Gloria's Cafe

Standard but tasty Salvadoran cuisine. Nothing makes it particularly stand out, but everything we’ve gotten has been consistently good at standard prices. And their happy hour is all day on Fridays, which is a nice bonus.

Came here on a Friday for dinner on a whim. There is happy hour all day Friday with great deals on drinks. We ordered strawberry margaritas and pupusas which were all delicious! The staff was super friendly and you could tell that people come here often as regulars were being greeted by name. Super excited to come back to this neighborhood gem

Fantastic food in a great atmosphere. Service was great, like Mom taking care of her loved ones. Carne adobada had generous, tender cuts of beef hard to beat for taste and quality. Homemade tortillas a great compliment. Pescado frito is absolute heaven. We'll be back!

Excellent food! Seafood soup and carnitas plate are both great. Service is great. Easy parking. Highly recommend!

Stopped by for dinner upon a recommendation and this place is so worth it. The pupusas were fantastic, the 7 Seas soup was divine. The pitcher of margaritas was great. Service was fast, food was well prepared.

The cocido was so flavorful and HUGE, the beef and broth were healing. The staff was really attentive. I’m excited to come back !

Fantastic food, fantastic service. I was a bit turned off by the price at first but for the food quality and serving size it was well worth it. The nachos are so so but the horchata is 👌 They also provide complimentary chips and salsa

I think everything about this place is perfect. It’s a small and casual Latin-style restaurant with a very friendly and attentive staff, and plenty of satisfying dishes. I recommend trying anything off the Gloria’s specialties menu, especially the Carnitas Plate. The cuisine is primarily Salvadoran, but they also have a menu specifically for Mexican dishes. When I last went there, they had a great happy hour (all day on Fridays). You can’t go wrong with this place; there will be something for everyone. I have been back many times, and it never disappoints. They’ve definitely won a loyal customer.

When most people think of the City of Angels; they think of glitter, glitz and glamour (well, this is more so through the eyes of tourists - us locals know better).  Although this star studded VIP lifestyle is indeed available - there is also an essence of 'home' and community in the city: mom and pop shops, businesses that feel like family and restaurants/bars that know you by name. The latter is exactly what you will find at Gloria's: a Mexican and Salvadorian eatery/bar in the Culver City adjacent neighborhood of Palms. Gloria's is the epitome of family and this translates to everything from the vibe to the food. Gloria's holds real estate in a small strip plaza on Venice Blvd which means parking can be a nightmare but there is a small lot available directly in front. From the exterior, Gloria's looks like a dive absent of bells and whistles but as we all know too well: dives are usually the best! In fact, Gloria's was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" hosted by Guy Fieri but quite honestly  - that guy annoys me to no end so it wasn't his frosted tipped hair and backwards sunglasses that introduced me to Gloria's; but my boyfriend who has been singing the praises of this establishment for YEARS. The time came when I finally got to pop my Gloria's cherry and I was welcomed into a small but charming eatery complete with booth and table dining, a bar area with a live fish tank and outdoor patio area. There is something about Gloria's that feels like walking into your Mexican grandma's house with that essence of, "Come eat! Come eat!" Gloria's simple has great energy. I was already sold and I haven't even eaten yet! The menu at Gloria's is a beautiful melding of Mexican and Salvadorian dishes and my boyfriend and I had to start with a couple of pina coladas ($9) and some chips and guacamole to start ($10.95). For our dinner, my boyfriend went with the Chimichanga plate (chimichanga of your choice served with beans and rice - $18.95) while I went with the Enchiladas Suizas (2 enchiladas  - I chose chicken and cheese , topped with green salsa, guac, sour cream served with rice and black beans - $18.45). My satisfaction with Gloria's was on a hot streak because the pina colada was perfection and not light on the alcohol. But the chips and guacamole is where it is at! Holy moly, Gloria's! This is the guacamole of dreams and I could bathe in a tub of it. Well, no, but I could EAT a tub of it! That is some damn good guacamole! If the pina colada and guac were any indication - plus my boyfriend's undying devotion - I knew the plates were going to be mind-blowing and I was not disappointed. First of all, Gloria's does not play in regards to portions as these servings are large and in charge! But the starring role is held by the food itself as Gloria's effortlessly offers at-home style, slow simmered flavors that are both comforting but elevated. My Enchiladas Suizas were PERFECT with ooey gooey cheese and tender chicken. The green sauce was a heavenly chorus accompaniment and there was more of that famous guacamole! Downright excellence on a plate! I had a bite of my boyfriend's large-sized chimichanga and it was equally divine. The amount of south of the border food options in LA is seemingly endless but I am telling you that Gloria's is at the top of the top. I have been thinking about the food non-stop since my dining experience. An insider tip: make sure to ask for a bottle of Gloria's very own habanero hot sauce. I'll take 10! This hot sauce could run every hot sauce company on your grocer's shelves out of business because it is that good.  In case you are wondering if Gloria is real... She is and can often be seen working the floor. Gloria's is the trifecta of family atmosphere, large portions, and amazingly delicious food that will leave you dreaming it about days later. Who needs the glittery upscale version when you can have food that has you feeling at home? But don't take my word for it... or Guy Fieri's or my boyfriend's... run to Gloria's and give them a try.

