El Coyote

The Mexican American fare here isn’t exactly the best in town, but you can’t deny the enduring appeal of El Coyote, a longtime classic Mexican restaurant in Beverly Grove where actress Sharon Tate allegedly ate her last meal in 1961. The walls are dotted with signed portraits of Hollywood stars; the enormous red neon sign alone is a local icon; and the dishes are hot, affordable and fast. Established in 1931, the restaurant serves all the classics of the Mexican American dining genre, including the requisite complimentary chips and salsa and from-scratch house margaritas, which come served on the rocks. Generations of Angelenos have grown up on dishes like the Enchilada Howard (named after one of El Coyote’s first regulars), chile con carne burrito and sizzling fajitas made with chicken, steak or shrimp. Order whatever you feel like eating that day and at least one stiff drink—this is a spot where the bona fide old-school vibes take priority over any particular menu item.