My father is visiting from Canada. He has a long love affair w/ Mexico; especially the mariachi bands. I'd welcome suggestions on where to take him for dinner w/ mariachi. Westside preferred but I'll drive anywhere in LA county. Ambiance is more important than food (he is not a picky eater and I can suck it up if necessary). Thanks much
marlane
Dec 26, 2007 01:04PM
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La Serenata de Garibaldi in Boyle Heights has mariachis most nights (call first, because I haven't seen then EVERY night). It is right next to Mariachi Plaza.
http://www.calendarlive.com/dining/76...
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Lares in Santa Monica has mariachi playing Thursday-Sunday. When they come by, be sure to make a request for "Volver, Volver".
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There are several 7 Mares(Seven Oceans) chains throughout the LA area (small franchise) of Mexican seafood dishes, most play live Mariachi on certain days. Very good food and Mariachi, there is also the Guadalajara Grill off the 10fwy(Puente Ave exit), in Baldwin Park, although the food is not the best in authentic Mexican, it is adequate as it does serve several specialty dishes and. They have live Mariachi a few days a week.
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Casa Sanchez on Centinela is rather good and the place that starts with a G (I cannot spell it) on Olympic-not sure if it is Mariachi but it is very entertaining and if you like mole and a very friendly communal atmosphere, it's very nice.
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Paseo Cantina in Pasadena has both Mariachis and Folklorio dancers.
http://paseocantina.com/mariachi.html
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Thank you all for the recs; very helpful.
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El Cielito Lindo in So. El Monte has one of the best mariachi groups "Sol de Mexico" and they put on a great show. They have a 7:30 P.M. show and a 9:45 show and then a later show or an early brunch on Sunday. Their food isn't the best and it is a little pricey but you are getting some great entertainment along with the price of the food. To check them out go to www.elcielitolindo.com.
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I wholeheartedly agree with this recommendation. This is the band that backed up Linda Ronstadt on her mariachi albums. I even hired them to play at my wedding.
If your father is a true fan, you must take him here!
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Not for dinner, but ... the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas has a strolling mariachi band during Sunday brunch, and the brunch is pretty good. (Stay away from the standard steam-table stuff and go with the big selection of salads, the made-to-order omelets, the cold shellfish, and -- especially -- the house-smoked meats, particularly the brisket. Also toss down as many fruit-infused vodka shooters as you can handle; they come with the price of admission, along with fresh-squeezed OJ and several aguas frescas.)
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If you're already in that part of town, then I actually prefer the Sunday brunch at La Paz, also with their own mariachi.
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If you want mariachi overload there is a Mariachi Battle of the Bands at El Mercado at First and Lorena in East LA. There are a minimum of four mariachi bands all playing different songs at each end of the second floor [the first floor is the market] all at the same time.
You decide where to sit depending which adjacent restaurant you like or by the band that you like the most. I've never gone during the week but always weekends and there is endless music.
Also, I have seen mariachis at the venerable Serenata de Garibaldi in ELA as well. Resto highly recommended.
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They have Mariachi at La Cabana on Rose (at Lincoln) in Venice. We were there last night, and thought they were fab.
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Casa Sanchez is a gorgeous place. The mariachi band is amazing and so is the food
www.casa-sanchez.com
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