Wanting to continue to revisit old haunts before the move to NYC, I thought it necessary to pay tribute to one of my favorite old school Mexican restaurants in LA, El Compadre.

One of the best things about El Compadre (besides the flaming margaritas and the fact that it’s so dark inside you need your cell phone light to see the menu) is the fact it’s only blocks from my apartment. That’s always a bonus when you can stumble home after a good meal.

The food is traditional fare. Hot ass plate (which you still cannot resist touching) filled like a swimming pool with beans, rice and whatever your entrée is. Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas or burritos. Most likely.

Their Mole Enchiladas are really quite fantastic, they’re enormous, flavorful and the meat is high quality.

As for everything else….well, I didn’t try everything else. But I’m sure it’s great!

The Flaming Margaritas are also a must order. Don’t even bother coming here if you’re in a diet coke mood. They might not even let you in?

If you want kitchy, divey, old school Mexican restaurant décor, a stiff margarita that could also set your hair on fire (literally) and food that’s actualy really good, El Compadre is the place for you.

This place makes another LA favorite, El Coyote, seem like the worst place ever. Bad margaritas, even worse food. El Coyote wishes it could be El Compadre. El Coyote is like the dumpier, sluttier, jealous sister.

El Compadre has been my haunt for 14 years, I now pass it on to you.

7408 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-7924
elcompadrerestaurant.com