This was some of the best Salvadoran food I've ever had. I ordered the special Plato Típico, and every item was outstanding--the handmade pupusas were fresh and flavorful, the plantains perfectly cooked, and the beans and rice were excellent. On top of the great food, the customer service was warm and attentive, making the whole experience even better. enjoy Be A Proud American Peace/Love

The service was very friendly & walked the perfect balance of letting us be to chat & catch up with our friend group while still checking in on us. The vibe is definitely cute li'l hole-in-the-wall spot. The chicken tostada was yummy, very fresh, & frankly HUGE for something listed under the appetizer section! And the tajin-rimmed margarita was a tasty little treat. I'm very glad we stumbled upon this place. I've officially added it to my "tasty approved" list!

I live a block away and it took me about a year to stop in. I've missed out so much! I searched Yelp looking for a un plato de pescado and there are several on the menu. House Special Pescado in a garlic sauce sounded like a winner. Definitely the protein I wanted. I think I'll try the Seven Seas Soup with Fish, Shrimp, Crab Legs, Octopus, Calamari, and Scallops later this week!

Amazing soup! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves rich, flavorful, and comforting food. The broth was perfectly seasoned, full of depth, and so satisfying with every sip.

The service is wonderful. Everyone we encountered was so nice. The food is very good. It's a mix of Mexican and Salvadoran food. Street parking only & it's located on Venice so parking can be tough depending on the time of the day.

I use to love Gloria's but it has gone downhill post pandemic. The prices are high for what you get. They nickel and dime you for everything. They charge for chips, salsa & tortillas. $25 fajitas and you only get 2 tortillas and a spoonful of watered down guacamole.

Food: I ordered Mexican food so this review is about that - enchiladas and pinto beans (refried), rice and margaritas. The lemon margarita was OK - had a pitcher, wasn't too strong, but light and refreshing (though would recommend something else if you're looking for a buzz). The food came out somewhat quickly and I thought it tasted good/I enjoyed what I had. Basically what you'd expect. Didn't really have any complaints. The chips and salsa were fine as well. Apparently Guy Fieri had been there, some items are marked with "food network" logo. Service: Fast and attentive. No complaints. Ambiance: It's a little on the smaller side but still has a few comfortable booth and fine for what it is. Good casual dining and still comfortable. I'd be back for sure, it is a nice little hole in the wall with decent food that is worth a stop.

Was in the area and in the mood for some good Latin food. I'm so glad I decided to check out Gloria's. I experienced delicious food and great customer service. I wasn't sure what I wanted so I got platter that offered variety Everything came out piping hot. The pork was tender and well season and the papusa was yummy. I would return.

If you are looking for a place that gives you the real deal, this is it! The food is amazing, the employees are amazing, the atmosphere is on point!

Don't walk ...run to this local Culver City institution..you won't be disappointed. My aunt and I went for lunch over the weekend and couldn't wait to try this spot that was also featured on the Food Network Our server Jose was so nice and walked us through their robust menu of some of the top hits for first visitors to try We settled on the signature house beef stew and Salvadorian platter. Both came with generous portions and the food was flavorful and definitely tasted home made. Jose also kept refilling our tortilla chip basket and different house salsas for us to try I can't wait to go back to try their seafood dishes that have kept this local find busy for almost 30 years! Go go go and ask for Jose

Gloria's continues to serve with excellent service and the most delicious, authentic Mexican and Salvadoran food. I've brought multiple friends here and all have enjoyed the laidback atmosphere and quality food. I will continue to come back! Thank you, William!

