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  5. Westlake

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant

3.6
3.6
93 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
With a delightful ambiance filled with Mariachi music and exquisite Mexican cuisine, La Fonda continues earning a place in the hearts of many as a culturally acclaimed Mexican Restaurant. La Fonda’s genesis was in 1968 and it soon became the Mecca for world class Mariachi music. La Fonda was the first restaurant in the country to showcase a live Mariachi dinner show. Through the years its popularity grew as patrons came to celebrate their special occasions creating everlasting memories. La Fonda combines elegant dining and delicious traditional family friendly favorites as well as a variety of contemporary dishes that promise to leave you wanting more. The chic new décor and design has artfully transformed this legendary venue into a whole new experience that is inspiring and stimulating for locals and visitors from any background. Stay to savor the after show festivities through the fusion of an eclectic twist of Latin- Dance music.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    RESTAURANT / BAR / LOUNGE / MARIACHI SHOW HOURS - HAPPY HOUR / LOUNGE Fridays & Saturdays & Sundays 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm / Bar Area Only MARIACHI DINNER SHOW TIMES: Fridays: Mariachi Angeles- 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm Saturdays: Mariachi Angeles- 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm Sunday Brunch: Mariachi Angeles- 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (213) 380-5055
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Antonio, Luis & Erik
  • Private party facilities
    If you are looking for a charming venue with the perfect ambience to hold an unforgettable wedding reception, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony or a post-wedding brunch that is both flexible and affordable, La Fonda is the ideal fit.
  • Private party contact
    Yvonne or Arthur: (213) 380-5055
  • Neighbourhood
    Westlake
  • Cross Street
    Carondelet
  • Parking Details
    Valet Parking $12 Friday, Saturday & Sunday Parking Lots adjacent to building $9
  • Public Transit
    Alvarado / Westlake Metro
  • Entertainment
    We feature the Finest Live Mariachi Music and Folkloric Dance in Los Angeles, currently featuring Mariachi Angeles. Folkloric dancers only perform on Saturdays for both shows
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 93 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.6
3.6 based on all time ratings
  • 3.5Food
  • 3.6Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 2.2Value

NoiseEnergetic

93 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We had a wonderful time, listening to music , food, and great service. The only thing that was odd was we were seated no more than 10 minutes and they brought the birthday hats, and Dessert. We did not have dinner yet😳

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  2. ImeldaH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2019

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Made reservations for surprise engagement. Made specific requests- NO Reserved table, NO mention of surprise engagement, NO attempts to help. I came here back in the day- Trust me when I say It is NOT the same quality and service. The food was so-so. I am SO disappointed this is where I took my baby to surprise him. He was happy at the end of the night. Again no mention of our engagement EVEN when the server asked if we were celebrating anything special! Not world famous Mariachi brand. Best is at Casa Sanchez overall! Too bad for this place and sorry I have to review you this way.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Waited 45 minutes to get seated (even though i had a reservation), once seated— waited an additional 30 and were never acknowledge. Decided to leave extremely disappointed.

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  4. EricS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2019

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    Music and ambiance was great, service and food lacked luster, food was warm and had no taste, very bland and waitress was very unenthusiastic, and didn't check on us. i really expected more for the price, location and for a establishment that offers music and food.

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  5. FranciscoH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2019

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    We had been waiting 45 minutes our food and the food was poor and expensive 26 bucks for a plate like that is too much and one drink for 15 bucks woow let me tell you something “El Cielito Lindo” is much better than you guys better food and prices!!!

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  6. MeroMero

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We booked a table for my wife’s birthday on Sunday evening. We show up only to find out that there’s no mariachi or performance that day. The place was empty. It should of stated that there was no performance online. What a waste of time and parking money. We were all hungry and had to go some where else. Poor management. This place use to be good.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. happyeater1

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2019

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Fun for having margaritas and music to celebrate a special occasion or birthday party. Don't go if you're in a hurry. The folks were nice, but prompt service was not a priority.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2019

    overall1food5service1ambience1
    It was my sister’s birthday. They didn’t bring our drinks out for 20 minutes. My friend’s drink took 45 minutes and tasted like it didn’t have alcohol in it. We got there st 6:15 and had a show at 8 next door. We bare made it to the show because everything took too long.

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  9. AdolfoA

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2019

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Receptionist kind of rude and not willing to answer questions over the phone. Hug up right away. Waiter had no respect, no manners. Called me “jefe” all the time.

