Bar Amá

Name: Bar Amá
Address: 118 W 4th St., Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90013
Telephone: (213) 687-8002
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

386 Reviews

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Top Tags:

Bar Amá is a Tex-Mex restaurant located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Our outdoor patio is available only on Friday & Saturday evenings (weather permitting). If you have any questions, please e-mail us at info@bar-ama.com or visit bar-ama.com.

"Fideo and borracho beans with cilantro and pork belly simmering on the stove, the spicy warmth of menudo every Christmas and New Year’s, egg salad with a fried egg between a butter toasted bolillo, and puffy tacos stuffed with lengua carnitas and crushed avocado and doused with pequin chile vinegar salsa. These are just some of the dishes that have inspired me – the food that I was nurtured with by the women who raised me. Bar Amá is my interpretation of their Tex-Mex." – Chef Josef Centeno

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Apr 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(213) 687-8002

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Tex-Mex, Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(213) 687-8002
Website
http://www.bar-ama.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Josef Centeno
Catering
Email info@bar-ama.com for info about catering.
Private party facilities
Email info@bar-ama.com for info about private events.

Location
118 W 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Spring
Parking details
Ample street parking and non-affiliated lots also available.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles

Gift card

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Popular dishes

Made-to-Order Guacamole^$12.00
rick's local organic avocados, cilantro, serrano, celery
Tex-Mex Queso^$10.00
avocado, sour cream, salsa
Cashew Poblano Queso^$13.00
cashews, garlic, onion
Deviled Eggs$7.00
pork belly, limo driver
Radsihes w/ Goat Cheese Butter$7.00
turnips, parsley, sea salt
Taquitos^$11.00
potato, cheddar, jack, poblano, aguacate, crema

Seafood

Peel 'N' Eat Shrimp$16.00
chile, peanuts, lime, tortillas
Shrimp Ceviche$17.00
garlic, shallots, baby tomatoes, cotija, lime
Fideo & Octopus$18.00
paprika Oil, tomatillo, toasted pepitas
Fish Tacos$12.00
kanpachi, beer batter, pepper crema slaw, radish

Meat

Crispy Pork Belly$14.00
cream, pickled grapes, poblano, fennel, pickled lemon
Slow Roasted Beef Belly$15.00
cotija, pomegranate, cilantro. onion
Cochinita Pibil Quesadilla$16.00
flour tortilla, cheddar, monterey jack, guacamole, pineapple, habanero, escabeche
Seared Lengua$18.00
potato, avocado, corn tortillas, chimichurri, radish, pea, tendrils

Fajitas^

1 LB protein, flour or corn tortillas, cabbage, charred onion, beans & rice, crema, cotija, salmorejo

Chicken Cilantro$32.00
Pork Asada$34.00
Beef Fajitas$40.00

Enchiladas^

$12; Choice of either: duck, chicken, lengua, short rib, picadillo $3; Make it combo with beans & rice, tortilla and cabbage: $4

Ama's Enchiladas
carrot sofrito, queso fresco, potato
Mole Enchiladas
mole, queso fresco, pomegranate, almond
Mom's Green Enchiladas
cheddar, monterey jack, tomatillo

Lä Familia

Please allow extra time. All dishes include flour tortillas

Lamb Birria$36.00
cilantro, tomato, onion
Chipotle Chicken
chile, cotija
- Half$26.00
- Whole$42.00
Plato a La Parilla [Family Meal]$26.00
pork chorizo, beef rib, cecina, borracho beans, nopales / avocado salad, flour tortillas

Nachos

Add Caviar to Nachos: Trout Roe $34 / White Sturgeon $56 (28g, served on ice)

Nachos Compuestos$12.00
tortilla chips, jalapenos, cheese, crema, guacamole

Vegetables

Roasted Sweet Potato$11.00
piconcillo butter, crema, mint, sea salt
Fried Squash Blossoms$14.00
calabacitas, cascabel pimenton, jalapeno honey
Broccolini$14.00
arbol salsa, lemon, tepin, sea salt
Jicama Salad$14.00
cucumber, papaya, pomegranate, mango, fish sauce, pickled serrano
Cauliflower & Cilantro Pesto$14.00
cashew, lime, cotija, onion
Blistered Brussels Sprouts$14.00
chipotle crema, pickled onion, herbs

Amå's Fävorites

Short Rib Chalupa$18.00
guacamole, beans, bus driver, slaw cotija
Bus Driver Wings$14.00
smoked bus driver, avocado crema, ranch, slaw
Mondongo$16.00
oxtail, tripe, chickpea, tomatillo, slaw
- Vegan$12.00
Chile Relleno$16.00
beef picadillo, rice, beans, zucchini, cotija
Albondigas$16.00
parsley. tomatillo. fried egg, sopa