I think everything about this place is perfect. It's a small and casual Latin-style restaurant with a very friendly and attentive staff, and plenty of satisfying dishes. I recommend trying anything off the Gloria's specialties menu, especially the Carnitas Plate. The cuisine is primarily Salvadoran, but they also have a menu specifically for Mexican dishes. When I last went there, they had a great happy hour (all day on Fridays). You can't go wrong with this place; there will be something for everyone. I have been back many times, and it never disappoints. They've definitely won a loyal customer.

It's taken me a minute to post this review as life has kept me extremely busy but I had to leave review about my last lunch visit. I now work and the area and was excited to go back after visiting a couple of times for dinner. I don't know what specifically happened during this lunch visit but I believe some cleaning supply touched the food packaging. It was either my chips or beans that tasted like Faboloso. When I called back to let them know, the lunch worker who checked me out apologized and said to call back at 3pm to speak to the manager or owner. I called back and the "manager or owner " downplayed my whole experience and said they do not have cleaning supplies near food. Whatever the case was, I know my food was tainted and he didn't care.

Delicious fresh food. Friendly casual place. Terrific drinks. Love this place. Affordable yummy meals.

Decent food but a bit pricey in my opinion. Then again it's LA and I was only visiting.

We loved Gloria's! Everything was delicious and so glad we stumbled on this place. The carne asada plate was unreal, the taquitos were delicious, and the chicken & cheese pupusas were sooo yummy. Hoping to be back soon!

Everything, from service to food to ambience. One of the best in Salvadorian/Mexican Restaurants in WLA!!

The owner is the most kindest senor I have ever encountered! He went above and beyond to make my family's Christmas meal a special one!! Thank you senor and dios lo bendiga para siempre!

AMAZING ! Good portions and great flavors, lovely decorations on the inside and staff are friendly. One of my favorite place

Been coming here for years and the food, the service, and the owners are amazing! They treat you like family and always go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and appreciated! The food is off the charts incredible and the portions are made for a big appetite! I would % recommend this restaurant to anyone! The Bistec Encebollado is my favorite!

Overhyped. Not accommodating. They sell beans yet can't assemble a bean taco. Offered me a potato taco. Foolish. Won't be back.

This place is the best! My boyfriend and I tried it on a whim and were very happy with what we found. Reasonably prices and healthy portions. All day happy hour on Friday's and decent taco Tuesday special. I mentioned I was vegan and the next time I was in they added a potato taco to the menu. Really extremely kind and attentive staff. Their hot sauce is also SO GOOD, my boyfriend and I each bought a bottle of it and use it constantly. Cannot recommend this place enough.

Love everything here. Mole Chilaquiles and Tacos are a must. Service is quick and friendly. Really hard to find parking here though.

We love Gloria's. The ambience is not what you come for! Service is very good and staff is super nice and friendly. We love the fundido and it is addictive! Guacamole is tangy and delicious. Chips are okay. The enchiladas,tacos, and the carnitas are to die for. Margaritas are refreshing and strong. We will definitely be back!

We buy Salvadoran tamales every holidays! Unlike other tamales they are moist chicken or pork tamales. Mexican tamales are too dry for us.

WOW!!!! I'm absolutely blown away about how delicious this place is. Was looking for a good spot for Papusas and this place hit the spot. Easily a 5/5 spot. All of the staff was extremely friendly. I'm coming back next week.

The food was delicious. I ordered the popusa plate and let me tell you, the portions were large enough for two people. Everything I had was fresh and flavorful. I also had a michelada. This was a great find.

Everything was great, food, service, and price. Plus it is a nice atmosphere. Definitely worth going

The tamales are amazing. They are different and wrapped with banana leaves. The service is great.

Delicious food!! The service is amazing. Fantastic place to eat with your family and friends. Their is nothing but great

Food was great, service was excellent, and what beats sitting outside on a nice LA afternoon? Warning: they only give you three taquitos in the appetizer, but you will want more.

Pork in pupusa was rancid. Not very good. I had ordered Mexican food before and it was good.

