La Barca Mexican Restaurant

I really enjoyed my time at La Barca on Friday evening - it was packed with the USC crowd, as well as families with kids - in the small entrance way, it was standing room barely! But once you get in, the margaritas are flowing, the 2 big screen tv's were showing the Laker game - it was pretty much all good. Seems to be able to pull of being a family restaurant as well as a trendy, hipster hang-out.

Pros: Super great prices on all kinds of Mexican foods

Cons: Gets VERY crowded; parking

Posted 01/18/09

This is a good place to hang out with cheap food. If you are looking for outstanding food and service, then go somewhere else. There is some truth to, "you get what you pay for". This is that place, decent food for cheap prices. I like it though. I would rather wait in line for a $2.50 strawberry margarita, then go right in for a $14 apple martini.

Pros: Decent food, cheap prices, always lively

Cons: bad parking, cops hang there a lot

Posted 10/14/08

This is was my first time going here, but had heard a lot about it... it was a Saturday night, 7 PM, about a 35 min. wait. That seemed about right, but when we were seated, our waiter took a long time. We understood it was packed. Our appetizer came out fast and I ordered the Enchiladas Suizas and my husband ordered the carne asada plate. The plates were mediocre at best. We are Mex-American, so yes, we have had great Mexican food, but we expected a lot better from all of the reviews. Honestly, if you're Mexican, you will know just what I mean. I wouldn't recommend going here for Mexican. The rice was not very good and the beans didn't have much flavor and the enchiladas didn't really have any of the green sauce on them.

The wait was sooooo long to get our check. We even told the guy picking up plates that if we didn't get our check, we were going to have to leave, so finally he had to bring it over and that isn't even his job.

The only okay thing was the strawberry margarita. It was okay, not all that. I've had better.

We also had the "Pachanga" appetizer and it was more chips than anything. It wasn't very good to be honest.

You may think I'm being biased, but honestly, it's just not very good and not authentic and simply too packed to go back there again. After the food and service, we definitely will not be going back.

I hope this helps.

Posted 03/16/08

La Barca is known around the USC campus for its amazing happy hour. Every tuesday evening dozens of students cram into the small waiting area waiting for a table. Despite the long lines it is totally worth it. Margaritas, pina coladas and coronas are all $2.50 and the food is good and cheap. My roommates and try to come here every Tues. It is a great little spot!

Pros: Decent food and good, cheap drinks

Cons: No parking, crowded on Tues.

Posted 06/19/07

The $5 burrito is the size of my head and oh so good but I'm also a fan of the camarones a la diabla (shirmp of the devil) but it's super spicy so beware. They serve free chips and salsa and the food is always satisfying. Highly recommended.

Pros: Value, Food

Cons: Parking, Busy

Posted 05/04/05

O.K. let me start off by saying that this place is like being in mexico. AUTHENTIC mexican food. But the highlight of the place is the Mexican Flan. You can't say you've had La Barca if you haven't had their Flan. One serving of Flan was not enough for me. The wait to be seated could be long.

Pros: Flan, Flan, Flan

Posted 06/11/04

While a student at USC, I often went to La Barca to feel at home away from home. The food is authentic Mexican fills you up. Sometimes you can't even walk right after eating such a hearty meal. It's so good you want to finish the plate! Oh, and they recently installed those mistifiers outside so you can cool off from the summer heat. I love La Barca!

Pros: value, guaranteed good food, margaritas

Cons: , parking, it can get crowded

Posted 05/26/04

La Barca provides great service no matter how crowded the place is, the wait is always worthwhile. This restaurant is for all, family, going alone or just hanging out.

Pros: inexpensive, great service, menu has variety

Cons: crowded, too small, needs more parking

Posted 08/07/02

This is hands down the best authentic Mexican food in LA.

Posted 08/05/02

The food here is definitely not average, but not the best either, but just plain good. What makes this place worth wild are the prices and the service. Prices are cheap, with a hearty lunch running you $7. Try the Burrito Gigante, or the enchiladas, pretty yummy. The waitstaff is about the friendliest you'll find around these parts, always prompt and always friendly. The location is a bit shady, and the parking sucks. There is a small lot behind the building, but your best bet is to park out front.

Pros: Friendly Service, Cheap good mex food, Prices

Cons: Limited Parking, Shady Neighborhood

Posted 05/29/02

Situated near USC you can usually find a mixed collection of neighborhood locals and young college kids here. Good basic Mexican fare and great margaritas.

Pros: Margaritas

Posted 05/15/02