renovated la fonda on wilshire reopens february 14
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.
-dining institutions west of the 110 freeway
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13 comments
Never been to but I have seen alot of activity looking up to the windows passing at night.
Nice save! La Fonda was always a good spot for a late drink. Now let’s see if they get Mariachi Los Camperos back . . .
so this is a new La Fonda then ???? Not la fonda de nati cano……that might move to the the eastern??
Anyways I got my reservations
Great news! The new “La Fonda on Wilshire” will exceed everyone’s expectations. Damian Useda and his team of dedicated people have personally been there every day to witness the rebirth of this landmark. With its modern yet traditional new look and menu “La Fonda on Wilshire” will be here for the next 40 years to come. As far as getting Los Camperos back, the new ‘Mariachi Monumental de America” is directed by Juan Jose Almaguer, who was the music director for Mariachi Los Camperos for 15 years. Mariachi Monumental de America has several members from Mariachi Los Camperos on board now and are all in sync to make “La Fonda on Wilshire” a landmark not only for our beloved Los Angeles but also in our hearts.
Hmmm… I’ll bet it’s re-opening non-union, eh? La Fonda (like Phillipe’s and Langer’s) was among a few historic LA restaurants that were union and provided affordable family health insurance to their employees. This close-down and re-open routine seems like a typical union-busting scheme.
Also, the new sign looks like a cheap knock-off of the beautiful original one.
to TH, wow! You must really be BITTER to have to lower yourself to bad mouth something you know nothing about.
lol……. as far as the sign, one word BITTER :)
LOL!!!! This one goes out to TH, It sounds like you where an ex- employee and didn’t get re-hired. Can you say low life??? Go apply to Mickey D’s that’s the kind of class it sounds like you have.
I went to opening night and it was very busy. It felt good to go back to this great place as my parents took me several times there as a child. The place looked great and the service was impecable.
th does not sound like a low life or likes hes bad mouthing this place. sounds like some one who probably works harder than most of us for less money than us. im sure he saw first hand the sting of this turnover. so give him a break. im pro union because they are for fair wages! and i would hope that the new owners would try to keep previous workers. or other workers from this area. anyhow i never went to the OG fonda, but pass by it every day. it never called my attention , but by lookin at the interior it just looks tacky. might check out the new one for the food, im always interested in high end mexican…just put off by the pricing. any word on that? just maybe ill check it out if i get tired of my other top notch mexican places.
The renovations to this place are a great improvement without losing its original charm. Nice job. The food is 1000000 times better than before. I’ll miss Los Camperos, but Mariachi Monumental is very good. The quality of the liquor at the bar can use some improving, but overall I had a good experience.
I loved La Fonda de los Camperos and for sure the Camperos but I also love the Monumentales de America so I wish the new restaurant and Damian the best and may it be successful!
I’m glad you guys re-opened La Fonda but I will love the return of Los Camperos aswell. Please bring them back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The last time I was at “La Fonda” was in 1988. I’ve been to many different resturants with live Mariachi music, but none play like “Los Campero”. The name “Nati Cano” sound really familiar and had/has a great reputation back in the days. It sadden me that they are no longer there.
On another note….The new photos on your website showing the new and improved “La Fonda”…could have used the help of a professional interior designer. Color scheme and tile need help. If anyone can post a note as to where “Los Camperos” are relocating, that would be great.
Best of luck to Mr. Useda, only time will tell if your new Resturant will prosper.
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