Tex Mex is trending with the addition of a number of new Tex Mex establishments across LA. One such business, El Tejano, doubled down opening two additional locations, one in West Hollywood and one in DTLA. I recently paid a visit to their DTLA location.
El Tejano is located one block north of FIDM on Grand Ave. Since Grand Ave. is a one-way street running north to south, it’s best to approach the adjacent public garage from the north. Fortunately, the weekend charge for parking is only $4.
Upon entering, customers first experience El Tejano’s free chips & salsa bar. This is a nice touch and sets the tone. Big screens line the walls giving customers a choice of sports programming. The day I was there, NCAA football dominated the action. The place quickly filled up with USC Trojan fans.
The El Tejano Rita is served in a generous 18 oz schooner. For only $2 extra, you can order it Texas-sized which is almost two drinks in one. It is made with premium El Jimador tequila and packed a fair amount of punch.
The guacamole was freshly made and chunky the way that I like it. Even better was the Frito Pie. It was served in an open face Frito bag topped with seasoned ground beef, sour cream, gooey melted cheddar and topped with freshly made pico de gallo salsa. This was a fun dish to eat.
Consistent with Tex Mex cuisine, El Tejano serves brisket tacos. The tacos are assembled with smoked brisket, pickled jalapeños, cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, chile de arbol aioli, and cheddar cheese. The tacos were served with rice and beans.
The Shrimp Enchiladas were served “Texas-sized”, probably using flour tortillas made for burritos. The shrimp were also quite large, El Tejano used jumbo-sized shrimp. The enchiladas were topped with melted cheese and a delicious green tomatillo sauce.
Beyond what I experienced, there are plenty of reasons to visit El Tejano. If you are there to wind down, happy hour is all day every day, meaning you can get a second drink or “Texas Size” your original drink for only an additional two dollars. The food is quite tasty and you can’t beat $1 tacos on Taco Tuesday.
El Tejano has multiple locations across LA.
801 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017
826 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
11122 W. Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
eltejanotexmex.com