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El Guapo Mexican Cantina - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Mexican, Sports Bars [Edit]
7250 Melrose AveLos Angeles, CA 90046
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 297-0471
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
109 reviews for El Guapo Mexican Cantina
Review Highlights
"3pm a little too early for beer pong, you say."
(in 27 reviews)
"Good times."
(in 5 reviews)
"Also a great outdoor patio."
(in 5 reviews)
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109 reviews in English
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Review from Lindsay P.
Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2009
I would give this place a 2 were it not for its 1/2 off food on Sundays. The patrons and poor music choice at this place are its downfall...the service and food are alright. The beer is overpriced and nothing special.
The female sports fans that frequent El Guapo are particularly irritating. I've come here on multiple occasions (wow, did I just admit that), and its usually overrun by a few noisy broads. Also, they just play horrible music, and they play it just barely loud enough to be uncomfortable and annoying.
The servers are nothing to write home about. -
Review from Courtney H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2009
I came here last Saturday to watch the UFC fight (match? game?) with a group of friends. Now, admittedly, I know nothing of MMA stuff or follow the fights, but would I ever pass up an opportunity to see two sweaty men grapple, punch, and frot each other in violent, angry fervor? NEVER!
$5 to get in. Okay. I have never seen so many fucking flat-screen TVs in my entire life. I am baffled at the other reviews that state that there are not enough TVs. So yes, take my word for it... plenty of screens to watch the hot, man on man groin-grinding action.
The place was absolutely packed, and so the service was pretty lacking. Completely understandable, so we cut everyone some slack and I patiently waited for the most forgettable, $9 grilled cheese sandwich I ever had. The beers were plentiful, and the waitress was a sweetheart despite all the hustle and bustle going on.
It was just okay, guys. I honestly wouldn't go here, unless I needed to watch some event on a huge screen--it's a little too "Hollywood" for yours truly. If there is a game or a fight, get here early or you will be standing the whole time. Expect to pay through the nose if you're hungry. Yeah, that's all I have to say about that. -
Review from Brian C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2008
Based on other reviews, it appears as though El Guapo is loved by few and hated by many. Personally, I've always had an affinity for this place because it's one of the few sports bars in Los Angeles that consistently shows big time PPV boxing matches.
Cover on fight nights is $4, a very reasonable charge considering some other bars tax you a considerable chunk of change, anywhere from $10-$15, in which case you may as well order the fight yourself at home and split the cost with friends. In addition to the low cover, you can call days in advance or even day of to reserve a table, and even just walking in you can still find good seats if you arrive early. The guy who runs the fight reservations is extremely organized and makes the whole process a breeze, plus he checks on his tables to ensure the waitresses are taking care of your food and beverage needs.
The food and menu here aren't great, but after repeated trips of trial and error I've managed to come away with a couple favorites. The hot wings are pretty good and generously portioned. One order brings a dozen, and the wings themselves are large and meaty, unlike the midget drummettes found at some other establishments, and the hot sauce packs a nice punch. My favorite is the chicken nachos, which have been confirmed by many a friend to be the best item on the menu. An order of both can easily be split between and satisfy a group of 2 or 3 healthy appetites. Both the nachos and wings are 50% along with all other appetizers until 7 p.m. as part of the happy hour specials. The burritos are passable if you don't care for either of the aforementioned items, but I'd recommend simply passing. The rest of the menu is largely underwhelming.
Unfortunately El Guapo is far from perfect and doesn't come without a few flaws. In years past, all patrons were given chips & salsa upon being seated, but that practice is no longer in effect. I know the economy sucks right now and businesses everywhere are looking for ways to save coin, but a cantina/taqueria not providing chips & salsa gratis is damn near sacrilege in my book.
Also, on my most recent visit, I called in advance to see if they were showing the Hopkins vs. Pavlik fight, which the hostess confirmed they were. I was relieved to find a place to catch the fight after calling 10+ sports bars in West LA and SaMo to no avail. Sadly, our group drove all the way from West LA and paid valet only to find that the hostess had confused my inquiry with the UFC fight and I ended up missing a great performance by Hopkins. This was a one time occurrence, but still, I need your hostess to know exactly WTF is showing that particular night.
Lastly, as some others have mentioned, the typical crowd is a mix of Frat Boys 'R Us who don't want to grow up and trendy folk from Melrose and the surrounding areas. At times the d-bag quotient can get pretty high. Nonetheless, between the female customers and waitresses there's usually some nice eye candy for the fellas, so I can't really complain.
When it comes to sports bars overall, El Guapo is middle of the road and I'd much rather enjoy big games and the like at Barney's. But come fight night, this is probably where you'll find me. -
Review from Ed C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/26/2007
Ten reasons why I like El Guapo:
1) It shares a name with the bandito villain in that most excellent comedy THE THREE AMIGOS.
2) They have bossomy waitresses.
3) Location - location - location:
a) It's close to where I live in H'wood, so it caters to my laziness, I mean, my environmentally conscious way-of-life. I don't want to contribute to global warming by driving hither-and-tither.
b) Plus, there's a dearth of sports bars in that area of town. I'm not really that into sports, but if one of my teams - e.g. the Lakers, the Clippers, UCLA - makes it into the play-offs, I'd like to watch it among other fans. It's probably a tribal thang.
4) The last time I was there, the bartender-lady mistakenly poured a whole bottle of Patron into our margarita pitcher. Good times...
5) There's loads of parking - granted, it's street parking and you have to watch where you're leaving your car or ya might get a ticket (not-so-Good Times), but otherwise, you'll find a spot if you're vigilant.
6) They have an al fresco patio area - which is key for enjoying the fine L.A. weather.
7) I saw Judd Nelson there in full BREAKFAST CLUB mode - long disheveled hair, trench coat, 10 o'clock shadow, boots, etc. If it's good enough for that 80s icon, then it's good enough more this sap.
8) They have a bajillion television sets covering every perspective in the joint.
9) They have bossomy waitresses.
10) They have bossomy waitresses.
Clearly ten reasons was a bit of a stretch for me, so I had no business being a shot-caller like that, but #s 2, 9 and 10 are compelling reasons, are they not?
Tres estrellas! Ole! -
Review from Veronica R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2008
Hey El Guapo, Guapster, El Guap-o-rama,
It's cool that you like to keep us guessing on which brand of canned or bagged food you're going to serve up next, but you seem to forget to make sure it's not disgusting first. I know I'm drunk and probably distracted with some sort of sport on the TV, but my tastebuds have feelings too, and your food makes them cry.
Oh and another thing, if you're going to start charging a cover to get in, make sure all your bartenders switch to sequined shirts. It fits the vibe.
Peace, brah! -
Review from Kristen F.
3/30/2007
My friends and I have nicknamed this place El Crappo. The name says it all.
Bad food
Bad service
Bad crowd
Bad bathrooms
Bad everything!
Well except the margarita was pretty tasty. Can I get a woohoo one star for a tasty margarita?
Good luck trying to get in for Cinco De Mayo. I don't even know why anyone came here for that event. Cabo anyone? -
Review from Aimee S.
Whittier, CA
7/14/2007
Oh Guapo. Crazy little Guapo.
My Rum Runner was lacking in Rum-ness.
My Chicken wrap thing was lacking flavor. (Note to El Guapo: Excess honey mustard sauce does not help).
The salsas were atrocious. Seriously. How does a so-called Mexican cantina NOT know how to make some salsa!
I got like 10 steak fries.
Service was slow.
Parking sucked.
Music was good. Anytime you can hear "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors you know you're living in the present.
I have to say that as a 90210 fan, I was a little giddy to be in the same center where Kelly & Donna opened up there clothing botique.
But, it wasn't all bad, thanks to their Betting Board (though you can't bet here), I know what the odds of the Raiders winning the 2008 SuperBowl. And that the Texans are 1000 to 1. Suckas.
Guapo? No! Esta Feo! -
Review from Carrie R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/17/2008
My star for EL Guapo is PURELY based on quantity of televisions they have...well, that and beer.
I haven't been here in forever so who knows, perhaps it's gotten better, but I can honestly say that my experiences here (can't speak for others) have been barely above Level "Blech."
The food just SUCKS...the Mexican food anyway. I go to Mexican restaurants for the food and margaritas...NOT primarily to take in an NFL game on Sunday and to have a burger. If I wanted that, I'd go to a sports bar and have bar food. There's nothing really "Mexi" about the food here....and the margs are "meh." And whenever I go here...I feel dirty. Not in the naughty way mind you...but in the "I feel like I have a light dusty film covering my skin upon entrance" kind of dirty. Just doesn't feel clean to me....
However, with that said...the space is large and they DO have an abundance of screens for game viewing. And yes, they have beer. So if you JUST want beer and a game...and have a large group (or a small one)...it's a decent place. I just wouldn't eat here....Listed in: My fave kick-butt Mexi…
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Review from Keisha A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2009 1 photo
So looks like it's been revamped and redesigned. It now kind of looks like a larger version of Toi without the Thai food. It's rock 'n' roll themed so the decor is darker and their are lots of posters of rock bands and movies on the tables, walls and ceiling.
