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Olvera Street
Categories: Museums, Shopping, Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Chinatown845 N Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-1274
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
88 reviews for Olvera Street
Review Highlights
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1781. Forty four Spaniard pobladores nailed together the first pueblo in Los Angeles. Today that strip of land is known as Olvera Street. In 1822 Mexico took over. 1850, the Yanks grabbed it from the Mexicans but continued to foster the sale of tamales and mariachi guitars. 2009, i can bring my loved ones here to go back in time while gnawing on a churro. Olvera is not as polished as she used to be; in certain lights she look like she been around the block. Still, Olvera's a place i'm partial to on account of the California heritage. Consider the antiquated Mexican candle shops, the ceramic boutiques, the embroidered sombrero outposts. The old man, La Golondrina, continues to serve up chille rellenos and mole poblano from the Roaring twenties. Mexican flags fly long side the stars and stripes.
Of late i've heard alarmists complain we'll all be speaking Spanish in 20 years. That's a pile of horse dung- look up the Census reports that indicate that of all 3rd generation Latinos- 95% speak English only at home. The American Latino people toil and revel as hard as any other American in this land. They, like all of us, strive to push our nation upwards from the broad steady shoulders of Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln.
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Olvera Street is perhaps a block long but jammed packed with restaurants, casual cafes and tons of souvenirs and goodies to buy.
It is a tourist's dream come true. No time to go to Mexico? Go to Olvera Street! It's fairly sanitized and you can get all the same stuff for good ol' American dollars.
Walking through Olvera Street is like walking back in time. I remember almost all the toys being sold. And ponchos? Oh wow, remember those? They have 'em in every color.
I was sad to see some of the vendors I remembered gone especially the glass blower. Oh no cute glass animal pendants anymore! I had a pegasus one that was marvelous.
Years ago, my best find was a green turquoise bracelet I wore until I lost it last summer. I had that bracelet for over 10 years. I meant to find a replacement but didn't have the time during my taquitos crawl. Oh that's right, if you want to do food crawls featuring the rolled taco, this is your place!
Overall, it's a fun place and you can probably blow through it within an hour if you don't eat. I parked at a lot in Chinatown which was just a short walk for $5. The Olvera Street lot seems shady with varying prices of $7-$13 depending on what time you go. Your other option could be taking the metro and walking over from Union Station.
Make a day of it and see Olvera Street, Chinatown and Little Tokyo for a trifecta of kitschy culture!
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When you think Los Angeles the first thing that comes to mind is perhaps the Hollywood sign, Hollywood Blvd. with Chinese Theatre., Rodeo Drive and beaches. But not many people realize where the "real" first Los Angeles has started. Thankfully, due to constant preservation and restoration projects, as a part of the Los Angeles Pueblo, the Olvera street still remains to this day.
Olvera Street is truly a magical place located in a center of real Los Angeles and even though it's small, it still remains its authentic charm and lesser known history. It's a perfect place for an afternoon stroll in a different environment than constant rush or our busy lives. The shops and booths with Mexican stuff are always good place to find a rare item, that normally would cost a lot more in a regular store. Of course, Mexican candy and foods are great there too, but there tend to be a little bit pricey if you end up eating in one of the restaurants, but still, it's totally worth it. You can even visit Avila Adobe - the oldest building in Los Angeles built in 1818 - or Chinese American Museum and firefigther museum/building.
My favorite time is Sunday, when there is a mass in the oldest church, lots of people selling their own stuff/food, like the lady with blue corn quesadillas or ladies with 2$ handmade palms during Holly Week. There is usually some band or performance going on at the main square, some more vendors, lots of people, good food, cheap finds and amazing atmosphere that none of the Rodeo Drive bullshit can't buy.
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Visited here Sunday afternoon...haven't been here in a few years. Growing up, my grandfather used to bring me here all the time. I have very fond memories of Olvera St. Not much has changed, and I still love it here. My boyfriend has never been so I took him and he was pretty impressed with it. We are planning on building an altar for the Dia de Los Muertos ceremony at the Hollywood forever cemetery so we came here to see what we could find, which was quite a lot. If you are just visiting L.A. this is definately a good tourist spot. As for us Angelinos, we are lucky enough to have Olvera Street all year round! Great place to take the kids and also shopping for cool stuff. Be sure to have dinner at La Golondrina.....they have the best Mole con Pollo.
