Chulita

"With its mod Mexican good looks and its Venice location not far from the beach, Chulita is primed for sunny SoCal days. Tacos are served all day at this spot where Oaxacan-style, California-influenced fare rules. Slake your thirst with a tequila or mezcal, then tuck into a starter, such as the quesadilla de calabaza, made from dark masa, filled with Oaxacan queso and garnished with pipián de calabaza. Tender barbacoa takes it up a notch. Tortillas are made in house, and tacos are always a good idea. Order the tinga de pollo, filled with juicy chicken, or go straight for the steak taco with its slight char. You'll be satiated but go for the vegan churros with dulce de leche-style dipping sauce anyway." - Michelin Inspector

Three Experts on Cal-Mex Cuisine

"Chulita offers a range of gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and keto dishes made with seasonal produce from Oaxacan farmers. Shireen Imani's menu includes vegan mushroom carnitas tacos and cauliflower al pastor tacos." - Michael He

9 Tulum-Inspired Restaurants In LA

"Chulita looks like a tiny beach bar you’d walk up to and order a margarita to numb a sunburn that’s ruining your vacation. Instead, you’re across the street from a Jeni’s Ice Cream and a whole lot of condos. The bohemian beach bum vibes are still in full effect at this Venice spot, though: booths are separated by painted cinder blocks, wicker lamps dangle over a tiled bar serving cucumber-infused margaritas, and you can cozy up against tasseled pillows that belong in a Tulum pool party that rents out hookahs. The larger dishes on the menu are skippable for the most part, but there are decent small bites that go hand-in-hand with a drink, like chunky guacamole with blue corn tostadas, charred esquites with chipotle butter, and saucy barbacoa tacos that drip down your forearms." - brant cox, sylvio martins, nikko duren

Where to Find The Lost Explorer Mezcal Cocktails in LA | Eater

"This small but bright Venice eatery combines indoor and outdoor space seamlessly, making its dining room feel like a beachfront cabana. Behind the bar is a large selection of tequilas and mezcals, including enough varieties of The Lost Explorer Mezcal to build a nice flight. Combine it with the arrachera, a skirt steak smothered in a carrot mole sauce, for a blend of traditional Oaxacan drink and Oaxacan-inspired cuisine. Or just grab a seat on the patio and watch day turn to night along Rose Avenue, one of Venice’s favorite streets." - Robert Spuhler

Where to Order Delivery From in LA, According to a Local | Eater

"This Oaxacan-style eatery bases its taco menu around local, seasonal ingredients. You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos on the menu, but for lunch, Rodriguez recommends the Coliflor Al Pastor, barbacoa, and Tinga de Pollo, with a side of Arroz Verde. “As a Latino who grew up in south Texas, authentic tacos have a special place in my heart,” Rodriguez says." - Rayna Rossitto