I've been here for drinks and appetizers before the remodel and it was alright. Typical bar food and the drinks were weak or strong depending on what you ordered and who the bartender was. The beer pong table is a great touch and can provide hours of entertainment. I came here for a friend's birthday party and he had a blast.
Post re-model I came here for brunch - I do not recommend this place for a real brunch unless you like bland, tasteless breakfast tacos with bacon you have to ask for - none of their breakfast dishes come with bacon! Sacrilege! It is however great for watching football (or any other sport, including UFC) and drinking massive quantities of beer and bloody marys. There are tons of big screen HDTVs around the bar showing as many games as possible - a sports lovers paradise. It can be a fun place, just don't expect more than drinks and bring your own fun friends. -
Review from stephy s.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2006
God forbid you get stuck here on a major drinking holiday(Cinco De Mayo & St. Patty's Day)...you will wish for Calgon to take you away....far....far...away. I've regretfully spent 2 of these horrific evenings at this sh*thole and I will never go back.
First off, what kind of a mexican cantina can't make salsa. It's friggen brown and I'm not talking mole brown, I'm talking ugh belgh yuck brown. The service is awesome if you like silicon chicks who can't even pronounce quesadilla right and if you ask me, any place that serves a purple hooter or a butter nipple or whatever the hell else these frat-like mentality drinkers drink, well no thanks on that place.
If you do however love the smell of beer, loud venues, obnoxious idiots, having your ass grabbed, chicks holding each others hair back in the bathroom cuz they drank one too many butter butt shots and didn't eat for fear that their size 2 frame might look a bit poochy, then by all means, have at it!
But for me...El Guapo Es El Grosso!
BleghListed in: Los Angeles Things To Do,
Thanks Mom, you…">Los Angeles Businesses to… -
Review from c. k.
Atlanta, GA
7/13/2008
Upon arrival, one would think he/she found a great sports bar with plenty of tvs, a spacious patio and two full-service bars. Unfortunately, all other aspects of the bar miss the mark.
Service. Consistently, service at El Guapo is less than desired. From the hostess to the servers, they all seem annoyed, over-extended and unfocused. Never expect to walk in and walk out here as a lot of your time is spent waiting on drinks and food.
Margaritas are large but laden with sweet and sour mix...a travesty for margaritas everywhere. Food is edible, but if you are looking for authenticity, high-quality or even timely food , I suggest moving on elsewhere.
Game days/nights are the most fun if you are looking for large, boisterous crowds. -
Review from Jen G.
New York, NY
5/11/2008
It's like Senor Frog's for the 19-23 y/o crowd, except you're not in Mexico, and it's not spring break anymore.
We went here yesterday on a Saturday night and the place was pretty much deserted. -
Review from Lisa P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2008
I had signed up for email invites etc to let me know of special events. Ok, so I got one for maybe it was there anniversary party. It said all u can drink for free. It also said u had to RSVP. I called and did it. I got to the bar, they said go to the next bar they have your drink. I did. They said it would be 5.00. I was like no way. they said free drinks. This bartender told me it was only in the other bar where I just came from. Yeah i had to pay. My boyfriend still likes the place. I have major questions
1-19-08
I went here again tonight. I get email updates from this place. I tell my boyfriend about it to see if he wants to go. Ok, tonight was fightnight. Roy Jones Jr and Felix trinidad. He insisted I go with him. So I called my friend and she went with us. It was $10 at the door. The place was packed. Wall to wall people. I need to remind myself not to go there with my bfriend. -
Review from William H.
Los Angeles, CA
6/14/2007
I think the problem with El Guapo is that it caters to such a general audience that it can't be anything better than mediocre. There are some things I like about this place but more I don't like. The building is really nice and arranged in such a way that you can go and watch any game you want even if 6 games in 3 different sports are going on at the same time. They carry the UFC PPVs with a small cover. The bartenders are nice and are remarkably good at remembering you even in a crowd of a 100.
The things I don't like is the type of crowd, it generally is folks in their late 30s/early 40s that cause a ruckus; which I respect, but it isn't a respectable ruckus :).
Then on major drinking holidays the crowds are the people who are not generally drinkers but they NEED to drink on drinking holidays and degenerate into a bunch of jock douche bags. Those are the nights where the boys hit each other in the balls and laugh and when ladies have long lines to the bathroom because there are legions of girls yaking all night.
