Enjoyed our time here with my parents. The food was good! I agree with all the other reviews that the service is slow, our waitress was not attentive, but we enjoyed the food. The mariachi were great but the layout is weird because as the mariachi was playing there was another next door too! Almost like battle of the mariachis! It was hard to hear and have a conversation too. Drinks were excellent (margaritas were tasty and agua de Jamaica and tamarindo were good). I don't know if we'd come here again since it's super out of the way for us but we had a good time.

We were passing through the area and stopped at this place. There's a lot of little shops selling all kinds of goods when you walk into El Mercadito. Go up to the 3rd floor and there is this restaurant. There is live music and you get a good feel here! Our server was really friendly and we were served very quickly. I'd say 15-20 mins from the moment we were seated until we were served. I ordered shredded beef taquitos with guacamole.... perfect plate! The rice and beans were delicious too, plus the fresh guacamole complimented the plate. My husband ordered chile rojo (pork in red sauce). Totally tasty and a big portion. Super delicious! We will be back!!

If you like Mariachi music then this is the spot. It's on the 3rd floor, theres 2 sides with a stage and the live mariachi. Food is really good, I prefer the tostadas de camaron and the Micheladas. Service is ok, they are friendly but sometimes they take to long. They also encourage people to sing or request songs, I think they charge 20$ per song.

The music, atmosphere and price are five stars. The dueling mariachi bands are amazing and when the karaoke starts it's even better. That said, the food is OK and the service is a disappointing three stars. It took us over 30 minutes to get the check and pay at the end of the night.

The menudo was amazing!!! Service was very personable and made sure our experience was worth while. The mariachi was a little to loud and made my experience not a 5/5 My brother burrito wasn't good and smelled weird. But everything else was great!

Second time coming and it was amazing yet again! I can't tell you how much I love this place. Just one suggestion for the owners of this establishment. Please consider free soft drink refills. Aside from paying for individual sodas, this place has amazing food, service and atmosphere. Check it out!

Rich In Culture, Art & Food SITREP The El Mercadito Mariachi Restaurant is an East L.A. institution that abounds in the traditions of Mexico and is a fantastic place to come and commune, and to celebrate this rich culture. REVERENCE In the parking lot itself is are absolutely gorgeous shrines to the Madonna herself. That's right: not just one, but TWO. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mercadito-mariachi-restaurant-los-angeles?select=k_ML4m09PL4ll06dQ7Oerw&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mercadito-mariachi-restaurant-los-angeles?select=flOZGu3q5B8vKrdhQvfVlw&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w DECOR In the restaurant complex, various designs are artistic works are present on all the walls. * Mariachi themselves https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mercadito-mariachi-restaurant-los-angeles?select=k_ML4m09PL4ll06dQ7Oerw&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w * And several variations on the colorful wall designs https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mercadito-mariachi-restaurant-los-angeles?select=Q6QmBXld2DNDAkTrysorEg&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w FOOD VENDING The restaurants are also supported by a network of eateries right in proximity. Very helpful, especially if the rush is on because then an associated eatery can still provide an excellent meal when your time is crunched. Some of it is QUITE enticing! ;) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mercadito-mariachi-restaurant-los-angeles?select=26iIvHTwIAt_Hej-ZSvpmQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE LOWDOWN Take a walk down the aisles and across the floors as if you were walking in one of the most colorful plazas of Mother Mexico herself....