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I was here for the Ecuadorian Festival and it was fun! Lots of Ecuadorians, good food vendors (more than usual) and good ol' fun. There was a parade of some sorts with lots of beautiful women, so overall it was a good place to take pictures.
I always say Olvera St. shopping is like Tijuana shopping, except that you have to pay tax here. Its those nice trinkets and little cool toys that you think are cool that eventually end up in the trash.
I had churros at Mr. Churros and those were excellent churros. I had the carmel "filling" churro (churro broken in half with filling inside) which made a great walk around snack. Overall an enjoyable experience.
If you visited Olvera Street not knowing the history behind it, you could easily think, "What's the big deal?" There's a bunch of cheap looking toys for sale, some tacos, a churro cart, sombreros... It's crowded as hell and the whole thing is really just a short alley, not a street.
Read a little, however, and you might be able to appreciate this place more.
http://en.wikipedia.or...
If you've never been here, it's worth a visit.
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Please take a picture with the donkey and post it so that others on Yelp can share the joy.
PLEASE! It will be awesome! I promise!
I am a fan indeed! Olvera street holds so many memories for me, memories of family outings, grade school field trips and just all around good times with good people here. I can even take it all the way back to buying the confetti eggs for $1 and smashing them on top of my brother's head.
There are some great places to get some food. Some really awesome stores to get anything Dia De Los Muertos and don't forget your mexican wrestling masks.
Just remember it can get really crowded but grab a snack and enjoy the vibe and people watching opportunities. Great for an afternoon, weekend, something to do, cheap date.
My tip is to park in Lil Tokyo in a lot and walk over, that way you get a two for one. Visit Lil Tokyo, see the courthouse and that area and then head over to Olvera.
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I bought a switchblade comb here thirty years ago on a school field trip and still have it! They really built those suckers. Last time I was here it was on a Sunday and they were doing a "blessing of the animals day" where everyone brought their pets (dogs, snakes, fish, etc) and someone with "religious authority" blessed them. The pets had no idea what was going on but they were probably happy to be out of the house for a few hours. Overall, a historical street with a few good restaurants, and lots of leather goods and trinkets. Makes for a few hours of fun.
this place is cute!!! very touristy, but cute. all the shops sell the same stuff, but it's definitely some local flavour! i can't believe not that many people have come here when they grew up in LA!
bad thing is. i freakin got bird pooped on me the first 5 minutes i stepped in here! talk about luck. i stood by the big tree by that taquitos place and i got bird pooped on me. not standing by that tree again. T_T
the tacos there in general are whatevers, i am not a fan of hard shelled tacos. and they're like $2+! rip off of tourists! not even authentic tacos. but it was good for a hard shell taco.
not that long, but definitely worth a visit.
tip: don't stand near the tree. you may be lucky, but you maybe not be so lucky!
favourite: the vibe, the storefronts
do not want: getting bird pooped. tacos that are pricier than normal.
last words: worth a visit, just to check it out.
Olvera Street is a weird, fun, and slightly odd place that almost always guarantees a good time. From the Day of the Dead festival, to the Bless of the Animals day, they've always got something fun cooking. If you are ever in a big hurry to find a wrestling mask and a margarita, this IS the place!
Olvera Street reminds me of a girl you had a crush on in grade school, she was the most beautiful girl on earth, and then you see her decades later and you realize she was average at best. When I was young, this place was like a whole other world. We've stopped in an eaten on occasion at different restaurants before heading over to the Dorothy Chandler pavilion and each place is horribly average. Some have cool atmosphere, mariachis etc., but the food is never more than adequate.
Still, this is an LA treasure and a great part of our history here in the City of Angels so I'm glad it still exists just as it has for years. Plus, you can get crazy little trinkets that you'll wonder why you bought them ten minutes after you get home.
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I love to come here with friends on holidays and tourists on ordinary days.
A bit of history, a bit of kitch.
Food is decent, but really, go to Phillipe's if you're there for the history.
