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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Los Angeles
Best Happy Hour in Los Angeles
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Master Critic Review
The Waterfront Venice
8.3
Beachfront beer garden with BOGO-style happy hour windows and tacos on the all-day menu. Sunset timing brings a lively crowd for shrimp or veggie tacos paired with easy-drinking drafts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Veggie tacos, Chips and guacamole
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Oceanfront HH energy with taco options and rotating drink deals.
Who should go: Beach crews chasing sunset tacos
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6pm for easier seating and views
What to order: Shrimp tacos; veggie tacos; guacamole
Insider tip: Ask staff about current BOGO windows—timing changes seasonally.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Ocean Front Walk and nearby Rose Ave; public beach lots available a short walk away (~$8–$15 daily). Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Dress code: Beach casual—sandals, shorts, and relaxed attire are perfectly acceptable, though many guests dress up slightly for sunset drinks.
Noise level: Lively during happy hour and sunset with music and crowd chatter; moderate during weekday afternoons—conversation-friendly if seated farther from the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes, especially around sunset; patio tables fill quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, easy to walk in before 4pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, guacamole, and salads are available year-round.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 taco options can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but kitchen is shared; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual sunset drinks. The ocean backdrop and lively patio make for great energy, though it’s better for relaxed conversation than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—The Waterfront operates on a walk-in basis. Arrive before 5pm for best patio availability, or expect a short wait near the bar during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings. Families frequent the patio until about 6pm, but later hours lean toward adult groups and happy hour crowds.
Best For
Better for: Best for groups seeking oceanfront tacos and sunset drinks; hard to match the beachfront vibe and crowd energy.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, white-tablecloth service, or extensive vegan/gluten-free selections—this is more about fun than formality.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday3pm - 9pm
Friday3pm - 9pm
Saturday12pm - 9pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm