Rate-A-Restaurant, #64 and #65 in a series

Today, a two-fer: Maria had to leave Los Feliz's Mexico City early, in order to put Evan to bed... so I picked up something from Glendale's El Tapatio.


Restaurant: Mexico City

Location: 2121 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles (Los Feliz)

Type of restaurant: Mexican

We stipulated: It was a friend's birthday, and she was looking for a spot that wouldn't mind several babies joining in.

What we ordered: guacamole with chips; chicken enchilada with mole poblano sauce

High point: Plenty of room for a small birthday gathering -- and the staff didn't balk when Leslie brought in a cake (they even provided plates, without a cake cutting fee -- unfortunately, not all L.A. restaurants are as accomodating). Also, shout out to the mole poblano sauce -- nice sweetness mixed nicely with the dish.

Low point: Less thrilled with the rice and beans that came along with the entree -- very standard fare.

Overall impression: Nice environment for a small gathering, particularly on a weeknight. Food is decent; although, there are probably plenty of other Mexican joints you oughta try first, Mexico City is a great spot when you're meeting a group of people in Los Feliz.

Chance we will go back: Probably not for a while -- although, duly noted, couples with babies were welcome.

+++
Restaurant: El Tapatio

Location: 1266 S Glendale Ave, Glendale

Type of restaurant: Mexican fast food

We stipulated: While I was downing margaritas, Maria was putting Evan to bed. And was getting hungry. It was time to finally check out El Tapatio, a late-night fast Mexican counter near our Glendale home (and down the street from Glendale's Forest Lawn).

What we ordered: chicken quesadilla with everything ($3.85)

High point: El Tapatio is your classic, no frills L.A. Mexican counter. Which means it's fantastic. Plus it's open late, another plus.

Low point: Since it was my first time, I wasn't sure how it all worked. After I paid my money, there was no receipt or anything. Was I done? Should I wait at the counter? Don't worry, I figured it out.

Overall impression: I brought home the quesadilla, and it was exactly what Maria wanted. Gooey cheese, a spicy sauce, tender chicken and a fresh tortilla. Yum.

Chance we will go back: It's around the corner, so when we need a quick bite, a local joint like El Tapatio fills the bill.

For a complete archive of our Rate-A-Restaurant reviews, check out our newly revised companion ratearestaurant.blogspot.com website.