Joselito's West

I sat out side on my last visit and it was comfortable and charming.

Pros: The food is fresh and fabulous, try the Chili con queso

Cons: none

Posted 10/21/09

I had the best group party in a private room. My staff is still raving about the food, drinks and service.

Pros: Great menu/Awesome margaritas/Best Sunday Brunch

Cons: I tend to eat alot cause it's so good!

Posted 10/19/09

The staff is awesome. The food is out of this world. and the drinks keep you coming for more!

Pros: the yummiest margaritas in the valley!

Posted 10/10/09

I've tried a few different items and it's always excellent! Service is always good and atmosphere is very lovely too.

Pros: Everything

Cons: Not near me, but worth the drive!

Posted 10/10/09

Don't be fooled by all of the locals padding the reviews for this place. This local frequents Joselito's for drinks and the decent chips & salsa. The food on the other hand is slightly better than Mexican food served in the midwest. Dare I say the nachos DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET at Steel Pit are better than this place! You can not cover up bad taste with piles of beans and rice. By all means, try it yourself. But don't go expecting a 5-star restaurant as the ratings would have you believe. Want Mexican in the area...head down to La Cabanita in Montrose.

I'll give it 1/2 star for the drinks (they make a damn fine margarita, and the other 1/2 star because they support the local community. There...I said something nice!

Pros: Only 'Mexican' restaurant in town

Cons: Food

Posted 10/10/09

I love this place! It is my #1local go to Mexican restaurant! I love the cozy setting and the friendly staff. Always a great bargain too!

Pros: Inexpensive

Posted 10/06/09

I keep going back for more! By far My favorite Mexican Restaurant!!!
Great meals with great service. I love getting the enchiladas suiza with chicken and the albondigas soup is homemade goodness.
I also enjoy the Sunday Brunch they have- great selection and the most reasonably priced one I've ever seen :)
great little place!!!

Posted 08/19/09

Joselito's in Tujunga is an awesome family owned Mexican restaurant. I have referred many family members and friends there and they are NEVER disappointed. The atmosphere is perfect, the staff is friendly and the margaritas are to die for! They have a great happy hour with a small buffet with everything from rice and beans to taquitos. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who loves authentic Mexican food!

Pros: Best Happy Hour By Far!!

Cons: NONE!!!

Posted 07/22/09

happy food. happy people.
you'll be happy there too.
family friendly or romantic- it's both!
Known thru-out LA as one of the best spots for Mexican- i was impressed.
Had the Crispy Quesadilla- whoo! what a treat.
I also loved my margarita. The bill was very reasonable too.

Pros: service was great

Cons: none

Posted 02/05/09

I love the carne asada at Joselitos. it's NY steak- not cheap meat like other mexican joints. Nothing is better than a great steak and a grande Margarita on the rocks.

Pros: beautiful place to relax

Cons: none

Posted 01/04/09

I found Joselito's by looking in different restaurant review websites. Joselito's won several "BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT" awards in Los Angeles. I made the 25 minute drive from my house to see if what I read was for real or a disappointment. Joselito's has got to be without a doubt the best and most authentic Mexican restaurant north of the border and better then most that are south of the border. The "Burrito Lito" has got to be the biggest and best burrito I have ever eaten. I have yet been able to finish it. Their enchiladas are out of this world. There is something about the enchilada sauce that is so special. I always ask for extra sauce. The lunch buffet has a nice selection of traditional Mexican fare and is very reasonably priced. The creme de la creme is the elaborate Sunday Brunch. Make sure you arrive hungry when you get there. On one occation, my dining companion ordered a Bacon Cheeseburger. I laughed and asked why he ordered a hamburger at a Mexican restaurant. He told me to wait and see. I tasted his Bacon Cheeseburger. It has got to be the best burger I have ever eaten. It doesn't matter what the chef prepares. It comes out absolutely delicious.

I cannot complete this review without mentioning something about the service at Joselito's. The service has got to be the only thing at Joselito's that is better then the food. Everyone is greeted with a warm and friendly smile. After one or two visits you become part of the Joselito Family. The hostess remembers the table I like. The servers know I drink iced tea for lunch and an 1800 margarita with extra salt with dinner. The chips and salsa bowls never go empty. Jose and his wife Tamara welcome and treat their guests like family. I do have two complaints about Joselito's: (1) I eat way too much and (2) I wish they were closer to my house. So, if you ever have the urge for true authentic Mexican food (or a great hamburger) go to Joselito's. It is definately worth the drive.

