Loading...
- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Mama Juana's Latin Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Dance Clubs Restaurants Tapas Bars Dance Clubs, Tapas Bars [Edit]
3707 Cahuenga BlvdStudio City, CA 91604
(818) 505-8636
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 7 pm - 2 am
Sat 6:30 pm - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
59 reviews for Mama Juana's Latin Lounge
Review Highlights
59 reviews in English
-
Review from Peppur C.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/30/2011
I was full of anticipation and a bit nervous as my two girlfriends and I walked up the staircase to the stocatto beat of the live music blaring from above. As we walked through the crowd to a table, I was enveloped by the steamy heat that was being generated by the dancers spinning, twirling, dipping and cascading along the smallish dance floor. I loved it! I wanted to do what they were doing! I wanted to swivel and sway and flip my hair and my hips and be awesome. Only, I could tell the dancers knew what the hell they were doing, and my style of Salsa is...my own. I make it up.
We sat; I tapped my feet. I danced in my seat as the horns played on. I watched. It was like being at a high school dance and waiting for someone to ask you to dance.
Finally, I was offered a hand! As I took his, I smiled my best smile and tried to say in my best Spanish, "Yo soy not the best dancer, pero yo will try!" He smiled back, clearly not understanding what I said; plus the music was so loud, no room for talking.
He whipped me onto the floor and it was ON!
Number One: SHOES! There's a reason the ladies are in dance heels (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Cute stiletto's will not cut it. I was slip-sliding all over the freaking place. Not sexy. I am a jazz dancer, so I knew to pull myself up from the center of my core and I kept my balance, but Holy Shit! Non-dance shoes made my job harder.
Number Two: Lessons. Take 'em. I was so inspired to get myself to a class and learn the basics...
Luckily, I'm a tall girl and I LOOK like I'd know how to dance, so after a while, I received a lot of offers to dance. BUT, when the dudes got me out there and learned that I was kinda crappy, it was "Adios" and I was verrry politely twirled back to my seat after the first dance (can you say, Baby with the watermellon in Dirty Dancing? ha!)
Eventually, our friend's instructor arrived and he gave me some basic pointers that I was able to apply to my Home-made Salsa.
Mama Juana's is a great place when you know what you are doing. It's Latin based, obviously, but so multi-cultural and multi-aged. Very un-Hollywood and full of life. Loved it!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/2/2011
So fun! Went for the first time on a Thursday night....Definitely need to have lessons and know what… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ashlyn B.
CANYON CNTRY, CA
2/1/2012
i had a lot of fun WATCHING on the side!!! lol
i feel that im a pretty good dancer and im a fast learner but the people here made me feel intimadated...
when my boyfriend and i finally got the gutts to get up and dance and just have a good time the people there were snooby and snooty and made me feel uncomfortable... so we ended up leaving and going somewhere where we felt more confortable... but i do plan on going on sunday and getting lessons lol -
Review from Gabriela G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place tries to be classy but it's actually quite trashy.
My least favorite of all Latin club/lounges. No parking unless you get lucky on the street or want to pay extra to valet.
Bathrooms are tiny and dirty. They ran out of soap to wash your hands...gross (especially at a dance club where you are touching people's hands with every song. Yuk!
The food looked and smelled appetizing though I didn't try it since I went there to dance not eat.
The only redeeming quality of this place (and the only reason it gets two stars instead of one) is that they bring good bands to play from time to time. Today I saw Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loka and they were really good.
But when the band take a break and the Dj takes over, brace yourself for bad reggaeton and ghetto jams to hump to on the dance floor.
Though marketed as a Latin/Salsa club the only salsa you'll get is as a side on your plate.
Dancers are show-offs, they think they know how to dance but they step all over you, try to get closer than is comfortable and spin you around unsafely that you end up hitting and being hit by the other dancers on the dance floor.
No place to sit or put your bag and coat down unless you reserve a table to eat or buy lots of booze and bottles for your table.
Not only do you pay $15 to get in but drinks are also expensive.
Of all the latin dance places in the city this one is at the bottom of my list.
