Chef Walter Manzke's interpretation of street food classics, rooted in multigenerational tradition and technique, is featured on the menu at Petty Cash. Petty Cash is located on Beverly Boulevard beneath the (former Playa) rooftop garden tended to by Chef John Sedlar and features urban elements such as hand-painted murals by local street artist RETNA as well as street-style graffiti art by some of Petty Cash's kitchen staff, a back room with shuffleboard, and picnic-style tables and bench seating that lends to a relaxed and playful communal dining room centered around an active bar.

This "semi-authentic taqueria" was designed by the chef around high-quality ingredients that were tastefully seasoned and simply presented in tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and other dishes. Tortillas, as well as premium meat for carne asada meals, are hand-made and cooked to order over a wood fire. Sushi-grade fish is featured in the ceviche bar. Vegetarian choices like rainbow cauliflower nachos and grilled maitake mushroom tacos are delectable enough to compete with meat and fish.

Location: 7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Website: pettycashtaqueria.com

El Compadre is a Los Angeles institution that celebrates classic Mexican cuisine at its most wacky. There are now three locations throughout the city, but the original El Compadre on Sunset Boulevard dates back to 1975 and is without a doubt one of the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. Prepare to be wowed by features like signature flaming margaritas, an all-night mariachi band, and bright red vinyl upholstery. The cuisine is laid-back and nostalgic. It satisfies diners' cravings for classic Mexican comfort food, such as cheese-doused combination platters, sizzling fajita plates, and mounds of rice and beans.

The lighting is dim, and you'll feel as if you're entering a cave. Allow your eyes to adapt for at least five minutes. Be prepared for all eyes to be on you as you make your grand entrance since the front door spits you straight into the middle of the restaurant. Kendra Wilkinson, Amy Adams, and Blink-182 have all been photographed here, according to Google pictures. And the drinks are served up with a floating piece of orange peel that has some kind of flammable liquid in it, which they light on fire.

Location: 7408 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Website: https://www.elcompadrerestaurant.com

Downtown Tex-Mex fans will be hard-pressed to find a better option than Bar Amá. Chef Josef Centeno elevates Tex-Mex classics with high-quality ingredients and inventive touch. Every day for lunch and dinner, the restaurant has a casual vibe and a menu that will satisfy any appetite. Small plates, bright salads, and family-style feasts are all available. The roasted cauliflower with cilantro pesto, San Antonio-style puffy tacos (a signature dish), and homestyle green enchiladas served in a cast-iron skillet are all praised by critics. For great deals at the bar, go to "super nacho hour".

In a community that does vegan better than most, Amá has some of the best vegan food around. Ordering cuisine that is already mainly vegan without any re-engineering—think guacamole, sopes, and enchiladas verde—is the best plan for maximum delight. Although the "cheese" is cashew crema, it has a rich and deep taste.

Location: 118 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Website: www.bar-ama.com

Toca Madera, which translates to "knock on wood", is a small 150-seat restaurant in Los Angeles that serves a modern take on traditional Mexican fare. Toca Madera's menu features locally sourced ingredients with an emphasis on organic, as well as vegan and gluten-free options, and offers something for everyone. Farm fresh and seasonal ingredients are also used to create the extensive cocktail menu. Toca Madera, which features a 100-foot crystal-quartz island bar, serves the finest tequilas and mezcals, as well as a rotating selection of select wines from around the world.

According to a menu posted on the restaurant's website, the menu is organized into six sections: salads, platos pequenos ("little plates"), platos grandes ("big platters"), raw bar, sides, and desserts. Empanadas, tamales, tostadas, and Queso Fundito are among the small plates available. Enchiladas de Mole, enchiladas de Suiza, carne asada, and at least 10 taco variations are among the larger platters. A Churro ice cream sandwich, filled with dulce de leche ice cream and topped with spicy Mexican chocolate shavings, is one of their hallmark treats.

Location: 8450 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Website: www.tocamadera.com

Gracias Madre, located in the heart of West Hollywood's Design District on Melrose Avenue, has an expansive outdoor patio with century-old olive trees, a fireplace, and striking design elements ideal for trend-setting social media updates. This clean yet rustic celebrity favorite's ambiance is subtle yet vibrant, creating a comfortable atmosphere for intimate conversation or large celebrations.

