Ensenada Restaurant

3.5 star rating
60 reviews Rating Details

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

517 S Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Neighborhood: Downtown
(213) 489-2950
Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sun 9 am - 10 pm

Thu-Sat 9 am - 11 pm

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

Classic Yucatan Style Mexican Food includes: Cochinita Pibil, Panuchos, Queso Relleno, Pipian de Puerco & Tikin-Xic.

Review Highlights   

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"My husband and I were visiting downtown for Art Walk." (in 3 reviews)
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"...with the bill I've also gotten killer cinnamon-sugar chips." (in 3 reviews)
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"Soup - Complimentary soup comes with each entree." (in 4 reviews)
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60 reviews in English

  • Review from Richard L.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/28/2012

    Love breakfast here.  I'm sure I would love lunch and dinner, too.  

    The new management has this place SUPER clean.  
    I'm very surprised to see the neg reviews.

    You have to try again if you didn't like it.  

    more to come..........

  • Review from W K.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/4/2012

    I came here four years ago and it was okay. The first thing I remembered was the disgusting sandwich board with bad photos on it. Seriously, I almost lost my lunch before having my lunch. The decor was pretty bizarre--like eating in a bright, red lunch truck. (But Memorable for that reason.)

    Came here again a couple of weeks ago. Some renovations have begun...or are finished? Not sure, but it's still better. Cleaner. Brighter. Still the sandwich board outside (whatsup with dat?)

    The menu, however, is still disappointingly bad. "Alcapulco" bad if you know what I mean. How can Mexican food be bland? Watery sauce. Unripe, pink tomatoes. Rubbery shrimp. Soggy onions. Plastic cheese. Plastic cheese? Is this imitation? Some wasn't melted and I'd swear it was those white, Kraft cheese slices. I pray  the menu changes and soon. If it did I'd be there 3x a week cause my friend lives across the street! What about tasty tacos durados? Scallops al mojo de ajo? Mole not from a jar? Tender carnitas or fresh fish tacos?

    I hope they pay attention to Poquito Mas. Fresh, tasty food is KING!

  • Review from Stephanie M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/17/2011

    This was a fluke meal that ended up being really, really good. My husband and I were visiting downtown for Art Walk. We couldn't find any food trucks, and we were hungry, so we stopped in Ensenada for dinner. The host seated us immediately, and told us about the buzzers on the table that get the attention of a waitress if you need it, because it gets very busy during Art Walk. Great start to the meal.

    Then came the chips and salsa... and the chips were warm. Mmmm. I ordered chicken enchiladas, and my husband ordered a torta. We both got complimentary soup, which was really good and just a little spicy. My enchiladas were tasty, and came with salad, rice, beans, and guac on the side. Mexican food is almost always a good value, and this was a better value than most, but it's only worth it if the food is good, too! And they offer reasonably priced beer, as well. I think most were $5 or so, which is practically cheap in a city where $7 is the norm. If we were in the area, we would definitely come back.

  • Review from Walid A.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Anaheim, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    With DTLA's growing list of food options, I love that a small mom/pop restaurant makes the top of my list. Generous portions, great prices, excellent service.

  • Review from Ching T.

    •  
    • 1611 friends
    • 900 reviews

    Whittier, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Just okay Mexican food that kinda reminds me of the Cal Mex chain faire, i.e. El Torritos, etc.  We ordered the enchilada plate that came with the ubiquitous rice and beans; he had it with meat and I only with cheese.  Chips were decent and the only thing I remember really liking was their salsa as it wasn't the watered down version but with decent heat.

    Not bad for a quickie dinner before catching a live play across the street at the LA Theatre Center http://www.yelp.com/bi...

    LA METRO FRIENDLY: Use Pershing Square Red Line Metro exit

  • Review from Candice N.

    Downtown, Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Somewhat overpriced + underwhelming.

    The burritos and fried fish I've tasted are not the most flavorful I've had.  The carne asada burrito (what I usually get) is huge but has ranged from good to dry/tough. I don't care for the little side salads they provide with the meals.

    However, the service is always so nice and prompt.  Their chips and salsa are actually probably my favorite things.  

    Hoping to try and like the grilled fish tacos next time I go.

  • Review from Lindsey K.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    Great lunch spot. You get so much for a great price! With your chips you get refried beans (free) and pickled veggies (free) and before your meal you get soup (also free)!