Get your act together Mama Juanas! -
Review from Raphael S.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
2/5/2012
I went to MJ for a friend's b day, and I thought the crowd was cool. Even the obviously drunk people were not that bad. The food is moderately priced, and I enjoyed the live band. Our waitress was nice even though we asked her to take a million pictures. I did witness a strange interaction with an employee and another patron. The employee was a complete hothead, and I was blown away at how he was talking to the lady as she appeared to be bothered by something, but was trying to handle the situation calmly. I later found out the guy was the owner. Opps. I hope I never have to deal with him...if I go back.
-
Review from Samantha T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2012
Sunday nights are low-key & chill for beginning salsera/os. Thursday nights are more crowded but filled with more advanced salsera/os. I like both nights for social dancing although the place is smaller than other venues. I can't review the lessons as I haven't taken them, but all in all, it's a good social dancing experience in the Valley. Good vibes and good people.
-
Review from Brian S.
Sierra Madre, CA
10/16/2011
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I'm giving the place one more chance and update my review, just in case this night was a fluke.
We saw that they had salsa dancing on Sunday nights with a free lesson included at 8:00 PM. If you got in early and ordered dinner, they waived the entrance fee. Cool, we thought. Dinner, a salsa lesson and salsa dancing.
Unfortunately, the instructor got there somewhere between 9:30 PM and 10. That's right - an hour and a half to two hours late! Rather than telling us, "Look, the instructor flaked on us and we don't think the other guy will get here for an hour," the staff / owners kept saying "oh, he'll be here any minute". Argh. I hate it when managers do that. Too their credit, they gave everyone free passes to come back. Smart move on their part.
As for the food, it wasn't that great to be honest. The buffet was fine, if sparse, but the ropa vieja rates pretty low on my list.
When we did get dancing it was pretty fun because, although the dance floor was small, there wasn't a ton of people there, which meant we had just the right amount of space to practice.
If they can get a bit better organized and make sure there instructors get there on time, I think Sundays could be a lot of fun here...but just pay the cover and skip the dinner.
Oh, and the great thing about Sundays - free street parking! -
Review from Kassandra K.
Santa Clarita, CA
10/23/2011
This place has many great things about it, but I can't get behind it 100%.
They do have live music and a large dance floor. But, the music ends at midnight (and the club is open until 2).
I was very disappointed with the turnout on a Friday night. It made for very limited dance partners.
On Friday, the band played way more merengue and cumbia than salsa(which is why I go). Call me picky, but I like my straight up salsa! I think it must have been that particular band that night. They have different bands each night, so I suppose that is just the luck of the draw.
There is a $10 cover that goes to the band (so I'm happy to pay), but we arrived at 11pm and only got an hour of live music.
As soon as the band was done, the DJ started to play latin pop music. My friends and I made the best of it and continued to dance, but we wanted to salsa! They eventually played a few more salsa tunes before the bar closed.
Their cocktails are delicious, but are 10 bucks a pop.
It is a fun place dress up and go out dancing! Looking forward to going back to see what else they have to offer. -
Review from edren s.
North Hollywood, CA
7/12/2011
One word: I really like this place!
It could have been the low-key Sunday night, it could have been a fateful conversation with the bartender Anna Maria, it could have been the generous amounts of whiskey, it could have been all of everything aligning just right, but whatever it was, I really had a good time at Mama Juana's!
A good friend of mine was in a few years of funk. After we left this place, beginner salsa class under our belt, a fair amount of genuine smiles from strangers we danced with, and a sincere conversation with Anna Maria, my friend rediscovered the thing that had gone missing from his life.
Dancing. Dancing makes him happy.
So Mama Juana's gets five stars from me.
Because dancing makes me happy, too.
Cheers. -
Review from Lina B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2011
I have two reviews, one from myself and the other from my sister that just doesn't care for the world of technology so she asked me to do it for her :)
Years ago my cousin rented out this place to celebrate his wife's surprise 40th Birthday. The staff was great, really nice and attentive. I don't remember much because the Mojitos were flowing and damn..I still haven't had a better Mojito than that place so 5 stars just for that alone!
