The great Silver Lake Mexican food paradox is that there are dozens of Mexican restaurants between Los Feliz and Downtown and yet barely one that serves a selection of well-prepared dishes and makes a good margarita. It doesn't seem that much to ask for, and yet... In the early 90s, we liked Mexico City, but it's become pretty tired. Now we usually go to Malo, but we always get the same thing, and I haven't found it worthwhile to branch out much on the menu.
Carter reports that the kitschy, ancient El Chavo has been bought by Melanie Tusquellas of the Edendale Grill. Let's hope she can elevate the menu a bit and freshen up the margaritas...
19 comments:
That's a shame. I've been going there since I was 6 years old & now take my 3 year old daughter there-she loves it.
Yeah, the food ain't great, but the service was always friendly. The service at the Edendale Grill is so horrible and snotty,they always act like you should be grateful to be there.
I'm pretty bummed about this-just what we need-another hipster spot !!
Alas, I have to agree with Alison. I hope the prices don't jump up astronomically to be on par with Edendale's, too.
Well at least I hope they start taking credit cards.
They had a killer Salmon Mojo de Ajo last time I was there.
I agree with the service comment about edendale, that would suck if it carried over to el chavo.
I totally agree with you. Although I, too, like Malo, it'd be nice to have an authentic, Mexican resto in that neighborhood. Mexico Shitty is the worst- I wish they'd go out of business already!!
Actually I like Casita Del Campo on Hyperion.
What about La Parrilla (the Wilshire location; I haven't tried the Sunset location yet)? My Mexican coworkers seem to really like it. There are a few good restaurants on Olvera Street too. Your thoughts?
try La Cabinita on Ocean View in Montrose. More authentic Mexican than most. More out of the way is Babitas in San Gabriel, but its worth the trip.
That's great. El Chavo has great margaritas but all the lard they use always gives me a tummy ache. I'm all for gourmetified Mexican food. Bring it on!
I have noticed that same problem with Mexican food and the Silver Lake area. Malo is so loud and expensive, and Mexico City is so bland. I too wish there was a tasty, quiet, family Mexican restaurant in that general area. Perhaps El Chavo will avoid Edendale's pitfalls and become a great spot...
I think the best Mexican in Silverlake is at Allegria, however they don't serve Margaritas (or any alcohol), so that can be tough! El Conquistador is fun and festive, but the food is no bueno. Yes, please, someone bring us a good Mexican place!
Patty:
I note a similar post over on Chowhound, with a similar response; not only aren't there reliably good Mexican places of any stripe in Silverlake/Los Feliz/Echo Park, but there apparently aren't any places that get universal high marks within a large-radius circle AROUND SLLFEP.
Everyone seems to be driving to La Cabanita, Babita, the ELA Serenata, or the mid-town Oaxacan places to eat...
While Edendale gets generally high comments on its decor/building rehab, (as per here) it gets mixed, at best, reviews for its food/service/bang-for-buck ratio.
THAT we hardly need more of in SLLF.
To borrow from Hans Johst: When I hear the words "restaurant re-concepting", I reach for my gun. . .
I came across your blog while looking for a good restaurant in the same area. I do love Allegria on Sunset... however, the lack of Margaritas is a bummer. We now go to Guelaguetza - don't ask me to pronounce it! Two locals: 8th street and another on Olympic (which has live entertainment but lighting is bad... too bright... GREAT mole) - neither are IN Silverlake though. Other really great Mex food is in Highland Park... La Fuente.
What about El Tepeyac? They don't serve alchohol, but I really think they have some of the best enchiladas around.
Tere's Mexican Grill at Melrose and Cahuenga rocks!
Maria's Ramada on Kingswell, just south of Santa Monica--great authentic(ish) Nayarit cuisine, solid prices, and wine margaritas that don't totally suck.
FYI, Allegria is BYOB without a corkage fee. Can't beat that with a stick.
that's great news re: Melanie (from Edendale) taking on El Chavo. No better spot than Edendale for a great hang, great atmosphere and great drinks. Hopefully the same can soon be said for El Chavo...
1 year later and i'm still ordering from alegria for take out, unless i'm motivated enough to go to tere's. the comment about casita is as laughable as the food at casita.
Mexican food varies by region, because of local climate and geography and ethnic differences among the indigenous inhabitants and because these different populations sportsbook were influenced by the Spaniards in varying degrees. The north of Mexico is known for its beef production and meat dishes. Southeastern Mexico, on the other hand, is known for its spicy vegetable and chicken-based dishes. Seafood is commonly prepared in the state of Veracruz.
http://www.enterbet.com
Sorry, but Melanie has ripped the soul out of El Chavo. The old ambience is gone and the new decor is atrocious.It feels like a typical chain restaurant now. The staff seems a bit off, because business is down. Oh well, gentrification brings another one down.
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