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La Serenata De Garibaldi
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri 11 am - 11 pm
Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
143 reviews for La Serenata De Garibaldi
Review Highlights
"Beautiful restaurant in boyle heights."
(in 24 reviews)
"The hand-made tortillas are awesome."
(in 5 reviews)
"Across from La Serenata is the mariachi square."
(in 5 reviews)
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143 reviews in English
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Review from Antonio M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/12/2012
Gourmet Mexican food that's local and affordable . Flautas, beer... Wine, and the duet guitarist and vocalist played my favorite style of classic mariachi for me, malagueña salerosa singing about " la hausteca rogaciano el huapangero, it is in la huasteco son huasteca style. I requested this rare form of music and a particular song that is one of my favorite , and the musician knew it . Very classy, NOT one of those crappy bands that sound like sht. don't forget to tip. Boyle heights is very close to the gold line metro stop, directly across from mariachi square. Large round tables available.
I give this place a "best Mexican food in the vacinity that is not my grandmas house" rating. And the musicians also a credit for knowing "rogaciano el huapangero" .
Well done -
Review from Joe C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2012
When we want to have a nice family mexican dinner with food that's a few cuts above, this is the place.
Parking is in the alley behind the restaurant and is valet.
A full bar is present.
Wait staff is very polite and efficient. They know the menu well.
We have had a number of the dishes and they have been uniformly very good. There have been, however, on rare occasions when things have been over seasoned.
Very large portions - no problem, boxes can be provided.
Good with kids. -
Review from Amy K.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is probably the most impressive Mexican restaurant I have ever been to. It's almost hidden away but the food was amazing. I docked off one star because service was nearly nonexistent. I was there for a business lunch and the chips and mini quesadillas were amazing. I don't know how they could make something simple as chips so good but omg!
The worst part was service, I was very thirsty and finished my water and tried several times to flag a waiter to get more water but unfortunately we were seated in a corner and no one came by until everyone's plates were completely empty and we have been sitting around that way for 10-15 minutes.
Otherwise, the red sauce in the middle of the table was great, and I had fish enchiladas in ranchera sauce and it was really good, the portion was ridiculous but I finished it anyhow. Seriously though that was a big mistake because the one entree could end up being two meals.
I'd definitely come back, valet is also available! -
Review from Catherine C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/15/2011
La Serenata de Garibaldi - even the name sounds fancy!
A few of my coworkers raved about this place for some Mexican food, so I came with a friend to try it out.
Although Boyle Heights has its rep, this place is actually really nice! Valet park in the back for $3.50, and walk up the stairs that lead you to a classy restaurant that totally transports you to somewhere else.
We were started off with some chips and salsa, along with some cheese quesadilla pieces. They also give you soup, which I think was some kind of corn soup that day? It was warm, creamy, and delicious! I ordered the enchiladas de camarones (shrimp), and my friend had one of their daily specials, which were salmon enchiladas. The shrimp tasted really fresh, and it was good! Don't think greasy, cheap, hole-in-the-wall good... think light, fresh, authentic good. :) The only complaint is that it erred a little on the bland side, but other that, it was made well. The salmon enchiladas were good too. They also came with sides of rice and beans.
Service was excellent. Our servers were so friendly and happy - definitely felt at home there! -
Review from Minerva F.
Irvine, CA
1/11/2012
My daughter works at the Hospital across the street from Garibaldi. I needed to write this review--I loved their Salmon en Moscalgete. This restaurant is a gem.
Que viva Boyle Heights!! -
Review from GAYA G.
Berkeley, CA
1/23/2012
Never had such amazing Mexican food, and I doubt I ever will. So fresh, so unique, so mouth wateringly addictive. Best Mexican food ever. Fresh ingredients, decadent flavor combinations.
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Review from Roni R.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/5/2011
I came again after several years and what's funny is that a waiter (I don't know if the same one from 3 years ago) made another inappropriate joke. He told me didn't bring tortillas for me b/c I should be on a diet. I responded with, "You're not getting a tip" ... and everyone at the table -- including the waiter laughed.
That being said, I had the "calabasitas" (zucchini) and it was very good. I must say, I do love the valet b/c parking here is a bitch. I'll likely be back in another three years. ;-)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/30/2008
Came to lunch w/some co-workers. As we approached the valet was there ... this was a pleasant… Read more »
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Review from Estela A.
