Loteria

Finding good Mexican food in LA is a challenge, but Loteria at the Farmers Market in the Grove is a time tested favorite. It's just really great Mexican flare with a hint of Caribbean influence in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. You'll easily be able to spot this little gem in the Farmers Market by the multi-colored pictures that cover their outside wall, teaching simple Spanish through pictures (i.e. la reina with a picture of a queen, etc.). There are a couple of ways to dine here. If you want to take your time and be waited on, grab a seat at the counter and the fast-paced employees will take care of you. If you're with other people getting other food (perhaps the French place next door), you can stand in line and grab your goods on a tray to sit and eat at one of the many patio tables in the Farmers Market. I believe you can do to go too if you are really in a hurry. I've never been for breakfast, but if it's as good as the lunch/dinner items you'll be in good shape. My favorite dish here is the cheese enchilada platter in black bean sauce. So good! Their other enchiladas are good too, and you really just can't go wrong here. You can also create your own combo plate of mini-tacos, burritos, and/or tortas. Though I've never tried it, Loteria also offers low-carb tacos served in lettuce cups instead of a tortilla. Don't be fooled by the queso fundido. It may sound familiar, but this is just some cojita cheese melted on a plate, not at all like the runny queso we all miss from back home. One thing they don't have is tamales, so if you are really itching for one of those, you might want to try a neighborhood farmers' market (the kind in the street). To make up for the tamale-lessness, Loteria has fried plantains with creme fresca as a side. Who doesn't love fried plantains? I know they have about 3 or 4 different flavors of aguas frescas, including horchata, but I don't believe they have their liquor license. Not to worry, though, on the other side is a sports bar for getting margaritas or Mexican beer! Even though Loteria is really delicious, we always feel like it's more expensive than it should be, usually coming in at around $25 for the two of us. If you really try though, I'm quite sure you could eat on far less than that, but then you'd be missing out. Don't forget to get your parking validated for a free 2 hours!

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