Loteria Grill At Farmers Mkt

(323) 930-2211

6333 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90036 34.0715 -118.36

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: La Brea, Central LA

LOTERIAGRILL.COM

Price:

$

Last updated 6.04.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

People Watching, Family-Friendly Dining, Breakfast, Cheap Eats, Outdoor Dining

Cuisine:

Mexican

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Loteria Grill At Farmers Mkt

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – With a prime location in the middle of the Farmers Market and authentic Mexican fare, this bustling stand is fast becoming a neighborhood favorite. Friendly and festive, the counter is lined with colorful Mexican playing cards and surrounded by bright red and yellow stools. Helpful servers get the orders in and the food out at breakneck speed. – – The Food – Tacos, burritos and enchiladas made with homemade tortillas, succulent meat fillings and savory sauces easily stand up to L.A.'s best. Tacos are piled high with sweet grilled zucchini and crisp corn…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Loteria doesn't serve alcohol, but 326 Beer and Wine next door does. Grab a cold one and bring it back to the table.
Parking:
Don't forget to get your ticket stamped for two free hours of parking; otherwise, parking will cost more than lunch.
When to Go:
Authentic, mole-doused chilaquiles and egg dishes are served all day.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The real deal is at the original location in the Farmer's Market at 3rd and Fairfax where the people watching is just as good as the potato tacos.”
  2. “ambience is cool but i disagree of it being romantic.”
drinks
50.0% positive
  1. “Once i receive my order i see the size of the taco kiddie size, burrito is barely an appetizer for me, the side order of rice and beans terrible (dry and tasteless respectably), and the drinks one of them 3/4 full only.”
  2. “Plus, the you can score a great draft beer at the bar in the next stall.”
food quality
88.80999565124512% positive
  1. “Not to mention the chicken en mole -- and I don't even LIKE mole.”
  2. “best mexican food in LA BY FAR!”
  3. “besides, if money is the price I have to pay to get good Mexican food, I think it is worth it.”
  4. “Very good "traditional" mexican food.”
  5. “recommend thier carne deshebrada (shredded beef), cheese enchilada with mole, and their huevos con chorizo.”
  6. “Great tortilla soup.”
  7. “Great food!”
  8. “They have 12 different types (which you can order all together with the taster plate), but I especially love the shredded beef.”
  9. “as a 33 year old l.a. native i have had some of the best mexican food that can be had in the city.”
  10. “Some tv special (I think it was Elmer Dills) claimed this place was one of three in Los Angeles to have the best tacos in town.”
  11. “Each and every ingredient used in the making of these exquisite dishes is as mexican as it can get.”
  12. “Loteria serves up incredibly fresh, innovatively spiced dishes (so home made and heart warming) that are VERY reasonably priced!”
  13. “good traditional mexican food”
  14. “feel like I need to be over the top and say this is the best Mexican food in the world to correct for the people that need to have their doctors raise their psych meds who said this place was awful.”
  15. “If your idea of great mexican food is Tito's Tacos, then this stuff might be more than your palate can handle.”
  16. “The tacos and burritos rock, the plantains are from heaven and if you're lucky, Jimmy, the owner, will give you a taste of the best tortilla soup you will ever find.”
  17. “The watermelon juice is fresh.”
  18. “The food is so good that you might find yourself in a long line.”
  19. “Not a great value and not the best tacos.”
  20. “The meat was absolutely heavenly.”
  21. “Once i receive my order i see the size of the taco kiddie size, burrito is barely an appetizer for me, the side order of rice and beans terrible (dry and tasteless respectably), and the drinks one of them 3/4 full only.”
  22. “am also a native of Los Angeles, and can confidently say that Loteria is one of the most delicious Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles.”
  23. “(The term "Mexican food" can be misleading -- real Mexican food isn't as greasy.)”
  24. “Apparetly I had never had authentic Mexican food, although considered myself a huge fan of "mexican food" until I went to Loteria.”
  25. “Everyone I have shared it with has become addicted- including peopl who hate mexican food.”
  26. “the food here is authentic, slow cooked, all from scratch, and delicious.”
  27. “Sitting right in the middle of the Farmer's Market, "Loteria" provides a great place to sit and rest, while enjoying fantastic food.”
  28. “The only authentic Mexican place in Southern California.”
  29. “Great quality chicken/beef/pork with the best sauces in LA.”
  30. “Great food, chaotic service”
  31. “The Farmer's Market offers so many delicious options, but 9 times out of 10, Loteria is always the top spot.”
  32. “And the minty rice is fantastic, and don't get me started on how good the fried plantains are.”
  33. “Saturday night at Farmer's Market is fast becoming a ritual, and no matter what other food stall I try, Loteria is the best.”
  34. “Best chicken nachos ever.”
  35. “Best tacos I've ever had.”
  36. “The food is fantastic.”
  37. “chefs really want to capture what is real authentic mexican food they need spend more time in places like”
  38. “The BEST Mexican food in Los Angeles, maybe in the entire USA!”
  39. “the food is overpriced and the portions are small.”
  40. “As mentioned in other reviews, the watermelon aqua fresca is delicious and perfect for warm days.”
  41. “heard about Loteria on one of the food cable networks stating it as one of the best shack style places to eat in L.A. I checked it out and.”
  42. “Some of the best food in town from a tiny little taco stand.”
  43. “but hopefully they'll work out the kinks because the food is great.”