San Mateo, CA
1/16/2012
This restaurant has an excellent service, knowledable and friendly. It also ahs excellent margaritas.
The food was not as good as I expected. We tried the fish with huitlacoche that was just hot not flavorfull. The fish tacos were bland -
Review from Robert C.
San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place get 5 stars for service, decor, and quality of food. It is the first time I have ever been to a truly Mexican restaurant that succeeded in adding a touch of class.
The service is phenomenal from the time they open the front door for you to explaining in detail what's in their dishes and how they're prepared.
The food is scrumptious! Not greasy, not bland, not salty and incredibly flavorful!
And the decor is the nicest I have ever seen in a Mexican restaurant. Don't let the front facade of the restaurant fool you! What lies behind the heavy wood and wrought iron door is so worth it! Mis respetos a los duenos y empleados de este fino establecimiento! Pongan uno igual en Ventura y se haran millonarios! -
Review from Pcp P.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
10/13/2011 5 photos
I seriously don't know what the hell I'm doing here in this affluent neighborhood with all the prison bars and bullet proof windows. I guess this was apparently one of the best Mexican restaurants close to downtown- so, I've been told. How lovely is it that you're forced to eat here and see a play when I'm not at all artsy or creative for that matter, nor am I that much into Mexican food. haha. Well, the food I can deal with as great food is great food. However, me sitting through a play???? yeah, lucky that particular play had some strange pungent aroma that kept me up wide awake gagging every 5 or so minutes. In all seriousness, the food turned out to be decent and the play was pretty funny, but they gotta address that odor. Thank you, friend....:)
So, we ordered spicy salmon from their special menu and chicken enchiladas. We opt out for dessert as my friend proudly boasted how I would enjoy the surprised cupcake more. So, I was expecting a huge cupcake for me, but my cheap ass friend bought one that's thumb size to celebrate the event. Oh, btw, the friend is white, so go figure!!! haha I can't really mention the name as I'll definitely get sued by this Jewish law firm in Sherman Oaks. Here's to your cheap ass, friend!!!
Oh, the food was actually decent. I wanted it to be a bit spicier and tastier, but it was decent, nonetheless. -
Review from Steve F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2011
One day each month I allow myself an opportunity to eat anything I want, regardless of the fat content, sugars, carbs, etc... Yesterday was my day.
My wife and I followed a Yelp lead to a Lincoln Heights address for the 4.5 Star (93 reviews): El Huarachito; only to arrive 20 minutes after they had closed. The Plan B scramble began...
I pulled out my smart phone and dialed up Yelp. Twenty seconds later we were enroute to La Serenata; a 4 Star (128 reviews). Less than ten minutes later we entered a nicely appointed dining establishment in the Boyle Heights area of LA.
One look at the menu and I was ready to bolt - not enough grease for my monthly dietary slide into gastro-debauchery. It's primarily a fish menu and skews toward the healthier side of Mexican restaurant demographics. However; the atmosphere was very pleasant and the staff very warm and welcoming. To leave at this point would have been awkward. So we stayed and we're very happy we did.
My meal came with rice, which I usually push away, but one bite sold me on their heavenly preparation. I have no idea what the soup was, but loved it. The tortillas were wonderful. Our two main courses told us to make this a regular on our dining out list of options. The waiter, Ricardo, was a 5 Star server; pleasant, warm, friendly, competent, conversational, gracious, and very classy. I was very comfortable exceeding what is considered standard tipping for that exceptional gentleman from Ensenada.
Date night? Make it La Serenata.
Yum Yum,
Steve... -
Review from Michael K.
Cerritos, CA
11/25/2011
Food, Service, and free parking! (well, at least this time b/c the valet wasn't there)
Definitely a place to go for a good mexican twist on seafood. I ordered the special for the day (salmon with molcajete sauce) and was amazed by the complex flavors of their molcajete sauce accompanied by a nice salmon filet that was tender and flaky. The waiter was entertaining and tortillas were made by hand.
It's a bit out of my daily food budget, but great for occasional get together with friends if you want good seafood. -
Review from Jessica L.
North Hollywood, CA
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
So Mexican food happens to be one of my favorite types of cuisine - I could eat it every day and not get tired of it. Needless to say, I've eaten at lots of Mexican restaurants, and most of them I like. But La Serenata is on a WHOLE nother level! I mean, damn, this has some good food!
