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La Cabana
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January 28th, 2009Uncategorized
When you walk into La Cabana in Venice, just west of Lincoln on Rose, you will think that you found an undiscovered gem serving Mexican feasts. You would be half right. La Cabana has some great food, and margaritas, but it is far from undiscovered. It’s not uncommon to have to wait a half hour or more on a crowded night. Fortunately the place is deceptively large and they have a closed of bar in the back where you can snack on chips and salsa and have a drink.
On your way back to the bar, you can’t miss the indoor tortilla grill, or the ladies standing around the grill crafting home made corn tortillas, which you will undoubtedly order once you get your table. I personally prefer flour over corn tortillas, but when they are hot off of the griddle, it’s impossible to resist. When you do sit at the bar, you might decide to order one of their exotic margaritas, beyond just strawberry they also have mango, pineapple and any combination of their flavors. On the other hand, I’m happy with a basic margarita on the rocks with salt. Although the bar can be crowded at times, turn over is constant and people are generally friendly enough to share stools and table real estate. 
Once your table indicator lights up and the host seats you, you are faced with making the decision of what to eat. Consider starting with the cevice and a side of guac for your chips. Service tends to be relaxed but accommodating. For first timers, you may as well start with their taco plate, served in the home made tortillas with rice and beans. I also enjoy the Sopes, essentially tostadas served on a hearty base of masa, a dough made of dried corn that has been soaked in limewater then rinsed and ground (pictured). The two sopes should be more than one person can eat, unfortunately the masa does not save well, so find a friend and split this dish with something else and do some sampling.Parking for La Cabana is a bit scarce, so everyone parks in the shopping center across the street. As far as I know it is common practice, but don’t blame me if you get ticketed or towed.
La Cabana
738 Rose Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-6161
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3 Responses to “La Cabana”
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Evan
Like this place alright, but last time I was there, my wife got some snotty service from a waiter–she asked for a substitution (can’t remember what exactly now, but it wasn’t absurd), and the waiter said no. Which I guess is fine, it’s the kitchen’s call, but he said it with a laugh and was kind of a jerk about it.
I think the tortillas catty-corner at Casablanca are better, but I get that the places are kind of different–a lot more seafood at Casablanca, and I would say fancier, but really, how fancy can you be with tons of kitschy memorabilia from the movie Casablanca?
My absolute favorite basic “Mexican-American” Mexican food place on the Westside is Gilbert’s. In the past, I wouldn’t mention this to try to keep it a secret, but it’s so busy now, I don’t think it’s a secret anymore. Cash only.
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Evan- You may already know this, but La Cabana, Gilbert’s Casablanca, Pacos Tacos and the late Tia Juana’s are all run by the same family.
For Casablanca, you pretty much have to order one of the squid dishes and for Gilbert’s, you may as well bomb your gut with the chile relleno burrito.
Both those places are upcoming on the list, glad you mentioned them. You’re completely right about Gilbert’s. That place is consistently packed!
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Evan
My wife–born and raised in Santa Monica–introduced me to Gilbert’s. We don’t bother trying to go there on the weekend anymore, pretty much only Mon-Thur, and the earlier the better. I think Gilbert’s is really one of the best deals in town. Great chips, cheap food, and the carrots are great! I started going there when I was a vegetarian, and even though I eat meat now, I still only ever get the veggie burrito–so huge and under $5.
I had heard that about La Cabana and Casablanca, but I didn’t know that about Gilbert’s and the other places as well. Good for them…and it seems that if you want to go to a non-chain sit-down Mexican place on the Westside, you’ll be giving them your money!
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