Posted 10/30/08

fantastic experience every time. If you want to see a really big burrito get a Burrito Lito. It's full of high quaility meat and fresh ingredients. Wash it down with a Asomrita and your set.
Great service too.

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 10/27/08

As a guy who is on the road throughout LA and Orange County daily, I am constantly looking for a good "local joint" to eat lunch. As I was driving along Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga I could not help but notice the overflowing parking lot at Joselito's as this is usually a good sign of good food inside. The place looked ok but as I made my way to my table I noticed what it was that caused the parking lot to overflow...Cheap Lunch Buffet! I immediatly thought Ihit the jackpot and told my waiter what my intentions were. Well, to my surprise, there was only 5 minutes left before the buffet ended so he would not allow me to partake. Well I was not very happy but he quickly reccomended the 99 cent tacos which could stiill be ordered for another hour. I reluctantly agreed and ordered three shredded beef tacos and two glasses of water( I was working in the hot sun all morning and was quite thirsty). Then things took a bad turn. My waiter brought me four chickn tacos and two glasses of iced tea! I informed the waiter of the mistake and he gave me a very puzzled look. So I told him to forget the water and to just leave one glass of iced tea. As for the tacos, I felt bad sending perfectly good food back to the kitchen so I suggested that he only charge me for what I ordered and I would eat three of the chicken tacos he brought me instead. He agreed. The chicken tacos tasted like dirt. I mean Taco Bell makes a better friggin taco and I can't stand their food. These things were bone dry and did not have any onions/cilantro/lime/tomatos. Just dry chicken and tortillas. Was this some kind of joke? I could not finish two tacos before I finally asked for the bill. Well no surprise here, I was charged for the four tacos and two iced teas. Rather than beat a dead horse and point out the mistake, I left the cash on the table and walked out. Bottom line this place stinks. Try El Torito or Alcapulco rest instead. The food is much more authentic and I'm sure they will get your order right.

Pros: none

Cons: Food, service, parking

Posted 09/15/08

I love everything about this place. I came on here to vote for them for best mexican and they're not on the list to be voted for! They have won for 2 years straight and it's well deserved :) well since I can't vote I want to recommend Joselitos to everyone! the best place for Mexican food, Friendly service, family atmosphere & margaritas!!
see you there!!!

Posted 08/29/08

I had the Lobster Encilada combo Very tasty good price $14.00 good portion and a Margarita very good

Posted 05/03/08

What's the best relief for a hot summer night??? Drinking a cool margarita in a breezy patio with friends. And not having to move because everything is catered to you.
My friends & I shared gooey nachos with fajitas on them, plus extra sour cream on the side. I ordered the Asomrita and boy did that h it the spot! Very clam surroundings, a lot of trees, gentle mexican music, flickering of neon in the backdrop. Like a little vacation really. Can't wait to go back, it's only 15 minutes from my town (Pasadena)

Pros: Everything was great

Cons: charge for the extra sour cream

Posted 07/18/07

I was invited to a surprize party at a restaurant, which sounds a little odd, but when we got there they had a whole room set aside for us. The middle of the floor was open with booths going all the way around the very spaceous room. I was impressed. We could mingle and drink untill our birthday boy arrived. The waitstaff was never far & treated us so kindly. There were 30 of us and when the food came it just kept on coming till we were all feed, no one was forgetton or given the wrong food. Now I'm very impressed.
The margaritas were tasty, I don't think I've had such a high quaility house margarita before. My dinner was salmon ala mojo, salmon is this devine garlic butter along with some cheesy rice & veggies. I would order it again, but I would really like to go back and try something else from that huge menu.
All of the other guests were very happy with their food too, the evening was so nice. I was at the hostess desk on the way bragging about how much i loved everything & they showed me the awards they had won last year. I also had the chance to check out the rest of the dining room, looked quite cozy and friendly. I got a really good vibe from the place, everyone was cheerful & helpful ...you could tell everyone was happy to work there. Overall, Joselitos is a very professional establishment with great food and a wonderful waitstaff... how refreshing.

Pros: large party room

Posted 07/16/07

We like going to Joselito's because you're treated like family. Everyone always has a smile and they are very eager to please you. They go out of their way to make your meal and stay a pleasant one. The food is great! If I ask my grandkids where they want to eat, it is always JOSELITO'S! Try it! You'll like it!

Posted 07/16/07

It's not just good, it's really good. Been there several times, I'd like to concider my self a regular actually. I've never had a bad experience. Friendly staff, large menu, great chips & salsa. What I really like is they are always having new specials too. This always me to forego the menu & go straight for the special~ which is always creative. Spinash enchiladas were the last one I tried. so favorful.
My favorite drink is the blue platinum margarita. Very good.
If you are looking for a great nite out follow me to Joselito's!!!