What 386 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Downtown / South and East LA
Healthy
Downtown / South and East LA
Neighborhood gem

Sort by

Filters

m
mikerike
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really impressed by the veggie options! The huitlacoche Chile relleno and the mushroom birria were both great. So were the squash blossoms.
OL
OLIVAS3D
Los Angeles
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bar Ama is the go-to Tex-Mex restaurant in LA. Chef Josef Centeno is one of LA's most influential chefs. You'll enjoy every entree!
V
Visitor
Cleveland
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Unique and fabulous food. Wonderfully creative. Can’t wait to go back.
TC
ThomasC
Seattle
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was amazing. I have been dining here for years-and I had the best Chile Rilleno EVER last night. This restaurant continuously amazes me. Try it.
SF
SarahF
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and ambiance. Attentive service, delicious cocktails.
MC
MrsC
Los Angeles
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Food was a disappointment, as we had heard of this restaurant and were DEVOTED fans of Baco Mercat. Would not go back.
M
Melissa
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience3
Menu has been revised featuring way less vegan items. Main vegan item we came for, i.e. vegan short rib fajitas, weren't available which was very disappointing.
PP
PattyP
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this restaurant...the food is amazing and they have great vegan options! The staff and service cannot be rivaled!
YM
YaelM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent find!! It was our first visit and we will definitely be back! We went to The Regent Theatre so it was a short walk to our show. The food was outstanding! Everything was delicious! Happy hour menu is awesome and goes till 7:00. The nachos were the best!
SN
SmrithiN
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Went for an early family dinner and our first time there! The food was unbelievably delicious and the desserts so yummy! We had a wonderful time!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and cocktails are ALWAYS delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service. Food was freshly prepared with fresh ingredients and a wonderful blend of flavors.
CL
ClaireL
Los Angeles
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
the food was absolutely phenomenal. I'm a vegetarian and my son is gluten free and we ate like royalty. The mushroom birria was everything
W
William
Los Angeles
322 reviews
vip
4.0
322 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Karina is an excellent server and guided us through dining options. We wanted the crudo and squash blossom, which are fantastic dishes. We had the beet salad that was very good and would order again with less of the Japanese peppers. The fish taco was very filling and tasty. We had a snake blood cocktail and a Mexican cherry coke. Afterwards I asked the hostess about the service charge. She started to say that this was for all employees to cover their health care and NOT a gratuity. I told her that I've seen this fee to be about 4% and not 18. The hostess was not impressive with her explanation. I suggest that the server inform the guest of the service fee. When we were at Orsa and Winston there was a higher percentage but then again we were in the restaurant three times as long as Bar Amá.
MB
MrBill
Los Angeles
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
excellent Magarita. Nice selection of boutique tequilas.
G
Gail
Orange County
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great casual place to go for Tex Mex happy hour / dinner. Love the chef's food, I use his Bar Ama cookbook at home too. Great staff, always enjoyable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 1, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience3
Waitress was a bit standoffish. Didn’t really recommend any dishes or ask if we had any questions about the menu, and just wasn’t really friendly overall. Food was fine, but would expect a bit more of an engaging staff for the price.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My go to date Night spot for me. We absolutely love the 1/2 fried Chicken it’s so delicious and worth the wait. Also love the queso and margaritas! Great place for all occasions
TG
TheatreGoer
New York Area
31 reviews
1.0
31 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience3
The waitress should go into another profession, one that doesn't have anything to do with customer service. Also when we receive the check, there was a "Service Charge" added to the bill. I asked about it and received a nasty reply that I should read the bottom of the check and then she walked away. The notice on the bottom of the check said that it was including an 18% service charge to "ensure more equitable pay for staff". I believe it is the responsibility to pay employees a proper salary and not hit the customer a surcharge to fill their obligation to take care of their staff.
BB
BB4u
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall3food5service1ambience2
Good food but poor service. Too bad this restaurant is now missing one of the most consistent elements of what made Centeno’s restaurants different from others.
AC
AndreaCS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Food blew us away - fabulous flavours, so delicious we couldn't stop eating. Portions were generous. Great choices for vegetarians, and great beer and liquor list. Wish we could have eaten more but our stomachs couldnt hold another bite. Service was attentive and helpful with menu choices. Defintely a place to return to.
S
markS
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
When I arrived I was waiting for a friend so I sat at the completely empty bar where the bartender and her xo worker chatted with each other with their backs to me. It took 10 min before I was asked if I wanted anything. I ordered a drink then my friend showed up and we sat at a table. Only 2 other tables in the restaurant had anyone seated but nobody took his drink order for another 10 minutes. I used to come here all the time because of their small plates but it’s now just a mediocre Mexican food menu. Maybe they have new owners but it’s not anywhere near as good as what it used to be. On top of all that we split the bill and both tipped 25% only to find out that they had already added an 18% tip on the bill. So in short, bad service, mediocre food, overpriced and we got scammed for a 43% tip. Suffice to say I will never go back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it all!!
LP
LocalPatron
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Great Tex-Mex cuisine, family-type operation (and level of service). Stick to cocktails; the wine selection is limited and pours and ridiculously small.
A
Azania
Los Angeles
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bar Ama never disappoints. Splendid cocktails, delicious food, friendly and attentive service, inviting ambience. Especially delectable, as always--the sweet potato mole and blistered okra.
L
Lizzie
Washington DC
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and the server knew all the ingredients as one in our party was lactose intolerant. She offered a variety of options. Nice atmosphere and not rushed.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent and creative take on classic Tex-Mex.
BJ
BrieJ
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I loveee bar ama! They have amazing drinks, the food is such a good take on Tex mex, and the staff is always friendly!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always!
L
Lara
Los Angeles
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Hadn't been to Bar Ama in a few years and the food is as great as I remember. Service was a little slow for a Wednesday night with the restaurant not at capacity but was friendly and fun.
C
Christina
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
I feel like Bar Ama has gone down in quality or maybe just buzz? I feel like it used to be a bit more fun, cool, hip. Now it feels like…. Pretty meh. Food was ok. Server was weird.
JR
JacobR
Western NC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I never come to LA without a trip to this restaurant. The food is insanely good. Tons of alternative options. Incredible cocktails and mezcal selection. Great music. Impeccable service.
C
Chesskey
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the puffy tacos and the customer service was great.
v
venicej
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hostess, not sure of her name, but definitely never seen her pre-covid! She didn't smile and was abrupt, we ended up at the bar..... Bar tender was AWESOME!!!!!!! We were celebrating my birthday....
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing spot. Everything is great
l
like2eat
Los Angeles
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, very interesting menu, and terrific service! Highly recommend!
AS
AmyS
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks are incredible, always very interesting and delicious vegetable sides. One of our favorite restaurants, we keep coming back!
MR
MelodyR
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, drinks, people, ambiance and decor are all amazing. Truly my favorite place to eat in LA. You’ll love it too. Great options for vegetarians and carnivores too!
L
Liz4
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, helpful servers. Great way to enjoy DTLA.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Bar Amá using the Order Online button. Bar Amá also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (213) 687-8002.

