Restaurant Review - El Fenix at Casa Linda

Last night after working at the Hollywood Home Tour at 7001 Vivian I went to the 50+ year old El Fenix at Casa Linda.

As you walk into this classic restaurant you can't help but feel like you are in an "ol school" type of place. The front area with the walkway through the middle of the dining room feels like you are in Mexico but the back room - not so much. It feels more like an old Furr's with the bright lights and an open cafeteria feel. Throughout the rooms the old plastic pink chair pads and table clothes definitely need to be brought up to the 21st century. This is the old ambiance I understand but there are some great products out there that don't look like a school dining hall.

But the most important thing was that our service and the food were good. As always the chips are crisp and tasty. The salsa was much milder than what you would find in their proprietary jars. The waiter brought a "fajita sauce" with a little more pep and it was excellent with onions, jalapenos and I think a touch of tomatillo.

The chili relleno poblano was tasty and there was no heat. The meat sauce was incredible and my guess is that it was about the fattiest ground beef on the market which is why it tasted so great. We substituted the ranchero sauce for a verde sauce which was nice along with some of the tastiest re-fried beans that made my arteries instantly clog.

The Maximilian's Delight with the puff taco and fresh avocado was perfect. The shell was crispy (not that common in some other local places) and the sour cream chicken enchilada and beef enchilada were exceptional as well.

Bottom line, while the chili relleno could be crispier the meal was great.

Oh and one last thing....the margarita's are pretty darn good!