    The lunch specials are around $7 each and pretty darn delicioso. Plus they have ice cold beers and salt the rim. Usually with the bill I've also gotten killer cinnamon-sugar chips.

    Be aware though, you almost always have to flag someone for the bill. Service is generally quick up until that point though. One of my fave spots downtown overall.

  • Review from Krithika S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    Great Food! Loved the Mole and the Verde enchiladas. A nice little spot in the heart of DT.

  • Review from Jennifer D.

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    • 21 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I was expecting different food, but the wait staff and kindness while in there more than made up for anything else.  Also, the beginning soup and ending cinnamon crunchy pieces made the whole experience worthwhile.

  • Review from Veronica M.

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    • 20 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/25/2011

    I love this place! Very friendly and attentive staff. Beers are cold. Great for groups and 40 min lunches or more.

    Mojarra frita one of my fav dishes. The fish Ceviche is a favorite also. Taco salad could use a little less red cabbage maybe ask for it on the side. Seafood seems pretty fresh, Chimichonga (as stated below) was a deep fried burrito, tasted it from my friends order, and my mouth climaxed. Shrimp tacos are decent as are the fish tacos. Oh the soup and chips& salsa w/ every meal is great. As are the cinnamon & sugar tostadas  they hand out for dessert. Recommend!

  • Review from Jennifer P.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Norwalk, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I came here last year so my review is kind of foggy, but I remember enough to give the place a decent review. Overall, the food was good, priced well for DTLA (although you can definitely get more for less @ Grand Central Market) and the service was good. I remember my friend getting the chimichanga and it was HUGE. They could lose the side salad, but keep the chips & salsa coming. There are better alternatives to Ensenada, thus the reason why I haven't returned.

  • Review from Brian K.

    La Crescenta-Montrose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Seems pretty authentic.

    Ordered:
    chimichanga - WHOLE FRIED BURRITO.  WOW. It was a little overwhelming
    Soup - It tasted like the pho broth with a Mexican kick

  • Review from Max C.

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    • 16 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    Awesome place!  Huge variety, good food, great prices, and friendly staff.  Their enchiladas are excellent.  Not as good as EL CHAVO's, which is the best in town, but still really solid.  Their portions are also HUGE - so much food.  They start you off with tons of warm and fresh chips and salsa, as well as a bean dip.  Then comes the soup, very nice.  By then you're already getting filled up.  Then comes the main dish, really big portion.  Finally, it's all topped off with cinnamon/sugar fried bread, soo good.  At the end of the meal you're freaking full and it's only cost about $22 for 2 people.  Awesome.

  • Review from Jane S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Sherman Oaks, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/31/2011

    This place is great! I have been here a few times before and the experience has always been pleasant. I heard that they are under new ownership, but luckily not much has changed. The new patio is a nice addition.

    They're food is pretty consistent and tastes homemade. As others have mentioned, you can always count on the complimentary chips, salsa, and frijolitos!

  • Review from Nhi V.

    •  
    • 115 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Dos Equis please.

    crickets.

    I ordered a dos equis.

    crickets.

    :: Gets up and walks to the bar, "may i please get a dos equis while I wait on my to go order?" All the employees scramble like they got a hot fuckin' potato in their hand and finally landed me my beer.::

    I'm on a time schedule, not that I informed them because I'm on my lunch break. It wasn't the wait that bugged me, because they said 15 minutes or so for my chicken enchilada. I just wanted a effin' beer while I wait. All that time for them to get my beer, I couldnt finish it by the time my  food arrived.

    Oh alright enough about me ranting, the food was actually GOOD.
    I got hooked up, I thought the chips and salsa was only complimentary for dine in only, but I left with my dinner, chicken noodle soup AND chips and salsa. That left me with a satisfying stomach. And I just stumbled into here one night too, expecting it to be another taco stand but more. But glad they offered beer, differs them from taco trucks and or stands.

  • Review from LUZ G.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/31/2011

    If your looking for "mexican cuisine" this is not the place.  But if your looking for mexican food like Mom would cook, you won't be disappointed.  After passing by this place a couple times, it kept catching my eye since it kind of stands out... in a very your in "Ensenada" way.  The decor is very happy Mexican, nothing fancy.