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Olvera Street is a fun place to visit for people watching and eating. It's a great place to find trinkets from Mexico without having to actually go there! There are some nice restaurants and a few taqueria type places that serve rolled tacos...mmm tasty. I like to visit on Sundays when everyone is strolling around perhaps after church. There's usually some sort of live music going on. It's a great place to photograph too!
When I was a little ankle biter, my folks used to take me and my sisters here every once in a while when we would venture west of the 605.
I remember being a little freaked out by walking through the claustrophobic aisles of vendors and the strong smell of leather.
I remember my dad bought me a churro and one of those popguns with a cork...I thought I was hot shit.
I remember eating at La Golondrina and thinking how great the beans tasted.
Every time I come here, it takes me back to those days. I was here this past weekend to check out the Dia de los Muertos stuff.
As far as Olvera Street goes...
It's still claustrophobic. Still smells like leather.
Got my son a churro...it was a bit stale.
No pop gun for the tots...they've been replaced with little toy cars from China.
Couldn't get into La Golondrina...too packed...no worries...went to J-Town and had some ramen instead.
Olvera Street has lost a bit of its luster for my taste, but man, does this place occupy a special spot in my heart!
I'll be back!
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Me gusta mucho!
What's better than mexican food, margarita's, and little carts full of shit-you-don't-need?!
A great date-night spot and a nice escape from the "scene".
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I recall visiting Olvera Street when I was little and was fascinated with everything.....
This past weekend I took my family to a LA KINGS game and after I thought it would be to nice to go to Olvera Street for lunch and let me just tell you it was horrible.
It started off with parking..... They charged me $ 13.00 to park knowing they raised their parking prices due to the Easter holiday is a crime these days with the economy.
Half of Olvera street was been remodeled...
The food was ok but we could have got better on any corner in east LA where vendors set up shop and cook.
I never saw any mariachis which I expected but then again I expected something my kids would enjoy.... My 10 year old son and 6 year old daughter just wanted to go home !!
walking down the street in what appears to be the middle of no where...
M - Dude...where the hell are we going?
H - Don't worry about it!
M - Why are we going down this dark innocuous looking hallway?
H - Don't worry about it!
M - Where are we now? reminds me of the spots in paris...but mexican...
H - Welcome to Olvera street...go get your churro..
M - YAY!!!!
;D
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::Salivates:: A little alley way jam packed with hand made authentic Mexican arts and crafts! Not only that, real street Mexican food! I swear the tacos there are unbelievable. So juicy, tasty, cheap, and completely authentic. At the end of Olvera Street, go to the plaza and witness some great Mexican music. I had an unbelievable time there and bought alot of great things.
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What a piece of history
Really enjoyed all the different small businesses on this ol fashioned St.
Lot of tourists and more tourists and people / tourists sitting on a burro taking pictures.
Some good eating places here too, but ya gotta pay for parking....
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If I still lived in Southern California, Olvera Street would probably get four stars. Maybe 4.49. But it wouldn't warrant five. Definitely not.
But I live far away now, and although I visit my parents fairly regularly, I don't waste my time in L.A. doing things like going to Olvera Street. But maybe I should.
This place is the setting for many childhood memories. It's one of the few places I can remember having both family and field-trip memories from. Even at a young age (say, eight), I remember feeling conflicted about sharing memory space in my brain. I just did not want my friends from school to know that I came here with my parents and siblings sometimes. For years I found it difficult to mix my extended family and my friends from school. It was as if I was crossing a line that did not need to be crossed. That could lead to so much hardship and suffering.
OK.
Olvera Street is pretty cheesy. Or at least that's what I thought when I was a kid. I still loved it, but the cheap baubles they sell in the stalls all along the cobblestone path really are lame. But you should come when it rains because the way the water drains down the street is pretty interesting.
I've eaten at most of the taqueria stalls and at at least two of the sit-down restaurants, but I don't remember what anything is called. So next time I'm here, I'm going to get a map. Either that, or I'm going to eat at each place so that I can Yelp it.
Here are my three pieces of advice (and take into account that the majority of the time I spent here was in the 1980s):
1. Go to the candle shop. It's amazing.
2. Avoid the handwriting-analysis booth. It's a ripoff.
3. Do not request songs from the mariachis. They will hang around forever, even after you've paid them.
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Festivo! Tiempos de la diversión! Muy bueno!
