough adjacent seating. The patio also provides additional overflow space. Affordable pricing (tacos $3–$5, plates under $10) makes splitting the bill easy.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — Señor Fish has a spacious outdoor patio. It's a popular option in good weather and adds to the cantina feel. Specific details on whether the patio is covered or heated are not confirmed online — call ahead if weather protection matters for your visit.
Best For
Better for: Weekday group lunches on the spacious patio with a full bar—cantina-style casual spot that handles larger parties well at a $10–$20 price point
Consider Alternatives If: You need a weekend spot—they're closed Sat and Sun—or you're short on time during the noon rush when lines back up
Hours
Monday8am - 9pm
Tuesday8am - 9pm
Wednesday8am - 9pm
Thursday8am - 9pm
Friday8am - 10pm
Saturday8am - 10pm
Sunday8am - 9pm