30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Los Feliz
Best Mexican in Los Feliz
Master Critic Review
Casita del Campo
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A Silver Lake landmark since 1962, this colorful Mexican restaurant offers classic preparations in a festive atmosphere with multiple dining rooms and patios. Daily happy hour runs 3-6pm with $2 off all drinks and appetizers, drawing locals for reliable enchiladas, carnitas, and strong margaritas in an LGBTQ-friendly environment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas, Albondigas Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Over 60 years of neighborhood history with theatrical basement space
Who should go: Families and groups seeking traditional ambiance
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm daily for best drink deals
What to order: Carnitas, enchiladas suizas, classic margaritas
Insider tip: Check out the drag shows on weekends in the basement theater
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on surrounding streets, easier before 5pm. Small lot adjacent to restaurant fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts perfectly acceptable. Locals come as-is from work or errands.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly in main dining room, louder on patios during happy hour and weekends with live music.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 6pm, especially Friday/Saturday. Happy hour (3-6pm) seats faster.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, spinach quesadillas, and bean-based dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes (skip cheese/sour cream on veggie items), but not a vegan-focused menu
Gluten-free options: Some options available - corn tortillas substitute for flour, but no dedicated prep area. Alert server to cross-contamination concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for casual first dates - lively atmosphere takes pressure off, affordable prices (especially happy hour), but can get loud on weekends. Better for second/third dates when you're comfortable with energetic vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and during happy hour (3-6pm). Weekends after 6pm, expect 30-45 min wait or call ahead. Bar seating usually available as backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - families are regulars, large booths accommodate groups, standard kids menu available. Earlier hours (before 7pm) quieter for young children.
What's the deal with the basement theater? Separate performance space hosts drag shows, comedy, and live entertainment on weekends. Check their social media for schedule - it's a hidden gem that makes Casita unique in the neighborhood.
How strong are the margaritas? Generous pours with actual tequila (not overly sweet/weak). Happy hour makes them exceptional value at $2 off. Pace yourself - they're stronger than they taste.
Best For
Better for: Choose Casita over newer spots when you want old-school LA charm, reliable classic Mexican (not trendy/modern), strong happy hour deals, and inclusive community vibes. The longevity and neighborhood loyalty speak volumes.
Skip if: You're seeking elevated/modern Mexican cuisine, quiet romantic ambiance, or cutting-edge culinary innovation. For those, try Madre or Chica's Tacos nearby. Also skip if you need extensive vegan/GF options.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday12pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday12pm - 9:30pm
Thursday12pm - 9:30pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9:30pm