Go here to see a basketball game, then go somewhere else for some real drinking. That is what I do. -
Review from Jason C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2007
"I'm sorry but do you carry bathtub size Margarita's? Oh, you do. Great. I'll have forty of them."
That's about how it begins when I arrive at this establishment wearing a monocle and debating whether 13th century literature exposed the human soul more so than 14th century literature.
Leaving however...I can't find my pants, everything I'm shouting is REALLY important and I'm in a fistfight with a girl scout over a piece of bologna.
Good times. Good times. -
Review from Dave C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/15/2008
Hmm... seems like The Handsome (what up, Ms. Tarbell's Spanish class) is splitting Yelpers left and right. While I had a really good time at El Guapo, please keep in mind that my review is based on us having a large portion of the restaurant reserved, so chips came out automatically, we got there at 6:00PM so we had no line, didn't leave until around midnight, so I probably was getting progressively more wastey before I left.
I enjoyed how spacious it was in our few steps raised area, but it was because we had it all reserved for a co-worker's going away party. So yes, the bartender didn't want to pay attention to two undersized Asians when we went up there, which was a bummer when all I wanted was a Pacifico and had to wait for all the good looking giants to keep cutting me in line first. And yes, the bar area smells a little like rhino balls in a hot day in the safari (or stale beer mixed with a little barf), but I didn't really have to deal with too much of that.
We had our own beer pong table, which was a lot of fun for me to show off my middle school bball skillz yo, some really good company, and it was a beautiful day, which made this a really fun experience for us. I avoided the mean bartender by walking over to the other bar with the cute girl bartender who knew she could take all my money, so that saved me on that. We also had a couple waitresses who were always in our area (because we were a big party) and that made it a lot easier as well.
I could definitely see how being alone, not in the outdoor area (which was really great when we went) inside the bar, could really suck. You can't hear what's on the TV's and it's dark, drab, and smells like snuffleluffagus took a dump on some dirty sanchez loving squirrels in some places (or just smells bad...sorry, stopping with the metaphors soon).
We kind of had El Guapo - Balla status (relative term) on my one experience there, so I'm sure that's why my experience is very different from other Yelpers. We had pretty good service, decent food, lots of chips and guac, and cute waitresses/bartenders who made the night work (but I'm sure we were giving them a lot of money).
I was going to give it four stars, but I'm docking one for the place being mean to Yelpers, and another because I think it's incredibly fishy how it looks like there might be some weird star-age going on for this place.
On a subtle side note: TO WHOEVER ATE PIZZA AND/OR SPAGHETTI AND FELT THE NEED TO BARF IN THE URINAL, TOILET, AND SINK ON FRIDAY NIGHT, THAT WAS AN IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT OF BARF.
Please use the toilet, as the urinal is all bad news when it's filled up with that much stuff (pee/barf splatter FTL). And eat less, damn. -
Review from julieanne s.
Brooklyn, NY
10/7/2007
Needless to say, we were not expecting Ferran Adria to be hiding out in the kitchen. But the Guap, and our delinquient waitress "melanie," somehow managed to make us feel like we were enjoying our Sunday afternoon pitchers and baseball game from the inside of a Mexican prison.
Service was abysmal. Pitcher of beer (served in tupperware-like disposable bucket) was warm and flatter than my midwestern ass. Food was mediocre, compounded by the fact that we were often missing key elements required to eat it (salsa with no chips, anyone?). At some point, our waitress (Melanie, the astrophysics PHD) realized we were pissed and sort of gave up on us as a table and went to sit and chat with some friends. We asked twice for the check and were held hostage for nearly an hour until she dropped the tab.
I never tip under 20%. My friends urged me not to leave anything, but alas, I don't have the stones. Dr. Melanie, Rocket Scientist, got $4. -
Review from Take T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/15/2008
Wow, don't know why all the hate on this place (you all probably hate Panda Express too but that's a different story) .
I give it four stars (meaning I'm a fan) and here's why: I came here last night with folks from my softball team. After we gave out a 23 to 5 drubbing of the other team (6 home runs, 2 of them were mine), we were feeling pretty good. I went there twice last year but this time, they closed the old crappy part of the bar down and the more wide open large space was available.
Lots of TV's playing all kinds of sports from baseball to the Olympics, two beer pong tables (always fun, even when you lose), lots of cold beer, and the service was friendly and quick. I had beer and their buffalo chicken wings. The wings were pretty good. I would definitely order them again. Not too sure about any thing else on the menu.