    The chips and salsa with a side of refried beans were awesome.  You then get a nice cup of soup, by the time your meal comes around.. your half way full since the above are so darn good.   I had the chile relleno, which was delish and authentic.  My friend had the mixta tostada which he raved about.

    Our waiter was great.  He was attentive and polite.  Available when you need him.

  • Review from David A.

    Kansas City, MO

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    We were just walking around the area near our Hotel trying to find some brunch. We had just flown in from Australia and were extremely tired and famished. We would have rather slept, but it was too early to check in.

    Anyhow, the place was rather empty. We were one of 2 tables. Loved the bottomless chips and salsa. I had some incredible Pollo dish with onions. Not only was the menu dirt cheap, but the portions were large and it tasted REALLY GOOD :).

    The place isn't pretentious or fancy, but it was so worth it

  • Review from Wendy S.

    •  
    • 38 friends
    • 111 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/16/2010

    the 2nd closest mexican joint to our new home and my husband is a HUGE fan of food with the south of the border flavor.  tonight was the night we decided to give Ensenada a try.  Like the others stated they get 1 full star just for the free food you are served.

    i had the garlic shrimp, salad and beans.  the beans were the best part.  the 2nd star is for the guacamole.  

    my husband took 1 bite of his taco and was grossed out and then found a bone in his chicken.  not a fan.  he called it quits.

    the only have beer and wine. . .wine margarita? not a fan.

    sad to say that this place truly is, "meh.  i've experienced better."

    probably not going to go here ever again.  

    eat at your own risk.  or simply SKIP IT!

  • Review from Min T.

    •  
    • 461 friends
    • 2162 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/6/2010

    Ensenada turned out to be a really cute place across the street from the LATC where we watched Dementia last week. Stephanie H and I enjoyed a quick bite at Ensenada. They started us with chips and a bean dip. The chips were warm.

    I ordered the steak picado which came with chicken noodle soup (no actual chunks of chicken) but it was a nice soup. The steak picado also came with a choice of tortilla, rice, beans and salad. It was quite a bit of food.

    My food was tasty but my only gripe was the steak was diced into very small chunks.

    I definitely want to come back when we're not so rushed. I really loved the artwork and thought the service was great. They also have those buzzers at the table like a lot of Korean places to call for service.

  • Review from Christopher L.

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    • 71 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/30/2010

    Pozole in a vibrant red sauce --
    Chewy gristle and bones, what a loss!
    Hominy: up to snuff,
    But the pork's a bit tough;
    I've had quite enough thanks, no más.

  • Review from Dustin S.

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    • 42 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Northridge, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Pretty solid food from an extremely friendly neighborhood joint. The salsa verde is always a safe bet and their machaca is good as well. Really good service and amazing salsa served with the chips :) I'll be back again

  • Review from Sean T.

    •  
    • 60 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Studio City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Really enjoyed this place. Super attentive waiter. Press a button am they come. Cheap beer. $3.50 for all Mexican beer. Brilliant. Food was great. Very good mole. Very good salsa. I'll try there breakfast next time.

  • Review from Nick K.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 13 reviews

    North Hollywood, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/9/2011

    Bland food, drink didn't stay filled. At least the free salsa was good

  • Review from Amir M.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/2/2011

    I really enjoy this place....and they have a great lunch special (chips, salsa, bean dip, pickled carrots, soup, and a huge entree) for around $10.  They have a large selection of entrees, apptz, small and big, and they serve alcohol.  My fav dish is the chicken with mole sauce, one of the best I've had.  This is not some corporate restaurant with some bla bla bla decor and some more w/e...this is simple, but the food is exquisite.  Everytime I am in downtown for lunch this is my spot.  The service is great, the staff is friendly, and the food speaks truth.

  • Review from LovLeigh L.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This place would be getting 3 stars (A-OK) were it not for the ridiculous amount of FREE FOOD they give you. I mean you sit down and order your entree, expecting some chips and salsa while you wait. What do you get? Chips, salsa, a DELICIOSO noodle soup, beans w/ cheese, and some veggies. And AFTER whatever you're actually paying for, you get some very tasty CINNAMON COVERED TORTILLA CHIPS. These are so good and a perfect light desert to top off whatever mexican delight you just gorged yourself on.

