La Cabaña has been getting Venice residents drunk and fat since 1963. I’m not a Venice resident but that didn’t stop me from enjoying both food and drink on multiple occasions at this kitchy, fun Mexican restaurant.

The food is perhaps a half-step up from the typical, old-school, molten lava dipped platter filled with beans, rice and mystery meat of your choice before you cram everything into a tortilla and render it unrecognizable as being a foodstuff after you douse it with sour cream and guac.

I mean, you can get that situation here also. But they seem to have a few actual unique recipes that aren’t necessarily drowning in the typical Mexican accoutrements.

The Chile Relleno with chicken is actually on the healthier side. It’s not stuffed with cheese but rather shredded chicken and black beans, sprinkled with just a touch of cotija cheese. It’s also not breaded for those suffering from gluten panic.

The tortillas are definitely hand made and delicious and while the chips and salsa aren’t the best I’ve ever had, that didn’t stop me from consuming far too many.

The Bread Guy’s shrimp fajitas looked great and he loved them but I find fajitas boring (no sauce or cheese!!) so you’ll have to take his word for it.

Margaritas were solid but would have liked a bit less sour mix.

Unless you’re a vampire (the inside is so dark, you’ll spot plenty of (not just elderly) diners holding up their phone lights to view the menu), make sure you sit in the back courtyard. It’s really cute and quaintly decorated in bright murals and strewn with beer ad streamers.

738 Rose Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-6161
lacabanavenice.com