Now for my sisters review from Last Friday. She went with her husband and another couple to have dinner and then dance afterwards. She couldn't stop raving about the Cilantro Chicken that Chef Juliet had prepared, everyone loved their food but all I kept hearing about was this delish chicken. One of the gentlemen had ask for some peppers or a hot sauce and Chef Juliet made a salsa from scratch and delivered it personally to the table. They had a blast all the way through and will definitely be going back.
I must go back soon as it has been too long and I am definitely ordering this Cilantro Chicken I keep hearing about. Look out for an updated review :) -
Review from David G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2011
One star for food, and I bumped it one star for the music and lessons.
I do not recommend dinner here. They were out of many menu items and our group did not like what we ordered. The salad was good, but the Ahi tasted horrible. The chicken and steak fajitas were good, but not exceptional. Note that their portions are large! The Chicken Carbon came out dry and slightly burned.
But, once we were ready for dancing, the bartender poured some great shots and we enjoyed the live band and salsa dancing.
Come here for salsa dancing, not the chips and salsa. -
Review from S B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
What a joke. I don't think I've ever spent so much money and gotten so little in return. First, you either have to pay a $10 cover (for a dance lesson) or $20 minimum food order. I chose the food. We were first served with watered down margaritas that barely tasted of alcohol. My friend ordered a bean dip that looked like canned beans with some shredded cheese on top and the stale table chips we had just had with salsa. It looked gross. Her ahi tuna salad looked equally as disappointing. I got the chicken with cream of cilantro which was flavorless and with pieces of asparagus that hadn't been roasted or sauteed with anything of flavor. Ordered another margarita and was yet again disappointed. Lots of old dudes asking younger girls to dance. So loud that you can't hear anyone talk during dinner. At times we had rude service with the hostess or a waitress trying to grab our drinks (several times) before we were done. $7 valet? I've paid less in Hollywood.
-
Review from Damon M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I can dance.
I have taken dance classes since I was a kid, but this is not why I say I can dance. I can dance because you can't stop me. That said, salsa dancing, you probably should.
My wife and I have hit up Mama Juana's about 3 times so far, and it never fails to be a good time. I have taken the class and I have eaten the food. I even had a chance to interact with one of the operators (owner, manager?).
Here's the down and dirty...
The food is fine. It's not going to win any awards but then again neither is most of the dancing... mine or otherwise. It's California-Latino food and it does what food is supposed to - feed the beast. Go for the dancing and drinks and don't consider this a restaurant experience.
The dancing is also fine. Enough tasty margaritas and almost anybody will go up. The brave will take a class, which is in full view of anyone eating, and may I add, very entertaining when the 20-something crowd goes up for their first time. The truly bold, however, will dance with a regular. There are clearly different styles, and I am getting most of the social dynamics, but you better have chops for this. Otherwise, join me on the side of the floor keeping to my wife and myself.
The music is solid. Twice we stayed for the live music (I get tired early) and even if you don't rock musica latina in your iPhone, you will appreciate the solid beats coming from any of the local bands.
And the management? Yeah these guys are not going to win peace awards and they need to be trained on how to be hosts... but who cares? Go for the drinks and dancing and you will be less disappointed.
Go on... dance. -
Review from Andrew Z.
Burbank, CA
9/23/2011
Very lively salsa scene. Highly recommend this place for salsa dancers or if you want to try salsa. It is pretty cramped, but what dance floor isnt? A cramped dance floor just means its a popular spot. I didn't try the food unfortunately so I can't comment on it, but definitely come for the dancing.
-
Review from Thijs M.
Valencia, CA
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great place to have some fun with friends and dance. Been here on a few occasions now. The meals and drinks are always good.
The best aspect though is the live music and dancing. While most of the dancing is geared towards Salsa, they have a bunch of variety each an every time especially when the DJ comes on in between sets. Whether you are a beginner (like me) or a more experienced dancer (like some of my friends) you are sure to have a great time. Highly recommended checking it out. -
Review from Nenita D.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
7/30/2011
This place is a diamond in the dirt that hasn't been found..love the little feel to it live bands, great decor salsa all night what more can u ask for. The food is mediocor but Ive heard they have new cooks and new management and everything changing for the better. Great date place. I've gone a couple times lately and i been trying the new menu's far food is delicious they have chuletas en sazon yummy..ceviche is bomb too. salsa lesson 7:30 to 9:00..
