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Welcome to La Fonda

La Fonda, a Mexican venue on Wilshire Blvd in LA, offers a unique experience blending music with dining. With live Mariachi shows on weekends and a full bar, it's a lively spot for groups or date nights. The menu, though limited, offers classic Mexican dishes like Carne Asada and Green Enchiladas. The ambiance is authentic, with interactive Mariachi bands and historic decor. Customers praise the attentive service and quality drinks, like Moscow Mules. While prices can be on the higher side, the overall experience of La Fonda is worth it for the music and atmosphere it provides. A true taste of Mexico in the heart of Los Angeles.

La Fonda: Reviews & Ratings

The Roman F.
The Roman F.

I went for a Birthday. I had read the reviews, so I was hoping it wasn't going to be that bad. The mariachi show is really good ! I would recommend to go just for that. Our waitress, Perla was top notched. She was always attentive to every one of my requests. It is kind of pricey, but your paying for the show and dinner. A bucket of beers is $35 and you get 6 beers. The Carne Asada plate is a bit over priced for $26, but it was good. The only complaint is the menu is limited, but the offer the basics. The parking is limited, you can find parking in the street or they have a parking structure down the street for $9. They do offer Valet. Otherwise, had a good time and would go again !

Kimmie N.
Kimmie N.

Came here on a Friday night for my boyfriend's grandparents anniversary. We had a reservation for about 10+ so we got the largest table center by the mariachi stage. There were 7-8 other tables surrounding us but wasn't a full house. They came by and took our drink order as people are arriving and we received our drinks fairly quick within 5-10mins. Before the band starting playing, they came by and took our food order. I had ordered their carne asada which I felt was a little over priced of $25 and my boyfriend gotten their beef enchiladas with green sauce. They came by with complementary chips&salsa as we waited for our food & the mariachi band started playing. Food came out quicker than we had expected. As I was reading the other yelp reviews, everyone stated that their food either came out after 2 hours or came out cold. We didn't have any issues with that for our table that night. They also brought by handmade tortillas that were pretty hot&delicious. His cousin had ordered a cheese enchilada with red sauce and they probably had misheard it for chicken instead. My boyfriend took the plate thinking it was his until we asked the waiter about his cousin's plate. My boyfriend already ate more than half of the chicken plate until his beef enchilada came out and they were kind enough to take the plate away, gave him his beef enchiladas AND still make a new cheese enchilada plate for his cousin. Service wasn't bad. They came by a few times to take our plates away or refilled our drinks. Theres a girl who comes around the tables to see if anyone would like pictures taken. Costs about $10 with a paper frame. They kindly let us retake a picture after they've printed a copy for us. They also packaged our leftovers for us which was nice. I was the ONLY non hispanic in the restaurant so I didn't understand the mariachi band but it was nice & they were good. The band will interact with the audience which was nice and my boyfriend found it funny when they came by with the microphone to give it to me but I didn't know how to sing any of the songs. Overall, my experience wasn't anything compared to the negative reviews this place has been getting. I enjoyed the food and my boyfriend had no complaints to his plate either. Even our leftovers were still good after the next day.

Carlos R.
Carlos R.

Hidden little Mexican joint going into the Mid Wilshire area. So parking for valet is 10 bucks cash I'm assuming I was lucky and found street parking across the street. It's best to make a reservation because this place seems to fill up fast. Place is riddled with obviously Mexico all over. As you enter they have a bar area. The catch is the Mariachi the live entertainment they have is good very catchy and the crowd seems to respond well. I really loved how the Mariachi interacts with crowd and walks around having people sing with them. That's definitely a PLUS!!! Place is good for big parties and if you want to have a one on one date. It seems they have upstairs sitting which I'm assuming the view is a bit better just cuz you oversee the bottom floor. Chips and salsa I have to give it to them the salsa ain't watery but a bit spicy and not bad. Moscow mule honestly hard to find good places that actually make a good one. I ordered one and it's on point! They definitely give you more than a shot! Michelada is good as well not spicy or watery. Comida (food): I ordered the green enchiladas with rice and beans at 1st I was like hhhmm the rice and beans are so one dimensional in some Mexican restaurants, but surprisingly it was good. Wished they gave you 3 versus 2. Overall the experience was more than what I expected the prices are okay because you are really paying for the Mariachi!

Josie M.
Josie M.

We came on a Sunday for brunch but mainly for the mariachi "Los Camperos". Come early as there is no restaurant parking lot & there is limited street parking. The restaurant is well maintained, spacious, quaint & very historical. You feel like you're in Mexico once you step inside. The service was exceptional and we absolutely loved the mariachi! We enjoyed their mexican brunch buffet & items from the menu. The carne asada was blah but everything else was good & fresh. The drinks were great. This is a great place to come with a big group or simply a romantic date. The mariachi Los Camperos were breathtaking to listen to & they are very approachable & take song requests. We'll come and visit again soon.

Michael M.
Michael M.

It has been over 15 years since I last sat here, ate a meal and listened to the Mariachis sing their hearts out to the crowd. I somewhat expected the spectre of my father to appear on stage or his voice to be somewhere mixed in the music. After changing hands a couple times, major renovations which included the demolishing of the iconic bandshell stage. The Spanish fountain which greeted guests as they walked through the doors had been removed. What was especially shocking was the big leather booth that my father and I shared so many times between performances was gone, they all were gone. All those concerns evaporated the moment the members of Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas began to play and sing. My heartache melted away once I began to taste the food. Their songbird voices filled the air as my tastebuds began to remember the flavors of the past. Even the original costumes that were on display seemed to give an approving nod. Coming home is always difficult for me. I know that things will always keep changing. I was conflicted in what I might experience after so many years after my Fathers passing. I am happy to say tonight was a happy night after all.

Location

  • La Fonda
    2501 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90057 Hotline: (213) 380-5055

La Fonda is a Mexican venue located at 2501 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. This hidden gem offers a unique experience with its live Mariachi show, creating a lively atmosphere for guests. The restaurant is known for its top-notch service, with attentive waitstaff like Perla, making sure every customer's needs are met. The menu may be limited, but it offers classic Mexican dishes like Carne Asada and Enchiladas, which receive mixed reviews on pricing.

Customers rave about the entertaining Mariachi band that interacts with the audience, creating a fun and memorable dining experience. The ambiance is authentically Mexican, with colorful decor and vibrant music. The drinks, like the Moscow Mule and Michelada, are highly recommended for their taste and generous portions.

La Fonda is a great spot for special occasions, whether it's a birthday celebration or a romantic date night. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers various amenities like free Wi-Fi, full bar service, and live music on weekends. If you're looking for a unique dining experience with a touch of Mexican flair, La Fonda is the place to be.

Overall, La Fonda offers a blend of delicious Mexican cuisine, entertaining live music, and a welcoming atmosphere. Despite some minor issues with pricing and limited menu options, the restaurant's charm and authenticity make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the vibrant culture of Mexico in the heart of Los Angeles.