El Conquistador

I will go again. Although the food is not really anything special the service is. And the place is beautiful and they treat you like family. This is an excellent Silverlake spot.

Pros: beautiful decor, great service, good drinks

Cons: food nothing special

Posted 10/26/09

The drinks are amazing. With so many choices to eat out I always come back here.
Bathroom weirdly located and small.

Great place! Love it!

Pros: Help is fantastic and lively

Cons: Bathroom is upstairs

Posted 07/21/09

I usually don't like eating @ Mexican resturants but this one is good! The outdoor seating area is nice and the buffet they have on sunday is delicious!

Posted 12/09/08

The food here is ok but not good enough to make it a regular stop, I think i come here once every year, it has the feel of a place that has seen better days. I think at one point they used to have a Mariachi show. It feels joyless inside/

Pros: good soups

Cons: very ordinary food gussied up to make you think its better than what it is

Posted 11/30/08

Just went here for the first time and now wondering why i haven't been there before especially since I live so close. But, for how good it is, I would drive to the opposite side of the city. We had an assortment of food; our favorites were the chicken tacos, carne asada plate, and the chicken mole. Service was very good, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Ask for recommendations, waiters always know best. The decor was a little bright and overdone for me, so wouldn't go back for a romantic dinner or anything. Mexican food seems to always be better in places like this. The margaritas are delicious!!!! delicious!!!!! Can't wait to go back.

Pros: Food, Service, Drinks

Posted 09/29/08

The margaritas are delicious!!!! delicious!!!!! Can't wait to go back. Not a great date spot, but great for a group.

Pros: Food, margaritas, service

Posted 09/19/08

I love this restaurant -- the service is great and the food is very good. The margaritas are a little on the sweet side, but will knock you out. The decor is fanciful and fun and the crowd is a nice mix of gay and straight -- a nice slice of life in one of L.A.'s most progressive, unpretentious neighborhoods. However, lately, some local parents seem to have confused it with a McDonald's PlayPlace, dragging in their newborns and toddlers who inevitably squawl. I know Denny's, IHOP and all those other "family" restaurants aren't hip, but since when is a 100-proof Mexican restaurant with two bars an appropriate place for little kids and strollers? And why inconvenience and annoy all the other diners?

Pros: great personnel, delicious fare, powerful margaritas

Cons: din can be deafening, too many kiddies of late

Posted 07/15/08

I've been going to El Conquistador for ever! The atmosphere, food (especially the carne asada) as well as the service have always been excellent. My favorite are the BANANA margaritas....I highly recommend them :) they make me go BANANAS after a few!!!

Pros: NONE

Cons: BANANA MARGARITAS

Posted 05/18/08

El Conquistador is fantastic! Service is great, food is great, and margaritas are really strong. 2 (with dinner) got me drunk! Not what I was going for, but fun all the same. Friday and Saturday nights are busy, but there's a tiny bar upstair where you can order a drink and eat chips and salsa while waiting for a table. My boyfriend and I ate there twice, and the second time we came back (a week later) the host and waiters remembered us by our names and were very kind. We were also seated promptly. Last time we went I ordered beef tacos and the waiter misunderstood me and brought me chicken. English was not his first language. I asked him to fix it and a new plate was out in literally 5 minutes. He was very kind about it too. Would highly reccomend this place! $50 for dinner for 2 including drinks. Very charming, authentic atmosphere. Great date place, dimly lit, lots of ppl have a great time!

Posted 04/21/08

I love this place! As a first generation Mexican-American, I can tell you I know what traditional, home made cooking is, and this is one of the VERY FEW places Ive gone to where everything is up to par, and doesn't LOOK AND TASTE like Taco Bell. So those of you that LEARNED Mexican cuisine or think Del Taco is it, and wrote a bad review, YOU KNOW NOTHING, silly silly fools.

I really Love the ambiance, and the VERY welcoming, upbeat multi-lingual, personable staff! They're so friendly and fun! And yeah, they're running around at times due to how packed it can get, but the moment you tag anyone down, (whether it be your waiter or not), they rush to tend to your need.... Which brings me to the BEST PART!...THE MARGARITAS !! On the rocks, with salt! This is a TRUE Margarita people, and it's packing heat! One will get you forgetting what had you in a tiff earlier, or that diet you were on! So yummy, so boozy, and so worth it! You'll keep em coming!

The decor is funky, and Mexi Kitsch yes ...i made up a word, but it works! kitsch and Mexican at the same time, and you can bring the LOUD friends here, no worries, no pretentious folks here....only space for us normal people who tend to laugh a bit louder than most every now and then!

...all in all...its a great spot...for fun, and relaxation, and to forget all the worries in your world!

xx
Linda

Pros: Margaritas, service, food, ambiance, fun factor

Cons: parking

Posted 04/16/08

There's nothing bad about this place. . . nothing, well except watch how many maragita's you have! They really give you your money's worth!

The gentlemen who run the establishment are so exciting that they will end up in our movie one day!

Pros: fun, fun, fun they decorate for every holiday!