    All that said, my first visit was better than my 2nd. Maybe because I went with a co-worker friend of mine and we had great convo. And my first time i ordered steak fajitas, which I think is pretty hard to do badly. But today, I went solo. I was first and formost DEVASTATED to find they did not have the MELON WATER today, which was basically the whole reason I returned :'( On top of that, the "melted burrito" I ordered was completely devoid of flavor. As were the fat french fries that accompanied it. Really disappointed. Didn't stop me from taking what I had left over home...but still. The sauces and everything could have been much much better.

    If you're going, the steak fajitas are my recommendation. AND PRAY THEY HAVE MELON WATER. IT IS TO DIE FOR!

  • Review from Shaun-mathieu S.

    North Hollywood, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/14/2009

    I would like to go on record by saying that the Burrito is one of the best inventions known to Mankind.  I rate it up there with the Light Bulb, the Cosmopolitan, and the Hirachi Sandal.  While perusing the monthly Downtown Artwalk, I began to feel famished.  My friend Emy suggested we go to this little Mexican place she knew of.  My Burrito craving kicked in full force, and we went to Ensenada.  (The restaurant, not the city - although I'm sure the city is quite lovely).  Here's what I had:

    Chips and Dips - Warm tortilla chips were served to us with a spicy salsa full of gusto, a warm bean dip, and a small plate of carrots, onions and pickles to pacify our appetites.  The salsa was very hot, but the sadomasochist in me loved it.  The bean dip was refried resplendence, and I nibbled on the onions.
    Soup - Complimentary soup comes with each entree?  Excellent!  The soup was of the chicken gumbo sort, and quite good.  Very mild and well seasoned.  Generous on the amount of chicken.

    Platillo Burrito - A Burrito the size of a Pinata, stuffed with mouthwatering Carne Asada, beans, rice, peas, and diced carrots.  This unusual combination was then covered in red enchilada sauce and cheese.  Muy Perfecto.
    Steak Fries - When I thought the Burrito couldn't get any better, the side that came with it was Steak Fries.  They were golden and delicious, neither too soggy or crunchy.  The Gringo in me was happy.

    The restaurant is medium sized, and painted in turquoise green and bright red, which works well for this eatery.  A side room has a large mural of a tropical shore.  The service here was excellent.  I will definitely be back, and next time, I'm having alcohol with my Burrito.

    Listed in: Tacos

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  • Review from Rita D.

    •  
    • 152 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/2/2008 1 Check-in Here

    The weird thing about downtown Los Angeles is that there are far fewer Mexican Restaurants than one would think.  Every other neighborhood has at least a trusty fish taco stand or strangely enticing taco truck.  
    I digress...

    Ensenada Restaurant is conveniently located on Spring between 5th and 6th, and they've earned a special place in my hard heart.  When I was starving on Christmas Eve and everywhere else turned me away, they let me in and gave me lots of chips with bean dip, plus soup and stuff.  

    It's true.  When you sit down, they give you a warm bean dip with your chips and salsa!  That sure beats Malo, where a "flight" of chips and salsa is $12.   Anyway, the entrees come with soup which is always a nice addition to any meal.

    I have to admit that I always play it safe while dining there.  I've only ever had a big, giant egg breakfast and the cheese enchiladas.  But it was good, filling-to-a-fault and inexpensive.  It's decor is cute, the service is somewhat surly if you happen to be a gringa.   Plus, it was amusing when they were accidentally flying a gay rainbow flag for awhile before they figured out what it meant.

  • Review from Jasmine L.

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/18/2010

    Ensenada has good, inexpensive food and friendly service.

    We came here one night for dinner and I got chicken enchiladas and was pleasantly surprised, since i didn't know what to expect.

    the enchiladas had a lot of flavor, the chicken was shredded white meat and the rice and beans were tasty.

    overall, it's a nice spot for sit-down Mexican food in the neighborhood.

  • Review from Angel C.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/2/2010 1 photo

    Okay, let me start off by saying that I have searched.. okay, SEARCHED would be exaggerating, but I have been waiting to find a good bowl of pozole since I had my pozole-cherry popped a couple years back at my ex's mother's place.

    Restaurant Ensenada made me a very happy girl yesterday.
    A friend & I sat out in front, since she had her dog, as I enjoyed my pozole & she her coctel de camaron (shrimp cocktail). Both dee-licious.
    Unfortunately, alcoholic beverages are forbidden in the outside seating area. A michilada would've been perfect w/ the DTLA scene. It's the perfect people-watching spot.

