Cocina Roja

We accidentally fall in this restaurant. We had time before the show (theatre) and needed a bite. We order 4 tacos (chicken, beef, pork belly and mushrooms). They were excellent. Nice flavorful purple corn tortillas, abundant meat in each taco. We even think we should come just to have dinner to this restaurant. Great job!

My husband and I had dinner here before going to the show at the Ahmanson Theater. I was so thrilled to see that they offered vegan options. The mushroom tacos were absolutely delicious and so was the guacamole. This was our second time here and we will be back.

Had the pozole on a very cold night. It was a bowl of heavenly goodness. Outside under a heater, forgot the cold. This is a simple place with a small menu, bit that's all a good restruant needs. I would eat here if I wasn't going to the theater.

This is a pretty decent option for food if you're heading to an evening show. Most places tend to shut down pretty early downtown, so options do tend to get limited. I think that they have set up the patio to look very stylish with pretty lights and bright color. The options for food are limited to nachos and tacos, but they do have gluten free and veggie options which is a plus. I got 3 tacos for 12 dollars and a mix of al pastor, chicken and beef. My tacos were large in portion, but they were lacking salt. I did enjoy the flavor though. I also got a margarita and a side of chips to enjoy. The food came out extremely quick, as they know most everyone there is attending a show, and the service was friendly. Definitely an option to check out if you're heading to an evening of theatre.

This is a fantastic concession option at The DC, Taper and Ahmanson theaters. It is hosted by the Patina Group at the Music Center. It is open at least one hour l before select shows. There is an app to order ahead, so you do not have to wait in line. I highly recommend it. There are seats and tables to sit and enjoy. The tables are bused by staff frequently. I recommend the Cadillac margaritas and sangria drinks. They are delicious and pack a nice punch. The carafes are the way to go for groups. Everything on the menu is fantastic. I enjoy the tacos and nachos best in terms of the food options. Whatever you chose, will be tasty and you dine al fresco in a comfortable setting. The Center Theatre Group and the Mark Taper Forum offer amazing theater and works. It's wonderful to try something here - see a show you have never heard of, go see a Broadway quality touring group of a beloved musical! You'll have more fun with the $100 you spend than what - Netflix and listening to your kids argue? So, go and enjoy the comedia and bebidas here! Ole.

Great place to grab a bite before a show at the Ahmanson. The folks here are very mindful of showtimes and do everything they can to have quick service. On our visit this included having a manager pass out menus while people were in line so they could order quickly once at the register. The is a large number of tables on the terrace and they have a few employees constantly clearing and cleaning off tables. The food was prepared quickly - and we were happy with our taco selections.

Well ... the menu has been updated and some of the things I had come to rely upon are no longer available. And the price increased. So ... I get closer to ambivalent about Cocina Roja. The location is decent, the food isn't bad, but the value proposition is diminishing and I want my shrimp, mushroom, and pastor tacos.

Not one, not two, but THREE shrimp tacos please! My family and I stopped by Cocina Roja for a quick bite to eat before our show. The blue tortillas were such a treat filled with such flavour and an aesthetic location in the city :)

If you're going to see a show at the Taper, Ahmanson or Dorothy Chandler and you arrive early and hungry, Cocina Roja is a tasty choice. The al pastor taco was my favorite with the pineapple and the right kick. The shrimp taco only comes with two and was too acidic. Chicken taco was also good. Outdoor seating with heat lamps.

Okay so this place is a a true gem tuck right next to the Ahmanson theater. Their menu isn't large but the quality and speed is amazing! That are very quick! Each plate comes with three tacos and the tacos come with a good portion of meat on it. The margarita was alright. It didn't blow me away but it was a good drink. Would I get the margarita again? Probably not. However I will always return for these tacos. My favorite part is how beautiful their outdoor patio is. It has so many tables that are spread out in a way where you can enjoy a cute date prior to entering the Ahmanson. The other great thing is how cost effective this place is. It's definitely one of the cheaper options for food in the area. It also provides you with some amazing quality! I look forward to dining here again the next time I go to the Ahmanson.

The replacement for Tina Tacos still part of the Patina group This low cost option before the show is quick and good Mushroom chicken shrimp and beef options Good Guacamole 3 street tacos for 11 a salad is 5 plus protein New prices and menu 3 for 12 on tacos no more shrimp

This little outdoor eating area outside of the Ahmanson Theater. With a small menu and premade taco fillings, food comes out fast. I got the three small tacos for $11. I really liked the shrimp taco. It was simple but tasty - with avocado and chimchurri. And I also had the mushroom tacos which were good and a generous serving. I think the portion size is just right for a pre-show meal and I think the price is fair given the convenience! I recommend it and would come here before another Ahmanson show in the future.

