El Floridita Restaurant — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Last night Monday 3/7/16, I was looking for a nice cozy and GOOD salsa place to celebrate my boyfriends new job as an aircraft engineer. So I picked El Floridita bc I've been there before on a Saturday night which it was crowded too but workable. Well I called earlier and asked for info and it WOULD'VE helped if the lady on the phone tells me that is best to make reservations so you can actually seat, eat or TO GET IN THE CLUB. We came all the way from Riverside to found out that the valet did not wanted to park our car because we did not make reservations, to ask the door guy if We could get in. REALLY??? I unfortunately stormed out of the vehicle and talked to the door guy and he said that it was ok to start the line. We waited in line w/no heaters (NOTHING BUT A YOU HAVE TO WAIT) for 30 minutes. When we finally went in the staff attitude was THE WORSE I have seen in my life. The place was OVERPACKED. The live Band (Angelo) was REALLY GOOD. Overall the place needs a bigger and better organization, and DEFINITELY A NEW STAFF CREW. They were trying to clean a table right next to my boyfriend ang they literally pushed him against two big guys and he couldn't move anywhere and they were yelling at him to move BUT HE COULDN'T BECAUSE THEY CORNER HIM DUMMIES. I like the theme and music but Armsndo the owner NEEDS TO INVEST IN A NEW LOCATION ASAP. I can...

I have to admit that I read pretty skeptical when going, cause I was based on the reviews I read and it actually had quite not good reviews in regards to the dancing space, but, honestly I wasn't disappointed, there's a decent dancing floor space, I mean for being a restaurant; and it seems that they serve food until late or at least they still had appetizers. Can't say anything about that drinks since we only got water, but I can say that prices are average ($4 for a bottled water) ohh, music: they had a band playing and also a dj; the band plays mostly Cuban rithym music and mamboish sounds, but the dj plays the other regular salsa songs and if requested, he plays one bachata, but most likely 100% salsa. I had a good time and were ste definitely coming back to try the food. The ambience is nice and people are really friendly. Most dancers are in their middle age (40s) and late 50s to early 60s and are family or relatives, like they fo in groups to have dinner and dance. I liked it. I do recommend to give it a try. From my point of view I find it is a good place to go and have fun. Oh! Forgot to mention, the parking space is not ideal, yeah, you have to pay for valet ($12 plus tip) or find a parking space whenever available around, and the entrance of not having dinner is...

Okay, so when you drive into this strip mall type situation, not far from Hollywood. It's easy to judge this place as a hole in the wall, but I declare it was NOT so!

My party which was my Sister, me, and three Girlfriends, reserved our table which was an excellent idea because it gets full quick. It was our first visit, but definitely not our last.

The serving staff were attentive, friendly, accomodating, and completely respectful of our time together. The appetitzers came out of the kitchen hot and fresh.

We had just enough laughs and conversation to be ready for our meal when everyone"s hot plate came out of the kitchen. I just want to say the masita de puerco and the oxtail dish. 😋😋😋😋😋

There were no complaints by anyone at the table. You know when the silence happens, at table, because the food is delicious, it's a WIN!

Then at 8:30pm, the Salsa lessons began --- it was so much fun. We had a blast! Then, a live band came up to play and it was wonderful to dance freely and hang with my Girls!

If you want a new experience in Los Angeles put this gem on your list. It is definitely a place to take your friends and family to show of the Best of LA's rich cultural diversity. Thanks El Floridita for reminding me of why I...