Juanita's Café on Olvera Street serves just-right portions of solid Mexican food. I ordered the 1 chicken enchilada, 2 taquitos combo, which came with salad and refried beans with melted cheese. I ate on a late Wednesday morning in front of the restaurant. I liked eating there at the time since Olvera Street didn't have a crowd. I thought the food was filling for a good price of $9.55. The ambience at the time felt peaceful, and I could listen to my headphones. They have only a few patio table seating and a couple tables in front of the restaurant. Note that if you'd like to tip, they only accept cash.
Phillecia D.
I came here to break my fast I'm on day 5 of no meat and I had my first meal of the day here. I got a no meat Tostada it came with lettuce cheese tomato and sour cream. I was too hungry to take pictures but it looks like how a tostada would the beans were good and hot and all of the veggies were fresh. I didn't eat anything else but I do plan to come back to try other items. From the taste of the tostada this location may have the taste I'm looking for.
Ruben S.
The owner and staff are very rude! They even attack food vendors because their food is better then
Jerry Griffin
I love their food, it always makes me feel good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carlos G.
My wife and I stopped here by chance. We first tried the tacos with green salsa from Cielito Lindo, they were purty good. As we walked past Juanita's Cafe my wife noticed the papa(potato) tacos so we tried a couple...they were AMAZING! Healthy serving of papa and topped with cabbage, cheese, and tomatoes. But then the owner gave us a sample of his tacos in green salsa and we were once again amazed of how tasty they were. I gotta say they were much much more tasty than Cielito Lindo's. The green salsa over the generous serving of beef in the crunchy taco is a fantastic treat for the soul. Both the cook and the owner on duty provided an enjoyable experience, made us feel welcomed and appreciated. I highly suggest all try Juanita's Cafe or both and you be the judge.
Art G.
I had one beef and one potato taco ... Very good I highly recommend. My grandmother and mother had enchiladas plate also gave a 10/10.
Tina T.
Solid place, exactly like I remembered it. We used to come here a lot for lunchtime, easily walkable and fast service. Lots of different combo plates to choose from. Friendly setvice too! Stop by if you're ever in the area!
Eleanor D.
The food is really bad, it tastes like 5 day old vallarta food. They microwave everything and then fry the taquitos. Made me really sick. Avoiid
Will L.
I had about 45 minutes to kill between a bus and a train at Union Station, so headed out to Olvera St. to grab a quick bite. There must be a dozen tiny little restaurants at the base of Olvera; this time I tried Juanita's.Tiny is the operative word to describe Juanita's; I'd guess the place is about 800 sq. ft., including the kitchen. Somehow they packed 6 tables into that space! And you know it: there's a bit of jostling when the place is full. I heard precious few English words when I was there (a good sign).I ordered 2 chicken tacos and an horchata. Food came fast! I was a little disappointed that the tacos were hardshell, but the shredded chicken filling was quite tasty.I'm sure I'll come back to try some of their other offerings. But not before I try some of the other tiny restaurants on Olvera.
Chris H.
At this point I'm not sure if I'll ever have kids. I've gone back and forth on them so many times. I thought we'd have four in the last relationship, one shy of a basketball team. I'm of the "let Jesus take the wheel" camp now. While I can't predict if that's in my future or not, I'm blessed to never have had to deal with co-parenting and even worse, alimony. Thank God! I finally met my brother's first little meathead on Olvera Street in LA. What us in technology call the "alpha" release. You know the one you try to work out all the bugs with. Yeah, that was my job for my parent's releases. My brother loves tacos as much as me so he knew where to go. If you've never been here before, the shops remind of times I raged in Cancun Mexico. The food, omg. We sampled up and down the street but my favorite by far was Juanita's. Not only was this spot super authentic, the family running it was hilarious. You know I always love meeting the craftsman, the legends, behind the forks and knives creating our feasts. I could have devoured these tacos until I passed out. We almost did! Beyond the food, I'm beyond happy for my brother. I think he'll be a great father. I'm a bit jealous of him for this. No matter how many feasts I down, concerts or countries I go to, clubs until 6am, I haven't felt that feeling of watching a life you helped create enter this world. I am afraid that after my past decision of an abortion back in Boulder a ways back, God won't grant me a second chance. I have no regrets tattooed on me. If life takes me this way or it doesn't I'm happy. I do hope my brother lets me babysit so I can take the kid to the gun range, and jump out of an airplane! One can dream! Love you Danno!
“Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThurs-“-Dac 1927-2023I visited Juanita's cafe with my friends. Let me tell you, the condition of the bathroom was absolutely horrendous! The sink was clogged, the toilet seat was broken, and there was a funky smell that made us all gag. It was definitely an unforgettable experience.Oh, man, let me paint a picture for you! The bathroom at Juanita's cafe was a disaster zone. The sink was overflowing with dirty water, the toilet had no flush, and the walls were covered in black mold spores. The air was thick with an unpleasant odor that made us question our life choices. It was like stepping into a horror movie, but instead of monsters, it was just a neglected bathroom. It was a sight we'll never forget, that's for sure.
Laura P
I was just passing through LA to switch Amtrak routes and was delighted to find Juanitas Cafe on Olvera Street. A simple but delicious place to get a hearty torta de choriza with champurrado. So convenient to Union Station but not a bland chain eatery. The owner prepares the food as his grandmother, Juanita, did.
Melody W.
Amazing place to eat with " Authentic" Mexican food! No trip to downtown LA is complete without it! Served by the owner....ordered cheese quesadilla combo with a Chicken Burrito. Amazing to say the least! Fresh...made in his restaurant. Homemade tortillas too! Very nice ambiance, clean, fresh food and a real taste of Olivera Street! Thanks for a wonderful authentic experience!
Will K.
Food 5/5. Service 5/5. Simple but good. Definitely coming back for the breakfast menu.
Emma J.
Been here since 1944! Come some support a local small business! Great taquitos de carne desebrada!
Juanita's Café on Olvera Street serves just-right portions of solid Mexican food. I ordered the 1 chicken enchilada, 2 taquitos combo, which came with salad and refried beans with melted cheese. I ate on a late Wednesday morning in front of the restaurant. I liked eating there at the time since Olvera Street didn't have a crowd. I thought the food was filling for a good price of $9.55. The ambience at the time felt peaceful, and I could listen to my headphones. They have only a few patio table seating and a couple tables in front of the restaurant. Note that if you'd like to tip, they only accept cash.
I came here to break my fast I'm on day 5 of no meat and I had my first meal of the day here. I got a no meat Tostada it came with lettuce cheese tomato and sour cream. I was too hungry to take pictures but it looks like how a tostada would the beans were good and hot and all of the veggies were fresh. I didn't eat anything else but I do plan to come back to try other items. From the taste of the tostada this location may have the taste I'm looking for.
The owner and staff are very rude! They even attack food vendors because their food is better then
I love their food, it always makes me feel good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I stopped here by chance. We first tried the tacos with green salsa from Cielito Lindo, they were purty good. As we walked past Juanita's Cafe my wife noticed the papa(potato) tacos so we tried a couple...they were AMAZING! Healthy serving of papa and topped with cabbage, cheese, and tomatoes. But then the owner gave us a sample of his tacos in green salsa and we were once again amazed of how tasty they were. I gotta say they were much much more tasty than Cielito Lindo's. The green salsa over the generous serving of beef in the crunchy taco is a fantastic treat for the soul. Both the cook and the owner on duty provided an enjoyable experience, made us feel welcomed and appreciated. I highly suggest all try Juanita's Cafe or both and you be the judge.
I had one beef and one potato taco ... Very good I highly recommend. My grandmother and mother had enchiladas plate also gave a 10/10.