Pros: everything

Posted 07/12/07

MMMMmmm...margaritas...These are the best margaritas around. Not bitter. SMMMmoooooth. food was excellent too!! Mario's service is the best~ funny guy. Even if you don't get Mario you can't go wrong. everyone is nice. No attitudes!!! thank you joselitos. I'll vote for you for best mexican in LA!!!

Posted 07/12/07

I don't eat meat, so sometimes it's hard to find places to eat at.... But I think I found a new place last night :)
so many choices. veggie tacos, veggie tostadas, cheese enchiladas, quesdillas, Veggie Fajitas. The best part is all the different sauces the server was telling me about. So I can try new things all the time! last night I had the enchiladas suiza with just cheese instead of chicken. YUM. That's some good sauce I can't wait to try the others.
Let me tell ya some mexican restaurants don't know what to do with Vegetarians, I asked for Veggie fajitas at another place and they were confused!!! when I got them they had brocolli & carrots mixed in it too... what? it was like chinese stir fry!!LOL
on the other hand my boyfriend had them last night no problem, they were on the menu! and beautiful too!
OH, the BEANS HAVE NO LARD!!!! but they taste so good. The server mentioned that vegatarians shouldn't get the rice though, something about chicken broth being used.
I will bring all my friends here. it was just too good.

Pros: lots of veg options! good value

Cons: none

Posted 07/09/07

I drove out from Slymar to try out Joselitos. We have a lot of mexican food in Slymar but nothing comes close to this! I was amazed at the great service you get here!! Most mexican restaurants don't give you the attention you need, not the case at joselitos. I really enjoyed my food as well. Cooked to perfection and oh so tasty!! I had the Carne Asada with an enchilada. But first,we started with chile con queso~ devine!
I had a platinum margarita, it's like a cadillac and well actually i had two....It was really a perfect blend of tequila, sweet & sour 4 triple sec. My husband had the enchiladas almondine... I had a bite (well a few) and I have never had anything like that before. It was so good.
Everything was so good we had to try dessert, we could only share one we were getting pretty full.. so we had the fried ice cream...WOW!!! how do they do that? crispy on the outside and frozen still inside...nice.
I highly recommend trying this place. A+++++

Pros: outstanding value, unbeatable service, two parking lots

Cons: none really

Posted 07/09/07

We just had dinner at our favorite local Mexican Restaurants. My wifes fish tacos where amazing and my Burrito lito was not only delicious it was huge! I have left overs for lunch today. I have to admit though it's more about the tasty margarita's and friendly service that keep us coming back week in and week out. Growing up in Tujunga it is nice to have at least one REAL restaurant in the area.

Pros: Food, Service, Ambience

Cons: WIsh I could eat there everyday

Posted 07/08/07

The tujunga joselitos is closer to a sit down fast food mex restaurant then better dining for the family.
Not too much attention from the help so if you are in a hurry you wont be interupted by waiters asking if you need anything.
The portions are too large to finish and when on a quick lunch break with no where to take the left overs you may feel like you are wasting food and money.
Margaritas on a hot night would be worth the trip but they are often warm and watered down but pumped a bit with sugar so that may be what gets you your buzz for the night .
Parking is a problem for anyone driving in so if you want a big family get to gether here better carpool.
Best thing about the place is it is within walking distance for locals.

Pros: within walking distance for locals, casual atmosphere

Cons: to many to list

Posted 07/06/07

I have been to both Joselitos and I can't deicde which one I lke better. The waitstaff is always pleasant. The margaritas are great, as is the Sangria. The food may not be authentic Mexican- it's more Mexican with a little bit of an American Twist. Always delicious and always a delight to eat at Joselitos!

Posted 07/06/07

i grew up in a mexican household and i know AUTHENTIC mexican food, and let me tell you this aint it!. i ordered some enchiladas the last time i was there and the chicken was in HUGE chunks, not shreded like it should have been and the sauce was nothing special. the margarita tasted like cool aid ! not worth a far drive in my opinion its no different from Acapulco or El Torito Restaurants. to put it simple, "nothing special"

Pros: nice place

Cons: typical americanized mexican food, not authentic at all

Posted 07/05/07

If you are looking for some Killer GRUB you have to check out this place. Kick back patio and sweet Margaritas!! Try the Zarapes and the Asomobrosso Rita. My Girl & I split a chocolate flan that was the bomb.