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  10. Kevin57

    San Antonio

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been eating at La Fonda for years. It is one of my go-to places when I want to enjoy good food, wine and friends. The service is consistently above par. Our waiter Sean was great. We were there about 1 1/2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2012

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Was going to bring visiting relatives here but shied away from it because of the negative reviews. We decided to check it out on our own first. We had a blast! Food was great. Mariachi was awesome. Waiters were funny and attentive. Definitely going back!

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  12. JackW

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2012

    overall3food1service3ambience3
    The food and drinks are not what it used to be. The restaurant side door to the main dining room was opened the entire night directly out to the street. It ruined the atmosphere of the restaurant.

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  13. Jonas

    Alabama

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2012

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Ehh, for a Mexican food restaurant in Los Angeles you would expect the food to be good. Well it was good, but not for 30 dollars a plate. I had the Mole, which was fine but the chicken was a little dry. The rice was not my moms rice to say the least. The good part was the Mariachi music which was live, that much I would be back for.

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  14. fawnc

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2012

    overall1food1service3ambience5
    I had my bday brunch there- Mariachis were fantastic! Service was ok but, the menu and food were awful!!!

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  15. Ayan

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2012

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    They have the best Mojito!! Overall service and food were very good. I just thought it was better if the Mariach band was little bit farther than our table... It was little too loud to sit in front of them and keep a conversation with my friends.

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  16. Jbondtico

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2012

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Good food and good Mariachi. It was great for mother's day. It was expensive but I guess it was because of the occasion I don't think I will go for any other occassion.

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  17. VanessaP

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2012

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    I took my mom for mothers day. We had a terrible time. With reservations we still had to wait Over 45 minutes. We wnt through 3 baskets of chips before our food got there because it took so long to order and get our food. The menu was extremely limited and the food seemed like it was preheated. The mariachi show was supposed to start at 12, the didn't start until close to 1pm. I felt emberrased with my fam.

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  18. Bernet26

    Los Angeles

    72 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2012

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Live music, but so loud you could hardly talk. The margarita was so sweet is was undrinkable. The guacamole was good and the servers were very nice, but the rest of the food was nothing special. Disappointing!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    42 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2012

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Much to loud for dining trying to have conversation. The Mariachis do not need the microphones let alone to be so loud. That was the only complaint amongst everyone around us including us!

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  20. MaritzaA

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2012

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    I thought it was a brunch. But only choose certain items from a menu. Not much selection. Could not order from regular menu. Prices too high for the quality if the food. They didn't have chips for the guacamole dip we ordered for appetizer. What Mexican restaurant.had no chips? The drinks they advertise on menu they did not have. I will not ever come back. Horrid place. Horrid food.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2012

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    I have visited La Fonda on previous occasions and have enjoyed it. The food those times was well-prepared and had a great, authentic taste. However, this time was not the case. The food was cold, the rice tasted like it came from a box, it was very very mediocre. La Fonda doesn't necessarily have the most affordable Mexican dishes in town, so they should really make sure the quality of it is concise. I've had better tasting food at cheaper Mexican restaurants.

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  22. George818

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2011

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    I've been to La Fonda many times and I noticed that it was changed around. The food was good, mariachi divas was excellent, but our waiter service was horrible. I had warm beers, he took forever to come back, someone else actually had to pick up our bill.

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  23. bevreps

    Los Angeles

    60 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2011

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    my first time there - food was good but not served very hot - margaritas were fabulous & the mariachis were fun

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    48 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2011

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We did not stay for the mariachi show, which no doubt is the real reson to dine here. The food is good but nothing special and a bit pricey if you're not staying to see the show. We had tickets for the theater next door which shares the parking lot and made La Fonda the convenient choice for dinner.

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  25. AthensTransplant

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2011

    overall1food3service3ambience3
    The food was delicious, if not terribly exciting. The margaritas were excellent - and strong. The band was fantastic... BUT... and this is only reason I'm giving it a single star... the sound level was ridiculously, painfully, absurdly LOUD... and we were in the back of the room! Would not set foot in this place without earplugs.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2011

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    The food is not good,but the drinks were excellent....The service was perfect!...excelent..... I love the mariachi....but the Djs were the worst!....

