El Floridita Restaurant

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1253 Vine St (at Hollywood)
Los Angeles, CA 90038

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(323) 871-8612
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El Floridita Restaurant - Los Angeles, CA
Reviews
( 10 )
( 7 )
( 0 )
( 2 )
( 2 )

Best

We celebrated my friend's birthday there on a Friday night. The table was reserved for 15 people. When I arrived it was pleasantly crowded and the live band was not playing yet. O...

Worst

If you want to eat good Cuban food then I don't believe this is the place. I've eaten at Versailles and the food is much better for half the price. I recently went to this restaur...

Overpriced and not worth the hype 3/15/2009

If you want to eat good Cuban food then I don't believe this is the place. I've eaten at Versailles and the food is much better for half the price. I recently went to this restaurant for the first time and I was less than impressed to say the least. My friend and I spent about $150.00 for dinner and a couple of cocktails! This is extremely overpriced for two people especially at a place that serves mediocre food, drinks and service. And did I mention the rude parking attendants! I will definitely never visit this establishment again nor will I recommend it to anyone else. So if you just want to go and dance to good Latin music then I guess it?s OK as long as you don?t mind dancing in an overcrowded small space. Pros: Good Music - Live Band Cons: Expensive, mediocre food and rude parking attendants more
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I had a blast! 7/23/2008

We celebrated my friend's birthday there on a Friday night. The table was reserved for 15 people. When I arrived it was pleasantly crowded and the live band was not playing yet. Our order was taken around 9:30pm and the food arrived one hour later. However the fare was definitely worth the waiting. I had grilled salmon with, rise and black refried beans, fried bananas and boiled veggies. The plate was generously piled and steaming hot and the salmon was juicy and delicate. After the live band began to play a conversation was almost impossible. However, since everybody was there for dancing salsa it didn't ruin the night at all. After the dinner everybody started to dance and guys were daring enough to ask women to dance, what really fascinated me. All in all, it was a fantastic evening with best salsa music I have ever heard, good Cuban food (a bit too heavy as for me, though very savory) and a lot of salsa dancing. Pros: Dancing, food, ambience, service, crowd, atmosphere Cons: Door in the lady's restroom doesn't close properly more
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Go Somewhere else 6/3/2008

The place is small and feels like it's a latin sweet 15teen! Not a place where you want to be seen. Cons: Save your money. more
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meh... 4/1/2008

I had heard good things about this place so I swung by for an early dinner. Small intimate place with a dance floor. Pros: Cool dance floor Cons: simple and uninsired food more
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I would call El Floridita a little taste of New York. 3/30/2008

Ok, this is by far the best little kept secret in Hollywood. Best mojitos ever!!!! and, the skirt steak is great. They also have this tasty chimichurri sauce that is pretty darn good. The service is fun,friendly, and attentive. The place is small so dont expect a huge place. Reservations would be best or you will find yourself waiting. Guaranteed you will go back. I would recommend you try a Monday or Friday night, that is usually the best. They have a live salsa band that makes you feel like you are in New York!!! A place to hang out with your friends to have a drink or a date. I would not take a child there. Pretty trendy and hollywoodish.. more
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Absolutely Wonderful 3/10/2007

My husband and I walked from Pantages theater to have dinner here. When we first walked up I wasn't at all sure about this place. The outside is pretty bland. However, once inside it is adorable. We got there early so there was only a few other people there. I could see that it would be amazing with more people for dancing. Our server was fabulous and offered us mojitos right away. They were just what we needed. He also helped with suggestions that we landed up ordering. Both of our entrees were great. The chicken dish that we got was so tender and flavorful. The cook brought our food out and was delightful as he sang along with the music. Our whole experience was memorable. I would definately recommed it and it was well worth the walk over (and I was in heels). The prices were great too, it is hard to find food of this quality without spending a fortune. Pros: Ambience, close to Pantages Cons: Very limited parking, outside more
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fun stuff 4/28/2006

great staff, wonderful service, really fun to dance or just watch...you can spot celebs!! food was amazing. make sure to bring a fun date! more
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Great Place, Good Time 4/21/2006

My wife and I enjoyed El Floridita last night. The service was fine, the food was great, the drinks hit the spot. This is a good place to go and have a good time. People celebrate here. There is no pretense. You don't have to be a great dancer either; just have fun. Pros: Fun, Good Food, Live music and dancin more
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Do not eat here 1/29/2006

I genuinely detested my experience at this restaurant. I was rudely treated from the time I showed up and was told I didn't have a table (when I had spoken with someone 10 minutes earlier on the phone). The food was pathetic. The service was slow to non-existent. Overall, it is my least favorite cuban food in los angeles and the worst service I've had anywhere in a long time. You can do much better than this place. I love good food and I wouldn't bad mouth a place unless I felt truly offended. Cons: bad service, bad food, expensive valet more
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User review by brendabruin 12/24/2005

El Floridita does not have much decor. It has really good live salsa music but be warned not a place for singles. If u wanna dance, bring a partner because everyone brings there own. My friends and I went there for my friends bday. SHe loves to dance but was disappointed when she didnt get to dance because she wasnt asked to dance and she normally is always asked. The food was really good but a bit overpriced. I've had good cuban food for less. Plates are over $20 plus tax, tip, valet. Valet is $4.50 and there isnt street parking. I had the garlic chicken which was really good. Dont get the fish in sauce.. friend had that and was toooo fishy. Mojitos are alright.. have had better. Service is decent. Pros: live salsa music, good cuban food Cons: valet parking, price more
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Great dancing and service!! 10/8/2005