-
Review from Michelle M.
Encino, CA
8/15/2011
The food is not good (mushy rice, greasy meat), the service is terrible (we had a large party and half of the party received and finished their food before the other half arrived), and the dancing was fun but a tad intimidating. I could only see a serious salsa dancer with no appetite truly enjoying themselves here.
-
Review from Cindy R.
Granada Hills, CA
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fridays mostly good for couples. An older crowd as well, and the drinks are a bit too pricey! The music is good though, but I wouldn't say OMG it's great.
-
Review from Private I.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2007
What you need to know:
-Small dance floor (doesn't even matter, and it's much more fun than dancing in a studio)
-Great instructors (Alex, if you're doing advanced)
-Good music and abundant fun (get ready to SALSA!)
-You will work off half of that shrimp burrito you just ate at PM's (sweat, sweat, sweat... like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance)
Now do yourself a favor and do some justice to what your mama done gave ya. -
Review from Eddie H.
New York, NY
8/4/2008 1 photo
Like Rumba Room up the road, I've been to Mama Juana's once before about 4-5 years ago before I was into salsa dancing. I remembered it being a small, romantic, intimate, classy venue; when I had the opportunity to re-visit this place the other night, 5 years of build-up and I was not disappointed.
This is perhaps the classiest place to go salsa dancing I've ever been to other than Top of the Mark in SF (but without the views here). It's tucked away on Cahuenga and it doesn't look like much from the street. Once you walk up the stairs and look at the white table-clothed tables up front, elegant dance floor, dimmed lighting, swanky bar area, and the grand stage, I couldn't help but reminisce upon my days at Top of the Mark.
The cover here is $10 and there are lessons offered before the band comes on. Salsa dancing is offered here Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays (I think now Sundays as well, but just DJ). Tuesdays feature Johnny Polanco y Conjunto Amistad while other nights rotate bands.
This is such a great venue to go salsa dancing or even just sit down and watch the band and dancers perform. It's not too crowded, the music is not overly loud, the dancers are classy (both in terms of dress attire and dancing styles - great but not snobby or overly flashy). You can really get into the music and enjoy the company of your dance partner here without having to worry about getting in the way of others. I've never eaten here, but I'd recommend this place for a date spot any day.
If there is one place in LA I wish I could take back to SF, it'd be this place.
For more salsa recommendations:
http://www.yelp.com/li...Listed in: Los Angeles Salsa Dancing
-
Review from T O.
Hidden Hills, CA
10/4/2011
Esther, the general manager, is lovely. She makes sure that all her guest at Mama Juana's are having an enjoyable time. She is very attentive to all the club goers. She is a fabulous lady. The club is quant, and the staff are wonderful. Love the live music!! My husband, and I celebrated our aniversary there, and Esther went out of her way to reserve a table for us, decorate it, and served us a delicious desert. I highly recommend Mama Juana's for any celebration. We had a ball on the dance floor, dancing to the live band...LOVED IT!! Thank you Esther and Patrick!! See you both soon!!
-
Review from Michelle C.
Brentwood, CA
8/27/2006
Awesome place to salsa. Unlike other behemoth salsa clubs like the Mayan, Mama Juanas has an intimate feel. Many serious salsa dancers (and learners) and girls, you don't have to worry so much about sketchy guys. These guys can really dance and most of them just want to dance. Food is alright. Not spectacular but the music is great.
Alex Da Silva's class on Thursday is good. However, It starts off looking like a beginner's class and after a few minutes, you realize that everyone on the floor knows how to salsa, so be careful. The class has a surplus of men, so women come out or else the men have to dance with each other and you know how that goes. Salsa ain't fun without women. -
Review from Toni L.
5/17/2008
Saying I have two left feet would be a gross understatement. I spent my night here swearing profusely and trying not to trip over random people. Even so, I can still recognize Mama Juana's as one of the better places to learn salsa (sadly, I've tried before and failed). Lessons are only $10 and the beginners instructors are clear and totally foxxxy.
