El Coyote

Walking into El Coyote feels like stepping back in time to a Los Angeles that has largely disappeared. Since 1931, this Beverly Boulevard landmark has been serving up margaritas and memories to generations of Angelenos. The sprawling, colorful dining room buzzes with energy every night of the week—a rare thing in a city where restaurants come and go faster than Hollywood trends.

The food here won’t blow your mind, but that’s not really the point. The Enchilada Howard, named after a beloved regular from decades past, is comfort food at its finest when paired with their famous margaritas. Pro tip: order your ice on the side and stretch one drink into two. The burritos are comically large and drenched in a satisfying red sauce, while the shrimp fajitas arrive sizzling and deliver honest, unpretentious flavors.

El Coyote thrives as a gathering place where the experience matters more than the plate. On any given night, you’ll find birthday celebrations spilling across long tables, families marking milestones, and regulars who’ve been claiming the same bar stools for generations. The atmosphere is electric, communal, and utterly unique in a city that often takes itself too seriously.

If you’re looking for innovative Mexican cuisine or Instagram-worthy plating, look elsewhere. But if you want to understand what makes Los Angeles special—the history, the characters, the sense of community that transcends trends—grab a booth at El Coyote and let the party sweep you away.