Best Happy Hour Hotspots Mexican Restaurants in Lakeview
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Cafe El Tapatio
1974-born Lakeview institution where margaritas and burritos share a busy patio.
Notable Picks
8.7
Cafe El Tapatio is a 1974-born Lakeview staple where Burrito Suizo plates, fajitas, and margaritas share space with a neon-lit dining room and patio. High volume and decades of regulars make it the neighborhood’s most established option for sit-down burrito dinners with cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Suizo, L.A. Califa Burrito, Burrito Bowl
What Makes it Special: 1974-born Lakeview institution where margaritas and burritos share a busy patio.
#2
Rojo Gusano
8.2
A mezcal-forward, modern Mexican room where tacos are the anchor and the vibe does a lot of the work, especially on social nights. It’s strongest when you commit to a tight taco set and one shared starter, then let the bar program carry the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork belly taco, Al pastor taco, Guacamole and chips
What Makes it Special: Tacos paired with a mezcal-heavy cocktail focus in a polished room.
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Fernando's is a family-owned Mexican restaurant and tequila bar on Lincoln that has been serving Lakeview since the mid-1980s. While hours skew more toward late dinners than true 3am service, locals still use it for margaritas, big platters, and lingering nights on the patio before or after neighborhood bar crawls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Queso fundido, Molcajete mixto
What Makes it Special: Decades-old tequila bar where hearty Mexican plates and margaritas anchor long evenings.