Malo

There is nothing "malo" about this place! By far the best margarita I've had in LA and this is coming from a New Yorker so it's a real compliment. Best grilled corn, and the zucchini tacks were the bomb! As a vegetarian this shocked me, it's one of the best vegetarian tacos I've ever tasted. Service was phenomenal and so were the margaritas. Glad to see that LA has some standards on good tasteful Mexican food. I will definitely be back real soon

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants - and I only have two. It is a bit pricey, but the food is absolutely delicious - such amazing flavor. The menu was somewhat different - it seems like the typical Mexican dishes were given a slight twist - which makes this restaurant so unique.

The ambiance is great too. Even though the seating is very close together, somehow you still get that intimate feeling (good if you're on a date).

Drinks are good and like many of the reviewers have already stated, a bit on the small side, but tasty and strong.

Parking wasn't a problem either. They have valet, but my husband and I just elected to do street parking - found a space, sans problem.

I highly recommend anyone in search of great food to try this place - at least once. I don't think you will regret it

I've been to Malo twice now and have had vastly different experiences.

For dinner: I went for dinner with some friends last summer, the place was loud, packed, and way too cool for me. Our server was somewhat overwhelmed and snobby, and we were crammed in a dark corner. We got chips, but were told we had to pay for salsa. My "Pinata Smash" was just mas-or-menos and I struggled with paying $12 for about 4 oz of liquid over ice. I had tacos, which were actually pretty good (not border grille good, but good)-- but the beans were a little funky.

For brunch: After my last experience, when another friend suggested Malo for brunch on Cinco de Mayo, I was hesitant. I insisted that we make a reservation and go early while the hipsters were still sleeping... Perhaps a mistake, as we were the ONLY people there until 11:30am. The waiter was friendly, but obviously didn't expect people at 10:15am, and was still trying to open. He brought us chips and salsa (perhaps a policy change?) and checked on us from time to time. I had La Guera (rum and horchata, genius!) and the breakfast enchiladas. Enchiladas were just okay: too much undercooked bacon for my taste. They weren't bad, but wouldn't order them again. My friend got the taco combo plate and really enjoyed them. Again, the beans were weird.

Overall, this place is intentionally "cool" and trendy, sort of like the hottest guy in high school who knows he's hot and struts it. For me, that makes it so much less attractive. Similarly, the food tries just a little too hard and sort of misses the mark. I'll probably go back, but not because it's awesome, rather because even "cool" people will go there to eat tacos with me, and I like tacos.