PETITE TAQUERIA
COZY MEXICAN TACO BAR FOR THE POSH CROWD

From the friendly folks at h.wood Group with their finger firmly pressed on the pulse of everything posh in Los Angeles comes Petite Taqueria. Other nightlife venues from the group include Delilah, The Nice Guy, Blind Dragon, The Peppermint Club, and Poppy among others, and Petite Taqueria combines hip hotspot with good eats.

While a taco shop may not sound as chic as some of other hotspots in the group’s portfolio but in Petite Taqueria they’ve created an innovative concept that elevates classic Mexican-American comfort food with a focus on high quality technique with the freshest ingredients. Within the swank setting, dishes like Bean & Cheese Burritos, and Taquitos come to life alongside modern updates on favorites like Arroz Con Pollo, Pork Chile Verde, and an assortment of handmade tacos.

During our recent visit for dinner we started with Kendalls Smushed Guac with avocado, tomato, serrano, and red onion. I personally don’t believe guacamole should cost $16 but it’s a fine guac if you don’t mind shelling out that much for a simple dish. You might be better off with the $10 Queso Dip and the Nachos are a solid starter for vegetarians.

The cocktails at Petite Taqueria are hardly stellar but The Palomoa with Herradura Reposado tequila is refreshing although I prefer it with mezcal. The Sidecar with corn-infused Hennessey is a nice offering. And speaking of mezcal, get to know Petite’s Mezcal Mondays, which offers half priced tacos and half priced mezcal coctails and shots.

And speaking of tacos, they are the star at the taqueria. Choose from Chorizo Impossible (vegan), Crispy (ground beef), Al Pastor (vegan), Baja Fish, Lamb Birria, Carne Asada, Shredded Chicken, and Mushroom & Corn. I highly recommend the Crispy and the Carne Asada, but truth be told they are all tasty. Priced between $6 and $8 per taco, the tacos are an absolute must on Mondays nights as they’re half priced.

If you’re looking for a bigger entrée, consider the Pork Chile Verde a must-have. A pork shank dish with salsa verde, mint pesto, and feta, this is a wonderfully pleasing choice. If you save room for dessert, Cindy’s Petite Choc-O-Taco with vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate ganache, and toasted almonds does not disappoint.

Petite Taqueria is hardly offering the best casual Mexican food in town but guests are likely attracted to its vibe and setting. It’s also next door to Poppy, which is one of the LA’s most sought-after nightclubs. But the combination of hearty and tasty cuisine and cocktails in cool confines makes for a fun night out.

Petite Taqueria is located at 755 N La Cienega Blvd. Open Monday through Saturday from 6pm to close. Call 310-855-7223.

Story by Jose Martinez

Interior Photos by Elizabeth Daniels

Food & Cocktails by Aliza J. Sokolow