Mike Long

Mmm ok so I can still taste this spot from 2000 miles away. What a sweet and swell vibe here. Very friendly staff, free wifi and great food. Lots of old school flavour on these tables and on the walls. Charm and humility, freshness and an ancient aroma. Really into this place eh, that’s for sure for sure! Es la verdad uh huh

Place is the best. The staff are all amazing. Linda and her other bar tender friends make the best Margaritas in town!

Great good. Great drinks Make sure to try the fried fish tacos!

+2

Delicious Mexican food, great service, fairly authentic, reasonably priced. The only downside is it's sometimes difficult to find parking. Really good chips and salsa, hard to stop eating and fill up before the food arrives!

Food is really good and the prices are reasonable. Will definitely be visiting again.

Very delicious Mexican food. Very nice staff. There is a full bar too.

+5

Was told this was the spot to get Mexican food in Los Angeles. Which is saying a LOT. This place has it- flavors are true to authentic Mexican cuisine. Literally tastes like my mother-in-laws cooking. Fresh, spicy, roasted salsa served with homemade corn chips. Their full bar carries specialty tequilas and Mezcal. Lovely murals and paintings on the walls, feels homey and comfortable. I got a combination plate with chile relleno and a chicken tamale, came with beans and rice and I asked for sauce to be smothered. My husband got chilaquiles and subbed carnitas the meat for a little extra charge. Plates average $10-$25. They have a page of seafood selections on the menu. Definitely coming back to try their Albondigas soup and Chicken soup. You can call and order a dozen tamales to take home for $36. Free valet parking in the alley behind restaurant. Street parking out front.

+6

Was brought here by a friend of the family.... This is his favorite place to eat.... Started with a michelada negra modelo.... Which was pretty good... Some places don't know how to make micheladas... Chips with salsa was good salsa not to spicy for the normal... I like spicy... Fur the food we went with fried chicken... I gave it a 7... Comes with 3 pieces of chicken, rice,beans and tortillas. The restaurant has allot of great art all around... Nice lil bar... The other was really nice to us .. very welcoming... Will stop by if invited again....

+2

Came here to hang out after watching a soccer game, and watch the Mexico game. Such a fun environment. I had a regular Margarita, which was good, but the spicy cucumber was AMAZING! Highly recommend. We also had the garlic shrimp, and steak fajitas, and this was really great the steak fajitas had such an amazing flavor and my bf loved the garlic shrimp. My son had the Talpa Special burrito, and he loved it, was big so he couldn’t finish it. We will be returning.

We stopped in for our first time this past weekend and had a nice experience. I know that it used to be a part of Don Antonio‘s and then there was some beef between the owners that caused the two restaurants to split and open up different name. I have been to Don Antonio‘s many times and would say it’s in my top three favorite Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles so I was excited to try Talpa as well because I’ve heard good things. I will say that the food is very authentic and there are some seriously great flavors here. One issue that we had though is when we entered the restaurant, not a single person greeted us. We stood around for about 8-10 mins waiting for a table and then after we sat down, we waited another 15 minutes before anyone came over to take our drink and food order. Also, all the food items came out very slowly so this is not the sort of place that I would go if I was in a rush. It’s a lot smaller on the inside than Don Antonio’s so there is limited table capacity, which causes some wait times. There isn’t a dedicated parking lot so it will be metered street parking. Aside from the service issues we did have a great meal. I started off with the bowl of the Albondigas and it was a huge amount. The flavors were great, but definitely a larger size than I would recommend any single person ordering if you plan to get food after that. For my entrée, I chose the Beef Milanesa and thought it was fabulous. The beef was very tender and flavorful and seasoned perfectly. It was a large size dish, so it was plenty of food which I really enjoyed and even had leftovers of. Overall, a really solid Mexican restaurant and a good option if Don Antonio’s is too busy.

+1

One of my most favorite Mexican restaurants. The food is fresh, great salsa , guac and chips. It's not the watered down type of guac. And the salsa has this roasted flavor that's unique with a bit of a bite. I look forward to this especially. The beef taquitos are the best, so flavorful. Crunchy tacos are very good too and the pork chili Verde is another go to for me. The beans are so delicious. Service is attentive and kind. The only issue I've had is with parking. It can be challenging at times. They have some spots in the back.

Been going here since I was a baby, over 40 years now! Food hasn’t changed through all these years. They treat you like family. 🙏🇺🇸🤙

Friendly server clean restaurant amazing food come one come alll.