  44. “I've taken many a friend here, and all have been blown away by the fantastic food.”
  45. “with fresh corn tortillas and wonderfully decadent salsas.”
  46. “The best Mexican food in Southern California and by extension, the entire United States.”
  47. “Who would have thought that the best mexican food I've had in LA was served at a taco stand in LA's historic farmers market?”
  48. “The real deal is at the original location in the Farmer's Market at 3rd and Fairfax where the people watching is just as good as the potato tacos.”
  49. “When it comes to good food price is not an issue for me.”
  50. “The chorizo eggs are fantastic.”
  51. “am a native of Mexico City, so I am always on the lookout for truly Mexico-City style tacos, which are smaller, usually come with onion and cilantro, and include non-processed, authentic tortillas (whiter corn).”
  52. “Order the taco sampler which allows patrons to taste bite-sized versions of 12 different tacos on the menu (the cochinita pibil is a favorite), or opt for something more traditional, like a chicken mole burrito stuffed with fluffy rice and tender black be”
  53. “Their nachos can be made meatless and have an amazing salsa”
  54. “Go enjoy some real mexican food here, you'll never regret it.”
  55. “they have potato taquitos cant be good for you but are worth the few pounds just about everything is good on the menu the guacamole, tacos, burritos -- the tamales were a bit on the dry side without much stuffing inside one downfall for the food.”
  56. “Come to Reseda to have the best Mexican food?”
  57. “The absolute BEST authentic Mexican food ever!”
  58. “Try their incredible nachos or potato taquitos.”
  59. “The chile verde sauce is excellent.”
  60. “puebla (chiles en nogada, moles de pipian verde y rojo and the incredible mole poblano) as for tasty tacos”
  61. “The nachos are delicious, the enchiladas and tamales are mouth watering.”
  62. “I've lived in the southland my entire life and I've never come across Mexican food so tasty, so tantalizing to the tastebuds than this little spot at the 3rd Street Farmers' Market.”
  63. “Same great food, but with alcoholic beverages and waiters to do the walking.”
  64. “authentic mexican food is.”
  65. “puebla, guanajuato,oaxaca and the state of mexico have incredible dishes compared to these imposters.”
  66. “The shredded beef may be the most delicious meat I've ever tasted in a Mexican restaurant of any kind.”
  67. “Despite our close proximity to Mexico, I find it very difficult to find good Mexican food in Los Angeles.”
  68. “The Loteria Grill has the best Mexican food, hands-down.”
  69. “It's a no frills place, but good food is all you need in a real taco stand.”
  70. “The tacos are amazing too.”
menu variety
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “We have tried almost everything on the menu, always recieve excellent service, absolutely with out fail - a perfect experience everytime.”
  2. “Order the taco sampler which allows patrons to taste bite-sized versions of 12 different tacos on the menu (the cochinita pibil is a favorite), or opt for something more traditional, like a chicken mole burrito stuffed with fluffy rice and tender black be”
  3. “The Farmer's Market offers so many delicious options, but 9 times out of 10, Loteria is always the top spot.”
  4. “they have potato taquitos cant be good for you but are worth the few pounds just about everything is good on the menu the guacamole, tacos, burritos -- the tamales were a bit on the dry side without much stuffing inside one downfall for the food.”
overall
90.0% positive
  1. “It's a great place to take family and friends.”
  2. “feel like I need to be over the top and say this is the best Mexican food in the world to correct for the people that need to have their doctors raise their psych meds who said this place was awful.”
  3. “When i first saw Loteria Grill it seemed like a good place to eat.”
  4. “Sitting right in the middle of the Farmer's Market, "Loteria" provides a great place to sit and rest, while enjoying fantastic food.”
  5. “Most likely the best place to eat at the Farmer's Market.”
service
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. “The real deal is at the original location in the Farmer's Market at 3rd and Fairfax where the people watching is just as good as the potato tacos.”
  2. “Same great food, but with alcoholic beverages and waiters to do the walking.”
  3. “We have tried almost everything on the menu, always recieve excellent service, absolutely with out fail - a perfect experience everytime.”
  4. “overpriced, bad service,”
  5. “feel like I need to be over the top and say this is the best Mexican food in the world to correct for the people that need to have their doctors raise their psych meds who said this place was awful.”
  6. “Great food, chaotic service”
value
47.220001220703125% positive
  1. “Apparetly I had never had authentic Mexican food, although considered myself a huge fan of "mexican food" until I went to Loteria.”
  2. “the food is overpriced and the portions are small.”
  3. “Everything is a little expensive ($10 for huevos rancheros is a little steep), but still worth it.”
  4. “As value for your money in the Farmer's Market goes, this place is expensive.”
  5. “they have potato taquitos cant be good for you but are worth the few pounds just about everything is good on the menu the guacamole, tacos, burritos -- the tamales were a bit on the dry side without much stuffing inside one downfall for the food.”
  6. “overpriced, bad service,”
  7. “Not a great value and not the best tacos.”
  8. “The burros are huge.”
  9. “The prices are ridiculous, esp.”
  10. “When it comes to good food price is not an issue for me.”
  11. “Yes, it is a little bit expensive, but in LA what is not expensive?”
  12. “besides, if money is the price I have to pay to get good Mexican food, I think it is worth it.”
wait time
75.0% positive
  1. “The food is so good that you might find yourself in a long line.”
  2. “the food here is authentic, slow cooked, all from scratch, and delicious.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/15/10