If only a trip to TJ was as fun as a trip to Olvera St. but jew know, I'm not a' trying to get kidnaps.
I really, really dig Olvera St. I mean, sure, I wouldn't kick it at the Alameda St bus stop come midnight, but during the day - downtown has muchos to offer that most Angelenos pay no mind to. Not to mention, duh - I am, like, waaaay down with da brown being an Injun and all... (my hiss'toree goes back a'ways just like the birthplace of Los Angeles.)
So the first time I visited Olvera St. it was because I was in need of a sombrero and didn't want a cheap party store imitation. I wanted the real deal! Velvet, sequins and sparkly trim - ole! I had no trouble finding one as I made my way down the tiny Mercado corridor. Sure, many of the pequeno-ish shops sell the same goodies... but there are some sweet finds if you take the time to really browse. Lots of small leather goods and Boho-esque tops, hand-embroidered and very vintage feeling without the hefty price tag attached.
Notin a shopping mood? Well then how 'bout some food and entertainment? Tacos, you say? Oh jess. Olvera Street hass dat, as well as entertainment by way of de mariachi. Good times!
If you have never been I recommend paying visit during the week (not as busy and parking doesn't blow as much) or if you are brave and wanna check it out during a busy weekend there are many fiestas that take place here monthly. Fiestas of note are the Olvera St Anniversary and Dia de Los Muertos weekends... as well as the "Los Pobladores" (Walk to Los Angeles) which celebrates the birth of El Lay.
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I used to come to Olvera Street all of the time. It sucks that it's tiny and you can walk through it in about 15 minutes, but i still like it. I feel like i'm in mexico or something for those 15 minutes. I mean, all of the booths basically sell the same stuff. Last time i went there, i bought a hat, and then walked 4 steps and found the same hat for 3 bucks less. kind of a kick in the ass. hahah
But nothing is better than Mr.Churro's right before getting back on the train to go home. Gimme that, and some bomb, ice cold horchata and i'm set.
Regardless of the stomach ache that i'm bound to get WHILE i'm on the train home. It's all worth it. :] mmm.
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OH COME ON!!! anyone who has ever lived in southern cali has gone to this place at least ONCE in their lifetime....granted it's usually as a class trip in elementary school...but you cannot deny that you've never been...
granted this place is more rosarito, baja califas than anything you would ever find in the heart of the mother-land (a.k.a. any major city in Mexico)...i dare anyone to come down here and not crack a smile when they check out the wares that this tiny street has to offer....
i can admit that my friends & i were clowning the "Little Miss" shirts....instead of reading "Little Miss Naughty", one vendor had "Little Miss Chicana"....and "Little Miss Salsa"....i was almost tempted to buy one since i had a $20 burning a hole in my pocket...but the way gas prices are going....i had second thoughts and figured that those $20 would do me alot better in my gas tank...than another shirt that i won't be able to wear at work....
after making a quick lap through the vendors and their cheesy wares... my friends and i retreated back to the car to head back to work....maybe it was the blistering heat from downtown or the magic of Olvera Street but it seriously took everything in me not to take one of the burro pictures....remember, everyone needs an Olvera Street souvenir...hmmm....there's always tomorrow...
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This place seems decent, but way overcrowded (typical of Los Angeles). Although the adobe buildings are actually originals, they would seem more authentic and believable if there wasn't such a crowd, so that I may admire it's beauty. There are too many vendor booths and some of them are selling the exact same thing as the other.
Go to Downtown Santa Ana, Orange County if you want an outdoor district type of place with lots of Mexicans and less tourists.
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Wednesday afternoon, what's for lunch? Hey, lets go down to Olvera Street for tacos. Working 15 min. away, sounded like a winner.
Us two gals headed for Olvera Street, I had'nt been there in a looooong
time. Olvera Street was such a nice get away for lunch. So colorful with
all the goodies to see and buy. Tacos and taquitos were tasty too.
I Love L.A. (Next lunch: Phillipe's )
for a short outing to somewhere vastly different, exciting, cheap, and very cultural will be olvera street!!! once you step into the street, you smell, you see, and you feel the history, as well as feel very overwhelmed by the many booths with handcrafted pottery, clay figures, rosary beads, huge hats, wooven mats, milk candies, churros, guitars, paper flowers, wrestling face masks, leather shoes, cute frilly dresses, mariachi bands playing, and many restaurants that are along both sides of the street.
the atmosphere of the place is very positive, fun, touristy but educational (if u go to the museum which is free and easy to miss).
if u love ceramics/ pottery like i do, by the way, it's wonderful.