Solid place, exactly like I remembered it. We used to come here a lot for lunchtime, easily walkable and fast service. Lots of different combo plates to choose from. Friendly setvice too! Stop by if you're ever in the area!
The food is really bad, it tastes like 5 day old vallarta food. They microwave everything and then fry the taquitos. Made me really sick. Avoiid
I had about 45 minutes to kill between a bus and a train at Union Station, so headed out to Olvera St. to grab a quick bite. There must be a dozen tiny little restaurants at the base of Olvera; this time I tried Juanita's.Tiny is the operative word to describe Juanita's; I'd guess the place is about 800 sq. ft., including the kitchen. Somehow they packed 6 tables into that space! And you know it: there's a bit of jostling when the place is full. I heard precious few English words when I was there (a good sign).I ordered 2 chicken tacos and an horchata. Food came fast! I was a little disappointed that the tacos were hardshell, but the shredded chicken filling was quite tasty.I'm sure I'll come back to try some of their other offerings. But not before I try some of the other tiny restaurants on Olvera.
At this point I'm not sure if I'll ever have kids. I've gone back and forth on them so many times. I thought we'd have four in the last relationship, one shy of a basketball team. I'm of the "let Jesus take the wheel" camp now. While I can't predict if that's in my future or not, I'm blessed to never have had to deal with co-parenting and even worse, alimony. Thank God! I finally met my brother's first little meathead on Olvera Street in LA. What us in technology call the "alpha" release. You know the one you try to work out all the bugs with. Yeah, that was my job for my parent's releases. My brother loves tacos as much as me so he knew where to go. If you've never been here before, the shops remind of times I raged in Cancun Mexico. The food, omg. We sampled up and down the street but my favorite by far was Juanita's. Not only was this spot super authentic, the family running it was hilarious. You know I always love meeting the craftsman, the legends, behind the forks and knives creating our feasts. I could have devoured these tacos until I passed out. We almost did! Beyond the food, I'm beyond happy for my brother. I think he'll be a great father. I'm a bit jealous of him for this. No matter how many feasts I down, concerts or countries I go to, clubs until 6am, I haven't felt that feeling of watching a life you helped create enter this world. I am afraid that after my past decision of an abortion back in Boulder a ways back, God won't grant me a second chance. I have no regrets tattooed on me. If life takes me this way or it doesn't I'm happy. I do hope my brother lets me babysit so I can take the kid to the gun range, and jump out of an airplane! One can dream! Love you Danno!
Restaurantji Recommends
“Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThurs-“-Dac 1927-2023I visited Juanita's cafe with my friends. Let me tell you, the condition of the bathroom was absolutely horrendous! The sink was clogged, the toilet seat was broken, and there was a funky smell that made us all gag. It was definitely an unforgettable experience.Oh, man, let me paint a picture for you! The bathroom at Juanita's cafe was a disaster zone. The sink was overflowing with dirty water, the toilet had no flush, and the walls were covered in black mold spores. The air was thick with an unpleasant odor that made us question our life choices. It was like stepping into a horror movie, but instead of monsters, it was just a neglected bathroom. It was a sight we'll never forget, that's for sure.
I was just passing through LA to switch Amtrak routes and was delighted to find Juanitas Cafe on Olvera Street. A simple but delicious place to get a hearty torta de choriza with champurrado. So convenient to Union Station but not a bland chain eatery. The owner prepares the food as his grandmother, Juanita, did.
Amazing place to eat with " Authentic" Mexican food! No trip to downtown LA is complete without it! Served by the owner....ordered cheese quesadilla combo with a Chicken Burrito. Amazing to say the least! Fresh...made in his restaurant. Homemade tortillas too! Very nice ambiance, clean, fresh food and a real taste of Olivera Street! Thanks for a wonderful authentic experience!
Food 5/5. Service 5/5. Simple but good. Definitely coming back for the breakfast menu.
Been here since 1944! Come some support a local small business! Great taquitos de carne desebrada!