Mexican near Griffith Park?

[Nicole]

Need a casual mexican place to take out of towners to dinner after an excursion to the observatory. I really don't know that side of town well at all, but would prefer to go south or west of griffith park so that we end up closer to home rather than further. It doesn't have to be that close as long as it is in the right direction. Bonus points for an atmosphere that is a little festive, but this isn't vital.

[Nicole]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I felt well-armed with info, but sadly, our plans changed and we didn't end up getting mexican food after all...but I'm sure I will use this info when I am in the area in the future.

[jesstifer]

When you come back that way, know that the Yuca's offshoot on Hollywood is terrific; same menu, plus a few more things the shack on Hillhurst doesn't have room for... like some excellent guacamole.

I don't understand why anyone would send you to places like Loteria or El Cholo when you asked for "near Griffith Park." For festive + proximity, I'd put El Chavo on Sunset at the top of the list.

[wutzizname]

OP asked for anywhere south and/or west of Griffith Park, on their way home.

[Briggs]

Is Yuca's still decent? Or their offshoot on Sunset & Vermont? Anyone try the new Mariscos place at the corner of Los Feliz & San Fernando?

Add me to the list of those who NEVER "got" Mexico City.

[Harry Nile]

On its worst days, Yuca's is far greater than decent; on its best, it is the best. I keep hearing how fine the burgers are, but I can never pull myself away from the cochinita pibil burrito. BTW, I haven't been to the "offshoot" and would be interested in hearing reports, because of its longer hours. But there's something about the original Yuca's -- where you stand in a liquor-store parking lot and chat with the lady who takes your order -- that cannot be denied.

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Yuca's
2056 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[mc michael]

We think alike.

[SouthernTransplant]

I'll second the Malo recommendation but just down Sunset is Allegria. Dynamite food, fun atmosphere and BYOB. Oh, it is cash only.

And I'd avoid Lucy's at all costs. Never had anything but bad food there.

[Burger Boy]

The carne secca at Lucy's is great!

[perk]

Have to say....I really wanted to like Mexico City, since it's in the neighborhood. But I've had really dreadful food there. I mean....really shockingly bad. I'd avoid it.
I haven't been to Lucy's El Adobe....but it was pretty good "in the day" and it's not too far from your target area.
The protential good news is that Rick Bayliss is opening two new Mexican place here very soon.
Ole!

[Ideefixed]

Rick Bayliss in LA? Talk about coals to Newcastle.

You would really have better luck if you'd be able to go east a little bit.

[Layne Murphy]

I think Malo is quite fun and while the food isn't earthshattering, I've enjoyed everything I've eaten there. Also, if you want more casual, Yuca's,the one at Hollywood and Vermont , is very good. They have walk up ordering and food is brought to table.

[wutzizname]

Not sure if you’re looking for authentic dives, or for table service places with margaritas, etc., but since you mention “festive” and heading south and west, as opposed to east, I’m going to assume the latter.

Also not sure where “home” is so don’t know how far south or west to include. But…

For proximity, the closest and most obvious place to Griffith Park is Mexico City. Some folks love it. I tend to find the food hit and miss. And I’d call the atmosphere just marginally festive. http://www.mexicocityla.com/

South of there, on Sunset just east of Hillhurst, is Malo. A little more festive I suppose, but again, some folks love it and many don’t. www.malorestaurant.com

But…since you are heading west afterwards, the places I’d really consider are:

Lotería! Grill on Hollywood. Great food and drinks, though not sure I’d call it too festive. Of course, you could also take them to the original in the Farmers Market, but then it's just beer and wine next door, no booze. http://loteriagrill.com/

Mexico Restaurante y Barra in West Hollywood. Really great food and drinks and atmosphere. Very, very festive. http://www.gogomexico.com/

Mission Cantina (5946 W. Sunset Blvd. @ Tamarind Ave.) More hip, trendy bar vibe, but the food is surprisingly excellent. http://www.themissioncantina.com/

There’s also:

El Compadre on Sunset with passable food and a fun vibe. http://www.elcompadrerestaurant.com/

Gardens of Taxco in West Hollywood. I haven’t been but I hear it’s a great, one-of-a-kind experience. http://www.gardensoftaxco.com/

And a personal favorite, Pueblo Viejo on Melrose @ Larchmont. Not very trendy at all. But a great family run sit-down with terrific food and drinks and amazing prices. Reminds me of San Francisco’s Mission district. No website. It's that kind of place.

Or if you’re heading further south, you might also consider the original El Cholo on Western. Definitely a destination worth showing out-of-towners. http://www.elcholo.com/

Stay away from:

Antonio's on Melrose (overpriced)

El Coyote (gross)

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El Cholo
1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

El Compadre Restaurant
7408 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Malo
4326 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Mexico City
2121 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Gardens of Taxco
1113 N. Harper Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Pueblo Viejo
5722 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Mexico Restaurante y Barra
8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Loteria Grill Hollywood
6627 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

[Clyde]

i love antonios on melrose and while it may be a few dollars more than is typical, the food is always fresh and delish. plus, the decor is awesome. i've been liking casita del campo lately on hyperion and also, El Chavo, across the street from Malo.