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    El Amigo

    4.4 (640 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Amigo Takeout or Delivery

    El Amigo Photos

    Business Info

    EL AMIGO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - El Amigo

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    Veggie Quesadilla with rice and beans
    Dee T.

    Our friends recommended this place and warned us of the portion sizes but we didn't listen . . The portions are HUGE! I ordered the veggie quesadilla and my husband ordered the shrimp quesadilla. . We added rice, beans and guacamole and it was WAY too much food!

    Steak Fries and birria taco
    Paulette D.

    El Amigo is a solid option for Mexican food, especially for the price. I placed a pickup order and was impressed with how quickly it was ready. My food was available about 10-15 minutes after ordering. I ordered one birria taco, which had great flavor and a generous amount of sauce. The only downside was that it leaned a bit too salty for my taste. I also tried the steak fries, which were very satisfying. The portion size was generous, with plenty of steak and fries, and it came with a nice amount of onions. My only wish was for a bit more guacamole

    The chips were standard but the sauce wasn't really to my liking
    Robert G.

    Lunch on the cheap in Lawndale (2 of 2) A long time ago, I believe I bookmarked a listing for Mexican food in an independent hole in the wall restaurant in or around Lawndale and couldn't find it. As a result, I set out on my own to scour the phone for some cheap and popular Mexican food for lunch. El Amigo came up and its ratings were good. El Amigo is very easy to find. It's on Manhattan Beach Blvd., just west of "the" 405, which you can practically touch from the corner the restaurant is on. Since it was the first time I had been here, I went with something safe: a huge burrito, and one that would be stuffed with chicken. The burrito and its ingredients were excellent. The shredded chicken was flavorful and it was easy to pull everything apart to make for a filling lunch. The chips were fine, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the salsa - perhaps a notch hotter than what I like. When you look at El Amino, it almost looks like a "lean to." It's not. It's just a small restaurant with a flat, low roof. There are a limited number of booths inside and, outside, but under cover, are about as many tables. That's where I sat. There is an older motel next to it and it seems like they share the parking lot. Read the signs in picking a parking spot. The service was unremarkable. It did the job. They get a lot of foot traffic, so it looks like they're working hard. For the location and the amount of food, the price was very fair. Now that El Tarasco, which used to be an indie hole in the wall in El Segundo's small El Porto neighborhood, has gone mini-chain and has sold out on the ambiance I sought, I found this new place - El Amigo - and I'd say I prefer it. I'm going to go with 4 stars because they earn those 4 stars, but, with ubiquitous Mexican food eateries in SoCal, I'd want to try other ones when in the area again.

    Seating
    Wonder W.

    Small parking lot but at least there is parking. Separate from the building is a men and womens bathroom a few paces away on the same lot. The restaurant has covered outside/patio table seating and about 5 good sized booths inside. We ordered a carne asada wet burrito and the 3 soft tacos plate with choice of protein (steak, pastor or carnitas). The plate came with a side of Mexican rice and pinto beans. Yummy fresh chips and salsa came complimentary with meal orders. El amigo did not have complimentary cups of water, but they did have bottled water for purchase in addition to other standard drinks. The steak taco was great and the carnitas taco was tender and very deliciously. Food was very flavorful and at reasonable prices. I look forward to more yummy foods from El Amigo.

    If you haven't tried this place you gotta give it a shot. I continue to be amazed on how good these nachos are chicken nachos. My wife gets a fish taco. She just loves and we got shredded beef taco. What a great Friday night dinner you gotta try it. Great staff great chefs just a great place.

    The chips and salsa
    Adeline P.

    First off, let's start off with the location. My boyfriend took me here and he says it gets pretty busy, looking at the location It is fairly small. It's on a little wedge of a small plaza and what I mean small there is parking but it is 100% taken up. thankfully, we got a parking immediately. Once we went inside there's a little patio indoor kind of area where you can sit and eat, you go in through a little door where it opens up to a small area where to the left is the counter we order to the right is small seating area there is Uber eats section for pick up food and all that stuff. At first, I was kinda like what the heck waited for a food for quite some time. Maybe it was me because I was starving, but definitely worth the weight to be honest.. we got complementary salsa and chips while we waited. When we finally got her food. My burrito was ginormous my boyfriend's tacos were very well presented as a plate was very colorful appealing to my eyes and what caught my eye was without charging extra the burrito and the tacos came with guacamole that's a first lol. My wet burrito de Lengua was FIRE the green sauce that was over it was fresh and lemony just how I like it very freaking good. The inside there was a good ratio of meat not just rice beans sour cream pico de Gallo so I was very happy about that too all in all the food was great definitely I go to the only thing that was not to my liking was the small wait which felt like forever for me because I was starving like I said before and the parking situation I believe there's bathrooms outside of the facility but besides that everything was definitely great must go to super hidden gem. Oh and our agua they were good aswell ‍‍

    Outside seating
    Angela L.

    I have been coming to this Mexican spot for years and I'm nearly 30. It's located off Manhattan Beach Blvd so beware as parking is very limite and does get busy during lunch and dinner times. My absolute favorite is the wet burrito with the red sauce the red sauce has flavor, the melted cheese just hits the palate differently. I also got the quesatacos the size were decent size although the consume is not proportionate to the tacos- personally they skimp out on the consome which is the whole point of birria tacos. I've tried better elsewhere so I would skip this as this is a new addition to their menu. Lastly I got 6 tacos 4 de asada and 2 de lengua, they are bursting with authentic flavors. They provide complimentary chips and salsa which is a nice touch. I took this to go and still complimentary chips and salsa which is amazing. Service could be improved for a smoother dining experience. The indoor seating is very small but they have decent outdoor dining tables. A hidden gem of Lawndale, definitely worth a try!

    Wet Burrito with Red Sauce
    Erika A.

    Can't believe I haven't left a review for El Amigo -- I've been coming here my whole life! The burritos are insanely huge and absolutely delicious, and no matter which location you visit, the food is always consistent and full of flavor. You get free chips and salsa for the table (always a win), and the service is fast, friendly, and reliable. The menu has a great variety, but my forever favorite is the wet burrito. The family-friendly vibe makes it perfect for any occasion -- casual dinners, group outings, or just a comforting solo meal.

    Carnitas sope ( no sour cream)

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    1 month ago

    El amigo is my go to spot anytime I want Mexican food...The house salsa is the best in the South Bay...The staff is always great

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    7 months ago

    Neighborhood local friendly and clean. Good food for the cost. Our go to. Thank guys

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    6 months ago

    Best red wet burritos I've ever had! I had got it to go and they gave me chips and salsa great service!!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Not a favorite Mexican food joint , sub-par at best ( twice ) and both subpar taste ..

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    4 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Food here is legit. Great tacos, salsa is fantastic, parking can be a bit tough but highly recommend

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    2 years ago

    All three locations are consistently great. Good selection of food and well priced. This my local go to place for Mexican food.

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    Page 1 of 16

    El Amigo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Amigo

    Are they closed permanently or temporarily? So they responded with temporarily , do you have a feel when u will reopen?

    Temporarily

    What are the deals for taco Tuesday?

    I have been there on Tuesdays, tacos are still the same price, but they are worth it, double tortilla,lots of meat, enough to make 2 tacos out of one...mexican Coca cola..

    Is this from the same owners of the Mexican place on Crenshaw in GARDENA?

    Yes, I believe the ownership for El Amigo ("The Friend") on Manhattan Beach in Lawndale is the same as that of El Otro Amigo ("The Other Friend") on Crenshaw Blvd (just north of Artesia) in Torrance.

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    La Villa Mexican Food Restaurant

    La Villa Mexican Food Restaurant

    4.0
    (562 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Stoked we found this spot. Great service and delicious lunch…read more Definitely will be back

    We came for the first time and were confused by the menu. We had a family of 4 so wanted to order…read morethe family pack. Was told that was only for to-go. Ended up ordering burritos, tamales, enchiladas, hard and soft shell tacos, etc. - Tamales were the best. Meaty carnitas - burrito was next best. Meaty, not too much filling. I'm from NM so love the wet style. It bugged me that you have to pay extra for Christmas style. Who really likes getting charged for a lick of sauce? How much does that sauce really cost the business? Look, I walked away and I still remember you wanted to charge me some nominal fee for the sauce. I told my friends. Now I'm telling my friends on Yelp. The owner should read up on pricing psychology. He probably doesn't want to be known as the guy who charges for sauce, is my guess. - Chicken taco was a nice size and tasted ok - enchiladas were mid Salsa is only free for the first 2 servings. Even for a table of 4, that bugged me. Again, he's known now as the guy who nickels and dimes. Sigh. Ambiance is dark inside like a pub. It would look more modern and family friendly with more natural light. As most would expect out of a restaurant. We came here during a World Cup game. The game was on. That was a plus We were thinking of coming back to order the family pack. Then no one at home would charge me extra for the salsa. ha!! I read just now in another review that this place charges for hot water. Ok then, the owners is STRIVING to be the nickel and dime people. Yelpers are talking and people are listening. Do yourselves a favor and reverse these dumb pricing practices. You'll never know the business you are losing for the $2 here and $3 there. It's never worth it!

