Reviews & Ratings for Olvera Street Plaza

10/30/07

Great piece of city history & culture

by anekab at Citysearch

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.

The heart of historic (and Hispanic) L.A. featuring a hodgepodge of restaurants and commemorative shops.

by Contributor at Citysearch

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 found on Hollywood Boulevard. Highlights are the restaurants and food stands, which dish up Mexican food on par with the city's best. Mariachi bands stroll the plaza on weekends and lavish celebrations are held around Mexican holidays, such as Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas.

01/23/07

Home Away From Home

by panchamora at Citysearch

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...

02/02/06

Small in size but BIG in culture

by bebesnow at Citysearch

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

04/29/04

Good "taste" of Mexican culture

by caldse at Citysearch

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.

03/30/03

Fun, fun, fun!

by BSBgirl11984 at Citysearch

I think this is a cheap way to have a lot of fun. You can eat great food, and buy unique things for very little money. Everyone should go at one time or another.

• Pros: inexpensive, yummy food, cool stuff
• Cons: some stuff is crap

02/21/03

A Bit of Old Mexico

by ixel morena at Citysearch

Great for a romantic afternoon out, as well as a great family outing. Take a slow walk around the old buildings and learn a little of LA history. Great for kids. Wonderful little shops and restaurants line the street. One thing though, parking is tough.

• Pros: Gr8 4 Kids & Couples, Restaurants/Shops, Historic Value
• Cons: parking can be a pain

02/15/03

best place for real mexican tradition

by thebigflirt at Citysearch

i 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 its the best place to go if you want to see old mexican ways of life if you go ill see you there and to the people who say other wise you must not be mexican!

• Pros: great food, alot of stuff, real tradition
• Cons: on holidays crowded

08/07/02

Spicy Tourist Attaction

by AJDURAN at Citysearch

Olvera Street is a great place to get many Mexican Souveniers, Great Food and have a good time.

It depends where you eat but it is all pretty reasonable for your buck.

• Pros: Great Food, Souveniers, Inexpensive
• Cons: Old, Traffic getting there