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Master Critic Review
Broken Spanish Comedor
8.1
Chef Ray Garcia's neighborhood evolution of his acclaimed DTLA modern Mexican restaurant delivers signature dishes like five-day chicharrón and refried lentils with quesillo at accessible prices. The Shure-designed space with sage-green tiles and wood accents creates a warm backdrop for his 'authentically inauthentic' Mexican cooking, where wood-fired flautas and duck albondigas draw regulars seeking refined flavors without fine-dining formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicharrón with Garlic Mojo, Refried Lentils with Quesillo, Fideo Verde
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef Ray Garcia's 'authentically inauthentic' Mexican cooking delivers refined flavors at neighborhood-friendly prices in a warm, community-driven space.
Who should go: Date night seekers and Mexican food lovers wanting elevated but accessible dining.
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm weekdays for $13 margaritas and chicharrón.
What to order: Start with chicharrón and refried lentils to share, add an entrée like enchiladas or fideo verde—five dishes feeds two perfectly.
Insider tip: Ask to see the full mezcal menu—they have over 100 bottles that aren't on the standard list.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $15 (Dragonfly Parking). Street parking limited—valet recommended for dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops work fine. The vibe is relaxed and neighborhood-driven, not stuffy.
Noise level: Can get loud during peak hours—expect a vibrant, buzzy atmosphere. Patio seating is quieter for conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome but expect a wait during prime hours (7-8pm)
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch—dinner service starts at 4pm. Early weeknight seatings (4-5:30pm) are calmer.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—highlights include refried lentils, fideo with avocado and hoja santa, camote (Japanese sweet potato), and hearts of palm tostada
Vegan options: Several dishes work for vegans; menu described as satisfying for both meat-lovers and vegans. Ask server for current options.
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - excellent date spot. Low-lit, intimate ambiance inside the iconic A-Frame building with well-spaced tables. The shareable small plates ($15-22 range) encourage conversation, and the creative cocktail program adds sophistication. Noise level is lively but allows easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Limited reservations are released each night around 5pm, with most seating reserved for walk-ins. Without a reservation, expect a 1-2 hour wait depending on the night. Best strategy: arrive right at 4pm opening or try Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 4-6pm) at the bar for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for older kids and teens. The shareable plates work well for families, and the neighborhood-casual vibe is welcoming. However, this is primarily an evening dinner spot (opens 4pm) with a bar-forward atmosphere. No dedicated kids menu. Best to visit early (4-5pm) if bringing younger children.
Is it good for groups? Yes - accommodates groups with a mix of table sizes indoors plus patio seating. For larger parties or private events, contact the restaurant directly at 747-946-7118. The shareable small plates format works perfectly for groups wanting to try multiple dishes.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - beautiful heated patio with heat lamps available year-round. High-top tables with cushioned seating. The outdoor area can actually feel warmer than inside on cooler nights thanks to the heaters. Patio is also available for private events.
Best For
Better for: Creative, chef-driven Mexican food that honors tradition while being inventive. More affordable than the original Downtown location ($15-22 plates). Beautiful heated patio for date nights. One of LA's best modern Mexican experiences.
Skip if: You want traditional taqueria-style Mexican, need a quiet conversation spot, or prefer lunch service—this is dinner-only starting at 4pm.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 9:30pm
Saturday4pm - 9:30pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm