Malo 20s / 30s / Bar / Beer / Breakfast / Brunch / Casual / Cocktails / Couples / Crowded / Date Place / Dinner / Friendly / Good for Groups / Groups / Happy Hour / Hipster / Hipster Style / Jukebox / Lunch / Mexican Food / Mexican Restaurant / Moderate / Occasional Celebrity / Outdoor Area / Parking Lot / Patio / Singles / Street Parking / Students / Valet Parking

Malo is a bar/restaurant that I happen to find walking aimlessly in L.A. You could easily miss it from the outside. Once I entered I was mesmerized by the decor. The craftsmanship on the ceiling littered with artwork and arches. The walls continued with the arches and some fine wood work. It almost gave me a sense that I was no longer in California but some museum. The staff attended to my every need and once I got my food, I learned how special this place is. For the first time I had a pumpkin enchilada which it sounded odd but with one taste it felt so right. The food was captivating putting Malo on the map for me to revisit. As I sat, finishing my meal, Malo started to transform before my eyes. People started to pour in for happy hour to quench their thirst. It was a mixture of people all coming together as one enjoying the atmosphere. I decided to blend in and had what I believe was a Spicy Margarita. It was one of the best beverages I've had. If you happen along to this place you won't regret it. This location is a hidden gem that I visit when I want a treat.

That title makes no sense, at least not until you try their beef and pickle tacos. Holy sweet mother of muffin tops, are those things good. Malo has been around since before Silver Lake became the hipster capital of the universe, and it’s still going strong. Happy Hour M–F from 3–7pm makes for a nice excuse to get off work early. They have select bites like nachos and guacamole fries for $4, canned beer for $3, and house margaritas and sangria from between $4 and $5. This isn’t a place to go if you’re on a super tight budget, but it won’t kill your wallet either. All the food is super fresh, seasonal, yaddah yaddah, it IS Silver Lake after all. You can expect a full meal to run you $20 or so. Split into two sections, you can pop over to the rather small bar area and fuel up on Modelo or specialty infused tequilas, but I usually sneak out once the bar gets packed with folks after 11pm or so come Fridays. The restaurant space has a cozy interior area – dark and kinda romantic before it gets buys – and a great patio that abuts their parking lot but is surrounded with small trees so you forget it is there. You’ll see lots of local actors, the flannel set, musicians, artsy types, big groups of friends, etc. Nice interesting mix, not too heavy on one demo. It’s an ideal go-to if you’re in the area.

Gotta love Malo. A super classy patio, right next door to the Akbar, and that WALLPAPER. This SIlver Lake staple now has a new location Downtown, right underneath Seven Grand, but don't be fooled! The original is the best. Hello, late night kitchen hours. Malo was definitely the best taco place in town when they had $2 tequila Tuesdays and $1 taco Mondays, but it's still solid without the insane specials. The margaritas are tasty, and the tacos are delicious. Tons of different kinds, all reasonably priced, especially if you happen to wander in during one of their oft-changing happy hours. The vegetarian options are definitely my favorite. Who needs meat when you have soyrizo?

Malo in Silver Lake is perfect if you have a big group who wants to down margaritas, eat greasy Mexican food, and sit out on a patio on a warm summer night. Now don't get me wrong, their food isn't winning any awards here, but the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is always friendly, lively, and fun. The place itself is pretty big, lots of two-top tables running down either side that are perfect for daters - which you see plenty of here. But outside is the reason to come. Lots of tables and plenty of room for big groups. Perfect for birthday gatherings or just grabbing some after-work chums for tequila shots. There's a 4-hour long happy hour with cheap deals that's well worth coming for. Overall there's a fun vibe, young clientele, both locals and otherwise. Great for casual dates or group get-togethers.