El Cid Restaurant

I really like El Cid. The staff has always been great, they’ve got an eclectic mix of programming on different nights, and they finally have vegan options that are delicious. It’s such a cool space too; perfect for a date, a groups of friends, or just some casual catching up over some sangria.

We went for some flamenco and tapas last week and had a wonderful time. Service was great, everything we ate was delicious, and the performers were amazing. Definitely date night worthy.

Charming little place. $ 2 tacos (got steak, veggie, and fish), fun young crowd, trees and lights all around the place, romantic and intimate vibe, and lots of outdoor space. There’s also a space inside that is a music venue with a small cover charge.

Never heard of El Cid before I ended up at a concert here last month. Reggie Watts from the Late Late Show was playing with his band, and a $ 10 cover seemed reasonable in LA. The venue was small and intimate, which made for an awesome show. I was just a few feet from the performers, so I could actually watch them play their instruments.
The 5* really goes to our bartender Will, though. The guy is awesome, chatting with our group and generally being entertaining while still taking care of everyone’s drinks. I’d go back just to drink Delicious IPA with this dude (did you know it’s almost gluten free? he told me!). Props to El Cid for landing such a good employee.
I hope the next time in LA there’s a random event at El Cid again.

Don’t be discouraged by the exterior, this place has a lot of charm!
The outdoor/​patio space is intimate enough for a date and casual enough for a hang sesh with friends. They often have shows at night, so the indoor/​venue may have limited accessibility– I went on a night with a funk/​soul band and there were chill vibes. I am obsessing over the architecture of the entire place.
They have an interesting tapas menu and serve until late. I had a bowl of what was as simple as melted cheese with herbs, yum.
Be warned that El Cid fills up with a younger crowd closer to the midnight hour, which is perfect for me because grandma goes to bed around then.

The soft jazz band was real relaxing. I had a rough day earlier at work and I just wanted to unwind. The atmosphere is really easy and laid back, maybe it was the band. The food was great and the people were really fun. The waiter was kind.

Came here last night for the Flamenco show and was blown away! Take you’re time walking into El Cid to take in all its beauty. The outside set up with the bar, lights and tree make it the perfect set up for a enjoyable night. We were seated inside for the Flamenco show and started the night with the following;
Jalapeño Margaritas– Got mine more on the mild side and mouth watering! Bar tender knew what he was doing.
Ceviche– Cooked in lime juice, tomatoes, avocado, red onion A MUST! Served with homemade chips
Chicken Empanadas– HEAVEN! Do yourself a favor and order these. Served with a red dipping sauce. Crispy on the outside and chicken and veggies full of flavor on the inside.
Fish Dish– Meh. Presentation was beautiful but the seasoning on it didn’t sit well with me. I want to say some type of curry was on it and I just wasn’t a fan. Came with a side of veggies which I ate.
Lomo Dish on a bed of Farro– LOVED! Meat is seasoned for a few days, served medium on an amazing bed of farro (sort of like couscous) with cooked down tomatoes. The star of the night!
Flamenco show was beautiful and entertaining. They give you a back story of the art, the women put on a dance show and the the musicians really draw you in all night.
Overall amazing night, good food and entertainment. A must! I can’t wait to go back.

I really enjoyed the flamenco show tonight. The food was good and they even offer vegan paella.
The atmosphere was relaxing and the sangria delicious. Worth every cent spent!

Came for the bottomless mimosa brunch and this place is really an absolute gem. Just walking in already feels like you’re going into some secret garden. You have to check out the inside of the restaurant as well, this place just has such a great ambiance. Our waiter was sooo nice, service was excellent and he kept refilling our glasses in a timely manner. The food, man oh man, the food here is beyond delicious! I had the chilaquiles he had the torera. We both came out of this place fully satisfied and with a smile on our face. We got to meet and chat with chef for a little while, very nice and extremely welcoming.

Me and my gf came here a before seeing Reggie Watts and had the artichoke hearts and the empanadas along with some chips and salsa. Over all there were delicious but what made me sad was how expensive the plate were. the cheapest one was 36 bucks. so it was meh… I wish they would of had a half order or something that we could of gotten. I may come back but I would rather go where we can have good food and not end up with a 80 plus bill. The waiter was awesome I would give him 5 stars.

Best flamenco show I’ve ever seen! We went to the Sunday show, kid friendly, got there at 5:15 for the show @ 5:45 (you have to order everything before the show starts) we had the chips and salsa with guacamole (YUM homade) the cheese plate with Ham and chorizo, empanadas (YUM) and ceviche (could have done with out the ceviche)

El Cid kills it on the open mic front. Didn’t realize it till tonight though, as I strayed away and tried out an open mic someplace else. They are super organized with the whole process and really know how to keep the flow. If somebody f*cks with that flow, dude will be sure to let you know. It’s pretty hilarious. Sound system is on point, and they have an engineer up top to Keep it that way.
So… Thanks el cid!
Also.
Wait staff, and bartender’s are all easy going and friendly. Tina who works the door is a tough cookie but equally as welcoming.
Come on down into the trenches of LA’s secret Monday night storage bin of talent (or sometimes lack there of). Never really know what you’re gonna experience. It’s great!