Mmmmm! This place smells so good. By 10:30 am, just one hour after breakfast, my tummy started rumbling for tortillas, grilled chicken and the cinnamon-y goodness of churros. It would have been rather ridiculous to eat a second breakfast, as I am not training for the marathon, so I stopped my nose from leading me to food and let my feet lead me to tchotchkies. Blessed tchotchkies! Really, there were more sacred hearts, Virgin Marys and baby Jesuses than spaces on shelves to hold them in all the shops and I loved it! Along with Dia de los Muertos skeletons, wonderfully colored serapes and heavily tooled leather bags, there were more unnecessary goodies than I had patience to look at, but I still enjoyed those I did browse.
This is a haven for things nobody needs to own, but the area was sweet and charming and the visit was pressure free (stall shops can make people like me nervous). Plus, the mister said we will come back for dinner so I can comment on the validity of those smells that so tempted me during our visit. Yay. It was a lovely morning.
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Olvera Street sucks so good.
_C$
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A true hidden gem in what can feel like the vast hole of Los Angeles. This place felt pretty authentic and actually, made me realize LA has a history other than Hollywood. Or maybe this is there first strip mall? Anyway, the narrow and crowded brick lined streets, numerous vendors, and excellent eating places (don't miss the churros or taquitos) can kind of feel like the San Jose flea market, but somehow it avoids it. Don't miss this place if you want some real culture in the city of angels.
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After all these years of going to Olvera Street...I never grow tired of the place. The food and the people are indescribable. My favorite places to visit at the Placita are Cielito Lindo and El Rancho Grande. If you desire a nice warm cup of chuparrao, I would suggest you go to Cielito Lindo. Try the chicharrones and the tacos de pico gallo. El Rancho Grande features the simple Mexican dishes like tacos, taquitos ( I love them here), enchiladas, and tamales. Most of the staff has been there for over 30 years and they still love what they do. I recommend the taquitos with the beans and salad. After dinner, try the Mexican bread and candy at any of the local stands. You can't go wrong. The food, the people, and the history will leave an impression on you for a long time too come especially if you're Mexican
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Cool place to go to once or twice but it loses it's charm after that. I like that you can get all those specialty candies and useless souvenirs here. One place I REALLY like here is that ice cream/Popsicle cart/stand near that gazebo. Their watermelon popsicle is dyn-o-mite! (Among their other real fruit popsicles that taste wonderful...)
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It was like being back in Mexico when you're walking down Olvera St. Such bright colors, sounds of the banda, people speaking Spanish, and the smells of the taquerias permeate through the street. I really enjoyed walking down Olvera. Lots of culture and cool nick knacks to buy.
At the end of Olvera St. there was a stage set up and there was a banda and Mariachi performance. Definitely will be back another day!
Nice little spot to take visitors, Olvera Street has interesting things to see, like the oldest house in LA and other historical sites. The little booths in the middle all sell the same stuff, and it was kinda out of place to see a lot of Marlyn Monroe, Scarface and other 'big screen' gangster pictures for sale.
It is as touristic as it can get, the merchandise is pricey and you have to pay for almost everything, even for taking pictures with a 'crappy cellphone'.
If you want to give your visiting family, friends or acquaintances a real Mexico experience, I suggest you take a trip to TJ.
This place is awesome. I lived in LA all my life and had never been to Olvera street until last weekend, when I went to the Taiwanfest, which happened to be right next to it.
I took French in highschool, but I know those who took Spanish got to go on a field trip to Olvera street one year. Damn them. Why can't there be a French Quarter somewhere in LA? :[ Anyways, so, I got this awesome dragon thing made of wood with pliant wings, and a head that nods from side to side by itself. Sweet. It was only 3 dollars.
What's best about this place was that I spied a restaurant that served GIGANTIC margaritas. It's strange because you are literally squished between people and items through this narrow passageway amongst these small booths. .. and once you get past it into a small clearing, there are like, three or four hidden restaurants within the interior of the alley!!! I eyed the giant fish-bowl sized goblets of margaritas jealously. . .but my boyfriend and I are planning to go this Saturday to try the food and drinks out.