The Talpa (not La Talpa!) is a homey, friendly and at the same time iconic west Los Angeles eatery. I first began visiting The Talpa in 1973 when I was 17 and attending Santa Monica College, and I have been going back ever since. I was first drawn by the friendly waitresses, some who have worked there for decades. The food has always been delicious, high quality and reasonably priced. You can’t go wrong with any of the combination plates which include all the items you might expect, enchiladas, crunchy tacos, chile rellenos and more. A two or three item combo which comes with rice and beans, preceded by chips and salsa is a classic meal, and you won’t leave hungry. There is usually plenty of street parking on Pico, there is also a full bar and many Mexican (and American) beer brands, as a perfect complement to a meal. The Talpa has many local loyal patrons and everybody is welcome, families with children, business men in suits and CalTrans workers alike. Not surprisingly, The Talpa is also a good place to run into famous actors and musicians and over the years I have been surprised at some of the A list actors who might be dining at the next table. If you visit The Talpa, you will see how this simple restaurant has remained so popular since 1962! Whether visiting LA for the first time or if you’ve lived there all your life, a meal at The Talpa is one you will enjoy and remember!

One of my favorites. It's more Mexican-American but the rarely good version of that kind of food. Relaxed environment, friendly service. The place is packed with regulars which is also telling. The salsa they make is also something special.

Lawrence Hatch

The Talpa (not La Talpa!) is a homey, friendly and at the same time iconic west Los Angeles eatery. I first began visiting The Talpa in 1973 when I was 17 and attending Santa Monica College, and I have been going back ever since. I was first drawn by the friendly waitresses, some who have worked there for decades. The food has always been delicious, high quality and reasonably priced. You can’t go wrong with any of the combination plates which include all the items you might expect, enchiladas, crunchy tacos, chile rellenos and more. A two or three item combo which comes with rice and beans, preceded by chips and salsa is a classic meal, and you won’t leave hungry. There is usually plenty of street parking on Pico, there is also a full bar and many Mexican (and American) beer brands, as a perfect complement to a meal. The Talpa has many local loyal patrons and everybody is welcome, families with children, business men in suits and CalTrans workers alike. Not surprisingly, The Talpa is also a good place to run into famous actors and musicians and over the years I have been surprised at some of the A list actors who might be dining at the next table. If you visit The Talpa, you will see how this simple restaurant has remained so popular since 1962! Whether visiting LA for the first time or if you’ve lived there all your life, a meal at The Talpa is one you will enjoy and remember!

Patrick Frankle

One of my favorites. It's more Mexican-American but the rarely good version of that kind of food. Relaxed environment, friendly service. The place is packed with regulars which is also telling. The salsa they make is also something special.

Chris Alexander

Been going here since I was a baby, over 40 years now! Food hasn’t changed through all these years. They treat you like family. 🙏🇺🇸🤙

W L Chow

Going there for several years. Food is traditional and very good. The pork tamale and chile relleno are great! Staff is very friendly. Lilly and Paula are the best!!! Ambiance is casual.

Omar Oporto

The atmosphere was very nice, cool bar and confortable spaces. 3 Star for the food, probably needs more authentic mexican flavor

The atmosphere was very nice, cool bar and confortable spaces. 3 Star for the food, probably needs more authentic mexican flavor

Going there for several years. Food is traditional and very good. The pork tamale and chile relleno are great! Staff is very friendly. Lilly and Paula are the best!!! Ambiance is casual.

Lisa Montoya

Some dishes are very spicy. Salsa on the table is also hot. The drinks are good. Loud music playing. Very clean. Waitresses are nice.

Some dishes are very spicy. Salsa on the table is also hot. The drinks are good. Loud music playing. Very clean. Waitresses are nice.

I came here last week with my kids while visiting my daughter in college at UCLA. We have been to the restaurant next door but wanted to try somewhere else new. I dropped my 4 kids off to get seated while I drove around for 15 minutes and finally parked far away and walked. When I walked in my daughter had already ordered my soda which was a can. Honestly I really love fountain drinks and had I known they just had cans I would have went somewhere else but we were already there so we stayed. My daughter ordered two tacos for my 6 year old son. It was just meat and the tortilla so she asked for some cheese to put on the taco. When we received the bill, there were multiple charges we were not aware of. Had the waitress told us it would be $3.20 for a pinch of shredded cheese we would have declined. So.. I paid $16.20 for two chicken tacos that were literally corn tortilla and chicken and a side of cheese. This is the most ridiculous pricing I’ve ever heard. Typically a taco that is over $5 should at least have some sour cream or avocado or something. One taco was plain unseasoned rotisserie chicken and tortilla ($6) - it was very plain so we added some of the chicken from the other taco (pollo asada) ($7) to give some flavor. Soda can- $3.50 Sorry but these prices are not worth it