Cons: none

Posted 02/15/08

I can't say enough about this place! I've been going to El Conquistador for years. Ive had friends throw birthday parties there, Ive taken out-of-towners there, family, friends, you name it. The food is amazing and truly authentic. I dare you to find a better margarita in Los Angeles! The restaurant is adorable and the wait staff is great fun. I absolutely love this place.

Pros: One LA's finest

Cons: Street parking is limited.

Posted 12/27/07

Betty Davis one said.."What a dump." Need I say more. Good cocktails but food was lousy and the place looks like the inside of a Pinata. Ticky Tacky border decor with third world food.

Pros: Can't say I do

Cons: All of the above Tacky

Posted 08/31/07

If you love good margaritas, I highly recommend this place. The food is so-so. But there have been times, it was good. The margaritas were well blended. They always used Kosher salt on glasses instead of table salt. The service, especially the host, was always lively, personable and attentive. My friend and I enjoyed it so much, that we made it part of our weekly dining experience on Friday afternoons.

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/05/07

Yes, the atmosphere is tacky but that's part of the charm of this Silverlake hole in the wall. Went for the first time last week and had the best margarita (okay, best two margaritas) of my life. Wish they were less than $9, but they were delicious and potent. The enchilada sauces were unique and delicious. I will be back!

Pros: Margaritas, very good food, friendly service

Posted 04/21/07

What a dump..bad food and the decor is tacky. looks like the inside of a china cabinet that was run over by a bunch of cows.Nasty stanky hole in the wall

Pros: Glad there is only one place like this on earth

Cons: Nothing this is a dump filled with cheap trinkets and tijuana artifacts

Posted 04/08/07

I was introduced to this place two years ago by a dear friend. Hands down my favorite place to end up after along week at work. Great atmosphere, THE BEST MARGARITAS and good food. But the best thing about this restaurant is by far the atmosphere; lots of colorful people, gay and straight, the decorations ,which vary according to the closest holiday or celebration, done by one of the bartenders, and the wait staff is by far one of the friendliest and attentive you will encounter anywhere at any venue,how they remember everyone is beyond me but they do. If you just want to get out and relax and have a good somewhat loud time this is the place. Try the Blue Curacao margarita!! Give this place a shot.

Posted 12/03/06

If you are looking for a potent Margarita, this is the place. While they don't come cheap (about $9), you'll really only need one to get you toasty. As soon as you sit, you are given chips and two kinds of salsa. The menu has many choices of entrees, from your standard beef tacos to seafood offerings -- and there are also some selections for vegetarians. There is complimentary soup with each dish, and there are also a number of great combinations to choose from if you are indecisive, like myself. The food is considerably more expensive than a taqueria, but the generous portions and the big spoonfuls of guacamole on each plate keep it from being overpriced. There are changing daily specials that keep things interesting. The decor is amazing, and it is a great place to bring guests from out of town. The outdoor patio is a nice place to sit, as you are surrounded by lights and plants and can see everyone entering and leaving the restaurant. While it can be very busy on weekends, the wait for a table is never too long. All in all, it is a great place to enjoy a drink and dinner -- especially if you are catching a show at the vista down the street.

Pros: Margaritas, Ambiance, Close to Vista Theater

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/28/06

Friendly people, friendly staff, great margarita. The happy-hour special is one of the best in town. You get a big, powerful margarita and a plate of appetizers for $6. The food isn't bad either. One of the bartenders even called me at home one night when they had my favorite crab enchiladas for the special. Best place to spend a hot afternoon.

Pros: Staff and customers alike are the nicest people in town.

Cons: Standing room only at the bar sometimes. Margaritas go up to $9 after happy hour.

Posted 08/26/06

i don't know if it was just a weird night, but i went there last night, on a Monday, for the first time. the service wasn't very good. they seemed understaffed, with a couple of people running around like crazy. we waited and waited, first for the menus, than for our order, then for the check. the margarita and the chips and salsa where the best items on our table. the food was without doubt below average. too bad because the restaurant is very cute and festive and the atmosphere is really nice. i think i'll give it another try but, really, the food isn't worth the prices on the menu.

Pros: nice location and decor

Cons: food, two thumbs down

Posted 07/10/06

I really enjoyed this restaurant! Great drinks and food is tasty. You get what you pay for and the place is hip and festive. Good for young crowd or families. Great service. You can now use Tantra's Valet parking service. Check this place out! 3 people ate for the price of $72.00 with one round of drinks, three entrees, and one appetizer.

Pros: Fun and Festive!

Cons: Food is good but not spectacular.

Posted 06/30/06

as many others have said, the food here is at best average, but the chips and salsa are pretty good. the ambience is very fun and festive. the staff is extremely friendly and efficient. but ricardo is by far one of the main reasons to come here. his colorful outfits alone are worth the trip!

Pros: margaritas, ambience

Posted 03/12/06

We have recently relocated to LA from DFW and have been searching for our new favorite Mexican restaurant. This is it! Killer margaritas, wonderful service and excellent food. The front "patio", (enclosed, so no worries about sun or rain) has the best seats. Great atmosphere, but parking is difficult and enforcement does patrol the area at night.

