La Golondrina Mexican Cafe
(213) 628-4349
17 Olvera St
Los Angeles,
CA
90012
34.0573
-118.2383
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Central LA
Reviews & Ratings for La Golondrina Mexican Cafe
7 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-7 of 7 reviews
Crowded! Not the best, but very popular by Greg T. at InsiderPages
Contributor
November 03, 2008
This is the most crowded restaurant along Olvera Street. This could easily be a tourist trap also since it's not the absolute greatest Mexican food you'll eat and the number of tourists packed here doesn't make for a very special experience. It's okay, but very popular.
Great place to take out of town visitors
by smooph
November 07, 2006
Ok, it's touristy and maybe a little expensive, but it's a great place to start a day of LA sightseeing. I really love their huevos rancheros, and it's nice to go here right when Olvera street is opening up. Park in one of the all day lots and visit Chinatown too. Awesome margaritas and the staff has always been friendly.
- Pros: Great atmosphere, great breakfast, margaritas
- Cons: Parking, crowds
Best Carne Asada, Bomber Margaritas
by mexicanflor
July 19, 2006
My family has been enjoying La Golondrina Restaurant for generations and we've never
been disappointed. The quality of the food and margaritas leave most Mexican restaurants far behind. We love the outdoor patio because it is an exciting place from which to enjoy Olvera Street. When it's full, the dining room is just as lovely. A few of our absolute favorites are Carne Asada, Flan. Chicken Mole and the handmade flour tortillas. We have always found the service to be attentive and unless you're there on Cinco de Mayo when it's a madhouse, we have always been very, very satisfied.
I have had many a margarita and though pricey, I feel I got my money's worth. It was tasty and as the other reviewer said, there was no scrimping on the tequila. They must be amongst the strongest in town.
A word about price -- quality costs, whether it's Mexican or not. My family will continue patronizing La Golondrina and we do recommend you go see for yourself. It's our favorite.
- Pros: truly fresh Mexican food
- Cons: parking
A change of pace, with yummy food!
by lalaluvah
July 26, 2005
Excellent choice for a change from the usual Mexican restaurants on the Westside. Sure Olvera Street is touristy, but where else could we enjoy some of the best carne asada in LA on fresh tortillas while watching an Aztec dance troupe on the street?
Margaritas are pricey, but huge and STRONG. The menu has lots of seafood and different choices - not just the same old burritos. The open interior makes it great for groups.
Service has always been great - we'll keep coming back for sure.
- Pros: great food, fun environment, good service
- Cons: its downtown, a little pricey
Very Disappointed
by patofla
May 09, 2005
"La Golondrina" Restaurant is not concerned for it's customers. Sadly, I went to lunch there last Saturday, May 7th. I went with my club, "The Red Hat Society", for lunch. It was early, 11:30, and the restaurant was not crowded at all. We were given a table at the elevated back of the restaurant which afforded us a view of all the tables at the front that were receiving good service. It took a very long time to get our drinks...and to finally order our meals. Before we received our meals, the server brought us two baskets of stale chips. I kept asking for water...it took long to get that too. In the meantime, the restaurant started to fill with more people.
The prices were high. My refill of my lemonade cost me an additional $4.00. I was not pleased at all and do not plan to return.
- Pros: decent food, some ambience
- Cons: poor service, small servings, high prices
Best restaurant on Olvera Street! by Brittany O. at InsiderPages
Contributor
May 06, 2005
Went here on Cinco De Mayo, and even though there was a long line, the wait was short and the line went fast. Food was great, the environment inside was nice and cozy, very dark and with candles on every table.. There were lots of people around and some very close, but we never felt crowded in. Somehow they manage to make it feel like you're the only ones there. Overall a nice romantic experience.. More of a date place than a family place.
One thing though, was that they charge highly just for a bowl of guacamole.. My husband is used to lots and lots of homemade guacamole, and even the smallest bowl they serve will cost you $5.00! He wanted it for the chips and it was finished in 5 minutes with none left over for the meal.. Luckily they do put some guacamole on his food but not alot. That just struck me as interesting, I have never seen a place to charge so much for that just as a dip!
PROS: Overall a nice romantic experience, B+ Food
CONS: Somewhat pricier than other places, but worth it.
not as expected
by snw1004
October 17, 2002
After reading the other reviews, I thought this would be the greatest mex restaurant.
The food and margaritas are pretty good but value-wise I would not recommend this restaurant. For a meal for two (entree and drinks), the total came up to over $50. Fahitas are not too great either. Nice atmosphere for a date but Olvera Street is very much empty at night. The restaurant is worth going once but I won't be going back.
- Pros: atmosphere, margaritas, service
- Cons: fahitas, price
