El Coyote

02/24/05

Since 1931, this Spanglish institution has been the source of all things cheesy.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Born of the gringo Mexican craze of the 1930s (which also spawned Olvera Street's tienda look), this joint has all the trimmings: black velvet paintings, Christmas lights galore and waitresses in embroidered folk dresses. Families, college kids and gay dinner dates keep the place packed at all hours.

The Food
The cuisine is firmly grounded in canned beans, salsa roja that resembles stewed tomatoes and limpid pools of cheddar cheese. It's far from authentic Mexican--that's the point. It's big, it's cheap, it's fun and it's there to buffer the effects of damn fine margaritas. Entrees run the gamut from the ridiculous to the sublime. Named after the restaurant's first regular customer, the enchiladas Howard are two burly cheese enchiladas drowned in chunkified chili con carne. Instead, order sweet, buttery green corn tamales that are available year-round and easily give El Cholo a run for its pesos.

05/27/09

Just order the carnitas and scratch margarita

by ShanePHall at Citysearch

Stick to the basics, crunchy chicken tacos, margaritas, carnitas. Occasionally the tostada works too.

• Pros: Tallest glass of wine in town.
• Cons: They don't drive you home.

12/20/08

Everything I expected and more

by MaxMaxhat at Citysearch

Incredible service and the food was outstanding. Next time I visit LA I'm booking a hotel as close as possible. Make sure El Coyote is on your list, you won't regret it.

• Pros: Everything, my list is too long.
• Cons: None, if there's a line it's worth the wait.

12/20/08

YUMMY....EAT HERE OFTEN !!!!!!!

by BT2300000 at Citysearch

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST. SUPER FOOD, PREPARED WELL AT A GREAT PRICE, COURTEOUS ATTENTIVE WAIT STAFF, One of my favorite spots. Do yourself a favor, eat here, OFTEN. Low prices and a great Happy Hour.

12/19/08

Just good food, screw those with agendas

by stewie54 at Citysearch

No "AGENDA" here, just good solid Mexican food and Margaritas. Plan on taking the office here for the food. Wait staff is excellent, courteous, and well mannered. All other bad comments about this restaurant are agenda driven, this place is just down right good. We'll be back! If you don't belive it, try it yourself and you will see that they are being casticized by others for no reason. Good food. Thanks for the hospitality!!!

• Pros: Good location, couteous ownership
• Cons: Maybe parking, but hey, where is that not a problem?

12/19/08

One of the Best Mexican Restaurants in LA

by ma3lst0rm at Citysearch

Everything was just delicious. The margaritas, the comfortable atmosphere. This is a perfect place for friends and family to get together for some great authentic Mexican food.

12/13/08

Bad food, weak drinks, slovenly staff

by QuesadillaLover at Citysearch

Margaritas are small and weak. Food looks and tastes like plastic. Wait staff seems dirty. Prices expensive compared to what's offered. We're not going back.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: parking, food, drinks, staff

11/21/08

Delicious

by jerrymcgwire at Citysearch

Rob and big love this resturant and so do i. There burritos are so juicy and delicous i cant get enough of them. Definitely reccomend for your mexican cravings

11/17/08

Have you tried the Spanish Omlette Yet?

by WebsterandRosey at Citysearch

For decades, beginning with an uncle, our family has patronized El Coyote without disappointment. When our now grown children are in town visiting, a must do is always a return to this favorite spot. We have celebrated many happy occasions in this informal and friendly atmosphere. While we each have our standard favorites, my husband adores the beef enchaladas and uses them as his benchmark when sampling others. Nothing quite compares in his book. Through the years my personal favorite is the puffy Spanish omlette filled with quality sharp cheddar - its a treat that I have not found anywhere else. We live a good hour away and still get 'our fix' many times a year.

11/17/08

THE CHILES RELLENOS ARE MADE IN HEAVEN!

by Petraeus at Citysearch

This a very nice place that we visit several times a year. The Chiles Rellenos are SUPERB! Recently, I

tried the highly-publicized Mexican Pizza for the first time, and it was a real surprise - flavorful and fun.

The staff is warm and welcoming, and work hard at not making me feel rushed - I appreciate this very

much. The Cafe is a lot cleaner than many places that I would put in the same category, and this I

REALLY appreciate. I think you'll enjoy a visit there - give it a couple of tries and see if you agree.

11/15/08

So sad to let go...

by markmark99 at Citysearch

After patronizing El Coyote for almost 22 years now, my last meal was the day before Halloween, due to their policies (and I'm straight) I unfortunately will not be dining there anymore. That being said, the margaritas are very good, but ask for a "scratch" or you will get a drink scooped out of a giant (yet cleaned) trash bin behind the bar. The food has much improved over the last ten years, especially the hard shell tacos. The beans are also very good. Adios El Coyote, hello El Compandre, you'll be missed...