A small Mexican food stand set up outside Ahmanson Theatre. If you're looking for some cheap food before watching the performance, this is the place for you. Many of the sit-down restaurants outside Ahmanson are fancy 3-4 dollar sign places. You can get 3 tacos for $12 at Cocina. The option for tacos always change. I got the mushroom, chicken and asada. When my mom went a couple weeks ago, they had pork instead of the chicken.

Vegetarians: Skip the mushrooms, they're slimy and cold and ultimately inedible. Believe it or not, the plain nachos are better - but if you like spice you'll have to ask for extra jalapeños, they only put about 4 on. The queso is stadium-style nacho cheese. The guacamole is pretty good though.

Crazy good - a No! Really GREAT Mexican food! Street Tacos are Killer! Quesadilla was epic. But, the best was the Flan! It's a must!

I enjoy the tacos--they're tiny but just the right size. You don't really want to overstuff before a 3-hour show. People generally complain there's only 2 shrimp on the shrimp taco, but I'm ok with it--we each get a trio of tacos for $11, pork belly, steak, and shrimp. You can choose your own combo (the other options are chicken and mushrooms). The steak one has enough meat for 2 tacos anyway. They're on little blue corn tortillas, with a light garnish of radish and cilantro, so if you're looking for American tacos, you're out of luck. These are going to seem like hors d'oeuvres. We usually get a side of mushrooms too (it's their veggie taco option--pretty tasty). I like the esquite and I get to eat it all myself since husband doesn't like kernel corn. The flan is big enough to share. The line can get really long on show nights especially if all of the venues have an event that night. Be prepared for lines of 50+people with only 2 cashiers ringing up. They prep the food in a little hut around the corner, and buzz you when it's ready. I've been in a big line like that at 7pm before an 8pm show and still got my food by 7:35 (just enough time to chow down). Just be patient and have your order ready when you get to the front to help keep the line moving. Or get there really early like we try to do. Someone will come by to clear your plates, so tip at the counter or on your receipt. There are usually enough tables (and space heaters for chilly evenings).

ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Perfect pre-theatre dining solution! Something for everyone! Friendly staff is fast and efficient. Patrons are given buzzers to alert them when food is ready, so they can relax and enjoy the clean, comfortable atmosphere during the short wait. Cold drinks and expertly seasoned guacamole for us to start. Skirt steak was brilliant; tender, cooked to order and generously portioned. Kids ordered tacos and loved them! My friend ordered the Quinoa Salad and it was so fabulous, my daughter tried it and has changed her mind about quinoa and kale forever! Can't wait to return!

Visited this past Sunday around 4:30 before a 6:30 show at the Ahmanson. The location is super convenient, right on the Plaza next to the theater, and the employees were incredibly pleasant. We had tacos, guacamole/chips and my daughter had the pozole, plus we had house margaritas. All of the food came out quickly and was delicious, really no complaints except that we were stuffed! The pricing was on par with other entertainment venue locations. All in all a good experience and I would definitely go back!

Absolutely delicious tacos done with great combination of flavors. Will back to try other dishes and items on the menu including churros.

This place is much more than just a taco stand! Patina pays attention to the small details which elevates this outdoor establishment. The food is exceptional. I especially love the Cauliflower Ceviche and anything they make with Oxtail (taco and quesadilla). The blue corn tortillas are homemade and absolutely delicious. The cocktails are really great too. Perfect for a pre-show meal! The lights turn on around 7:30 which creates a beautiful, even romantic setting!

So funny when you see other reviews are a complete opposite of your experience. One thing I came to say was that the caesar salad was very good and very fresh but they skimped on the dressing & one of first reviews I see says too much dressing go figure. I had whole pieces of lettuce with nothing. This salad is not chopped AT ALL and I dont mean in a chopped salad way I mean they pull whole leaves off a lettuce head arrange and serve. It would have been much better if the leaves were even chopped in half, it would have been easier to at least mix the salad and perhaps spread the dressing around. Dont be fooled by my picture, for the price, you get a decent size salad but under that top layer was nothing but bare lettuce leaves. I was trying not to get my lipstick too messed up but it was impossible with those large leaves. Now that I type even if I didnt have on lipstick, not the best way to serve a salad but big pieces of lettuce at least 4 inches. I also get the twist on a traditional caesar salad but the tomatoes were a no for me. They added nothing to the profile of the salad and actually jarred contrastingly for me. I think $4 is a bit much to add meat to the salad, may $2 or $3 tops but I understand the location and that they can basically charge whatever they want since they are the only venue at the plaza (i wonder if this will change or specials once the plaza is updated with more competition). Tiny glass of wine for $10 but again I understand they have a dominance so can complain. Food came out quick enough for me to make my show (I also wonder if this is different for times, this seemed to be a slow night at the plaza, the show I went to see, I had empty seats next to me and in front me at the Taper which I have never seen before at going to a show at the plaza and also the Ahmanson didnt have a show that night, so I also wonder if it was Ahmanson vs the Taper which holds more people would restaurant be more crowded and slower service). Also, it wasnt on the menu and I didnt ask so I have no idea, but it doesnt seem as if you can purchase tacos individually. The only thing listed was 3 for $11, which is fine but as I wasnt that hungry I felt 3 tacos would have been too much to eat. I so would have purchased maybe 2 or even 1 with a side salad. That was honestly what I wanted to order but after seeing that I couldnt purchase tacos individually thats why I decided on the caesar salad. That was even a lot for me and I wished I would have ordered the side salad instead (again not very hungry).I have always seen this place when I go to shows but never had the funds for any extracurriculars once there. Its good to know I have a decent food option when I go to see shows now. I wouldnt buy a drink again, but some food to get something in my stomach before a show, I definitely will try again.

