Malo
(323) 664-1011
4326 Sunset Blvd
(at Bates Avenue)
Los Angeles,
CA
90027
34.0949
-118.2832
Neighborhoods: Silver Lake, East LA
Hours:
Mon 5pm-10pm
Tue-Thu 5pm-11pm
Fri 5pm-12am (bar open until 2)
Sat 9am-12am (bar open until 2), Sun 9am-10pm
Price:
$$
Last updated 7.05.09
What People Are Saying About Malo
The Editor
Tara Lis
Citysearch
The Scene
Black tile and flocked, red wallpaper create a minimalist but hipster-friendly vibe that the former Cobalt Cantina could never capture. No longer predominantly gay, straight Eastsiders on first dates and oversized birthday parties comprise an equal percentage of the clientele. Service is competent, but it's surprisingly difficult to get extra dishes or silverware for sharing.
The Food
A pan-Latin menu finds success with the basics, but often overestimates the kitchen's expertise. Made-to-order tortilla chips are softer than most, and come with a choice of salsas: Mild tomatillo and avocado for spice-sensitive diners, or burnt habanero and crème fraiche dip for the more adventurous. Shredded chicken enchiladas immersed in tangy, sweet red sauce, and broiled lobster tail bathed in garlic butter, are standout entrees. However, the intricate flavors of the signature ground beef, potato and pickle taco get lost in a greasy, deep-fried shell.
User Reviews
stellarmonoceros
June 01, 2009
I have been coming to Malo for three years now and feel like I have a pretty good handle on it. First of all, let me say that this is hands down my FAVORITE restaurant in LA. The habanero & cream salsa, the guacamole, and the rojo enchiladas are my favorite items on the menu. Their margaritas are delicious and the cucumber water is a perfect compliment to any dish. That being said, I'd like to point out that the service is HORRIBLE. My complaints are as follows: 1) With a large group they always take WAY too long and are inattentive. I recently waited over 50 minutes for a food order (group of 9 people) and two people from our party even walked out. We even mentioned to the server that we were pressed for time and they completely ignored us. My experiences here with a group have always been negative. 2) The bartenders are RUDE. Every time have sat at the bar or in one of the bar tables (at least 20+ times now) I have noticed that the bartenders are rude. Some of my friends chalk this up to them being too "silverlake" but I dont care. They ignore you until you flag them down and even then you cant get a smile or thank you out of them. I have tried over-tipping, engaging in conversation, etc...they dont budge. I have seen this with several of the bartenders there on a variety of shifts so they must be hiring them on purpose. 3) On at least 3 different occasions I have been sat (with a table of 2-4 persons) and ignored by our server for at least 20 minutes. With a very basic menu and ample staff this is just TOO LONG. I continue to come to Malo because I love the food. For me, the quality of the food outweighs the fact that I expect poor service. However, I find myself driving across town (from West LA) less and less because I just cant justify spending $$ at a place that doesn't seem to want my business.
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LiveDeliberately
May 05, 2009
With a selection like Malo, you're bound to try some tequila that just makes your stomach churn. But the top shelf stuff like Don Julio 1942, Abondonado Extra Agave, etc. are so smooth and tasty even tequila haters can enjoy them. First timers must try the chewy chips, the habanero and creme salsa, and the corn tacos with beef and pickles (I know...just try it). The ever changing menu always has a new surprise that's never boring, and the fresh, cold cucumber water is great at assuaging the distress caused by mixing spicy food and four kinds of tequila.
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RogerAustin
April 30, 2009
The tequila selection at Malo is insane!!! I have been trying to go once a week to get a few different tastings under my belt. Every time I visit the bartenders are very helpful with new selections for me to experience. The tacos rule there too, they are dope!!! On taco night I tried 6 different hard shell tacos with 6 different tequilas. They need to have more taco choices on the menu so I can experiment with tequila combinations.
read full reviewThe Details on Malo
Know Before You Go:
Open for brunch and offering afternoon taco specials. Malo also offers a Happy Hour Mon-Fri 5-7pm. Every Monday is $1 taco night all night.
Parking:
Street parking is scarce, so use the $1.50 valet. Don't use the McDonald's or the Kitchen's lot--you'll get towed.
Where to Sit:
If you're looking for an appetizer, cheap drinks and festive atmosphere, choose the bar area. The ambience is quieter on the restaurant side. Smokers flock to the unadorned outdoor patio.
The Extras:
Extend the evening with drinks at neighboring Akbar, which offers a similar crowd, nightly drink specials and offbeat vibe.