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2011

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    Wonderful scene and show, food was mediocre, drinks were ok when we could get our waiters attention. Bad service; our waiter Mauricio was inattentive and scarce. I'm not sure if it was the waiter or someone else, but they had the audacity to try and add a 20% gratuity when providing poor service. Had the service been on par, I would have gladly given the 20%. I would return, but I will refuse to be served by the same waiter.

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  28. ThereseM

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2011

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Fun evening. Can't wait to return.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2011

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Food is clearly not a priority.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2011

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La Fonda is a gem. Tantilizing tastes for the tongue rather than your typical Mexican fare. Entertainment by a mariachi band that is delightful to watch as you dine. Excellent serving staff that is attentive to your every need (my hubby's cup of coffee was never empty). And you get a picture postcard of your and your party as a souvenir. Where else can you get an incredible dinner and be serenaded at your table in this town? With good portions, a dinner show and a photo souvenir at no cost, La Fonda is a great value in these hard times or happy times in the future.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2011

    overall4food3service2ambience4
    Took my boyfriend for his birthday, it was the perfect place! We got serenaded by mariachis and a souvenir table photo.

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  32. COLDTACO

    Los Angeles

    19 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2011

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    I miss the old La Fonda, Menu and price points. The bottle service menu made me realize this. IN 36 years I've never been here on a Sunday only to be 1 of 13 people enjoying the dinner show.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2010

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Thought it was a great live Mariachi Experience! I will return for sure!

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2010

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    After hearing all of the talk about the great La Fonda, I was ready for an exquisite evening and much to my surprise, it was a total disaster! From the get go, the hostess was totallyl unprofessional and it was obvious that she was not trained for the job. I had made the reservation over a week earlier and when we got there 45 minutes before the scheduled showtime, the place was empty yet she couldn't find a suitable table for us. The reason given was that all of the tables were reserved for larger parties of 4 or more. We ended up sitting at the bar. The drinks were the only postive thing of the night. The food was terrible, not fit for an animal.The show was one hour late and with marachi subs.I will never go back.

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  35. MaryG

    Los Angeles

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2010

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing mariachi show! It was really nice how the mariachis came out and took pictures with everyone. Makes for great memories, especially for out of town guests. The food was incredible, not your run of the mill Mexican food. The rice was terrific, with all kinds of fresh veggies cooked in it. The tomatillo sauce on the enchiladas was delish!

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  36. GARZZZ

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2010

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Woul.d like to see more of a choice in food for the brunch menu

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2010

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    I was a little bit dissapointed at the show. The mariachis were great, but I expected the mariachi to be more complete. There were less mariachis than the last time I attended the show. Also what happened with the dancers?They put a great show last time I was there. I took my party of 15 that Friday was because I loved the show that the mariachis did the last time I was there. I just think that your show has lost 50% of what it was before!. We didn't like the singer. Too boring, too long. The dj music was not known, in order to feel like going to the dance floor, dj needs to play commercial music! We left before the band started to play because the music was not inviting to stay.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2010

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    I would not return to this diner. It was not kid friendly and it was way over priced!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2010

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    It was not the greatest, just okay.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2010

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The best part was the mariachi. It was wonderful.

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FAQs

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant is rated 3.6 stars by 93 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for La Fonda Mexican Restaurant

2501 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Carondelet
  • Neighbourhood
    Westlake
  • Hours of Operation
    RESTAURANT / BAR / LOUNGE / MARIACHI SHOW HOURS - HAPPY HOUR / LOUNGE Fridays & Saturdays & Sundays 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm / Bar Area Only MARIACHI DINNER SHOW TIMES: Fridays: Mariachi Angeles- 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm Saturdays: Mariachi Angeles- 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm Sunday Brunch: Mariachi Angeles- 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Valet Parking $12 Friday, Saturday & Sunday Parking Lots adjacent to building $9
  • Public Transit
    Alvarado / Westlake Metro
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Antonio, Luis & Erik
  • Entertainment
    We feature the Finest Live Mariachi Music and Folkloric Dance in Los Angeles, currently featuring Mariachi Angeles. Folkloric dancers only perform on Saturdays for both shows
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (213) 380-5055
  • Private party facilities
    If you are looking for a charming venue with the perfect ambience to hold an unforgettable wedding reception, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony or a post-wedding brunch that is both flexible and affordable, La Fonda is the ideal fit.
  • Private party contact
    Yvonne or Arthur: (213) 380-5055
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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