Great food and good prices! The oxtail and steak tacos were fantastic. There was a delay in serving our meals, but the manager MORE than made it up to us. Great customer service. If you're going to a performance at the Ahmanson Theater or Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, this restaurant should be your choice. It's on the backside of the theater with comfortable outdoor seating.

I went to the Mark Taper Forum and my group and I liked the look of Cocina Roja, only to be very disapointed. The service is fantastic and I would like to give them more strats just because of the quality of the service but the food was so bad, I can't give them more. I ordered the quesadillas because they list 3 of my favorite things: blue corn tortilla, queso de Oaxaca (Oaxacan cheese), and epazote. The tortillas didn't taste like corn, there was no epazote, they only had baby cilantro and the cheese was so disgusting I couldn't eat.

Needed a quick bite as I was heading to the theatre. The nachos with barbacoa were recommended. With a non alcoholic drink they total came to $22 and yes the cheese sauce was clearly canned. There were no beans, no guacamole, just canned cheese sauce a little cotija, and so so barbacoa shoved to one side over passable chips.

We had the Caesar salad which had fresh ingredients but the dressing was not to our liking and a bit heavily poured on the salad. My wife did not care for the quesadilla and my asada tacos were not spectacular. Overall a nice spot to hang out at but next time we would go to subway instead for a bite in a pinch before the show.

Great service! Food was good. Bartenders were accommodating when I needed to take my drink inside. Will be back.

For a restaurant located just outside the Theatre you would expect ice cold beer and table service. Although the prices are reasonable I get table service at Carl's Jr. I will say the silverware is a nice touch and the food is very tasty.

Worst mushroom tacos! Beverly Hills prices with LA river harvested mushrooms. If you are vegetarian or vegan go somewhere else.

Last night was the 2nd time I've eaten here. The first time was amazing and I was excited to go back. Sadly, last night the food (and drinks) were horrid. Fake cheese on the nachos, whimpy margaritas, a different menu and everything was cold. For the $80 bucks we spent we could have fed the entire restaurant Del Taco and they would have been much more satisfied. I feel ripped off and a bit sick to my stomach. Save your money!

Wow. Barely edible. I can't believe I paid so much money for so terrible food. The quesadillas had zero flavor and the guacamole looked like it came from Trader Joe's.

Arrive in line an hour before matinee performance and they can't move the line or cook fast enough to accommodate patrons that far in advance.

I go to the music center often and I've always seen Cocina roja there before. I decided to try them and the oxtail tacos are delicious. The tortillas themselves were soft and tasted homemade.

Really good tacos. Beers are cold and music is fun. check tham out if U want great tacos right across the disney concert hall

I've grabbed a bite to eat here twice, an hour or so before seeing a play (The Humans - I definitely enjoyed the food and drink more than the play, unfortunately). A couple of days ago I was here and ordered a plate of 3 tacos (2 chicken and 1 beef), and my friend Diane ordered a plate of 3 quesadillas. I thought it was going to be 1 quesadilla cut in 3 triangles. Nope. It was 3 entire quesadillas made with regular size, blue corn tortillas. The cheese they use was delicious. Not your typical jack cheese. I forget what kind it was, it was just a tad salty, but I love that in cheese. We shared each other's food. I was very pleased and pleasantly surprised at the flavor and quality. And I loved sitting outdoors on a beautiful day in downtown LA. They have lights hanging everywhere for night time dining. I can picture how pretty it probably looks. To drink, I had the white wine sangria and it was delicious. If I wasn't going to a play, I would have had a second glass. I think the plates were about 11 bucks. I know I wouldn't pay $11 for 3 tacos elsewhere, but you're in downtown LA, at the music center, and it was worth it. Very friendly and attentive staff taking your orders and delivering the food.