What an awesome brunch!
We came over this morning because this is the brunch place in the area with amazing patio space and no line. Plus, we wanted to have a couple drinks.
My fiancée and I are vegan, and looking at the brunch menu — we looked to be out of luck. Spanish style omelettes and French toast but nothing without eggs. We asked our waiter if there was anything we could do with tofu, and in a few minutes the chef was out offering to make us vegan chilaquiles off-​menu. OMG
Two types of vegan cheese by Soledad, tofu scramble, and their housemade salsa on chips — this was the BEST chilaquiles I’ve ever had and it’s not close. The chef here now was formerly chef at Elf and the menu has improved a hundred-​fold. Oh, and the chilaquiles or going on the menu. WIN.
In addition, our waiter Thomas was a pleasure — super chill and nice, and everyone working appeared to be having a great time.
Right now, this is the the best kept brunch secret in Silver Lake, but surely not for long.

I had a great experience at El Cid. I was a little scared by the first act as it seemed like another touristy flamenco trap but I quickly observed the masterly of the dancing/​musical art paired with the passion and fun with improvising a tune. The food was great as well. I enjoyed the patatas bravas, empanadas and mushrooms.

Food was perfect! Really good. Our waitress was really bad… Never came back from the 2^nd time she went… She opened the bottle and left cork residues in my wine… Didn’t offered to get us a new bottle, something simple to say but never mentioned it…

Such a fun, divey spot for drinks and finger food. I love the outdoor space. It’s quiet and for smokers its a dream. There is a new chef and new menu that I am eager to test out as I usually pop in for cocktails.
Its not trendy, its not widely popular but that is why I like it. You kinda have the place to yourself and even when there are lots of people the space is so big that you never feel uncomfortable. You feel very relaxed and right at home. I am a fan.

I was here for a private function. The room was great and the bar staff friendly. There was a problem with the PA that messed with the show. But those kind of things happen. The reason why I can’t recommend the place is for the following reason.
I’d left a pair of glasses behind and called the next day to ask if they’d been handed in. I was pretty confident they would have been as it was a private function. But the woman I spoke with told me that nothing had been found. She seemed irritated by the call and showed no interest in helping. They were good glasses and I was still pretty sure no one would have stolen them, so I drove 45 mins back to the place only to be told by the same woman that nothing had been found or handed in. As she was talking I looked over to the bar and there they were. Obviously one of the nice bar staff had found them and put them there, but this woman (who I imagine might be the manager) had no time to even look behind the bar and decided it would be easier to just lie to me instead.

took friends to see what Paella on the Patio was all about. I’ll talk food later — the experience of being there is itself remarkable. it is clearly a place of history — architecture, theater, old L.A. glamour, sophistication — and the sense of it hits right at the front door.
My friends, international in origin, neither stuffy nor easily impressed, asked within about 10 minutes of seating, if «this is open for Thanksgiving». And there it all is — thinking about coming back even before the food is served.
Paella was a 3^rd-​helping for my friend with the most cautious appetite — superb horsdeurves and great drinks preceeded — i asked if it were possible to have anything vegetarian and the chef said of course — and out it came from the kitchen at the same time that the Paella on the Patio was ready.
don’t miss this –
oh — and the wait staff is more than attentive — they’re fun !

Was going to eat brunch at Home up the street but didn’t want to wait an hour to be sat. Started driving wound up here.
Brunch is kind of a new thing for them. Definitely worth it! The ambiance is really chill, great wait staff, and their bloody Mary’s are kind of to die for!

Bringing Reggie Watts in every Tuesday for the past few months has been awesome! The stage is great and I’ve heard a few bands I’m into. The outdoor patio offers a couple levels keeping things open and fun. Their beer selection is not the most deep, and if you order food from the bar good luck getting it if it’s prime time. Definitely a fun atmosphere. The $ 10 cover charge can be a great deal or a shaft depending on who’s there.

El Cid is LA’s little hidden gem. We reserved the outdoor patio for our fundraising event. People from Canada, DC, Florida, Washington, Kentucky, Virginia, and Philadelphia to name a few came to our event and they loved it.
The ambiance was excellent and the food to die for. We delighted ourselves with their world famous paella, tapas, Spanish meatballs, chicken empanadas, crispy brussel sprouts, kale salad, assorted cheeses, and spicy Castilian pork wings and to finish it off a not so sweet tres leches cake.
The Red sangria and concoction of mixed drinks was a true delight to the palate. The bar mixologist uses a Los Angeles favorite — the Laura Ann’s Jams, which perfect any drink or meal. Those can be purchased at
.
PS — Working with their management to make this event possible was a pleasure.
We will definitely return!