First off, yes, it's in Boyle Heights, but as soon as you walk in the door you feel like you're in Beverly Hills. The decor is so pleasing and they have some great artwork on the wall. OK so onto the food - I've been maybe 4 or 5 times and have not been disappointed once! You start not just with tortilla chips and salsa, but also mini quesadillas and real pinto beans. Their tortillas are handmade and taste so fricken good - none of this outta-the-bag or Chevy's shit! The last time I was there I had their mushroom soup as an appetizer. I know, what the hell is a Mexican restaurant doing serving mushroom soup, right? I don't know either, but boy was it tasty! Creamy and very flavorful. I've also has their huevos rancheros for brunch which is also to die for. The shrimp enchiladas are great, so is the fish and oxtail - very tender! Everything just tastes really authentic. Service is also pretty good. The place is never packed crowded so the servers are very attentive and the food comes out pretty fast. I've even been there for a birthday dinner with about 15 of us, including 5 kids and we all enjoyed our meal and the service was great.
Parking may seem tricky - not much out front and a few red curbs. But the rear entrance has valet. I can't remember exactly how much, but it was definitely under $5 and I want to think it was $2 or $3 maybe.
So if you're in the area, heck if you're not the area, make the drive on over the La Serenata. There is one in West LA on Pico, which I haven't been to but heard it isn't as good, so just go the Boyle Heights one. Yum yum yummy!!! I can't wait to go again! -
Review from Michelle W.
Alhambra, CA
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
The chicken noodle soup was delicious but my entree was okay. I ordered the shrimp enchiladas and the sauce just felt like it was missing something? A little too bland.
Atmosphere was nice and had a very nice home feeling. They have singers that come to your table to sing and that was kinda the highlight of the day.
Service was whatever. The waiter wasn't so friendly and made me feel not welcomed. A group and I went on a day where their credit cards machine were not working so it was a hassle.
I'm basically grading mostly on experience and I thought the experience and service that I got here was okay. Probably wouldn't come here again for food but the food was okay. -
Review from Sondra B.
West Covina, CA
8/4/2011
I've read some of the reviews here and the things people complain about are ridiculous.
If you don't want to pay the $3.50 for parking, there's usually metered parking on the street or you can park for free across the street. Don't worry, you're not going to get mugged!!! And if you're that worried about it, then pay the three bucks to park. That's cheaper than any parking lot downtown.
The trio that plays music does not work for the restaurant. They are just some guys who come in hoping to make some money by playing songs for the customers. If you don't want to hear a song, then you don't have to. BTW, it is customary when you request a song from a trio, even if they work for the restaurant, to give them at least $6.
If you want something spicy, order something spicy. They usually let you know if the sauces are mild or hot. The molcajete sauce is really tasty and has a good amount of spice. Another spicy sauce which is usually one of their specials, is a habanero sauce.
I've been coming here since the mid-eighties. And it is the best Mexican restaurants I've been to. Their soups are delicious and all their specials are great. Everyone I've brought here absolutely loves it! -
Review from Kim I.
Los Angeles, CA
9/19/2011
I was dragged all the way out to Boyle Heights from the west side by some friends but sitting in bumper to bumper Friday night traffic was worth it -- the food here was great!
This place focuses on seafood and it did not disappoint. The flavors were spicy, fresh, and not at all greasy. (ok so it's true that it's in the ghetto, but the food and the service made up for the neighborhood.)
Ceviche, margarita on the rocks, chile relleno, and shrimp the size of mini lobsters... yum!
The desserts were forgettable. Stick to the seafood. -
Review from John A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/12/2011
Overview :
I have been coming here since it first opened. I especially enjoy bringing friends or loved ones here on special occassions. It's impressive all-around; the ambience, the food, the service. I have tried almost everything on the menu, but being the creature of habit I am; I always order the same dish! I absolutely LOVE the Shrimp in Cilantro sauce. The sauce is like a light and creamy cilantro pesto with hints of garlic and onion, the flavors just melt in your mouth! It's out of this world and it is the sauce I highly recommend with any of their seafood selections. You have to try the empanadas for appetizers too!
