La Carmencita

Walking into La Carmencita feels like discovering a secret the rest of Hollywood doesn’t know about yet. Tucked away on Highland Avenue, just far enough from the tourist chaos of Hollywood Boulevard, this bright and colorful Mexican cantina has become a genuine neighborhood gathering spot. The space is vibrant and welcoming—the kind of place where you walk in planning to have a quick bite and end up staying for hours.

The kitchen specializes in Baja-style Mexican cooking, which means seafood takes center stage. The raw and cold section of the menu deserves your full attention, but the real showstopper is the shrimp cazuela—a gloriously cheesy, creamy shrimp dip that will have your table ordering multiple rounds. The tropical ceviche with its mix of mango, apple, and citrus is refreshingly bright, while the cochinita pibil offers a satisfying break from the ocean with its tender, sweet-and-savory pulled pork wrapped in banana leaves.

Skip most of the tacos and focus on the appetizers and raw bar, with one exception: the Gobernador taco, loaded with stewed shrimp and cheese on a fresh tortilla, is absolutely worth ordering. Pro tip—ask them to grill the cheese directly into the tortilla. The margarita pitchers here are dangerously good, making it easy to lose track of time with friends.

What truly sets La Carmencita apart is the crowd it draws. In a neighborhood where most people are just passing through, this place is filled with locals who actually want to be there. It’s a refreshing reminder that great neighborhood restaurants can thrive anywhere—even in the middle of Hollywood.