La Esquina has been on my must try list since it first opened. I’m actually glad I waited a bit to try it because it’s not exactly in the best location for visiting at night. It’s on the corner of Venice and National in the same strip mall as Goodwill. In time, the area will be gentrified as Apple and HBO will be moving in the office buildings across the street but for now, there are some questionable loiterers in close proximity. Luckily, it was a bright sunny Sunday afternoon and there was a father and son eating outside so it seemed safe. 

It’s a very casual restaurant where you place your order with the cashier and the two person kitchen crew puts the orders together in plain view.

I ordered a carne asada bowl which was delicious and without tax was under ten dollars. The beef was tender and citrusy and it sat on a bed of lettuce with rice and black beans underneath. The onions, salsa and guacamole rounded out the flavors, with each bite getting better and better as all the various flavors began to blend cohesively. 

La Esquina is an easy recommend for its value, quality and close proximity to home. I’ll definitely be back!

La Esquina

8905 Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90034

https://laesquinaonvenice.com