The Service :
The service has improved tremendously over the last ten years. I personally consider this restaurant a historical landmark in Boyle Heights. It truly takes Mexican Nouvelle Cuisine to a higher level. I'm waiting for that cookbook! If you go to their website, you'll notice that it states one of their restaurants is in Downtown L.A.. It's NOT in downtown L.A., it's in Boyle Heights!
The Scene
When Chef/owner Jose Rodriguez opened La Serenata de Garibaldi a decade ago, he was the first to dangle the bait of fine Mexican seafood before Angeleno eaters. Since its remodeling in 2000, the folk art decor has made way for a subdued, whitewashed look with imposing Moorish pillars punctuating the dining room.
The Food
Fresh seafood bathed in spectacular sauces are the best catch on this menu, with nearly a dozen rich, complex concoctions to choose from. Start with the fisherman's cocktail, a huge bowl of sweet-spicy chilled tomato sauce bobbing with chunks of white fish, scallops and shrimp. A selection of fresh fish, mahi mahi, sea bass and halibut, is enhanced with masterful sauces: the vampire-repelling mojo de ajo, smoky chipotle, spring-green cilantro, or huitlacoche (a corn fungus delicacy that's much better than it sounds). Fish phobics needn't worry, antojitos and chicken and beef dishes are also served. -
Review from Karla M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A nice gem in East LA. Food is great but a little pricey. The staff is wonderful and friendly. I enjoy coming here for a good breakfast :)
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Review from Tiffany C.
Fresno, CA
7/24/2011
If a friend hadn't sworn by the authenticity and quality of the food at La Serenata de Garibaldi, I would never have thought of venturing out to Boyle Heights. It's a shame because this restaurant is quite the hidden gem.
Just across the street from the Gold Line station at Mariachi Plaza, there's a mysterious set of heavy doors wedged between two run-down stores. Step inside quickly, and you'll find a warm, welcoming, and homey oasis.
Because we weren't that hungry, my buddy and I ordered the boneless chicken with mole to share. It was a good decision because they gave us SO much food, and most of it was complimentary. The meal started off with tortilla chips and salsa, fresh quesadillas, and a flavorful lentil soup, which I couldn't stop eating. Next were freshly made tortillas and beans (or "Mexican caviar," as the waiter put it). The chicken came as four big, moist breast pieces blanketed in thick, black mole, with a modest portion of rice on the side. At first the mole seemed rather subtly flavored, but as I ate, the sauce seemed to evolve and become more complex. I definitely detected chocolate, and it even tasted a bit like the Chinese shacha sauce my family uses. Whatever was in it, I enjoyed it and almost cleaned the plate, rice and all.
Towards the end of our meal some musicians came round, and I requested a song. Their rendition of Cielito Lindo was rousing and the perfect end to a pleasant evening. It's too bad the neighborhood isn't more inviting, because this is a great restaurant that deserves a try. -
Review from D L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/24/2011
I'm gonna have to go with 3.5 stars, but I put 4 stars because of love for restaurants in my neighborhood. I'm going to qualify the above statement by saying that this classy joint is surrounded by a sea of cheap and greasy eats.
Parking is in the back - valet for $3.50. The decor inside is classy and cozy. About 15 tables. There was live music (classical guitar trio) and the hostess seemed friendly enough. We ordered two specials, salmon with a green salsa and mahi mahi with raspberry sauce. In addition, we had the shrimp enchilada.
Salmon - pretty good. The salsa was the best part of the dish, very lively and spicy.
Mahi mahi - meh. It was kind of dry. I liked the sweet raspberry sauce that it came with, but I don't think I'd order this dish again.
Shrimp enchilada - this was my favorite dish. Came covered in a chile verde. Quite tasty.
Verdict: I came here really really wanting to love the place. It is probably the most classy joint in the neighborhood and I'd bring guests from out of town or a date wanting to get Mexican food. That being said, the food is pretty good, but not amazing. I'd be pretty hard pressed to drop mid $20s for those dishes again. -
Review from Tom S.
Placer County, CA
4/5/2011
Best Mexican cuisine I've eaten in a long time. $12 for my combo lunch of: Cream of asparagus soup, combi chile relleno, machaca, salad and beans with hand made tortillas was delicious, fresh tasting, complex, and balanced.
Filling, satisfying.
Nice dining room, almost fancy. Service people considerate, kind and friendly.