The small dance floor sits below a stage where the instructor does his thing. Later, a full band will come out and play along with the music. Finding this place is a somewhat difficult task. The entrance is this really nasty, poorly labeled looking door. Luckily, the interior is a heck of a lot nicer.
The food smells incredible. I didn't have a chance to try it, but you can get carnitas, nachos, and good drinks. They're on the expensive end (~$20 per entree, $10 for just nachos!) but this place was pretty packed with diners so it probably tastes as good as it smells.Listed in: Latin Food
-
Review from Andrea B.
Studio City, CA
7/22/2011
I love this place!! I have been coming here for about a year and I must say that it is only getting better. The music is great and my friends and I always have a blast. They just hired a new chef and the food is absolutely delicious! Complete improvement with the food! I wasn't a big fan before but I can now honestly say that dinner or appetizers here are 100% worth it! Yum!! I would recommend dinner, drinks, and a little salsa at Mama Juana's any day!
-
Review from Julie J.
Marina del Rey, CA
4/14/2007
Mama Juana's baby! I - had - the - time - of - my - life....and I never felt this way before....
So quoting that corny movie song lyric, just know I'm in a goofy mood, mildly hungover and BEAMING. I drank some great mojitos, margaritas and did a lot of bad-yet-heartfelt salsa dancing here at Mama J's last night.
Newbies will feel fine Fridays in the beginner's class as opposed to the more advanced Thursday. Good instructor - Ken, I think.
Cozy, smallish - but doesn't feel cramped for dancing and dinner. It felt romantic, kind of sexy, yet vibrant and warm for just friends or a one-on-one date with a someone who likes to dance. -
Review from Carol I.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2011
The place was okay, drinks were strong, but the crowd? Not so good. I went on a Saturday night and apparently this place (or that night) is ONLY for hardcore salsa dancers. I considered my level to be okay, but every guy I danced with told me I wasn't good enough. I went in thinking I was going to have a great night and came out feeling pretty shitty, but hey who knows, maybe I'm just that bad at dancing salsa. Either way, I would say skip it unless you're a good salsa dancer.
-
Review from C. A.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2011
I have visited this place about 20-30 times on Thursday nights (Salsa nights) and since they reopened in July (for "reconstruction" purposes) it has gone downhill considerably.
I have only eaten there a few times, food seems overpriced for what you're getting. If you don't want to pay the cover of $10, you have to order a full entree (not a salad or appetizer). Drinks are not great unless you make very nice with the bartenders. Even then, they are expensive.
For the most part the crowd is good on Thursdays with mostly intermediate to advanced salsa dancers. Fridays and Saturdays are usually couples and/or non dancers. There is a live band Thursday through Saturday.
So why only two stars??
Well, the management/owners are in need of some serious business/customer service classes. There are two owners to this place who look like two overgrown bullies. They are not friendly and lack the business aspect of owning possibly the most popular salsa night club in the valley. They don't dress or act the part of a manager/owner. Most of the times you can see them drinking by the bar and starting to argue about what music they want to play, instead of listening to their customers. Let the DJ play what they customers want instead of intervening to play what you want!
I'm waiting for the next up and coming promoter/owner to take this place out of business in the valley. I do frequent here, but they carry none of my loyalty and I'll continue to advise people of their unprofessionalism. In the meantime, I hope they get their stuff together and create an environment that can be talked about... -
Review from Kristin H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/14/2008
Went here with some friends last Friday and we had a pretty nice time. We had reservations so we had a table for the whole night which was cool. If you get reservations there is a two appetizer or one entree minimum per person. You basically end up spending $20-$25 per person on food. We ordered Chicken Marsala, mushroom empanadas, pupusas, ceviche, and ropa vieja. The chicken marsala was definitely my favorite dish of the night. The pupusas and empanadas were a little bland. The ceviche was decent and I liked the rice that came with the ropa vieja but I didn't eat the beef. One thing I didn't like was my cosmo I got. I couldn't taste the alcohol at all and it cost me $11.
For people like myself that aren't too good at the salsa dancing they have salsa lessons at 7 PM. The instructor has some good moves and a good sense of humor as well.