    A bit pricey for a bowl of soup at about 9 bux (11 for the shrimp cocktail), but it was pretty huge let me tell you that's what she said We walked from her loft a couple blocks down & as much as I hate carrying leftovers around, there was NO way I was letting that go to waste!

  • Review from Cheri. A G.

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/26/2010 3 photos

    I came here for lunch and was excited when I found out it was $1 taco Tuesdays until I found out that they fry not grill the fish.  I asked if I could get it grilled and he said fried only (they have grilled filets on their menu so I don't see why they couldn't)

    I ended up getting a chile relleno which was spicier than most but I like spicy.

  • Review from panida r.

    •  
    • 79 friends
    • 230 reviews

    Valley Village, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/4/2010

    Taco Tuesday....$1. Can't beat that, huh? Just don't come in groups--they mix up orders and then don't give you lime...wah! They server was sorta snotty too. Yeah.

    They served fresh chips (slightly overdone & too dark) and the first basket was eaten before they brought out the salsa. It wasn't even that busy.

    I was so hungry though I gobbled all three of my tacos super fast. The diet coke is watered down and the carnitas was dry.

    So...why would you go here? well...it was taco tuesday. However--they have wifi...i think. when i asked for the password, they server said 'give me a second' then he simply never got back to me. Gee...thanks guy....

    Why else would you come here? well there are two tables outside. so that could be nice.

  • Review from Betty B.

    •  
    • 124 friends
    • 136 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/22/2010

    Went back to Ensenada recently and wanted to update my review.  They turned some fun music on in the place -- smart move!

    LIKES:
    --people working here are nice
    --they're very generous with portions and give you lots of "extras" on your table
    --it's a relaxed vibe; you don't feel like you're in LA, which is pretty cool
    --their fish burrito is great -- you actually taste a lot of the fish as opposed to some places where you mostly taste BREADING

    THINGS THEY COULD IMPROVE:
    --as you can read from my profile, I hate fluorescent lighting and want to kill it whenever possible -- every restaurant owner should switch to warm lighting because it makes everyone look FABULOUS!
    --their frozen margarita was just okay -- would love to see them offer different margaritas on the rocks (not just frozen) and different flavors like pomegranate, midori, mango, etc.
    --their MOLE was okay; a little too sweet -- I like mole that's very thick and rich, with a touch of bitter in it -- but their's tasted more thin and sugary

    Anyway, I plan to keep supporting Ensenada!!!

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      6/24/2010

      Everyone working here was really sweet.  I think this place should definitely have more customers...… Read more »

  • Review from Andy D.

    •  
    • 201 friends
    • 320 reviews

    Calabasas, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/24/2008

    This place has really good Enchiladas!
    It's kinda messy inside though, they need to hire a interior designer to put things in their places... service is good enough, they got a decent selection of beers, and the chips and salsa are good - they have a good bean dip too.  I like this place for a quick lunch, but there are so many options around it doesn't sit high up on the list of places to go, but there is also no reason not to like it...

  • Review from Jennifer J.

    Ventura, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/14/2009

    On a rare stormy night in Los Angeles, I was hit with a sudden and unexplainable craving for enchiladas.  I had already "braved" the wintry weather on a necessary errand earlier, and wasn't about to bundle back up to walk or drive in the pursuit of Mexican cuisine.  But who delivers Mexican food in Downtown on a Saturday night?

    Enter Ensenada!  Thankfully, I found their menu in the "Menu Drawer" of our kitchen, no doubt tossed in there several months ago for just such times.  They had all the basics on the menu (including my sought after enchiladas), and they had free delivery for anything over $9!

    The lady on the phone was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the delivery was pretty swift considering the weather.  When I picked up the bag of food, though, I thought maybe there was some mistake.  It weighed like ten pounds!  What did we order???  Turns out, they just give you a lot of food.  I'm OK with that!  The food is solid, good quality Mexican food.  My enchiladas were lovely, as were my guy's beef taquitos.  

    Ensenada will definitely be on the regular rotation of food delivery.  Even if it's not stormy outside!

  • Review from Glenn M.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 126 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/13/2008

    We live right by this place and even time we walk by it we joke about trying it out. It's one of those restaurants that looks a little seedy AND has picture menus. Last night we finally decided to try it out. 3 of us got there just after 7 and there were probably 10 tables full at that point. A pretty decent crowd. They sat us immediately and took our drink order. We ordered the wine margaritas for $6.50. Who knew they came out in such a big glass. That was a nice surprise.