I don't give many 5 stars to restaurants. This one deserves 6 stars. Best Value! -
Review from Sonya R.
Los Angeles, CA
4/1/2011
I confess, I hate being wrong and get grumpy when I am proven wrong, but *muy rico* food just MORE than made got me over my hang ups.
Now I have to confess that ever since I started dating a certain young artist from Mexico, I've become particular to the Mexican food places that I was recommended. Some of the more "contemporary" cooking at the restaurants have literally left a bad taste in my mouth. So while this place was highly recommneded and had gotten good reviews, I was wary about it being in a rough part of L.A., especially with my lover's parents visiting with us.
Yes, I was wrong. The Serenata is a true gem hidden in the rough. While the outside the neighborhood is rough (hey, I'm a 5'4" mixed Asian girl) when we went inside, it was like being transported to a metropolitan locale in central Mexico. The decor was simple and elegant, and good service from the staff.
But you don't want to hear about that, you want the food.
Ok, for starters, even the WATER tasted fresher and cleaner than your standard fare. How is that possible for East L.A.? We had a delicious mix of three types of salsa and soft tortillas and tradiational tortilla chips. The soft tortillas were so good I could have eaten those all night, especially with the rich salsas.
Now in case you haven't heard, this place specializes in salsa's and seafood.... but most importantly the salsas. We tried the evening special, the blackened salmon with tequila and some other ingredients (pumpkin seeds!) which actually got me to shut up as I ate. That was JUST so good. The sauces really did have such a complexity to them that really brought out details of the salmon I never knew existed... that blend of spicy and sweet with the fish meat to tone it down.... I am still thinking about it.
I also sampled some of my boyfriend's Beef Medallions in wine sauce (minds out of the gutter, kids). Now THERE was a taste experience. All of these years of having great steaks with wine, and had yet to experience this mix of flavors as I ate. Wow.
Now something that is not mentioned on the website nor on some of the reviews, is that they have a very good selection of Mexican wines at great prices. Throughout the meal we went through 3 different bottles of local Mexican wine for the 4 of us, and really enjoyed every one. A true eye opener about what is available south of the border.
And then we get to dessert. Ohmigod, I wanted to take *mi muchacho* outside and jump him, because this was THAT good. Stimulating is a very apt choice of words for the decadent desserts. The chocolate mousse cake was savory by itself, but when mixed in with that blended Cabernet red wine... wow. Just wow. Almost better than sex.
His parents really enjoyed the Tres Leches sponge cakes while my boyfriend enjoyed the flan. Now this dish should be the true test of any Mexican restaurant. If done right, it's amazing. If done wrong, well, I won't go there.. because La Serenata did not get flan wrong. I hate to use the word fragile, but I have to because the dessert held on to the sweetness, fullness yet light texture so well that it could have gone in any direction and just been boring flan that was too sweet or too flat or too heavy , and to get the perfect blend of all things essential to a great flan.
I also have to mention the service. Staff had a great attitude, even when they were swamped with a large party dining on the other side of the restaurant. When ever we were ready to finish our dish or get a refill or order another bottle of wine, it was like they were reading our minds, and then just returned to the background gracefully to let us enjoy the dinner.
What really impressed me the most is that my boyfriend's family, who are visiting from central Mexico, REALLY thought the food was authentic and above par. A great start to a great evening! -
Review from Lucy K.
5/5/2011
Came here for a business lunch and the food was GREAT.
We started off with some watermelon water which was so refreshing and tasted AMAZING!
They start you off with some chips and a sliced up quesadilla and salsa. The salsa was smooth with a bit of a kick.
They came out with some type of soup for everybody. No idea what it was but there were a couple of beans and some cilantro, it tasted great!
We had some beef taquitos. They were okay, but some ends on one of the taquitos were burned, which inturn burned the meat. :( Boo on quality control. They serve it up with some Guac and Pico de Gallo.
I had the shrimp enchiladas for my main course. The beans were actually beans...not that slop of refried beans most places give you. The rice had a nice little mix of corn and green beans. The shrimp enchilladas were perfect! The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the green tomatillo sauce was delish.
The people I came with had the specials - one was mahi mahi cooked in garlic. YOu could smell the garlic and the woman who ate it LOVED IT! Another person ordered a steamed salmon in a spicy red sauce, which he also thought was great.