The Best Stand in the Farmer's Market

by DianaTakesaBite

Don't bother checking out the dolled up version of Loteria Grill in Hollywood. The real deal is at the original location in the Farmer's Market at 3rd and Fairfax where the people watching is just as good as the potato tacos. Order the taco sampler which allows patrons to taste bite-sized versions of 12 different tacos on the menu (the cochinita pibil is a favorite), or opt for something more traditional, like a chicken mole burrito stuffed with fluffy rice and tender black beans. Either way, a trip to Loteria is not complete without a side order of plantains and an agua fresco. Just be sure to bring your wallet and patience - the quality Mexican fare does not come cheap, and there is always a line to order.

  • Pros: Unique taco fillings, quality ingredients
  • Cons: Expensive, long lines
1 Star Rating: Poor

12/29/09

Appetitively DIsappointed

by ARAGON

When i first saw Loteria Grill it seemed like a good place to eat. Being the big eater i was i knew i had found the place to kill my hunger for the day or so i thought. Before anything else i am a healthy fit person who works out daily. My order was placed (Burrito de cochinita pibil, taco de carnitas, side order of rice and beans, and two fruit drinks), my tab comes to $21.05 for a single person. When it comes to good food price is not an issue for me. Once i receive my order i see the size of the taco kiddie size, burrito is barely an appetizer for me, the side order of rice and beans terrible (dry and tasteless respectably), and the drinks one of them 3/4 full only. As a native Mexican i was terribly disappointed, the food is not worth the time or wait. Until they chance the quality of food this is not a place to eat. I give it zero beans out five beans..... Del Taco fast food restaurant has better food and prices than Loteria Grill. By Aragon on 12/29/2009

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/11/09

Always a line for a reason!

by iLOVEfood

Firstly, I'd like to say to those who wrote bad reviews you are insane. Secondly, STOP COMPLAINING THAT IT IS EXPENSIVE! YOU ARE IN LA and at the GROVE nonetheless. Anyway, Loteria is bombbbbb! Best chicken nachos ever. Great tortilla soup. The tacos are amazing too. I've gone 10+ times and never tasted anything I didn't like. It has better Mexican food than some of the places I've eaten at in Mexico, and that's not a lie!

  • Pros: Great food!
  • Cons: Busy.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/12/09

Mexican food, but really real Mexican food.

by realtaco

After reading the different reviews, and having been a steady customer since Loteria's opening, all I can say is, try this place once, and I bet you'll soon be back for more.

If in a less casual mood, try Hollywood blvd Loteria. Same great food, but with alcoholic beverages and waiters to do the walking. I just love what these guys are doing, congrats.

Jay Sonman

  • Pros: real mexican cuisine
  • Cons: not close enough to Anahein
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/19/09

best mexican food in LA BY FAR!

by claudss

if you know mexican cuisine you know this is authentique.

Im from Mexico City and everytime I travel to LA I have to stop at Loteria Grill. It's the only meal EVER I've ever had outside of my country that trully tastes like home cooked or grandma style.

It's extraordinary!

Each and every ingredient used in the making of these exquisite dishes is as mexican as it can get. Don't believe me, go ask the cooks and the nice chef Jimmy Shaw- mexican born and raised!

Go enjoy some real mexican food here, you'll never regret it.

The Details on Loteria Grill At Farmers Mkt

Place Categories:

  • incredible potato taquitos
  • incredible dishes
  • overpriced mexican food
  • chaotic service
  • not great taste
  • good traditional mexican
  • most delicious meat
  • incredible nachos
  • awful place
  • not even like mole
  • best plantains
  • delicious watermelon aqua fresca
  • authentic tortilla
  • great mexican restaurants
  • fantastic loteria
  • good few pounds
  • misleading term
  • especially love shredded beef
  • huge fan
  • fresh watermelon juice
  • best shack style
  • fantastic chorizo eggs
  • great mexican place
  • best tacos
  • best authentic mexican food

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

Los Angeles

Advertisement

Lists In Los Angeles

Recent Reviews In Los Angeles

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Kravings Fusion

18663 Ventura Blvd #100, Tarzana, CA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Natalee Thai Cuisine

10101 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Natalee Thai Cuisine

998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Tawanna Thai

6236 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Advertisement