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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Highland Park
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Highland Park
Master Critic Review
La Fuente Restaurant
8.4
Family-run by the Sapien family for over 40 years, La Fuente is an old-school Highland Park staple for combo-plate comfort Mexican, big breakfasts, and frosty bebidas. Locals slide in after work for enchiladas, burritos, and beers at prices that still feel fair given the generous portions and long community history.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles rojos with eggs, La Fuente steak plate, Taquitos con guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Decades-old, family-run spot serving classic Mexican plates all day.
Who should go: Families and longtime locals craving classic combo plates.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoons for relaxed, unhurried early dinners.
What to order: Chilaquiles, La Fuente steak, taquitos con guacamole.
Insider tip: Weekday afternoons are quieter if you want a lingering meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa is generally available, though it can tighten after 6pm; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—family chatter and clinking plates, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during the early peak; later evenings tend to move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of options like cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, chilaquiles, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be modified (beans without lard, veggie tacos without cheese), but menu is mostly traditional.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn-based dishes work for many, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and unpretentious—great for breaking the ice over hearty comfort food, though it’s not a candlelit, fancy setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in friendly. Even on weekends, waits are usually manageable and move quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, shareable plates, mild options, and a family-run vibe make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic, comforting combo-plate Mexican at honest prices, generous portions, and a long-standing neighborhood feel that competitors can’t replicate.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern, chef-driven Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, or a more polished, date-night ambiance.
Hours
Monday10am - 8pm
Tuesday10am - 8pm
Wednesday10am - 3pm
Thursday10am - 8pm
Friday10am - 8pm
Saturday9am - 8pm
Sunday9am - 8pm