Pros: they have their own parking lot, cool waiters

Cons: none

Posted 06/29/07

Just an average mexican restaurant, definitly not as great as the prior reviews. We drove a long way due to the high ratings and were very disappointed. The margaritas were just so so and the food was not very great. Server was nice and friendly. Seems like a locals hang out.

Pros: Friendly servers

Cons: So so food and drinks, poor parking

Posted 06/22/07

Good food, great margaritas, fast & courteous service... what else can you ask for. We were in and out in an hour and we ordered drinks, appetizers, and two entrees!

Enough noise so that our 14 month-old couldn't be heard but not so much where we couldn't hear each other speak!

Joselito's Special burrito was so so, but the steaks and chimichangas are to die for.

Posted 04/26/07

My search for the perfect Mexcian restaurant is over!!!
You can't go wrong at this place, it's got it all. Great food, great prices, fabulous service, beautiful atmosphere, HUGE menu, the tastiest margaritas, all tucked away in Tujunga!!!
make a reservation if you plan on checking it out on a friday or satuarday or you will be waiting.
I love the Lobster~ better than a seafood restaurant..... Carne Asada that melts in your mouth & enchiladas to die for. I would say I highly recommend this hidden treasure.

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing, but limited parking

Posted 02/28/07

I've loved Mexican food my whole life. If anyone can give good advice about where to eat good Mexican you can trust my advice. From hole in the walls to high end joints I could write a book, and give myself about a 99% that if you followed that advice you'll have a great meal. So when I tell you that Joselito's is better than average, trust me. Not great, but definately not bad at all. I traveled 20 plus mi. to eat there trusting a review, but wouldn't go that far to eat there again. Service was fine, the place is real nice inside and clean. Margie's were very good, but over priced. Meals were well prepared and good serving sizes for sure. Chips and salsa really make a difference, and there chips were great, salsa so so. My advice is if you live near there, go there for sure, it may become your local favorite. But if you want to travel a distance for great Mexican go to Casa Vega in Studio City, that's a no miss. Was I disappointed? No, it's always nice to get out for dinner so it was worth it.

Pros: Thumbs up all the way.

Cons: None to say

Posted 12/26/06

This place is truly a hidden gem. Everything here is fantastic! I can't think of a single thing that I can say needed improvement. When we first got there everyone is so warm and welcoming. The service is cordial and friendly. Watch out for the margaritas. They are ADDICTIVE. They are so good and have a nice kick too. The food is very authentic. Everything on the menu sounds so delicious you want to try everything, but you can't because the portions are soooo big. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed.

Pros: Everything!

Cons: None!

Posted 11/24/06

Joselito's is my favorite mexican restaurant. The service is fantastic, the prices are very resonable, and the food is great. My favorite is the chicken ranchero (MAKE IT A PERMENENT MENU ITEM PLEASE!!)

If you are looking for good food and a fair price you can't beat Joselito's

Pros: good food cheap, great service, yummy margaritas

Posted 08/08/06

This restaurant is one of the few that gets it right EVERY TIME! No matter what you order it will be as good as it was last time. And don't even get me starte on the margaritas - YUMMY! And the service is excellent - whether alone or with a group.
Go- you'll love it.

Pros: Food, Service, Drinks

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/19/06

I am IN LOVE with their shrimp and rice plate. Even though it's piled sky-high on the plate I'm still wishing there was more to devour! Their drinks are really creative and their private banquet room is great for parties. I've traveled over 30 miles to eat here on more than one occasion, it's worth it. Parking may be limited but I've never had a problem finding a spot just outside of the lot.

Pros: Great for large parties, service

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/16/06

This restaurant is great! The service is good, the food is good, and the drinks are good. I recommend it to all. It's worth the drive too. I especially recommend the nachos with fajita meat (chicken and steak), they are sinful but very good, and they reheat well. I also recommend the blue margarita. It tastes great, and one is plenty.

Posted 07/11/06

As you walk up to the front door of Joselitos each step takes you further into the atmosphere of an old Mexican Cantina with Old Mexican Decor from the vibrant colors of the murals on the walls to the wicker porch furniture and artifacts strewn throughout the restaurant. When you open the door your senses are flooded with the smell of wonderful authentic Mexican cuisine.

My family recently had a get together here at Joselito's Mexican Food and we had a wonderful time! The hospitality was great. They had everything we needed from music to AV equipment to show some slides on a DVD. The staff at Joselitos is there to make your experience the best it can possibly be.