I went last night and my friend and I had the BEST time! It's a a great, intimate atmosphere. I had never danced salsa in my life and the waiters and other employees went out of their way to teach and make me feel comfortable on the dancefloor. The crowd is great because it's a mixture of really great salsa dancers and people such as myself, that had never danced salsa before. Everyone is just really laidback and truly there to have a good time. A live band played and they were fabulous! I recommend the mojitos and the mango cheesecake. But watch out in ordering whole pitchers of mojitos or sangria...it can become a little pricey by the end of the night. Pros: Friendly staff, Upbeat crowd, Great food Cons: A little pricey, Crowded dancefloor more
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Cuban Delux!!!!! 7/23/2005

my o my this place is great....my date and i had a great time! Parking is valet $4.50. Must be on list so call ahead. Inside is very intimate, small, and cozy. The people around you are very welcoming! The menu..the FOOD...FABULOUS! Let you just say the meat falls off the bone literally! My mouth is watering just thinking of it! Entrees range from $20-30 but dinner and dancing that is a great deal! Must I suggest the shredded beef and shirmp in salsa!!! The best! After dinner enjoy watching or joining in with the SALSA dancing! With the live music, dance floor, and sensual dancing couples this place is great for dates or a time to get away...GUARRENNTEEEEE! Enjoy! p.s. not a place for kids at nights. However, Groups would have mucho fun here...you can see it in their eyes! Pros: great food, great people, great dancing Cons: valet only, might be a wait more
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I Felt like I was in Cuba! 5/9/2005

I went there on a Saturday night with 7 other friends for my birthday, and was quickly surprised by the prices on the menu. I had viewed a menu online that was 1/2 the price of what the ""evening"" prices were. So once we got over that they offered Mojito Pitchers which were delicious. The food Was worth the price!!!! I had a 1/2 chicken with beans and rice, THE BOMB!! all my guests also loved thier food... and they sang happy b-day to me salsa style. We also Sited Bo Bice and Anthony Federov From American Idol. All in All I would return with more money but I would return! Pros: Good Service, Great food, Great music Cons: Price, small tables, Water'd down drinks more
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Dinner and Show 3/22/2005

This restaurant it worth every penny you spend in it. The food is good and flavoraful. The drinks are great and the service WOW!! they make you feel right at home. Now for thoose that do not know how to dance salsa...you can just sit at your table and enjoy others dancing. I know i did! I felt i bit self-conscience when people started to dance (MAN CAN THEY MOVE) i sat at my table and just watched. I had just as much fun sitting and watching as thoose dancing. If your in Hollywood go to this restaurant!!! Pros: service, food, dancing Cons: parking more
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It Beats Versailles in My Book! 7/30/2004

Finally... a Cuban place that left me wanting more! I've had Versailles a bunch of times, but gosh, I've never left the place feeling like I had a great meal. It was always a little too greasy, the flavor tart and the place was too crowded. But El Floridita was yummy in my tummy! They recommended the Pollo Asado and Shredded Pork and they did not disappoint! Both were very flavorful and delicious. And the plantains... WOW! The service was also very attentive and friendly. No comment on the decor that looked a litttle ""baw chicka bow wow."" But I can't wait to go back there! Oh, and where was the dancing when I went? Pros: Great Food, Friendly Service Cons: , Cramped Tables more
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Lo mejor 4/18/2004

the best atmosphere, amazing food, great bands, graet dancers having fun and the owner......wow he's gorgeous!!!!! lots of celebs been seen there, halle berry j.lo and leah remini just to name a few Pros: great food, great music, great vibe more
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Super-fantastico! 11/8/2002

Great music and food. Friendly, almost familial environment with tremendous amount of energy. Fantastic music. The patrons also seem to be phenomenal salsa dancers. more
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PARTY PLACE! 8/17/2002

GREAT SERVICE, GREAT FOOD, GREAT MUSIC, Perfect for large parties, I strongly recommend reservations and time, it takes them a while to serve-although between the music and the eye candy, it's all worth the wait, more
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Great Cuban Food 6/13/2002

This is a great lunch spot. The specials offer such generous portions that you can easily end up making two meals out of it. I recommend the 1/2 Pollo Asado -- it's marinated in a delicously juicy lemon and garlic sauce. It's very tender -- practically falls off the bone. White rice and beans come with the meal, but I suggest ordering them cooked together and then putting habenero (very spicy pepper-based green or red) sauce on top. The tostones (fried plantains) were among the best I've had. Pros: great specials, live music more
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Best Salsa Club in LA 5/15/2002

I am not an expert on Salsa, but this club is a great combination of food, music and dance. The quality of the music can vary, but not the energy. Make reservations and don't wear jeans! Pros: great music, dance Cons: parking, crowded more
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Menu for El Floridita Restaurant


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Editorial

  • In Short
    Taking its name from a Havana landmark once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and John Wayne, this supper club offers Cuban classics to another generation of Americans. Lunch is the...

  • 12/22/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Monday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Payments: American Express, Diner's Club, Visa, Discover, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Central LA, Hollywood
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