Olvera Street Plaza

(213) 628-1274

Olvera St and Cesar Chavez Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012 34.0581 -118.2372

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Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Central LA

Last updated 3.09.11

Category:

Attractions, Free Attractions

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Olvera Street Plaza

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

More than 200 years ago, Spanish settlers set foot in SoCal and established the city of Los Angeles on the site now known as Olvera Street. And so goes the story of this beloved tourist attraction, which makes up a small stretch of the city's oldest area, known as El Pueblo Historical Monument. Surrounded by some of California's earliest buildings, the pedestrian-friendly promenade might have you thinking you're in Old Mexico if you stand in the right spot and squint. Take more than three steps in any direction, though, and you'll find that stores are hawking much of the same touristy wares…

Editor's Tips

Parking:
Park nearby on Alameda in the beautifully restored Union Rail Station, an art deco masterpiece built in the 1930s.
Know Before You Go:
Before you go, check the Olvera Street website for a list of upcoming events and festivals.
The Extras:
Want to learn more about Olvera Street? Free docent-led tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11am and noon. Reservations aren't required but are recommended. Call the visitors' center at (213) 628-1274.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “Great for a romantic afternoon out, as well as a great family outing.”
  2. “The food is pretty good and it's so much fun to go there when there is some type of special event.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “this little plaza offers great culture and food as if it was shipped from the country!”
  2. “go there once in a while especially on my birthday dia de los muertos olvera street has many many shops alot of mexican candy and collectibles the food there is great, on dia de los muertos they celebrate with dancing and all kinds of mexican traditions”
  3. “You can eat great food, and buy unique things for very little money.”
  4. “Most of the restaurants offer a satisfying meal, and there are historical buildings and museums on the street and just off of it.”
  5. “The food is delicious no matter where you go to eat.”
  6. “The food is pretty good and it's so much fun to go there when there is some type of special event.”
  7. “They serve fresh tortilla and nopales for salsa”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “Olvera Street is a tidy version of a Mexican commercial street, replete with puestos offering a variety of goods ranging from typical tourist trap items to some nice goods in a couple of shops.”
  2. “They have a good variety of places to eat.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “Olvera Street is a great place to get many Mexican Souveniers, Great Food and have a good time.”
  2. “Olvera Street known as the Placeta is a nice historic place to visit.”
  3. “best place for real mexican tradition”
  4. “go there once in a while especially on my birthday dia de los muertos olvera street has many many shops alot of mexican candy and collectibles the food there is great, on dia de los muertos they celebrate with dancing and all kinds of mexican traditions”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “go there once in a while especially on my birthday dia de los muertos olvera street has many many shops alot of mexican candy and collectibles the food there is great, on dia de los muertos they celebrate with dancing and all kinds of mexican traditions”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “You can eat great food, and buy unique things for very little money.”
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. “Take a slow walk around the old buildings and learn a little of LA history.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/24/12

La Luz Del Dia

by eachavez

Love this place! Have been coming here since my early childhood. Great food and very authentic. Sometimes there will be a trio of musicians playing while you eat.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

10/30/07

Great piece of city history & culture

by anekab

Some people think Olvera Street is just a kitschy tourist trap, but the truth is that it's actually a key part of the city's history. To a history major who sucked up the bits and pieces of California, and especially Southern California history, Olvera Street is a place to take newbies. I'm always pointing out historical buildings and symbolism...but mostly taking folks to some great places to eat. From the "fancy" restaurants to the taco stands. It's always fun to rummage through the souvenir shops...and for some reason, I always end up taking something home...either some new huaraches or a wood/ribbon puzzle.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/23/07

Home Away From Home

by panchamora

Coming here is like having just a little bit of the Mexican ambience I sometimes crave without traveling to another country....this little plaza offers great culture and food as if it was shipped from the country! It can get a bit packed but its just lots of fun and feels great to get back to ones roots when needed...

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/02/06

Small in size but BIG in culture

by bebesnow

Here at la placita you can immerse yourself in Mexican traditions. The food is pretty good and it's so much fun to go there when there is some type of special event. Stop by the altar dedicated to La Virgen de Guadalupe or drink some champurrado at one of the little shops and take a leisurely stroll. Whatever you do, you will have fun!

  • Pros: historical landmark, good food, fun events
  • Cons: parking
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/29/04

Good "taste" of Mexican culture

by caldse

This is definitely something every visitor/new resident should do once. Olvera Street is a tidy version of a Mexican commercial street, replete with puestos offering a variety of goods ranging from typical tourist trap items to some nice goods in a couple of shops. Most of the restaurants offer a satisfying meal, and there are historical buildings and museums on the street and just off of it. Celebrations like Dias de Los Muertes and Las Posadas accentuate California's Mexican heritage. Parking can be difficult, and the area can get crowded on holidays. Use the Red Line/DASH when possible.

The Details on Olvera Street Plaza

Place Categories:

  • best historic place
  • great collectibles
  • nice goods
  • satisfying meal
  • romantic afternoon
  • wonderful restaurants
  • great culture
  • fresh tortilla
  • good variety
  • slow walk
  • wonderful little shops
  • great food
  • fresh nopales
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