The food was orriginal authentic Mexican food. They set up a buffet for us and I can say that the whole family went back for seconds. We were seated in a back room which was private and allowed us to spend some time together in a home-like environment.

The dining area of Joselitos was filled with the air of enjoyment and the tables were stacked high with great food. If you are looking to fill your soul with culture and tummy with some great food you must eat at Joselitos!

Posted 07/10/06

I LOVE Joselitos Mexican Food! I have been a customer at the original location in Montrose, but I usually dine at the Tujunga-West location, which is close to my home. The hostess is always extraordinarily welcoming, making guests feel at 'home', and the food is absolutely delicious, fresh, and uniquely authentic. I like the cuisine so much, that I went so far as to actually write down on a piece of paper what I thought the ingredients entailed in their delicious, homemeade albondigas soup, which is my staple food whenever I dine (there). I wanted to duplicate it, just for fun, and of course, NO ONE makes albondigas soup the way Joselito's makes it. And you know what they say about a chef who can make a good soup...they are a true chef! My husband will usually order a different dish on the menu for variety each time we dine, and he has never been let down by any choice on the menu. What I like best about (this restaurant) is the quaint, small-town atmosphere it emulates. Joselito's (West) is so welcoming and VERY kid friendly that I can bring my children along with ease and they enjoy the food the children's menu has to offer. The prices are affordable, the environment always clean and sanitary, and the outdoor patio offers a refreshing breeze for stimulating conversation with what else but the platinum margaritas, which are to DIE FOR!

Pros: Friendly service, Ambience, CUISINE!

Cons: Absolutely nothing!

Posted 06/30/06

What a nice time my wife and I had. From the greeting by the lovely hostess when we walked in thorugh our dessert. The waiter was excellent. Really new his craft. The food was to die for. I had the Burrito Lito HUGE!!! My wife had the Salmon special. She couldn't believe how good it was. For dessert we had the flan. The waiter recommended it and said it was homemade. I love flan and this was right up there with the best I have had. My wife and I shared one of there house specailty platinum margaritas (we aren't big drinkers) tasty. I highly recommend the place. Parking was tough but well worth the hassel.

Pros: Delicous food and fantastic flan

Cons: parking

Posted 06/26/06

Friday night was really busy we waited for about 25 minutes but it was really worth the wait. If you are going on Friday make reservations. The hostess brought us drinks while we were waiting. Great cadilac Margaritas

Posted 06/26/06

I love the food! And that boat of chili cheese! Lets not forget the margaritas, which are awesome. I highly recommend this place for everyone in the tujunga/sunland areas!

Pros: Fantastic!

Cons: None

Posted 06/23/06

This Popular mexican can get quite busy on a friday night so call ahead to get a seat.
Outstanding service and mouth watering food! I've never had a bad experience here! Sweet patio dining and lots of room inside ( and it still fills up!)
New specials all the time and to die for menu. Lobster is delcious and the setting is romantic. Their seats ajust to hold large parties~ and they have a full on banquet room for real parties!

Pros: EVERYTHING was GREAT as always!!!!

Cons: none to speak of

Posted 06/23/06

Ate here one time with a couple of friends. It was really good. Yum

Pros: clean, good food, not too expensive

Cons: crowded at times

Posted 01/11/06

What a restaurant. I love the atmosphere most. The margaritas were strong and yummy. The food was great. You cant go wrong here!

Pros: food, atmosphere, margaritas

Posted 08/16/05

I'm glad to see a restaurant in this area do so well. I guess this restaurant could do well anywhere. It belongs in west hollywood or somewhere ritzy. The Food is delish and all homemade they say. I love the tacos and the halibut. My favorite margarita is the Manager's special~ it's like an amaretto sour~ yum!
Another great thing aabout this place are the specials, they always try new things by having specials that are not on the menu. I just ate the best shrimp and crab enchiladas with green sauce. it was fresh and tasty.
I have never been served by a medicore waiter they are all by far the most professional people in a restaurant, caring and quick!
i also like the seating.. all boothes!!! and it's romantic :)

Pros: margaritas, management, professional

Cons: sometimes a wait

Posted 07/31/05

I find this local delight to be the best mexican food!! You can search from city to city and still come back to this place. The menu is huge and I have tried several dishes and never have been disapointed!
Outstanding atmosphere and a cute patio to dine in surrounded by trees!! Oh the flan is so amazing! melts in your mouth. and fried ice cream...too good.
the seafood at this place is better than going to redondo beach or santa monica, it just has the best flavor. The service is always spot-on! excellent in everyway!

Pros: food, drink, service

Posted 07/31/05