Message from El Coyote After Dark
For over 75 years, El Coyote After Dark has been serving up delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine to hungry LA residents. One of Los Angeles' most popular Mexican restaurants, patrons flock to this Mexican eatery to enjoy their lively and entertaining atmosphere, fabulous food and the best Margaritas in town. Try the Coyote Fireballs with ground beef and a unique blend of spices or the Coyote Chicken Bites which are breaded chicken breast served with a chipotle BBQ sauce. Whether you're in the mood for a late night appetizer or drinks with friends, this LA Mexican restaurant is the place for you especially with their extended hours on Friday and Saturday. El Coyote After Dark is great for small and large groups and for celebrating birthdays or other special events. Sample their Mexican food from a large menu of appetizers, entrees and more. Stop by El Coyote After Dark today
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneEl Coyote's bar is primarily a place for patrons to pass time while waiting to be seated at this popular Mexican eatery. The restaurant's bustling atmosphere spills over into the cantina, which is frequently crowded to capacity during prime dining times--it can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour to get seated on the weekends. Settle into a cozy round booth or one of the small tables in the middle of the room, and don't be surprised if fellow patrons ask to use empty chairs or share booth space. Sample food from a healthy sized bar menu of appetizers, snacks and nachos, then add a drink from the selection of tasty--and cheap--margaritas. Many people find themselves howling before they ever get called to their table.
The Draw
Everyone from 20-something hipsters and slick, showbiz player-types to rockers, movie stars and families.
Key Points
- Mexican Appetizers & Drinks
- Fun & Festive Atmosphere
- Spacious Outdoor Patio
The Inside Scoop
- Park It - Forget the valet and hit the streets, but watch the signs--many of the residential side streets are permit only. Alta Vista Blvd., a couple of blocks away, is your best bet.
Insider Pages Reviews for El Coyote After Dark
I have been going to El Coyote for 25 years plus. I sit on the Patio and have NEVER, NEVER seen flies. The serving staff is friendly and always dressed appropriately. If you have to wait for your food, it is because the placed is usually packed with happy customers. I really have to feel that the BAD REVIEWS are from a certain group with a grudge against the owner. This is grossly unfair. I will continue my patronage and hope others will at least check it out and do not be influenced by bad feelings that have nothing to do with the quality of the restaurant.
Posted 03/28/09 | Report Abuse
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I had been told El Coyote was a landmark not to be missed. My wife and I eagerly drove down Beverly to be ushered into (unwanted) valet parking. The decor was appalling but we thought maybe the food made up for it. We were shocked that what we were served is considered "good" Mexican food. It was some of the most dreadful, canned, greasy slop I have every been served. With so many rich, abundant resources available in a place like L.A. why would they resort to using canned peas in their food? Plus, we found we had to share our booth with a cockroach who crawled across the wall above our table. Top that off with rude service, plus the fact we both had to run to the bathroom at 2:00 in the morning to puke everything up, we saw little to recommend to anyone.
Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Good food. Good service. Good atmosphere. Eating here was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend it for anyone who really loves good Mexican cuisine.
Posted 11/18/08 | Report Abuse
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We go to El Coyote Cafe several times a year, and have never been
disappointed. I order the same thing every time - Chiles Rellenos
from PARADISE! My family members each order something different each visit, and have never been disappointed. Recently,
we tried the Mexican Pizza, which was flavorful and a lot of fun -
why did we wait so long?? The staff is pleasant and welcoming,
the facility is very clean, and we are not made to feel rushed -
thank you all!
Posted 11/17/08 | Report Abuse
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El Coyote is a great please to try Mexican food. You have the option to eat indoors or out. I suggest you try the tamales they are so tastey, its the main reason I go there. But i wouldn't try the steak, got that last time and it ended up being a minced meat patty...ugh
Posted 07/26/08 | Report Abuse
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This is a great place for fast and very inexpensive mexican food in a great location. You can take kids because the plush booths and carpet mask any loud noises! But beware, the margaritas are fantastic but very powerful!
Posted 05/19/08 | Report Abuse
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El Coyote has great margaritas !!!!
Nice little outside patio great place to meet up for happy hour or even have a farewell party for your co-workers.
Staff very nice and friendly.
Great atmosphere.
Posted 05/19/08 | Report Abuse
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A friend of mine turned me on to this place. The chips and salsa and margaritas are phenomenal. there is plenty of parking and definitely a plae to have friends meet after work.
Posted 02/21/08 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Bigotry and Hate
by denise1962
never again will my money go to this restaurant and I hope others will follow our lead. please do not go to this establishment again. The food is not very good anyway unless you have had too many cocktails.
Posted 11/15/08
The owner of El Coyote supports and donated money to prop 8 do give them your gay money
by doezur
Tell all of your friends and loved ones, Marjorie daughter of the owners of El Coyote willing gave money to support the passing of prop 8, to take away our rights, so lets not give her more money
Gay powers unite!!
Posted 11/14/08
Rather hang out in an El Torrito Parking Lot
by AxeMe09
Owners are hateful and don't like all people...they'll take you'll money only to use it against you. well guess what? not anymore.