Came too late for the flamenco dancers! I wish I would have known earlier I missed it however, got to see some cool hipster bands instead. The food service wasn’t what I expected; We were told that the kitchen was apparently closed tonight for the dinner plates and only tapas were available so guess what?! I ordered the entire tapas menu.
Patatas bravas: season potatoes with a picante chile seasoning
Chips and salsa: spicy salsa roja and chips made in house so the grease and flavor is definitely there yayyyy!
Sangria: liter Is $ 30 versus $ 9 a glass so went with the liter for sure!!! The flavors from the brandy, lemon juice and peaches combining the citrus infused slices oh my!! what a buzz! Really good down to the last drop
Calamari frito: fried squid served with a creamy white lemon aoli that looks like a topping to a soulflè only the flavor isn’t desert-​ish at all its a lemon cloud of heaven
Empanadas de pollo: chicken, tomato and corn stuffed served with garlic and herb aoli the aoli tasted more like chipotle mayo that complimented the empanadas if you want to spread the sauce on them
Muscles: served with a wedge of bread to dip into the juice. The juice from the muscles tasted like a melody of flavors about to touch my tongue… if only I had been able to try the paella shucks!
Crowd was very hipster, that’s not my scene nothing personal it’s just not me, there was a cover for the band it was $ 10 and parking is probably best if you valet or über it since the streets are full of cars and red zones.
I had a lot of fun, kicked back my heels enjoyed the tapas and people watched… till next time El Cid
I would have given 5 stars if I would have been able to see the actual flamenco dancers.

When you come here make sure you watch their shows. It varies every night. As for food, it’s a hit and miss. I do like their steak. The paella… not so good. The empanada… nyeh… U gotta try their Sangria.

A pretty neat little bar with an indoor area that we didn’t even explore!
We were so content to get a table in the pleasant outdoor patio that we just happily sipped our beverages there.
4 stars because of the ambiance and the service, for sure.
Our waiter was hilarious. He joked with us about his trip to Hawaii, and maybe I shouldn’t even post it, but he tried a beer with us to see if it was any good and something he could recommend to a future guest. A good laugh was had.
The patio is pleasant, fairly quiet, and the tables are separated from the near-​bar area by about 25 – 30 feet … just enough space to keep the volumes down.
Oh, almost forgot: super old movies play on the wall from a projector. A little creepy, but kinda fun. No real sound, so it’s only as distracting as you want it to be.
Even the entrance/​exit is a little neat and different as this bar is built into a steep side-​hill, and you have to descend about 20 cockeyed concrete steps just to get to the good stuff.
Potential to increase to a 5-​star experience if the indoor area (plus what we’re told is awesome live music) is as good as advertised.
For now, a solid 4.

Went here to celebrate sister’s band, F U MaryLou’s, record release and watch them perform.
Parking: free parking on the street. Fortunately, it wasn’t too busy; may have been difficult to cross otherwise.
Walking down the stairs to the venue can be treacherous, but when you get there, its very secluded.
I did not eat, but did drink. Bartenders were nice and served quickly.
Show was great, and they had tables you could see the stage or room in front of stage to dance.
Stayed after performance and met new people in courtyard after show. Only thought I’d be there for a couple hours and ended up staying until it closed.
Fun Time.

Went for the Monday Night Open Mic that blended into a comedy show later in the evening.
I thought I would just come play a song and then take off but I stayed right to the end of the comedy set. This is an fun show, a lot of talented, diverse musicians and comics. The shows are executed really well by the stage managers.
There is a cool patio area outside. Chips and salsa are great. Good price for beers. Friendly service. Olé el Cid!

This is such a fun location to see a show. I had friends whose band played here a lot. El Cid makes the tastiest sangria ever. I don’t generally like booze, but it’s sweet and fruity. I wish this place had a great big dance night or something. It’s always pretty vacant when I’m here, whether it’s for a party or just a hang. Let’s change that L.A.

I came here for a friend who had his short film premiering and it was quite an evening. I like this place but beware it is on Sunset so parking will be scarce. I just opted for valet which was $ 10.
This is a cool spot because the layout is interesting and the ambience is chill. The drinks are pretty good for the price and the service is just ok, seemed like my waitress wasn’t having a good night but whatever… eventually I got too buzzed to care and all the films were pretty good so the night stayed fun at this spot.
I could def come back here, the drinks were good and next time I may have to try some of the food as everything I saw looked pretty damn tempting!