Our plan is to get lunch here, and then go to one of the churro stands (there is this one place that'll fill up your churro with custard or two other types of flavors for you for $1extra) and get a creme-filled, deep fried crunchy churro dusted sexily with a sweet cinnamony-sugar mix as dessert. Oh, and the many small bakeries sell these delicious baked goods for amazingly low prices. I got my dad a pecan praline for $1.60, and it rivaled N'awlin's Aunt Sally's pralines. It was FILLED with pecans, and daddy loved it. I'm going back and buying an entire bag of it back home. That is, after I take a dive into a giant glass of margarita and stuffing myself full with Mexican food and delicious churros.
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I have memories of going here as a little chiquita, and my MOTHER has memories of going here as a little chiquita...
This place has history. Right down to its original cobblestone pedestrian-only streets. Er...street.
I go here for white cotton embroidered "viva mexico" tunics and shirts.
Need a lucha libre mask? Look no further, amigos.
God, isn't LA awesome?
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Ay-yi-yi-yi...Canta y no llores...Porque cantando se alegran...Cielito Lindo los corazones
And Cielito Lindo, the eatery at the end of Olvera Street, is THE place to go for delish taquitos and avocado sauce. Just a hop, skip and a stroll from the 'hood of my own peeps, Little Tokyo, is this wonderfully exuberant little block full of South-of-the-Border-inspired activity, colorful and repetitive souvenir stalls and aromatic eateries.
Gee, I had not been to Olvera Street since I was a child, but what a kick to come back during the holiday season and get a sense of how Mexico celebrates a feliz navidad. I have never seen so many fluorescent colored guitars, personalized no less for only $8 each. Of course, there is the stuffed burro upon which serape-draped, sombrero-brimmed children mount for photos, complete with hopefully unloaded rifles to make the boys look muy macho for posterity.
Don't forget the churro wagon, which has the homey aroma of cinnamon. And this was all capped off by a mariachi singer in the plaza in front of the big gazebo with the full nativity scene. It's hard not to get caught up in the spirit of the place. As far as I'm concerned, this is a must-see for any Angeleno both permanent and vacationing.
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Cheap thrills are abound at Olvera St. A piece of LA history. Shop for leather wallets and purses, Mexican masks and sombreros.
Stop and get some tacos from any of the food stands here. They are all good. Make sure you stop at Mr Churro for, what else, churros. Cream filled and covered with sugar and cinnamon.
Parking can be tricky. Take the metro to union station or fight traffic and park in one of the pay city lots.
There are cultural events all year long here, check out their web site for the latest.
http://www.olvera-stre.../
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Wanted: One ceramic painted Piggy Bank
Found: The perfect gem!!!!!!!
I love this place. They have so many cool little tiny shops. In some cases, people make stuff and put them on consignment in the shops so the shop consists of many peoples' stuff.
Pretty cool.
Usually I would say it was too crowded, but it so adds to the experience, being completely surrounded by people everywhere. It's quite an experience for the senses!!
Love it.
My parents had never been to Olvera Street so it was time to take them to the Pueblo. I've been here many times during my first year as an LA resident but mostly for work and didn't get to just enjoy the things the area had to offer.
I think they were a little confused when I said I was taking them to the Pueblo. It's ok though because they go along with my crazy ideas pretty much no matter what-- after all, this is where I get all my adventurous tendencies.
It's really fun to see all of the colors and the flags waving around the gazebo. This week the Easter Bunny was hanging out with the resident tourist burro so it was entertaining to see that combination-- not to mention the little kids some parents prop up to take photos.
We strolled around and went in some of the shops and walked around the plaza where we went into LA's oldest firehouse (betcha didn't know that was there too!). It was a fun little walking activity. We opted not to walk over to Little Tokyo or Chinatown, but if you've never been to either they're both an easy walk from Olvera Street.
I would certainly recommend this for kids but parents need to keep an eye on the ones who like to touch everything in sight. It seemed like some of the vendors were a little ticked with the amount of tactile stimulation going on among one of the school groups that had let the kids loose!
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