As for the crowd, I didn't really notice as we pretty much talked, played beer pong, drank, and ate. Didn't really care what anybody else was doing.
I think it's a great place to go and relax, have a few beers and enjoy the company of good friends. -
Review from Nicole C.
La Crescenta, CA
5/27/2008
I wish I could give this place negative stars. Stopped by here after the restaurant my friends and I were going to go to was closed. The margaritas were average....basically the ONLY safe thing to order on the menu. As we were waiting for the food, I looked around and said, "do you smell hot dogs??" Which apparently meant that the waitress had walked up with our food. I ordered enchiladas and my boyfriend had boneless wings. THEY EVEN TASTED LIKE A HOT DOG. It was the single most disgusting meal I've ever had. Screw the leftovers...which was basically ALL the food.
Don't eat here unless you want your food to smell and taste like processed hot dogs. Ew. -
Review from Erin M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/3/2007
2 words...Beer Pong.
Regulation tables. It'd been years..but I've still got it!
*This review was based solely upon the ability to play the noble sport of beer pong. Food was not involved...thankfully so by the looks of the other reviews. -
Review from Eric M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2008
First of all, Thanks El Guapo for the free drinks last night to celebrate your grand remodeling. However it won't spare you from being my first 1 star review.
Oh my how you have lost your way. What once was a nice little Mexican Cantina where you eat good food could catch a game has become Hollywood's greatest douchebag factory second only to Happy Endings.
Do you even have an identity anymore? The new red flocked wallpaper screams, "I want so badly to look classy!" but the guitars and records on the wall just say, "I'm a second rate suburban Hard Rock." I could overlook the disastrous new remodel only until the Go-Go dancers came out. I mean seriously WTF?! Go-Go dancers? Any resemblance to an "authentic" Mexican restaurant is now completely out the window.
Oh and I am sure that from time to time I will sneak in here, unnoticed, to catch a Lakers game, but I will hang my head in shame at the bastardization of a once great hang-out. Sorry "New Management" but you f-ed this one up. I am sure you will find what you are looking for however, when the lines at Happy Endings get long, the spillover will find it's way here.
p.s. People, also take note that many of the recent 5 star reviews are from people with only that said 5 star review. I smell insider reviews... -
Review from Russel G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2007
While do not harbor the disdain of my fellow yelpers I am rather surprised to see that no one has mentioned that this place is in the shopping center made famous by BH90210. Now that thats out of the way....
El Guapo is a flash-back to the binge drinking I left behind in college (ok not left behind as much as actively curtailed). There are gross shots, there are waitresses in tight tops, the place is gross, and there is beer pong (watch out though the brothers at this Frat house have some crazy rules). -
Review from Alex M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/26/2007
The food is ok... but if you're looking for a good time on a Sunday afternoon with a mix of football, drinks and food then this is the place.
They have an outdoor courtyard surrounded with a friendly staff, TV's and friendly drinkers which is really nice. The best part is that the courtyard is DOG friendly. You will catch me and my pooch kickin it courtside getting my drink on! -
Review from Steve M.
Hollywood, CA
3/4/2007
Despite what everyone else thinks, I liked this place. Take it I am a guy in his 20's and love sports. They make this blue drink that is about 20oz, 15oz is alcohol, and the other 5oz is alcohol. It costs 5 dollars. Needless to say it will get you feeling good.
The best time to go to this place is Saturday Afternoon when they have some sort of function going on. Be it college football or basketball, or NFL. It is like tailgating before a football game. A lot of drinking, and a lot of eating, and a good college bar feeling.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Victor L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/8/2007
I'm torn as to whether giving this 2 or 3 stars. First, find ample parking on side streets. Or try to. Being on vacation from New York I think obviously the biggest shock was just the amount of parking fees tallied.
The place is divided between two kinds of places: laid back outdoor cafe/patio, with, you know, some plant life, relaxed atmosphere, sunny disposition, and raging sports bar, testosterone fueled (there's even that cool conference room type with the racing arcade game seats and big HD tv ready for a circle jerk of some sort.
There are lots of TVs here, and we decided that this would be the place to watch the Cincy-Patriots Monday night game, as Hollywood Billiards decided to turn us off with their 20 dollar cover on Sunday, no exceptions.
Our waitress was really pissed off and detached (not at us, just in general) for unknown reasons. I've never seen a waitress so just down. Having been a bartender I know there are off days, I was just surprised how little she felt like hiding it. I felt sympathetic, so I tipped well. Hope things are better, Jaclyn. At some point.