Posted 11/13/08
DILUTED MEXICAN FOOD.
by t7of10
I think most of people who think this food is good are plastered on the "famous margaritas" made of cheap tequila (jose cuevero). I write this also because Montezuma paid me a vist later that evening. MANY MEXICAN RESTAURANTS' FOOD LOOSE THEIR CHARM AND FLAVOR WHEN THEY BECOME TOO BIG, THE FOOD BECOMES DILUTED.
Posted 11/09/08
Avoid at any day
by rzohar
probably the only "Mexican" food around. Lazy services, food and worst of all is the parking, un stable owner with real bad manners. Will never go back.
Pros: Find other palce
Cons: going back
Posted 10/28/08
Finally!
by jin20
It's about time El Coyote stayed open late. Late night drinks at El Coyote = a great time! Was there on Friday night...love their margaritas and the quesadilla and nachos were awesome. :)
Posted 10/19/08
Surprise
by casemanchris
Well i recently visisted El Coyote about a week ago. Let me first say i live in Las Vegas and as you know food is beyond words here. Well i think i topped it when i ordered the Fajita Enchalada plate i was so impressed i over stuffed myself. Well i just wanted to say Thank You and keep up the good work..
Pros: Great food, Inexpensive, pleasent people
Posted 04/13/04
My Favorite Place ever
by shakespeer
Awesome, I hang out here regular, best place in LA. Great prices, great food, fun, a must on your list to visit!
Pros: easy valet, cheap, fun
Posted 10/15/03
Bad Food and Drinks!
by glitterpimp
No self respecting Mexican restaurant would offer spaghetti as an option. The margaritas suck too. Avoid all hype. Don't let your friends con you into going here unless you're from someplace that doesn't have good Mexican food. That way you won't know what you're missing by going there. This place is so over rated.
Posted 10/06/03
Best Margarita's????
by ludoe15
I'm responding to City Guide's list of LA's best margarita's. Being a fan of the drink myself, and knowing how to make the perfect one, I must disagree. El Coyote is a great place to go for atmosphere. But by no means is it authentic. The margarita's are good, but their made from mix, so they're no better than most places. The food is maybe three steps up from Alcapulco IE the Mexican Denny's. Go there for fun and atmosphere.
Posted 04/23/03
This place is for anyone!
by NativeCalAmy
Great service even if they dont notice that you are or are not a celebrity! .You may notice that the decor has really been out of style for years and they like it like that. For those of you who write that you "dont get it" thats probley because you are expecting the ambiance of a newer more McDonaldized restaurant. Here you will enjoy great food (I suggest the Carnitas), great drinks, lamps and light fixtures that you have not seen since you were a kid! who knows maybe like our last trip, Drew Barrymore or some other celebrity may be in the next booth. This is a place where the yuppies, the famous and just families can all dine together like its an everyday occurance. I suggest after a long day at the Grove near by, you stop by and just enjoy the whole experience.
Pros: price, value, experience
Cons: crowded, wait for a seat, strong drinks oh darn
Posted 12/22/02
best in the town!
by anthony69spencer
the first drink i had was the best, but the next drink i had was even better. you can actually taste the tequila in the margarita. best drink in the town!
Posted 10/03/02
Forgot how good this place is
by jeremyreed_citysearch
It had been close to ten years since I dined at El Coyote. But in a land where food and drink prices are based more on the scene than the substance -- El Coyote is a refreshing find. You still get the scene -- but you also get great Mexican dishes for fair prices. You would be hard-pressed to find a dish for more than $10. And the waitstaff is informed and attentive -- many having worked at El Coyote for years.
Pros: great experience, no pretense
Cons: long waits
Posted 08/18/02
Good but for half the wait...
by dmdpublicity
My father loves this place. It's o.k. but for half the wait go to El Chavo in Los Feliz. The best $4.50 Dolly Parton Margaritas. Also El Conquistador in Silverlake. Their $6.00 but I bet u can't take 3..
Posted 07/02/02
Nice place...
by Bert
Nice placer to tgo out and have fun on a double or a triple date. If you're into that sort of stuff?
Or just you and that special some one.
Excellent drinks!!!
Posted 06/26/02
yummy tummy!!!
by taetae
after reading all the quotes for this place, Afew co-worker and I went after work on a friday and had a blast there. I must say the service was great and the margaritas were the best.. I only had two and really felt it. Talk about some strong drinks.
I will for sure go back there!!!!!!
Pros: inexpensive, great drinks!, great crowd
Cons: bathrooms are to smal
Posted 06/25/02
Howl at the Moon
by taradelis_citysearch
There are three reasons to visit El Coyote:
1. The margaritas rock
2. Everything is dirt cheap
3. The atmosphere is festive (especially on Cinco de Mayo!)
However, the food is not so great. It's not bad, it's just not great. Do order something, though. Margaritas on an empty stomach isn't advisable.
Posted 05/30/02
yummy
by erin
El Coyote is a yummy place to go. Food is great, margaritas are good, foor is cheap , and the atmosphere is excellent. It has an authentic look and feel to it, and the staff is nice and fun.
Pros: cheap, good quality, great staff
Cons: sometimes crowded
Posted 05/27/02