We had a chocolate flourless cake for desert. I have definitely had better and it was a little too thick/hard when putting my fork through it, but overall this place was pretty damn good!! -
Review from Benny K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/4/2011
Food was very good, service was good, ambience was lacking Good thing I was with an enjoyable large group. Would not recommend this for a date or one on one. There are much better all around mexican places in this town. Certainly not worth the drive from the westside.
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Review from Loretta C.
Temple City, CA
2/20/2011
I give it four stars because it's at an inconvenient location (downtown) and it's pricey. But the food here is amazing. The portions are worth it and the restaurant workers are all so friendly and speak Spanish to us :) This place is great for groups, and I absolutely LOVE the decor of the place!
I love eating their chips with salsa verde or that spicy sauce (not sure what it's called). Their appetizers are the thing to get, such as quesadillas, flautas, shredded beef taquitos, empanadas de pollo. Just eating those will fill you up! I always get the aguas frescas (tasted like pink lemonade?). Unlimited refills :) -
Review from Steve L.
Tucson, AZ
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Like everything about this restaurant from the squash soup to the chile rellenos! Great place to stop for lunch!
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Review from maribel B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a very nice place in Boyle Heights but it's too pricey. I would have appreciated if the waiters & waitress would take the plate after we say we are done instead of them trying to take our plates with food on them.
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Review from Jay M.
Matawan, NJ
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
if i could give this place 10 stars i would! from the service, to the drinks, to the food. absolutely amazing. try the chicken empanada and the tres carnes combinacion. staff was very polite and helpful. will be coming back here every time i visit LA
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Review from Sal M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/14/2011
Been here once and i have to admit it is worth it, the place was not crowded so it took them a while to sit us only because it was slow and no host was in the front, But once we were seated it was great.
Food portions are a bit smaller but quality over quantity here.
I hope to return to this place again soon.
So if you think of trying it please do, oh and this place is real undercover, the area does not look to appealing but once your inside, it is really nice, again, it was a few years ago, i am sure the area might look better, but do not judge the outside to this nice gem. -
Review from Carol L.
11/9/2010
Three locations, three very different menus. I've already tried the other two and this was the last one left - the original. So when my sister told me she wanted Mexican food for her birthday, I had the perfect opportunity to finally come here. I made a reservation for a Friday night but it wasn't necessary. There were plenty of empty tables when we arrived at 7 pm.
The starter chips came topped with some quesadilla (bonus!) and the salsa had some good kick.
Knowing that they are better known for their seafood, I had one of the fresh fishes - the MAHI MAHI - in a CHIPOTLE sauce (but you can pick from any number of sauces). It was spicy! My brother and sister had fish and giant shrimp and enjoyed their dishes. My mom had the trifecta meat plate with chicken, pork and carne asada. It was just okay, so I still suggest sticking with their seafood. Our meals came with soup and it was a BUTTERNUT SQUASH...perfect for the fall! I liked their tortillas, but was not a fan of the rice - too buttery. -
Review from Mr. N J.
Anaheim, CA
5/18/2011
Went there for a business lunch and must say that this place has great food!
The best places are always hidden. Try anything and you'll concur. -
Review from Malachi B.
Pasadena, CA
11/6/2010
I'm afraid this review is going to be mightily unfair. Yet, it's important to share the brief yet rich experience as truly as we can.
Being one who likes a restaurant to spend its money more on food than decor, I was immediately suspicious of the squeaky clean and luxurious interior. However, it is completely unfair to demerit a restaurant because it is so nice inside, so the rating is not steered by that reality.
After being greeted by a very friendly hostess and immediately seated, as the place was nearly empty at 7pm friday night, we settled in for what we hoped would be a delicious meal. I was really in the mood for a margarita as well.
Alas, none of this was to be.
A professional, clean, older gentleman approached us. Presumably this man was our waiter. He asked us in a warm tone if we would like any beverages. He said "We have beer, wine and margaritas" (yes!)
One in our party inquired if they carried whiskey. That's when the trouble began.
Suddenly our would-be waiter ceased to behave like a human being and began acting like one of those old animatronics at disneyland. In an eery repeat of both gesture and tone he said
"We have beer, wine and margaritas".