Bar Amá is rated 4.7 stars by 386 OpenTable diners.

Bar Amá does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Apr 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(213) 687-8002

Other options

Order online

118 W 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Spring
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Tex-Mex, Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Ample street parking and non-affiliated lots also available.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Josef Centeno
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bar-ama.com/
Phone number
(213) 687-8002
Catering
Email info@bar-ama.com for info about catering.
Private party facilities
Email info@bar-ama.com for info about private events.

Featured in

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Bar Amá

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles

Gift card

Chile Relleno

Fish Tacos

Fried Squash Blossoms

Starters

Made-to-Order Guacamole^$12.00

Tex-Mex Queso^$10.00

Cashew Poblano Queso^$13.00

Deviled Eggs$7.00

Radsihes w/ Goat Cheese Butter$7.00

Taquitos^$11.00

Seafood

Peel 'N' Eat Shrimp$16.00

Shrimp Ceviche$17.00

Fideo & Octopus$18.00

Fish Tacos$12.00

Meat

Crispy Pork Belly$14.00

Slow Roasted Beef Belly$15.00

Cochinita Pibil Quesadilla$16.00

Seared Lengua$18.00

Fajitas^

Chicken Cilantro$32.00

Pork Asada$34.00

Beef Fajitas$40.00

Enchiladas^

Ama's Enchiladas

Mole Enchiladas

Mom's Green Enchiladas

Lä Familia

Lamb Birria$36.00

Chipotle Chicken

Plato a La Parilla [Family Meal]$26.00

Nachos

Nachos Compuestos$12.00

Vegetables

Roasted Sweet Potato$11.00

Fried Squash Blossoms$14.00

Broccolini$14.00

Jicama Salad$14.00

Cauliflower & Cilantro Pesto$14.00

Blistered Brussels Sprouts$14.00

Amå's Fävorites

Short Rib Chalupa$18.00

Bus Driver Wings$14.00

Mondongo$16.00

Chile Relleno$16.00

Albondigas$16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Bar Amá offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bar Amá restaurant rated?

Does Bar Amá offer gift cards?

Is Bar Amá currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles

Gift card