Not the best nor the worst pupusas I've had. The items I had other than pupusas were really good such as the yuca con chicharon. The pupusas themselves are super doughy and not enough filling.

Small restaurant that packs a punch. Great service and the seafood soup was delicious! If you're in the area I recommend stopping by.

Obsessed. Ever since we saw this restaurant featured in Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, Gloria's has satiated our comfort food cravings at this local neighborhood spot. We usually get the 7 Seas Soup or the Carne Adobada. We're never disappointed by the depth of flavor and hospitable staff. The decor is quaint and feels like home - especially if you sit in the wooden booths where you can enjoy privacy with your family and friends. Gloria makes special guest appearances too - which is always a treat. She has a very welcoming presence.

Food is pretty good here. But paying $18.95 for a very thin chicken steak does not justify the price point. LA Caravana in Pasadena much better and bigger portions

Gloria's is one of my favorite places in LA. I kid you not I've been here like over a dozen times in 2024 already haha. I just love it here. The food is fantastic definitely try the pupusas, the chicken steak if you're looking for a healthier option, and you can't go wrong with a margarita. I love everyone that works here. They all treat me like family and I just love how warm and fuzzy it feels. Reminds me of home. On any given night Gloria's can either be slammed or just busy enough but never dead. Thankfully their service is super quick!

One of the best Mexican food places ever! And the Salvadorian dish my son had was so very good- I'm trying that next! Cozy but spacious place, ambiance inviting. The server was very attentive with us and friendly. Will be going back for more

If I could give it a half star I would!! They are the worst pupusas I have ever tried in my life!! The ingredients must be the lowest quality and have no flavor whatsoever!! It fell apart, couldn't even grab it without breaking!! Avoid at all cost!! At least make it taste somewhat good for that price, pricing is so ridiculous! 2 pupusas for $10.

Gotten takeout from here twice. Very good Salvadorian food - I'm sure it tastes better in person but true takeout is good enough! Carne adobada was extremely tender and juicy and had a spicy peppery flavor. Salvadorian special was tasty - think I enjoyed the tamale more than the pupasa which I did not expect. Fried plantains were typical, nothing special

Gloria's is a cute spot! Snuggled on Venice blvd in LA, the food here is full of flavor. The staff were pleasant and attentive. I can't wait to go back and try a few more Salvadoran food! There were so many yummy options to choose from. Definitely try the signature Carne Adobaba. Juicy, tender, melt in your mouth good!

They make great food. I'm all about it. The plato tipico is my go-to. On my fourth trip I finally tried the dish they made for Diners Drives in and Dives (Adobada) and wow! I'm not super into pork, but that won me over immediately. I will order it again. Probably many times. The employees are very nice and the setting is the small local place you know is going to be good.

Guys this place is legit! I'm not kidding! Chicharrón was crispy on the outside and super tender inside. Meat full of flavor, salted perfectly. Yucca is moist and creamy. Not dry. And the side of pickled cabbage spiciness was just right to balance the pork and yucca. Pupusas are delicious. Light and not overly stuffed with cheese. Not greasy and chewy. A real treat! Just disappointed that they don't have my favorite Panes con pollo. Maybe in the future.

I don't recommend Gloria's cafe the owner is very rude and not caring for her customers.

Friends introduced me to Gloria;s in 2023. In 2024 I go once a week or once every two week. Love Gloria's The food is always good. And they have some unique dishes i had never heard of before. You won't be disappointed

There are a lot of restaurants in Culver City, but Gloria's is BY FAR the best. The food is delicious I usually get the Plato Typico. The people there are lovely and attentive. It's casual dining and reasonably priced.

The food here is fantastic! This looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but they have a large seating area which is very nice on the inside as well as a decent set up for outdoor seating. The service here was pretty good and what was most important for a Sunday afternoon is that there is good table availability and quick food available for hungry parties. Everything we tried here was excellent! two of us got their signature dish which is the Adobada. The meat and the gravy it was in or so delicious it was very hard to stop eating. The plantains and Pupusas were also excellent. I would highly recommend visiting his place and trying to Mexican/Salvadoran food.

I gave this stablishment a few chances, but today today they have completely dissapointed me and my family. I bought Salvadoran tamales and chicken quesadillas. Soggy quesadillas flavoreless the guacamole was just avocado. Please dont call it guacamole if its just smashed avocado!