Whitewashed brick and lofty ceilings with exposed beams and plenty of natural light can be found within this old antique store. This stylish, rustic ambiance is completed by boldly patterned tiling and reclaimed wood flooring and furnishings. Natural red brick and a variety of organic plants offer a wonderful retreat in the heart of this lively metropolitan area outside on the patio. The verdant patio is illuminated at night by string lights and a central fireplace, providing a lovely nighttime escape.

Gracias Madre serves 100% organic, farm-fresh, locally sourced food inspired by some of the recipes of the communities. Executive Chef Chandra Gilbert brings bold flavors, seasonally-conscious ingredients and unique flare to their plant-based take on Mexican classics. Gracias Madre's whimsical agave-based beverage program is spearheaded by the award-winning beverage director, Jason Eisner.

Location: 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Website: graciasmadreweho.com

SOL Mexican Cocina in Playa Vista serves produce-forward Baja-style cuisine in an upscale setting. There is an outdoor patio that is warmed by fire pits at night. Meanwhile, the open kitchen with its oak wood-fired grill is visible from the airy, light-filled dining room. The restaurant is known for its handcrafted margaritas. It offers a dozen options, including a frozen mango con chile margarita and a blackberry-ginger margarita. Creative tacos, such as pig ear chicharron tacos, "canarditas" duck tacos, and Ensenada-style fish taco plates, dominate the dinner menu. An octopus and charred tomato dish with spicy red mustard greens is another intriguing option.

SOL combines old-world beauty with metropolitan luxury, echoing the broad sea, sky, and desert aspects of the Baja peninsula. They prepare their food in an open kitchen with counter seating for diners who like watching the bustling kitchen, which is reminiscent of a Baja taco bar. SOL has a cuisine of fresh, seasonal foods and genuine Mexican flavors, as well as a lively bar with over 60 artisan tequilas and a welcoming fire element that reflects the flavors of the Baja area. They have chosen items and initiatives that they feel are both ecologically and socially responsible wherever feasible.

Location: 12775 W. Millenium DrivePlaya Vista, CA

Website: solcocina.com

Dia de Campo, part surf lodge, part taqueria, brings a taste of Mexico to Hermosa Beach, with seasoned partners Chef Tin Vuong (Little Sister) and Jed Sanford at the helm. A raw seafood bar tempts diners looking for a fresh-from-the-sea fare, while plancha pork belly, short rib empanadas, and chimichangas fill the bellies of traditional Mexican food lovers. Brunch is also available, with tequila flights and Bloody Marias paired with camp-fire pancakes with spiced yogurt, black plum, and pistachio.

Dia de Campo is inspired by a variety of sources, including East LA cocinas, vintage West Coast fish restaurants, and surf shacks. Everything was in keeping with its Hermosa Beach setting, which was just a block from the shore. The restaurant's supper and brunch dishes feature a lot of seafood. Half a dozen ceviches, grilled and crispy shrimp and Mahi tacos, and a lobster for two with homemade mole sauce and chile butter are among the offerings. A manly Cali burrito with hanger steak, fried egg, potatoes, and Monterey Jack, as well as a cactus salad with jicama, avocado, and pickled cabbage, are two more standouts. A pumpkin zucchini pound cake French toast and ancho lamb shoulder with crispy skin are two of the most fascinating brunch-only options.

Location: 1238 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Website: www.diadecampohb.com

Pink Taco, located at 374 Congress St. in South Boston, is a newcomer. Pink Taco serves tacos, margaritas, burritos, and other items. Pink Taco also serves brunch and has special Taco Tuesday menus.

Pink Taco, a small regional restaurant franchise with a taco truck fleet, has a popular location on Sunset Boulevard. The brand is known for its clear SoCal interpretations of Mexican classics. Street corn, taco trios, and sophisticated dinners like lobster enchiladas are all on the menu. Taco bowls with chicken, carne asada, and vegan options are also available on the menu. Arbol, cactus, pineapple serrano, and tequila pico are just a few of the vibrant and robust house salsas available to diners. Every day from 3 to 7 p.m., Pink Taco's happy hour offers excellent prices on food and beverages, including house and frozen margaritas.

Location: 8225 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Website: www.pinktaco.com