Arte en La Fonda Restaurant Exibicion de Pintores Angelinos

Cuna y sitio de Los Mariachis de Nati Cano
Los Camperos
La Fonda ofrece a la comunidad contacto
con pintores de Los Angeles

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After La Fonda on Wilshire closed last year near MacArthur Park, many disappointed fans bemoaned the loss of the 40-year Mexican institution.

Rumors of a possible move to the Eastern Columbia Building at 9th and Broadway maintained some hope for locals as plans were drawn up to convert the old space into a Korean karaoke bar.

A small group of new investors decided they couldn’t sit back and watch the tradition die. Damian Useda, one of La Fonda’s new owners, tells us that he and his partners fought to “preserve one of the largest displays of Mexican culture in Los Angeles.”

“La Fonda on Wilshire has undergone an extensive renovation, while still preserving that charm that many, including myself, have grown to love over the years.”


The menu, which previously seemed more of an afterthought to its famous Mariachi performances, has been completely reworked.

Head Chef Scott Velasquez, formerly of Mama Juana’s in Studio City, has created a spread of high-end Mexican cuisine including grilled tequila chicken, red snapper Veracruz style, braised short ribs and Chilean sea bass.

An extensive list of appetizers, soups, salads and creative desserts are also planned to lure in a mix of patrons from all over Los Angeles.

The re-envision La Fonda will debut on Valentine’s Day, and reservations are now being taken for a four-course champagne dinner. The special event runs through Sunday, February 17.

What about the mariachis?

Live performances February 14-17 will be staged by Mariachi Monumental de America at 7:15, 9:00 and 11:00 pm. That dining room show schedule will continue nightly after the opening weekend, with the bar lounge area expected to stay open until 2:00am.