Whether the beach, the pier or the hiking trails near the Hollywood sign, everything Angelinos adore about Los Angeles seems to be under one restriction or another. That is, until you consider the food — specifically, the Mexican food. True, you might not be able to sit at a restaurant table to dine, but that shouldn’t stop you from indulging in cuisine that is as ubiquitous to the region as the Santa Ana winds themselves. Here are some of the best Mexican restaurants to order from now for takeout and delivery.
Tallula’s
118 Entrada Drive, Santa Monica 310-526-0027
Open for curbside pickup, takeout and delivery. Dinner runs daily from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend brunch goes Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
With or without dine-in, this beachside cantina continues to serve up such inspired Mexican fare as its signature burritos and tacos, stuffed with meats like organic chicken verde, sauteed chili shrimp and curried beef. Also on the menu: family-sized taco platters, along with enchiladas, chilaquiles, as well as margaritas, beer and wine. They take phone orders from Friday to Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m., and from Sunday to Thursday, starting at 2 p.m.
Guelaguetza
3014 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles 213-427-0608
Curbside pickup and takeout: Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For delivery, order through Grubhub or Doordash.
This authentic Oaxacan restaurant is famed for its moles ranging from the coloradito (sweet, served with chicken breast, thigh or spare pork ribs) to the amarillo (yellow mole stew offered with chicken, beef or spare pork ribs) to the rojo (spicier red mole with smacks of chocolate, served with chicken breast, thigh or spare pork ribs). Their Guelaguetza tamal de mole, cooked with banana leaves and filled with mole and shredded chicken, is one of their most popular dishes. As well, they are currently offering family-style meals and kits for takeout and delivery.
Petty Cash Taqueria
7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles 323-933-5300
Pick-up and delivery is available through their website and Tock.
Along with the build-your-own-taco kits, quesadillas have returned at this taqueria. Among the ones available: pork ahumada, beef brisket, jidori chicken adobo, and portobello mushroom and sweet potato. Or simply enjoy their traditional cheese quesadilla. The taco kits, by the way, include such options as beef brisket and jidori chicken as well as poblano rice and beans.
Toca Madera
8450 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles 323-852-9400
Curbside pickup and takeout: Monday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Delivery is offered through Postmates, DoorDash, UberEats and Caviar.
This upscale cantina’s menu for curbside includes the build-your-own taco box, which serves four to six people (with chicken tinga, carne asada, cilantro lime rice, black beans, street corn, shaved cabbage, chihuahua cheese and 12 tortillas); the grande familia, serving up to six (with American wagyu sirloin, chicken al pastor, pozole rojo soup, salad, and sides including cilantro lime rice along with a dozen tortillas); and the enchilada meal, serving four (with such options as chicken tinga, chipotle-smattered tofu and cheese-only).