Now that the Lifetime movie is over, let's get down to some of the food and drink. Beers weren't very cheap. They just weren't. Not expensive, but a sports bar usually has something special. However, the appetizers, like at tons of other places in LA (I was really fascinated by this, New York doesn't really do food sales), were half off for happy hour. The buffalo chicken tenders were really awesome. What wasn't so awesome was the burger, it was just kind of average, even with avocado and bacon and fixin's. Eric S.'s roast beef was cold, which we weren't expecting but wasn't out of the ordinary necessarily. Their menu did look good though; the nachos weren't great but for half off it's a good deal.
They have an outdoor deck as well in the front, where you can people watch on Melrose. The bar itself is shaped in a square, but with one bartender (a Pats fan, add one star there), it was awkward AND the taps were at the other bar in the back, which means ordering any pints at the main bar you had to wait until they grabbed it from the other bar. At the very least put the taps at the main bar. That's just common sense. -
Review from Brian S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2008
Why don't I ever have a good time here? They have a bunch of TVs but they aren't arranged in a particularly useful way. They do have 1/2 priced appetizers at happy hour, but, alas, no drink specials. Also, it seems like it's either super crowded or a total dead zone -- and neither makes for an optimally good time.
Recently, for happy hour, I was surprised to find I actually liked their chicken wings, and their guacamole was almost adequate, but their chips were leaden and flavorless. (You'd think a Mexican bar/restaurant could do decent chips).
And for my biggest pet peeve: Their menu lists beers served by the pitcher or "14 oz. pint" -- um.... If you want to charge $5 or $6 for a 14 oz. glass of draft beer, that's up to you, just don't call it a freaking PINT. -
Review from Jessica C.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2008
First of all, the name of this place is highly deceptive. Any place called "El Guapo Cantina" should be a MEXICAN place. This is why we went here - we were craving MEXICAN, and this was in the neighborhood. So unfortunately we went in.
Strike 1: There were maybe 3 Mexican items on the menu - the rest - sandwiches, salads, etc.
Strike 2: We had the "super chips," which seem impossible to f--- up, don't they? Chips and 4 salsas / dips - easy enough, right? The dips were good. The chips though - we had maybe 12 WHOLE chips - the rest were small broken pieces. I felt like a mouse scrounging around, struggling to find a piece big enough to taste.
Then we each ordered one of the few Mexican plates here - the lobster enchiladas.
Strike 3: Mushy, tasteless, flour tortillas. Please - use corn!
Strike 4: Overboard on the white, slimy, flavorless cheese.
Strike 5: I needed a microscope and maybe one of those cave mining hats with the light on the front to find the lobster.
Strike 6: Gross rice and beans.
Strike 7: Water that tasted so bad it I had to take a bite of food to rid my mouth of it.
I asked for a little side of pico de gallo - trust me, I needed it. Not only did it take forever, and really somehow confuse the waitress, but we were charged $2.95 for it (strike 8)!
Strike 2,384,789,316,591,734,908: It took a good 20 minutes to get our check, and we had to go up and ask for it.
Terrible service, and food that is even worse. -
Review from JJ W.
Brentwood, CA
1/16/2009
This place is alright. Nobody goes to the bar for food. They come here to get wasted. Well maybe at a sports bar you would expect good food.
The quality of the food here is inconsistent. The calamari and shrimp has come out good and bad for me. One time it was too salty. Food is pricey for what it is. On sunday the village idiots come out to watch football in their gear.
There can be some good looking girls here especially when there is an important game like the Lakers in the final or a Super Bowl. Maybe it is worth going then but that is when it gets crowded. Good for the owners Bad for meListed in: TACOS
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Review from ginger f.
Los Angeles, CA
10/23/2009
Wretched.
Faulty "happy hour". They don't stand behind what it claims. Mediocre food. Server brought meat instead of veggie. The replacement arrived aeons after my boyfriend was done with his. Really- the screw ups were too many to mention. Not once did the server offer to comp anything to make up for a wretched experience, just kept apologizing and continued to screw up and not be around.
Instead he hoped it would be better "next time." Oh no next time for me!
Almost all the 5* ratings are from one rating folks. Hmmm- seems just like something this shady management would do. -
Review from David S.
9/25/2007
I don't know why there's all the hate for this place! I had a blast when I went here for $1 Taco Tuesdays!
The bartenders (guy and gal) were pretty cool, which is not my usual description of LA bartenders. Maybe I was lucky, but the 2 bartenders I dealt with had personality. The female bartender was hot, and she served us up some free shots at the end of the night.
