La Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in West Carson

I was really hoping for a positive experience of this location because I liked their restaurant up the street. Disappointed to say this new version/location of LP did not meet mine and my daughters expectations.

When we received our food it was not hot, the plate on the bottom was warm but the food itself was room temperature. I judge Mexican restaurants 1st based on how the beans and rice are. My personal opinion is, if the rice and beans are right then the entree should be as well, if the rice and/or beans are bland or not cooked well then we've got a problem. The rice was okay except for the temperature, the beans on the other hand were dry so I assume they either were over cooked or had sat there for a long while. They were very dry. 😞 While still hopeful the rest of my dish was going to be good, I tried really hard to eat the chicken enchiladas. Sad to say they were bland, the chicken was extremely dry, and the tortillas felt as though they were not heated or they were the cheap ones that are very grainy and fall apart quick.

My daughter got the carne asada plate and wasn't pleased with the rice and beans, this is rare for her.

We couldn't even finish eating our food and didn't want to leave it on the table.

As for the service, the gentleman at the front desk was very polite. Our waiter seemed to be in a rush and kind of had an attitude- maybe he just had a lot to do. He did though check back in often.

The location is really nice and authentic, I love what LP did with the venue, decor, art. I just wish their food was a good as their Los Paisas location on Carson street. I'm not sure that I would return anytime soon. I do wish this location much...

UPDATE (06/28/2025): OK, so maybe I'm obsessed with La Cocina, but for good reason! Tried the Tijuana Norte tacos with comsume tonight, and they were bursting with flavor. Shredded beef (perfectly seasoned), melty cheese, and an exquisitely rich consume (just look @ the photos). Jose, the managing bartender has worked in the industry for literally decades and knows his stuff (he's also a very cool person, with incredible customer service ethics). Killer place to catch a soccer match or MLB/NFL game (there are overhead TVs EVERYWHERE!). Go. Here. Now! You will not regret it!!!🍺🌯🤍💥💯

UPDATE (05/10/2025): La Cocina never disappoints! The staff is so amazing, and the food (as you can see from the pictures) is the best. I found out from talking with the manager that they also own & operate the chain called Miches de la Baja, which has a different, but equally awesome vibe (and killer food). Every time one of my family members comes back to LA, they always want to come here! Love ❤️ you guys!!!

La Cocina Mexicana has a great vibe. The food is amazing, the beer's ice cold, and there are plenty of TVs to catch the game. This might be my new...

I was so excited to try a new Mexican restaurant. I was with my partner and the waiter was not pleasant not personal not inviting. There was no greeting of his name he was just in a rush. Order drinks they were not good and gave us the wrong drink. Me and my partner decided to share a plate and when we got it the presentation was horrible we ordered a cheese enchilada the cheese was an even melted. The rice was hard and tasteless. We asked to speak to a manager and the manager wasn't available so another waiter came and assisted us. The drinks we ordered were just full of juice no alcohol. We definitely felt unwanted I don't know if it's because of our race or whatever but whatever but it was definitely not a pleasant experience we end up taking our meal back and my partner got the shrimp burrit there There was very little shrimp I got a bean and cheese burrito with rice it was just bland. The waiter was just...