BY KAREN YOUNG
There’s a new Mexican restaurant in town that’s part dining room, part sports bar and part event center. Welcome to El Mariachi in Encino, owned by the Lopez family who also own Candela on Melrose. Located across from the Corner Bakery and adjacent to the International House of Pancakes, this renovated building has turned over many restaurants in the last couple of decades with its surprisingly large space.
Bar area is surrounded by plasma TVs.
The new façade simulates a Mexican hacienda with a double wood door and windows with shutters. Upon entering there is a fountain and book shelves. The main bar area is surrounded by flat screens, high tables and booths, and carefully placed cultural décor (complete with a Lopez family sign), while the dining area consists of more sedate tables and chairs. There is a quieter second bar area with TVs and a tacqueria. The back room has a stage and is for events with a capacity of 100 to 150 people.
Dining area is more sedate and conducive to larger parties.
Although I’m not into dining around television, my preference is to eat in the bar area, just because it’s more lively and that’s the way a Mexican restaurant should feel to me.
The menu consists of typical Mexican choices and some grilled options. A special guacamole is prepared tableside. Enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, tacos, fajitas and Carne Durangenze are the most popular items. A full bar includes a variety of margaritas as well as mini-beers in buckets just like you find in Mexico.
Burrito and rice
Weekly specials include Monday Margaritas for $3 all day long, Taco Tuesdays $1.50 a taco and add $1.99 for rice and beans (from 3 p.m. to closing), a daily lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($9.99 per adult/$4.99 kids). A Sunday brunch is offered from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes freshly made omelettes, tacos and waffles, plus salads, enchiladas, desserts and more. Adults are $15 and children under 11 are $4.99. Mariachi music on some Sundays. Call ahead to inquire.
Beef Tostada
To receive upcoming daily specials and deals, text “MARIACHI” to the Phone# 68398 — or check out their Facebook Page
EL MARIACHI 15627 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818-380-0107 www.MariachiCantina.com or www.Twitter.com/MariachiCantina
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MY DAILY FIND. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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