472999 Wed Dec 26 13:04:04 -0800 2007 13 2 Los Angeles Area 0 3237916 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 Wed Dec 26 13:04:04 -0800 2007 110857 marlane 1 3237974 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/76821,0,7731068.venue Wed Dec 26 13:26:51 -0800 2007 3237916 11732 Ciao Bob 1 3238536 Lares in Santa Monica has mariachi playing Thursday-Sunday. When they come by, be sure to make a request for "Volver, Volver". Wed Dec 26 17:41:15 -0800 2007 3237916 50350 SauceSupreme 1 3238560 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. Wed Dec 26 17:54:34 -0800 2007 3237916 147459 b0ardkn0t 2 3238828 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. Wed Dec 26 20:25:33 -0800 2007 3238560 87101 Densible 1 3240512 Paseo Cantina in Pasadena has both Mariachis and Folklorio dancers. http://paseocantina.com/mariachi.html Thu Dec 27 12:44:36 -0800 2007 3237916 12400 WildSwede 1 3240709 Thank you all for the recs; very helpful. Thu Dec 27 13:45:28 -0800 2007 3237916 110857 marlane 1 3241173 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. Thu Dec 27 16:43:33 -0800 2007 3237916 10599 Neta 2 3241705 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! Thu Dec 27 20:44:54 -0800 2007 3241173 72651 OCGirl 1 3243390 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.) Fri Dec 28 14:19:46 -0800 2007 3237916 76480 ozhead 2 3244361 If you're already in that part of town, then I actually prefer the Sunday brunch at La Paz, also with their own mariachi. Sat Dec 29 00:14:25 -0800 2007 3243390 50350 SauceSupreme 1 3243545 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. Fri Dec 28 15:17:21 -0800 2007 3237916 13794 SilverlakeGirl 2 3246957 They have Mariachi at La Cabana on Rose (at Lincoln) in Venice. We were there last night, and thought they were fab. Sun Dec 30 10:00:19 -0800 2007 3243545 102543 rachaeln 1 3294572 Casa Sanchez is a gorgeous place. The mariachi band is amazing and so is the food www.casa-sanchez.com Mon Jan 14 13:30:46 -0800 2008 3237916 142436 xpressoirma