We were slightly puzzled, but that's ok. Perhaps he is tired of people asking him for alcohol they don't have. Perhaps he is quite proud of the wine selection. Perhaps he hates whiskey drinkers. Perhaps his animatronics servos are malfunctioning. No matter! We, intrepid explorers of cuisine nationwide press forward and ask
"how about tequila?"
Alas, Walt did not provide adequate funding to maintain this particular attraction. The animatronics, still caught in a glitch, repeated:
"We have beer, wine and margaritas"
Now, at this point, being a white man who has read a little about margaritas - last I checked, tequila was a common and valid ingredient in aforementioned beverage. I piped in:
"I just think he means what kind of tequila do you use in the margaritas"
I think this was just too much for the gentle old robot. His kindly face fought a contorted expression with respectable success, and he proudly - perhaps to show he is not just a one sentence show - informed us:
"we use agave in our margaritas."
You know.
It's not an issue that there is only wine, beer and half strength margaritas on tap.
It's not an issue that we were likely going to pay more for mexican food than anywhere else nearby.
What is an issue is that instead of cutting to what we wanted, or rather informing us that it wasn't available, we had to dance the stupid dance ending in someone feeling like a retard. My friend was insulted, and so was I. I have a strong feeling the food here is indeed good. I bet you our waiter would have given us the order we wanted with speed and efficiency. But the attitude? Well, we left a $2 tip for the trouble they went to to bring us some water, and left in a hurry.
Perhaps your patience will exceed ours - I won't be returning in a hurry. -
Review from A F.
Downey, CA
9/12/2011
We love this this place! Love the food and atmosphere! Try the specials. they don't disappoint.
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Review from Viviana M.
Monroe Township, NJ
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow. This place really hit the spot. I mean seriously hit the spot. Everything was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! The free chips and quesadillas to the chicken empanadas with cheese over tomato sauce to my best.margarita.ive.ever.had.in.my.LIFE. to my flautas entree to my spongey, light, yet soaked delicious tres leches just like my mami use to make it, omg. And the service was spectacular. Best i've ever had. I LOVE this place. I wish i live in LA so i could come here everyday of my life.
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Review from cat c.
Pasadena, CA
1/28/2011
Honestly, I wasn't that impressed. It probably didn't help that my colleague went on and on about how incredible this restaurant is. My experience didn't live up to the hype.
The food was good and the atmosphere was nice, but their dishes are quite expensive considering the many other cost-effective and delicious options in the area. Furthermore, the parking situation stinks in a neighborhood that isn't my favorite to walk around in after dark. -
Review from Luca S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/2/2010
I was in the mood for a nice Mexican restaurant: sit down, good service, to leisurely enjoy tasty food over some beers. So we ventured out to Boyle Heights for dinner. I scoped out the website of La Serenata before we went and it recommended to make a reservation, so I did. When we got there, there were only a few people dining (Wednesday night). I'm glad it wasn't too busy.
It was just what I was looking for. The food was delicious! We ordered the Salmon special (with very spicy sauce--yum, muy picante!) and the pork dish, the meat was so succulent that only a fork was needed to pile it on the freshly made corn tortillas. We passed on dessert but really enjoyed the meal.
Next time, we may try to take the Metro Gold Line, since the Mariachi Plaza stop is practically across the street. -
Review from Nicholas W.
Los Angeles, CA
8/26/2011
Amazing Mex food. Fish is outstanding. Had halibut enchilada. It's heavy, but very good. Don't be fooled by neighborhood, place is super nice on the inside.
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Review from Bri L.
Altadena, CA
4/22/2011
I dream about La Serenata on the regular. You know a place is fantastic when they do not have salt and pepper shakers on the table. It's perfectly seasoned every time. From the starter soups to the Fresas con Crema, La Serenata is simply heaven. I love that you are initially fooled by the neighborhood in which is resides. Run down buildings and kinda scary, but as you walk thru the doors, you are instantly transported to a romantic, spanish style ambience. Service is very nice and easy going.
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Review from Elizabeth W.
Los Angeles, CA
7/18/2011
A star of a restaurant in the less-than-stellar area, I come mainly for the seafood and the wonderful ambience with live music. The shrimp in cilantro sauce is delectable, and the mahi-mahi is one of my favorites. I'm getting hungry!!!
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Review from Andrew U.
Los Angeles, CA
8/4/2011
I like this spot it's really good and no one is ever here. Last time I had salmon.