    Photos
    La Villa Mexican Food Restaurant
    Chicken mole enchiladas
    Chicken mole enchiladas
    Front entrance

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    Front entrance
    Raul's Casa Sombrero

    Raul's Casa Sombrero

    4.2
    (166 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Raúl's Casa Sombrero has been a South Bay hub for many years for those that are wanting a feeling…read moreof homemade Mexican dishes and company. First, just like most casual Mexican restaurants you are greeted with house made salsa and chips to snack on while you study the menus for your meal. The salsa is very fresh and the chips are not, thank goodness, over salted. It's a perfect starter! I enjoyed the meal option of four chicken flautas with rice, beans, and perfectly portioned guacamole and sour cream. You are able to make your own choice of meat stuffing, which I love, knowing that the flautas are freshly made. I chose to have chicken and found it to be perfectly fried, not overly seasoned, which some places do. I like that you can actually taste the chicken and not just spice. I also had the horchata to drink, and I loved it! The service is wonderful, with many families flocking to the restaurant for that homemade feel for dinner. The staff has always been kind enough to offer a refill of your drink/soda to go if you wish. Kindness from the staff is a real highlight of Raul's. The ambiance of being at home is a plus for me. There are a few handicap parking spots available in the small adjoined parking lot, with easy wheelchair access through the front door. There is also plenty of parking spots located on the street and in the available parking lot located in the middle of Hawthorne Blvd. There is a television with captions on for those that are HOH, hard of hearing. Being a hearing aide user, I sincerely appreciated this. I consider this a hidden gem in Hawthorne.

    Still super delicious. I really have to try their enchiladas lol. I am forever getting their beef…read moreflautas. I don't think I've ever tried anything else but this and their chile rellenos. Those are also good. Pricing is reasonable. Enough portion for me. Sufficient parking. Clean indoors. Pretty safe area. Customer service is good. Never had an issue in all the years I have come here. I don't live close for the past 6 years but I love coming here when I'm down here

    Photos
    Art
    Art
    Carnitas burrito!!
    Carnitas burrito!!
    Unlimited chips and salsa!

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    Unlimited chips and salsa!
    Licha's Restaurant

    Licha's Restaurant

    4.1
    (136 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $

    So I've been wanting to come here very much for a while. Glad I finally made it. First, the hours…read moreare posted incorrectly. Licha's is closed Tuesday, open Mon to Sat 9a to 630p and Sun 9a to 5p. Both Yelp and Google have incorrect times.... which is why I could not make it before. Also, look for parking on the street, the parking lot is tiny. Any case, all of Licha's staff (owners?) are sweet and friendly. I felt at home immediately. Now about the food! and coffee, both are excellent. The Cafe de Olla is fantastic.... I almost never get coffee outside my home but when I come here, I WILL! For my first time here, I had the menudo with all the fixing. What I loved the most is that is all meat, no hominy to fill you up. I LOVED IT! Almost like my Mom used to make. The Tortillas ARE HOME MADE. They were excellent. See the pictures.... I finished everything, including the fixings (onions, fresh lemons, limes and cilantro. Btw, the house salsa is good but the habanero version is DELICIOUS but VERY HOT with excellent flavor and texture. Yummm. Because I was do full but still very excited to be here, I ordered 3 Al Pastor tacos with everything. I can hardly wait to eat them when I get hungry again. All in all, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Licha's. Don't miss out. Just remember to park on the street... they only have three spots. And don't blink, the place is tiny.

    If you want delicious, authentic food, you got to try Licha's! The service reminded me of the…read morehomeland, you don't feel like a customer, they make you feel like royalty, very friendly. Place is small but it doesn't matter when the food is this amazing!!! They have big screen tv playing sports and some classic music playing, pairs well with food. They are known for the Barbacoa and HurachesI recommend them both. Huaraches for the parents, Menudo & Barbacoa for me!!!!

    Photos
    The first part of the restaurant.
    The first part of the restaurant.
    Al Pastor Tacos. They look delicious!
    Al Pastor Tacos. They look delicious!
    The first 1/2 of the restaurant.

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    The first 1/2 of the restaurant.
    Mi California

    Mi California

    4.4
    (81 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Mi California is fabulous!!! First, the salsa presented with chips was soooo good. Not too spicy, a…read morelittle salty to taste. I ordered a Lime Margarita and it was tasty tasty tasty - a little on the weak side, but perhaps that is why I wanted another - just tasty. For my entree, I ordered two fish tacos fried. DELICIOUS!!!!! The ambience is so inviting, so welcoming. I did not want to leave once settled in. A nice bar set up with two tv screens AND Karaoke beginning at 7pm. Mi California has a lot of everything to offer. The service was spot on, very attentive wait staff. GOING BACK!!!!!

    I've lived in the area all my life and I've seen this place, but never been. I heard they revamped…read moreit so went to check it. It was so good! The food was delicious - my group had the carnitas wet burrito, enchilada and chile relleno, and garlic shrimp.. all so delicious! Their drinks were on point. I had the piña pepino margarita.. so refreshing. Our waitress was really friendly and helpful with her recommendations. Apologies I didn't catch her name. They do have a jukebox and karaoke on the weekends. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because I heard they had no happy hour. Which is ashame because they have a bar area, the drinks were so good and they have TVs. I went early afternoon on a Sunday and there weren't many people, but as we were leaving more people were showing up. Highly recommended restaurant, I will definitely be returning.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Horchata Martini
    Horchata Martini
    Very good rice and beans you never get both together this good

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    Very good rice and beans you never get both together this good

    El Amigo - mexican - Updated August 2026

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