Beer pong tops it off as a fun place that's not too crowded & doesn't have douchebags running around like, say, Circle Bar in Santa Monica!
Did I mention $1 tacos on Tuesdays?Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Dave N.
10/21/2009
Free Food (one jalapeno popper) and an "open bar" (well and bud light). Ok, it wasn't SO bad, but it wasn't so great either.
There really isn't anything to rave about when it comes to the atmosphere, scene or crowd. Average, average, average. Where this place becomes average, is when an open bar and anniversary celebration turns into a greedy/douchfest from the bartenders.
I can stomach inattentive bartenders, well drinks, crap beer, or a long wait, particularly when it's free.
But, its unacceptable for bartenders to beg like mice for tips, before they even serve up a drink. I was planning on dropping some hefty coin, particularly since it was an "open bar". I chose to get a pitcher of beer, tipped 10 bucks (because I believe in good karma) and tipped my hat.
I don't appreciate the tone of the bartenders to say "Tips aren't included, you better pay up." Really? What kind of douche are you? It's an anniversary party, to thank the patrons that have built your establishment.
There are many other places around. I'll go elsewhere.Listed in: Places that were meh., Never Again
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Review from Kelly H.
Los Angeles, CA
12/20/2007
Trust everyone and do not come here. I came on Taco Tuesday, normally the busiest night for Mexican food restaurants and it was empty, empty, empty. That should have been my first clue. Regardless, I ordered the fish tacos (a buck each) and began to each the chips and salsa. I am serious when I say that everything had a faint taste of vomit. Okay I don't really think that someone threw up in the food, but it had the sour taste of vomit, and I really could not eat any of it. I decided to just drink my 42 oz. margarita and forget about it.
I happened to walk past the kitchen while going to the bathroom and the door was open. The kitchen was so dirty and disgusting, I am glad that my gag reflex is intact because I would have yacked.
I will never go here again. -
Review from Esther C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/11/2009
LOVED THIS PLACE TO DEATH!
I went during game two of the playoff finals and it was packed. The scene was trendy, young and loud. There are three bars (two downstairs, one upstairs) and TVs all of the place. The food is also amazing~ both american and mexican options.
My three complaints tho:
1. we had to valet because there was no where to park. The Valet price was raised to $8 that night too. Trying to get our cars at the end of the night was a nightmare and took 20-25 minutes per person.
2. Ordering food and receiving it took FOREVER. It could have been due to game night, but then they should have staffed more people. PLUS, there happy hour specials aren't valid on "special occasions" (game day), which completely defeated the purpose of us going there for my roommate's bday.
3. seats were hard to find because the place was packed.
All in all, my friends and i had a great time. I would recommend coming on a day that's less crowded tho. -
Review from Emily R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/29/2008
I was so excited to visit this place because of the name. I love The Three Amigos and love to say El Guapo.
EPIC FAIL.
Whatever music they had playing was on loop and started over like, an hour into being there. For real real, not for play play.
I'm sorry, that part just ruined it for me. -
Review from zee B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/8/2009
I will never go back....
Yesterday i went to watch the laker game, we were welcomed with attitude, horrible service and the nachos were cold when we go them -
Review from Mike T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/9/2009
I've been here plenty of times as its one of the after-class meeting spots for a nearby well-known comedy theater/school. I decided to hold off on reviewing it until I came here on a weekend night, otherwise known as the time when bars are at their best and worst.
I usually come when its almost dead and order food and a beer or 2 and that's about it. I suggest the quesadilla. But, I came here on a Sunday afternoon, Al D. and E.M. were there too and everything they mentioned about the fake orange girls walking around is completely true. What I enjoyed, like a train wreck, was watching an older creepy gentleman unabashedly stand in front of the table one of the girls was dancing on and stare, sticky mouth open and all. I couldn't look away, I was entranced, it was magical.
The more clothed and less slutty help is actually pretty cute and very personable, when I've been there at least. Last night was a friend's birthday and I approached a ridiculously busy bar with cash and the cute blonde bartender helped me right away, (thanks for the tip Al D). We did a power hour and the pitchers were fair both in price and quantity. For a Saturday night, the douche vibe in the air was pretty low. That could be because my friend reserved a whole wing of the bar so we balanced out any retardation, but it was enjoyable.
Beer pong was also played and people were pretty considerate of one another. Always good to see.
As far as the things it can control, like decor, seating, help and what have you, I really have little complaint, if any. Usually plenty of seating, the help is nice to look at which at times can mean they suck to converse with or to try to get to help you but neither are the case here and its got a nice open feel to it.