One highlight of the night was just watching these couples from Arthur Murray show off some serious salsa skills. If you're too shy to show off you're own moves theres plenty of people to watch and there is a live band there as well.
A majority of the people there seemed to be in their late 30's and up. I wish there good have been more young people and some eye candy to look at! -
Review from Jay J.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2008
I came, I saw, I danced...salsa (pronounce it like you've got peanut butter on the roof of your mouth, makes it sound exotic!)!
Went to a benefit salsa party on a Wednesday night, right after my bible study. Who says you can't praise the Lord with dance?!
The space is intimate and kind of dark, but not sleazy dark. The live band that played was The Echo Park Project and they were good. If I had 2 more Diet Cokes, I would've had more energy for their marathon salsa numbers.
I'm not sure if it's because it was a Wednesday night, but it didn't feel at all like a meat market, and the guys I danced with were really good!
Just go already!Listed in: Happy Hour Held Every Day
-
Review from Heather H.
Glendale, CA
9/20/2010
Salad was drenched in dressing, I suggest getting it on the side.
The main dishes we got were good, the adult drinks were wonderful. :o)
The salsa lesson was very fun! The guy was helpful and made it fun and easy. Although it's a basic little dance, there were people there that obviously know more, it was fun to watch them.
Very sit and chill, good date place. :o)
** wear heals, it makes it easier to dance.
** parking is horrible, but street parking is free after 8pm. -
Review from Josh G.
North Hollywood, CA
12/10/2008
If I manage to make it back to Mama Juanas, there's a good chance I might re-visit this review with another star, but on my gal's birthday it didn't quite live up to the hype.
First I emailed the manager (Monique) explaining that it was the little lady's "being born" day, and that it'd be swell if she got a little VIP treatment. Two days later I still hadn't heard back, so I called and left a message. The next day, Monique did call back, confirmed the reservation and answered a few questions. Namely, would a couple of first-timers be able to hang in the intermediate salsa class. She replied that unless we had two left feet, it shouldn't be a problem at all...
We arrived for the 7:30 Tuesday class dressed to the nines and ready to cut a rug. We were seated, and a very nice server took our drink order and brought us some chips and salsa. Apparently she had been given the 411 on our situation, as she offered some encouragement about the dancing, and mentioned that Walter is a great teacher who really takes time with his classes.
He showed up about twenty minutes late, and split the men and women up into two groups. Showed us a few steps rather quickly, then started the music. I was a LITTLE behind, but managed to keep up for the most part. Then he had us partner up...
And proceeded to throw moves and combinations at us so fast that there was simply no way we could follow along. I understand that this was an intermediate course, but I'm a pretty quick study, and the birthday girl is a professional, trained dancer who later lamented that they don't even teach that fast at a Broadway dance call. It wasn't THAT big a deal, but we had to throw in the towel and head to our seats after about 45 minutes of incessant instructions to "Change Partners!" We were so flustered, there was no way we were about to trip and fall over someone else.
So we took a seat, and our server cheered us up by telling us that Walter always sticks around after the class to help the newbies with some basic steps, so that they can enjoy their evening. So we went ahead and ordered our food (which was pretty good) and were joined by some friends who had driven up to surprise the missus for the big night.
As the class drew to an end, the two ladies approached Walter about some quick instruction so that we could participate once the live band started up. I was gonna float the guy $20 for his time, but when the girls mentioned us (the guys), Walter said that he had to pass out some fliers first, but would find us a little later.
So we sat, and ate, and sat some more, and our ears bled because the music was SO loud. And then the lovely little server brought out a chocolate crepe with a candle in it, which I was thoroughly thankful for as I was fearing the evening a bust. And then the band started playing, and still no Walter (he was out dancing with just about every single girl in the joint), so I paid my bill and after a few more songs we got up to leave....
At which point Walter came over and apologized for not coming over sooner, but encouraged us to come back the next night or call him for a private lesson. Hmmm...
I guess it's not fair to review an establishment based on a "guest" instructor, but when the whole night is planned around dancing 'til 2 in the morning after learning some cool new steps in a "fun" salsa class, it kinda felt like a letdown. Mama Juana's did us right with the great service, decent food, and a very good live band. I did feel like they were trying to make it a special night for the birthday girl, but they really dropped the ball by not passing on that info to Walter who (unfortunately) played a big part in how our evening would go.