Pros: margaritas, service, atmosphere

Cons: parking

Posted 11/27/05

I have eaten here a few times and will go back again. Though the food isn't extraordinary, the staff and atmosphere are always fun. The ceiling is adorned with brilliant kites and the owner can often be seen in a gold smoking jacket or some other colorful attire. The first time I had the mole, it was excellent. The second not so much. The margaritas are great! The only downside is that you don't expect to pay so much for mexican food. A $15 entree should be a little more unique. I recommend going for the experience and judging for yourself.

Pros: service, atmosphere

Cons: price

Posted 10/14/05

Ill be honest, all the food except the seafood is average. The seafood is above average!
But the ambience and the service are excellent! And for me, its the overall package! I frequent this place often. Very hospitable staff!

Posted 09/29/05

I recently went to El Conquistador on a Friday night with three friends after reading all the good recommendations on CitySearch. Boy, was I underwhelmed! The restaurant itself is quirky and the waiters were very attentive and nice, but the food was just so-so. I had the chicken mole, and sampled my friends' fajitas, tamales, and tacos. All of these were just OK. Also, the margaritas weren't anything special either.

Pros: nice waiters, good atmosphere

Cons: bland food

Posted 08/20/05

i have found my LA mexican spot! My waiter was hilarious, very attentive, and just wonderful overall! I love the food, the ambiance, the margaritas, EVERYTHING!!!!

Pros: staff, ambience, margaritas, food,, everything

Cons: parking is tricky

Posted 07/15/05

Along with friends we drive from Pasadena to El Conq. almost every week. The staff welcome us, each of the waiters and bus staff always shake our hand. The Chips keep comming with a variety of three or more salsa choices. The decor is fun and each holiday is celebrated.

I love the margaritas, and will have two if I am not driving. but its the food that counts. a delicious home made soup to start and a wide variety of traditional and non traditional Mexican Food. I usually eat the La Paloma combination, steak, taco and tamale.

Service is very attentive, food is inventive and there are always great daily specials, Having been away for LA for few years, El Conq was always the place to come for dinner when I visited, and since I have come home it still is.

Pros: Great Service, , Terrific Food, Fun Atmosphere

Cons: Parking is tough

Posted 07/05/05

I came here based on the fabulous reviews and was terribly disappointed. Yes, the service and atmosphere were good, and the margarita was okay ( berrigan's mango margarita is much better and cheaper), but the food was sub-par. The fajitas weren't even sizzling and tasted more warmed over than grilled. For 13.50, I want sizzle. The veggies were raw and greasy, the cheese was totally congealed on the beans and the rice had frozen green giant veggies mixed in! I know it's Americanized Mexican but come on! The only one who didn't complain was my dog, who woofed down my voluminous leftovers.

Pros: atmosphere, service

Cons: , food

Posted 01/17/05

After making an attempt to be waited on at another Mexican restaurant in the area, we finally tried this place! The plates are affordable and won't hurt your tummy. The salsa is spicey and busting with flavor. The Cream of Zuccini Soup made us feel extra special and I highly recommend the "green sauce" on the enchiladas. Our waiter had amazing style and the entire staff was on point! I can't wait to go back for Happy Hour!!

Pros: Price, Great Atmosphere, Service

Posted 01/01/05

I've eaten here many times and always enjoy coming here. The food is tasty and the salsa is very good. Wine prices are very reasonable. The customers are a mix of gay and straight. I ate here tonight with my partner and three friends. We all enjoyed ourselves. The restaurant has a friendly and good energy vibe. Tonight I had the evening's special, a pork tamale, which was delicious.

Pros: good value, good energy & fun

Cons: None

Posted 01/24/04

That review before me wasn't kidding! MARGARITAS are FANTASTIC and will get you LIT!!! Great chips and some of the freshest salsa I've ever had. I would come back for just the margarita and salsa alone, but the food was great too. Parking is bad though. We had to park about 5 blocks away, but it's not a bad neighborhood, just dark though.

Pros: Margaritas, Salsa

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/06/03

This used to be practically a stop on most weekends years ago. I love this place. The service is always attentive, even if the place is packed. The ball is never dropped. The food is good, actually, I couldn't give you a good review about it, because after two Cadillac margaritas, not only am I drunk but my taste buds are practically useless. This is what a Mexican restaurant should be like. Fun, festive atmosphere with friendly service.
Try the Cadillac Margaritas a must.

Pros: Drinks, Atmosphere

Posted 10/11/02

Some of the best mexican i've ever had. Try the sonorense... as long as you're not on a low chol/fat diet that is! And the mole sauce is second to none. El Conq definitely known for their margaritas - they won best margie in last year's bestof citysearch. Wait staff is fantastic. YES, this is considered a "gay" restaurant - many gay couples frequent it...but can't we all just get along? go for the food, don't worry about the clientele!

Pros: great mole, huge portions, friendly staff

Cons: not bar, this is, a restaurant

Posted 06/03/02

There's nothing better on a hot, smoggy day than an El Conquistador margarita. Escape the Silver Lake scene at this colorful oasis. The servers are always friendly, the chips are fresh and the margaritas will have you seeing double after a few quick sips.

Posted 05/15/02