I'll probably continue to go here and will inevitably have a less than favorable experience but that won't deter me forever I'm sure.
What can I say? I love the Guap.
UPDATE: Remember when I said I'll probably have a less than favorable experience here? Of course you do, it's 2 paragraphs above this...well it happened. I'm a Bears fan which I can't blame on the Guap, BUT...I ventured here for the 49ers/Bears game because it was on NFL Network and I don't have NFL Network because I don't like channels that are pointless for 7 months out of the year.
My friend and I go inside, find a table in a relatively busy section and literally sat for 40 minutes before someone came over (who we had to flag down) to take our order. We tried getting this girl to help us 5 times at least. Excuse me was said, we weren't rude, she would either look right at us and walk away or put a finger up and walk away.
Naturally we were like "what a bitch.." but she finally came over and was said " HI, no one's helped you yet?" and we said no and asked her if we were inconveniencing her because she ignored us a couple times. She explained that this wasn't her section bu that she'd help us, and she had a British accent which somehow made it more forgivable.
Aside from the fact that we didn't get our food until the beginning of the 4th quarter and beer pong balls kept landing at our feet, it wasn't torture but definitely the worst experience I had there.
Plus side: We did see a funny fight where some loser picked a fight with this dude sitting at a table, got his ass kicked and thrown out, the dude who won the fight got to stay and enjoy the game because they all saw that he didn't start it, just finished it. Gotta love cantina justice.
UPDATE 2: They're closed now! And, on a day when I really wanted a quesadilla. Way to disappoint customers even after you close. -
Review from Tali C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/21/2009
I really don't like el guapo. I've tried it a few times- My girlfriend had her birthday here a couple years ago, we made a reservation for 20 people, called and confirmed it twice, and when we arrived they acted like they had no idea.
I give it two stars because their guacamole is delicious. everything else on the menu is disgusting. The hot wings were gross and had freezer burn aftertaste. you obviously need be already drunk to eat here.
I keep going back because I can walk there from my apartment, and its a great place to watch football, although the manager, who is a short man with a shitty attitude, will not accommodate to a group of girls who come for football.
Naturally, the sound was only on for one game, but turned up beyond capacity.
Every time the whistle was blown the entire bar covered their ears in agony. We asked them to turn it down, so they turned it up. assholes.
I need to find another local sports bar so I never have to go here again. -
Review from Rene D.
Pasadena, CA
3/20/2009
PAY ATTENTION!!!
This is a great place for the NFL season..
i see alot of poor reviews, but really; how many chick's do you think will be at a sports bar in Los Angeles on any given evening..
It's already bad enough the ratio is like 3 to 1, or 10 to 4 at most clubs; let alone bars..
STEP up boys.. You only need one chick to make your football afternoon better than what it would have been if you stayed home in your pj's, TRYING to get a BJ during half-time. (i know how we are)..
The chick's that work here are not half bad.. Okay the food kinda sucks, but REALLY!
IT'S A SPORTS BAR...
Have another drink, and the food will taste better..
Try this place on Superbowl Sunday... I swear, if your friends don't save a table by noon; you might not even get in by 3:15, Game time.. -
Review from Dorian C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/3/2008
Half-off Sunday nights are great, but when I get a 64 oz. Margarita ($14), I want to be feeling it once I've finished it, not feeling like I just drank a gallon of margarita mix.
If you're going to drink at El Guapo, make sure you order something the bartender has no control over the alcohol content of (beer, wine, shots). Get a mixed drink and you'll pay $7 for a glass full of sugar water.
But seriously, if you're going for eats and a beer, Sunday night is the time to do it - half-off food, make sure you know what you want and order everything at once because the service SUCKS 90% of the time. -
Review from Chelsea V.
Burbank, CA
11/15/2007
I have had such good times at this place, but recently its been not so good.
Beer pong is awesome...I used to play every Tuesday until stupid douche bag idiots came and took over and would never let anyone else play. "oh that guys next...and then that guy...and then its them over there" AKA all their friends. Assholes.
One time we were playing beer pong and a COCKROACH ran across my friends foot. I smashed it, took a picture of it. Got the manager showed it to him...and he replied "Oh I'm sorry, do you guy want shots?" WTF...no... I don't want to see cockroachs in a bar/restaurant.
Last but not least, when we go for taco tuesdays the waitresses are rather pleasant, I don' t know what was wrong with this girl but she must have had a bad day and brought it to work with her because she was rude and SUPER unfriendly.
In the end the Chicken hard tacos are good for a dollar and beer pong is fun when there are no douches around.