All that said, if you can already salsa dance, or manage to make it on another night, it's a pretty cool spot that's clearly a lot of fun. I would reckon I might've given it another star too if I were single... -
Review from Diana T.
San Fernando, CA
RE-OPENING !!!!
Mama Juanas is re-opening this FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2010!!!
. -
Review from Jessica N.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2009
judging from the other reviews, i'll continue to stick to MJ's for salsa & skip the food!
MJ's has proven to be pretty reliable as a salsa destination - the bands are almost always supahot & the dj plays a good mix of other latin music to dance to during breaks. my only complaint is the leader of one particular band, & i'm not naming names, makes some annoying, off-color jokes between songs. i mean the type of stuff drunken uncles say at family holiday gatherings that make everyone in the room uncomfortable.
the dancers mostly register in the intermediate-advanced range, but don't be afraid to drop in for lessons. i feel like the crowd is pretty casual - i typically show up in old jeans & a comfy tank. no way i'm sweating up my better rags! yes, *some* people here sport some fancier outfits but for guys, that could mean simply tossing on a fedora. girls, just show some skin.
this place used to be really packed on tuesdays & thursdays, but it's gotten better in the past few months. it makes me le sad to drive up & down cahuenga for 10 minutes looking for parking (to avoid the $7.50 valet), hike back to the club & pay the $10 cover only to find the small dance floor completely taken up.
the bar, along with several tables & chairs, are located well away from the dance floor. voila! lower probability that a renegade salsera will knock that drink right out of your hand. unlike other salsa clubs/restaurants that are broken up into different floors & rooms (or even have an outside patio if you're lucky), MJ's floor is the size of your living room & it's closely lined with tables for diners & spectators. watch your step!Listed in: this SALSA town!
-
Review from pechosie g.
Los Angeles, CA
2/14/2011
Have come here a few times with my girls for a night out. I love that it's close enough to Hollywood to take a $12 cab ride. The drinks are always good, the girl bartenders are hot and FRIENDLY. which is a rare thing in this town. lol. The Pink Margarita is my favorite! :)
It's a good mix of a live salsa band, along with a DJ who plays other types of latin/top 40 music. Great for a group of friends or to bring a date. Oh and the Salsa instructor on Friday nights is super sexxxxy :)
Overall, I highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for a night out of dancing and fun!! -
Review from Mae F.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/30/2009
Since our move to Los Angeles, I have yet to find a place that reminds me of the salsa scene in Chicago. I'm thinking of the live bands, the unique, stylized dancing, the people, and of course, the dance floor. I found all these things here at Mama Juana's.
I have been there a few times now, and I must say, this beats all the places I have been to LA, hands down as far as the salsa/mambo scene is concerned. The DJ's know what songs to play in order to fill the dance floor up and the live full piece salsa bands are phenomenal!
Everyone knows that most salseros never really drink. It breaks-up the spins people! But if you were to have an actual drink, they are not too bad, plus the service staff is always friendly and very accommodating.
Overall, will I be back? Absolutely! Let's dance! -
Review from Genevieve R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/28/2009
Seriously, the food here is AWFUL! The tamale was complete mush, the shrimp ceviche was chewy and I spit it out. My friends were horrified and just wanted to pay the bill and see the band. I argued with them to send back the ENTIRE meal, but they didn't want to make a scene since they wanted to stay and dance. We left our lazy-ass waitress exactly 10% tip and she's lucky she got anything. It's like she couldn't be bothered with working! There are SO many people looking for work right now and who aim to please. Do NOT expect this from Mama Juana's.
There is a $10 cover charge and I must say, I hope only the band gets every penny of that money, as this club/restaurant doesn't deserve a dime. -
Review from Candice R.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2009
Restaurant: 2 stars
On a Saturday night, the food was okay for the ambiance. But the service was not so hot. We came a bit late, got a table, and had to wait, even with a reservation. Our left over food was caked to the plate by the time the waitress remembered to clear our table. At least that time was shorter than it took for us to get food. :-/
Dancing: 4 stars
Good band, but not life changing. Nice floor, small and intimate, how I like it. I'd come back, but just to dance.
