Hola Amigos, yes it’s that time again to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and what better way to do it then throwing down a few margaritas and consuming some great Mexican food. I am already contemplating taking the 6th off!
Below are some top LA spots you should check out to celebrate…
311 Washington Blvd Marina Del Rey, CA
Pleanty of “bar” type seating and a large outdoor patio complete with fireplace make this our #1 stop. The food is great but the Margaritas are even better, try a Large Strawberry Margarita, although a little more expensive they pack a nice punch and taste great. Plus it’s only 2 blocks from the beach with a laid back beach atmosphere.
2. Casa Vega
13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA
This cool Valley hot spot is dark, cozy, and mysterious inside with great margaritas and food. Bar seating is limited here and the wait for tables can get long.
3. El Cholo
1025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA and 1121 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA
A fixture in LA for over 75 years! It’s your standard Mexican fare with powerful margaritas that pack a punch. They have a larger dining area to accommodate larger groups. Two great locations in Santa Monica and LA.
4. Senor Fred
13730 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA
Authentic Mexican, with a “hip” bordello-like setting Senor Fred’s has one of the best Margarita Menu’s in town, from their margarita of the week to their unique “organic and pomegranate Margarita’s”. Plus for tequila lovers, their Tequila menu is top notch.
5. El Carmen
8138 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA
With great food and atmosphere and black velvet paintings on the wall, El Carmen stocks more than 300 kinds of tequila but be forewarned over consumption is easy when dealing with these smooth high end Tequila’s.
1612 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA
Cool and hip, this gothic-inspired Mexican restaurant/bar serves up great drinks and food, with an awesome appetizer menu. With a makeshift bar in the back, this place has lots of room to accommodate. Great for late nights.
7. Cabo Cantina (pictured to right) 
8301 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
An affordable fare, with cheesy but fun beach type atmosphere. Think the south bay’s Baja Sharkies only next to high rise office buildings. With low key food, you’re here for the atmosphere as Cabo caters to the young fun party crowd.
LATE night- When the night comes to an end, be sure to pop by Bennitos for some awesome late night Mexican fair. The place may look run down but the food is excellent, and it’s open 24 hours. With three locations, it brings in a very mixed crowd from the shady to the post party hip crowd. I was there once and actually saw a limo pull up to let its passengers get out to pick up some food.
Members of the Snark staff remind you to drink responsibly, and don’t forget to wear protection!
Here are a few cab companies that serve LA and the west side: Beverly Hills Cab company (310) 837-0260; City Cab (888) 248-9222, Bell Cab (213) 382-0717; Checker Cab (213) 481-2345.
