Though lacking a loud mariachi band or fishbowl-sized margaritas, Lotería nails two of the most important aspects of any Mexican restaurant: top-notch tacos and burritos. Tucked into a stall at the Farmers Market and also with a Hollywood location, Lotería offers a variety of colorful fillings for hand-made corn tortillas. For vegetarians, there's nopalitos (cactus salad) or calabacitas, which is zucchini and roasted corn succotash served with queso fresco, onions, cilantro and salsa verde. Meatier options include slow-roasted pork and the pollo en pipian rojo (chicken in a spicy pumpkin seed- and peanut-sauce). Locals also line up for the breakfast (served all day), and although no alcohol is served at the Farmers Market (full bar in Hollywood), there is a bar adjacent to the restaurant. Serving breakfast (from 9 am), lunch and dinner daily.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"Chef Jimmy Shaw's fare is genuine Mexican, built on family recipes which generations have tested and perfected. Lighter than typical Mexican fare and infinitely more flavorful, the entire menu is absolutely unique – and utterly delicious."
– Farmers Market website
"With its rumpled charm, the Market is a required destination for anyone looking for a taste of historic Hollywood, and Loteria adds a bit of Mexican spice. Handmade tortillas are stuffed with earthy chicken mole or spicy roasted corn and zucchini, and dishes like tortilla soup and potato tacos are cheap and authentic."
—Epicurious.com
"Lotería Grill has become a kind of cult place, with fans showing up day after day, slipping away from work to indulge in an order of chilaquiles or savor a taco filled with cochinita pibil."
– S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times
How others rate Lotería Grill
Zagat 2009
24 food rating (very good to excellent)