Why it's not 5 stars: You've got divas everywhere, so beware. Of course, dress up, my pretties. My favorite is the little guy with a big ego who chose to dance in front of our table. He basically dances with girls so they pale in comparison to his over-shined dance routines. You know he's good. He knows he's good. It's just a huge overstatement which makes the whole thing too ridiculous. I tried not to laugh, until I noticed one girl pissed off at him for completely ignoring her. I lost it then.
Maybe tip the waitress BEFORE eating? Then you'll get some service. -
Review from sylvia g.
Northridge, CA
4/22/2009
we went on a 'field trip' for my zumba class to Walter's tuesday night class. I have never been salsa dancing, nor to Mama Juana's and we got there about halfway through the lesson. Once we walked up, I saw people getting their groove on the dance floor and they looked amazing!! I was super jealous and way intimidated. It took us only a few seconds to realize that we were way over our heads.
we sat back and watched the dancing on the floor, and a couple of the girls had some salsa experience so they went and got their instruction on, but even they said that it was a rather advanced class.
after the lesson was over, Walter came up to us and invited us to come back on wednesday nights for his beginner class, which I am going to do. I explained to him that I have zero experience and need to build from the ground up, and he said that the wednesday night, or the friday night would be ideal.
anyway, the club was fantastic, the parking was good since we didn't get there too late and didn't have to valet, and the music fantastic. cover charge is only $10 to enter and covers your lesson, and the staff was super friendly and informative. I'll be back next week to give my reviews after I have actually gotten on the beginner's dance floor. needless to say that I didn't dance on the advanced floor! -
Review from Dee C.
8/3/2008
My thoughts on Fridays at Mama Juana's as I've only been there once on a Friday:
Come early enough, get a salsa lesson for free for $10 which includes admission to stay through the rest of the night. The instructors were very passionate so it motivated me more to learn, this being my first time... along with my two best friends. They had a live band play which made the salsa-ing so much better. Salsa-ing is probably the only time women may feel like a whore switching dance partners throughout the night and it is A-OK in everybody's book! haha.. no discrimination. The crowd is mixed and most had a very good vibe. Though I wished the dance floor was bigger... also I did not get a chance to try the food so for now I give Mama Juana's three stars for A-OK! -
Review from Debby L.
1/5/2009
One of my girlfriends had her 25th bday here. I had been here the year before and it was a lot of fun. I took the beginner salsa class with the black power ranger (yes, you read right). It was so much fun, and when the club started with the band, it was even better.
This time, we came early enough to eat dinner here..and it was a HUGE disappointment. Half of the problem was the waitress, and the other half was the food quality. The ropa vieja was the best dish there, but the rice was old. The shrimp ceviche was just bad tasting and my friend got kind of sick from it (mine was fine, but my stomach can handle pretty much anything). The tamales was MUSH so we sent it back and they still tried to put it in the bill! I stood my ground, and they finally took it off. The fajitas were a little tasteless and the meat was not tender.
I was kind of expecting mediocre food because it's a dance club, not a restaurant, but I still expected some good drinks!! The mojitos are too sweet and not enough alcohol, the food was just not good, and the waitress kept taking our beers away when there is still some left!! NEVER take my unfinished alcoholic drink away from me! I ended up sticking to beers instead of the mixed concoctions that the waitress swears by, and just stayed on the dance floor as much as I could. Thank god for my salsa dancing friends.
Our table was not the greatest. Last time, we were on the end right next to the dance floor, and I liked that much better because I can watch the dancers and learn. This time, we were in a corner in the back although we came early and had a large party.
I do have to say that the live band was amazing. I was really really impressed and the dancers that came for the club part were so much fun to watch. I would have given this place 2 stars, but the band pulled through and deserves a star of their own. -
Review from Frank M.
8/31/2009
People here dress classy. The women are good and dress great. They have a live Salsa band. I was here a about 3 years ago. and I am kinda working my way to go again once i take a few more salsa classes. The bar is decent and a good area just to watch people dance. Never tried the food but they do have sections to eat.
cant wait to come here again.