We have eaten there many times during the past year and enjoyed the food. Yesterday, however, there were changes. Still expensive but everything is disposable...no more nice dishware. That is okay with me but the worst part was that the menu changed. Although the chicken tacos were good, we miss the mushroom tacos and the beef. The mushroom tacos were replaced with a Vegan Soyrizo (corn, shaved radish and cilantro smothered in a salsa) and the nice steak tacos were replaced with what they call Beef Barbacoa (shredded stew meat, shaved radish and cilantro smothered in a salsa).

We are Ahmanson Theatre season ticket holders and used to love eating at the predecessor of Cocina Roja when it was a legit taco stand and had more and better options. Then they seemingly fused with Pinot and I tried to stay on board. They had some interesting options like cauliflower ceviche, and the prices were still in-line with the previous spot. Unfortunately there's been a precipitous decline, and now they not only have barely any options (tacos or nachos, end of story, and then chips and guac and one dessert option), but the prices have gotten higher ($12 for three tiny tacos), and the food quality has gone way down. The tacos were not only itty-bitty, but the "mesquite" mushrooms were bland as eating wet sponge, and though the menu says they come with guac on them they did not, and when I asked for it the girl at the stand had to walk around and stare at the menu reading and re-reading the description which clearly stated "guacamole." They did give me a side of guac, but then I discovered the mushrooms had no flavor at all and between that, the lack of options, and the inane presentation of the chips and guac all in the same bowl, we're done eating here. We'll get dinner elsewhere before the shows, and we will be sad to miss this part of the experience.

What a shame! We have eaten here pre-shows several times and always enjoyed the tacos and esquite. Last night we came to see The Play That Goes Wrong and decided to have yummy pre-show tacos again. But no such luck! Is this still a Patina owned concession? The menu changed and the food was terrible...cold, no spice, rubbery chicken, movie quality cheese sauce on nachos. Really disappointing. $60 for 3 people for food that was basically inedible.

This outdoor restaurant, stage right of the Ahmanson, has essentially a captive audience (with the construction currently happening). Escape, escape! Let's start with one simple fact: it's mediocre Mexican food at overly dramatic prices (like way overpriced). Okay, so it's taking advantage of its current near-monopoly. Fine. I understand that. I do not understand how the kitchen can serve ice-cold food (like it never saw any heat source). Seriously. I had the stuffed poblano pepper and "refried" beans (they were NOT refried--just something out of a can in icky sauce). The pepper, stuffed with half-cooked rice, was freezing--like it had been taken out of the refrigerator and slapped on the plate. I also had the chips and salsa--supermarket chips (not even good ones) and Sysco containers of reconstituted (and BLAND) salsa--and that was the best part of the meal. I paid nearly $28 for what was essentially inedible "Mexican" food (unlike any Mexican food I've ever had before). Okay, you say, maybe the kitchen was backed up with meals for all those theatre-goers. Nope. I was the FIRST customer of the day. When I placed my order, they even called the kitchen to ask if it was ready (and it said it was; I heard it). So, there really was no excuse for the food being cold--except the kitchen didn't bother actually cooking (or even warming it up). I don't care what you have to do--avoid this place at all costs. A truly horrible "meal" (it was inedible so I left hungry). Fortunately, the show (The Humans) was superb. It featured a Thanksgiving dinner. How I wish I could have been on that stage to share it (even if it was stage food).

Ordered tacos here and the shrimp taco was extremely lacking in shrimp as there were only two small shrimp and it didn't even cover the taco which was also miniscule in size. Great restaurant if you're not hungry.

Ordered vegetarian mushrooms tacos. They were served with pieces of meat mixed into 2/3 of them manager expected me to pay to replace with actual vegetarian food. Poor service. Poor attitude.

My friend and I went to see a show at the Ahmanson theater and decided to eat at Cocina Roja which is conveniently located right next to the theater. After glancing at the food I decided to order the nachos they looked delicious. The staff was very friendly and welcoming which makes it so hard for me to rate it two stars. Upon receiving my food and taking it to the table, I noticed a fly on my nachos. I took the food back and requested to talk to a manager. They referred me to manager Karen Cheung. When I communicated the issue and requested a refund in a mild manner, she responded very aggressively and in a rude manner demanding a receipt. I went back to my table to look for the receipt and brought it to her. I never felt so uncomfortable before trying to get a refund. I feel that the situation could had been dealt with more professionalism by the manager. I would strongly recommend to the company to reevaluate their manager due to poor customer service skills and lack of professionalism.