Whenever someone I knew would suggest going to Don Antonio's restaurant next door, I would immediately stop them and would DEMAND they go to El Talpa. I'd also demand thatvtheyvorder the flan for dessert which was the best Ive had in LA; And they'd usually thank me afterwards... Now, I cannot do that in good conscience. And it saddens me. I went to El Talpa for lunch, figuring the earlier the better. I won't talk about what my other party members ordered as they will post their own reviews. So. I ordered my usual...the El Talpa burrito and a Flan for dessert. Long known to be their biggest and best dish. I usually would get the red enchilada sauce. However, when it arrived, the sauce was more deep dark brown than red. It also had a strange cinnamon note to it. I let a party member taste and they agreed that it was NOT enchilada sauce. We surmised that it was a moley sauce. Whatever it was, it was not what I had had before, plus it simply did not taste good. After speaking to the waitress, she adamantly said that THAT was the red enchilada sauce. So, they offered to remake it. This time, without sauce. When it arrived, it was TINY. Absolutely, 100% noticeably smaller. And ugly. It might as well have been a frozen burrito. It only had a dollap or guacamole and sour cream. This was NOT a $20+ burrito. $8 on its best day. And the Flan? Also a HUGE disappointment. The Talpa flan I remember was firm, solid, and absolutely delicious! I've been suggesting thus to friends and family for YEARS... This was NOT the same. This was the soft custard kind with a lackluster flavor. My bill came to $70+(tax and 20% tip included.) which was for the burrito, a soup. 2 beers and a glass of juice. I cannot recommend this place to anyone anymore. Not because of the price, but because the FOOD just isn't what it used to be. Sadly, not only will I not recommend this place to anybody anymore, but this will also be my last time here. They lost a loyal patron and advocate. So disappointing. BUT, this is LA. Good Mexican food is everywhere. Just not here anymore. 😔

1ring2rule3pigs

Whenever someone I knew would suggest going to Don Antonio's restaurant next door, I would immediately stop them and would DEMAND they go to El Talpa. I'd also demand thatvtheyvorder the flan for dessert which was the best Ive had in LA; And they'd usually thank me afterwards... Now, I cannot do that in good conscience. And it saddens me. I went to El Talpa for lunch, figuring the earlier the better. I won't talk about what my other party members ordered as they will post their own reviews. So. I ordered my usual...the El Talpa burrito and a Flan for dessert. Long known to be their biggest and best dish. I usually would get the red enchilada sauce. However, when it arrived, the sauce was more deep dark brown than red. It also had a strange cinnamon note to it. I let a party member taste and they agreed that it was NOT enchilada sauce. We surmised that it was a moley sauce. Whatever it was, it was not what I had had before, plus it simply did not taste good. After speaking to the waitress, she adamantly said that THAT was the red enchilada sauce. So, they offered to remake it. This time, without sauce. When it arrived, it was TINY. Absolutely, 100% noticeably smaller. And ugly. It might as well have been a frozen burrito. It only had a dollap or guacamole and sour cream. This was NOT a $20+ burrito. $8 on its best day. And the Flan? Also a HUGE disappointment. The Talpa flan I remember was firm, solid, and absolutely delicious! I've been suggesting thus to friends and family for YEARS... This was NOT the same. This was the soft custard kind with a lackluster flavor. My bill came to $70+(tax and 20% tip included.) which was for the burrito, a soup. 2 beers and a glass of juice. I cannot recommend this place to anyone anymore. Not because of the price, but because the FOOD just isn't what it used to be. Sadly, not only will I not recommend this place to anybody anymore, but this will also be my last time here. They lost a loyal patron and advocate. So disappointing. BUT, this is LA. Good Mexican food is everywhere. Just not here anymore. 😔

lacy roe

I came here last week with my kids while visiting my daughter in college at UCLA. We have been to the restaurant next door but wanted to try somewhere else new. I dropped my 4 kids off to get seated while I drove around for 15 minutes and finally parked far away and walked. When I walked in my daughter had already ordered my soda which was a can. Honestly I really love fountain drinks and had I known they just had cans I would have went somewhere else but we were already there so we stayed. My daughter ordered two tacos for my 6 year old son. It was just meat and the tortilla so she asked for some cheese to put on the taco. When we received the bill, there were multiple charges we were not aware of. Had the waitress told us it would be $3.20 for a pinch of shredded cheese we would have declined. So.. I paid $16.20 for two chicken tacos that were literally corn tortilla and chicken and a side of cheese. This is the most ridiculous pricing I’ve ever heard. Typically a taco that is over $5 should at least have some sour cream or avocado or something. One taco was plain unseasoned rotisserie chicken and tortilla ($6) - it was very plain so we added some of the chicken from the other taco (pollo asada) ($7) to give some flavor. Soda can- $3.50 Sorry but these prices are not worth it

Chris Torre

Ordered chicken, ground beef and cheese enchiladas for take-out. They were watery and the enchilada shells were so mushy, they disintegrated when I cut into them. Taste was pretty much non-existent. Ground beef tasted like it was re-heated from a day or three prior. I ate what I could because I just got off of a six hour flight and was hungry. I am hoping I don't get sick. Taco Bell would have been a better option for me.

Ordered chicken, ground beef and cheese enchiladas for take-out. They were watery and the enchilada shells were so mushy, they disintegrated when I cut into them. Taste was pretty much non-existent. Ground beef tasted like it was re-heated from a day or three prior. I ate what I could because I just got off of a six hour flight and was hungry. I am hoping I don't get sick. Taco Bell would have been a better option for me.