    The waitress also brought out chips, salsa and a bean dip. The salsa was very good. I normally don't like cilantro too much but in this instance it was just the right mix. I didn't try the bean dip because it was refried beans and we all know they are not vegetarian friendly (as my stomach about that one).

    I ordered the 3 cheese enchilada ranchero meal, Brian ordered the mole chicken and Laura ordered the steak picada. My meal only had 2 enchiladas on it that I could find...but that was ok. It came with salad with thousand island dressing, refried beans, rice and soup. I couldn't eat the soup though. I asked if it had meat and they said no. So then I asked the trick question that would tell all...does it have chicken broth? Of course they said yes. It always amazes me how people do not associate chicken broth with meat. It's made from chicken and if I don't eat chicken why would I want that?

    Anyway...the only complaint with the mole was that you got a chicken leg and the thigh (i think it was the thigh) and they were one the bone. The steak picada might have been "too authentic" with the beef.

    Our bill came to $54 for all of this. The servers were really nice too. If we drank beer they were only $3.25 a bottle! That's a deal.

    One fun thing to note is that they have a service button on each table. It works too...we were tempted to push it to see what happened and Brian was like no no...but we did it anyway.

  • Review from Jo C.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    3/17/2010

    I like that they give you little bean dip with your salsa & chips..also pickled carrorts/jalapenos.  
    Of course I had to give their Michaladas a taste test..Passed!
    My kid had the nachos..Passed!
    I (still on my quest for super yummy chile verde) had the chile verde burrito..Failed! Failed! Failed!  It was tasteless with very runny sauce.  The chunks of pork were not trimmed..do not understand why anyone would put meat full of gristle/fat in burritos or tacos.  Nothing worse than biting down on your food & getting a mouth full of gristle..yuck.
    And not very walllet friendly considering the quality of food.

  • Review from Sera C.

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    • 108 friends
    • 98 reviews

    North Hollywood, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here

    3.5 stars... If you want authentic--and by "authentic" I mean that they cook everything in lard--Ensenada Restaurant is the place. I know, the name is terrible (can't even get an "e" at the end??). But it's got a huge menu and specialty items that El Torito wouldn't touch--like sopa con albondigas or menudo. For the prices, the combo portions are pretty small; half the plate being filled with garnish, crappy salad, and some orange slices. I got the chimichanga and quesadilla as a wasn't-quite-ready decision. It was greasy and good, but next time I'm getting the burrito or enchiladas. My friend had the chili relleno and enjoyed. The soup that the meals come with is disgusting, the chips were stale, and the waitress was slow. But the host was friendly/accommodating and they allow dogs outside (not alcohol, though). The location is good, especially if you're looking for casual table service in Downtown during a crazy-busy time, like the Art Walk. Not sure I'd recommend to visitors, but I'll go back myself.

  • Review from Erika S.

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    • 35 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/18/2009

    rdered delivery from here, when order arrived 30 minutes late I opened the bag to find the wrong order.  No problem, i think, as I call them to explain they brought the wrong entree.  After holding and being transferred about 8 times finally the manager I assume explains to me that actually I am wrong about what I ordered and they brought the right thing.  

    I don't eat pork, I explain, why would I order something with pork when I haven't eaten any in about 12 years?  I don't know he says, we brought you exactly what you ordered.  

    Really?  

    I'm yelping, i answered.  

    Don't order delivery unless you want to wait an hour and then end up having to order from somewhere else.

  • Review from Lenin R.

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    • 7 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/19/2010

    Best mexican food in downtown!!

    why?? because I'm Mexican and know the taste of authentic food.

    Services is slow, they are understaffed.

    They have a full four course dinner, chip with salsa, bean dip with chips, soup and entree. The food is great prices are fair.

  • Review from Joey N.

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    • 120 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Woodland Hills, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/5/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This is a pretty good Mexican restaurant. I passed by this place on my way to Cole's in downtown LA, and decided to eat here instead. Glad I did! I had a Carne Asada burrito plate, which was prepared very well. The service was spot on, and prompt but not intrusive. And the nice thing I really appreciated about this place is all the extras they give you while you wait for the food. Lots of side dishes and things to much on at no extra cost. If you're in the area, I suggest you try this place out!

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