Pez Cantina - Los Angeles

I visited this restaurant with a conference group, and the weather was perfect for outdoor seating in mid-October in Los Angeles. We opted for the make-your-own tacos, which were a hit with both vegans and meat-eaters. I highly recommend this spot for its delicious food and inviting atmosphere. The staff struck a nice balance – they were attentive without being intrusive. The food truly captured the essence of LA for those not familiar with the area. If you're in downtown LA, definitely make a stop here. Just be prepared for the uphill walk to get there unless you're looking to build up an appetite!

The restaurant's downtown location can be a bit questionable, not due to safety, but because of the local atmosphere. However, the place itself is beautiful, and the food is quite tasty. The service was outstanding; the staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure our water and everything else was always refilled. I ordered the chicken posole, and it was absolutely delicious—really exceptional. The appetizers were also quite good. Honestly, what more can I say? This is definitely a great spot to visit after work, on weekends, or just for a fun day out with friends for drinks.

**The Mediocre:** Parking could be better. We ended up parking randomly at the J2 parking structure for City National Plaza based on a few reviews I had read, but this is NOT the parking garage where the restaurant provides validation. You should actually use the garage right next to the restaurant at 400 South Hope Street. That was our mistake, but it still resulted in an annoying 7-minute roundabout walk. **The Bad:** There was an event happening outside next to us, separated by flimsy folding wall panels. Apparently, the winds were unusually strong and blew one of the panels down onto a nearby table, shattering glass cups and showering us with shards. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the waitstaff quickly jumped in to clean up and replace everything on the table. However, it was a dangerous situation that could have ended much worse. **Overall:** While the food and atmosphere were excellent, I had to dock two stars due to the potentially life-threatening incident.

5 stars across the board. Accommodated 50+ for a birthday and parking is EXCELLENT.

Pez Cantina deserves a solid 4-star rating! It feels like a delightful celebration for your taste buds. The atmosphere is vibrant and colorful, creating a lively setting. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, such as fajitas and burritos that truly stand out. The guacamole is wonderfully creamy, and the salsa has just the right amount of spice. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, helping you choose the best dishes and drinks. The only drawback is the wait time – it's not incredibly fast, but it's also not too slow. However, once your food arrives, you'll quickly forget any delays. Overall, Pez Cantina is a great 4-star destination with fantastic flavors, a fun ambiance, and you'll leave feeling satisfied and happy!