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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Los Feliz
Best Mexican in Los Feliz
Master Critic Review
Encanto Restaurant
8.1
This Baja coastal kitchen delivers wood-fired asada and fresh ceviche in a sleek, sultry setting near the Greek Theatre. Executive Chef Chris Lin's menu showcases vibrant seafood dishes alongside the signature $10 margarita and daily happy hour from 4-6pm with $8-10 tacos and $10 cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Swordfish Tacos, Wood-Fired Asada, Fresh Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired Baja coastal cooking with sleek indoor-outdoor design
Who should go: Date night diners and cocktail enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Swordfish tacos, wood-fired asada, $10 margarita
Insider tip: The hidden Hillhurst gem offers spacious seating perfect for pre-show Greek Theatre dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hillhurst and side streets, typically easier to find than other Los Feliz spots. Arrives fills up by 7pm on weekends. Consider rideshare for Greek Theatre event nights.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and a button-down works, but you'll see everything from sundresses to blazers. Date night crowd skews dressier.
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patio - can hold conversation without raising your voice. Gets livelier during happy hour but never club-loud.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation after 7pm, longer on Greek Theatre event nights. Bar seating usually available.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes, brunch may have 15-20 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including grilled vegetable tacos, quesadillas, and seasonal veggie plates. Happy hour includes veggie-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - 2-3 modified options available, ask server about adapting vegetable dishes. Salsa bar is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available for all tacos, several naturally GF ceviche and seafood options. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination but not certified GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - dim lighting, conversation-friendly noise level, and shareable plates create natural interaction. Patio tables are especially romantic. The cocktail program gives you something to discuss if conversation lulls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights and happy hour usually fine for walk-ins. Weekends after 7pm, expect a wait or grab bar seats. Always call ahead for Greek Theatre event nights - they get slammed pre-show.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) than toddlers - it's not a family taqueria vibe. No kids menu, but tacos and quesadillas work. Patio is more forgiving than the intimate indoor space. Brunch is most family-appropriate.
How does the happy hour compare to other Los Feliz spots? Strong value at $8-10 tacos and $10 cocktails - better quality than most happy hour deals. More sophisticated than El Compadre, less scene-y than Bacari. Get there right at 4pm for best patio seating.
Is it worth going if I'm not doing happy hour? Yes - the wood-fired proteins and seafood quality justify full menu prices. Come for the food craftsmanship, not just the deal. The margarita holds up at $10 any time of day.
Best For
Better for: Encanto excels at elevated Baja seafood in a date-worthy atmosphere - choose this over standard Mexican spots when you want wood-fired quality and coastal flavors without being pretentious. The happy hour offers better food quality than most Los Feliz competitors at the same price point.
Skip if: You want traditional interior Mexican, family-style portions, or late-night tacos. Also skip if you need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends or prefer loud, high-energy cantina vibes. Choose El Compadre for nostalgic kitschy fun or Cinco for more traditional preparations.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10:30pm
Saturday11am - 10:30pm
Sunday11am - 9:30pm