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Bar Amá, Los Angeles, CA

Bar Amá

4.6
4.6
414 Reviews
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Bar Amá is a Tex-Mex restaurant located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Our outdoor patio is available only on Friday & Saturday evenings (weather permitting). If you have any questions, please e-mail us at info@bar-ama.com or visit bar-ama.com.

"Fideo and borracho beans with cilantro and pork belly simmering on the stove, the spicy warmth of menudo every Christmas and New Year’s, egg salad with a fried egg between a butter toasted bolillo, and puffy tacos stuffed with lengua carnitas and crushed avocado and doused with pequin chile vinegar salsa. These are just some of the dishes that have inspired me – the food that I was nurtured with by the women who raised me. Bar Amá is my interpretation of their Tex-Mex." – Chef Josef Centeno

Make a booking

2 people

22:00


Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Tex-Mex, Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (213) 687-8002
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Josef Centeno
  • Catering
    Email info@bar-ama.com for info about catering.
  • Private party facilities
    Email info@bar-ama.com for info about private events.
  • Area
    Downtown
  • Cross Street
    Spring
  • Parking Details
    Ample street parking and non-affiliated lots also available.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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What 414 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Healthy

414 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’d definitely recommend the mole (on the sweeter side)- the chocolaty mole sauce with the tomatillo salsa and pomegranate seeds all combined created such a unique flavor. I don’t usually finish my food but I destroyed the plate. The enchiladas are more on the spicy side if you are more into that.

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  2. MariaC

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and service was good. Wood desk chairs cute but uncomfortable. Location not in the best part of LA parking lots around the corner but kind of unsafe to walk around. If in a group more comfortable but food was great!

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  3. mikef

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing unique take on "tex mex". It goes well beyond that.

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  4. Oaklander

    San Francisco

    78 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on 12 November 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    In LA from SF for the weekend. Bar Amá was on my list and glad I made it happened. Really really good food (maybe the best enchiladas I've ever had and I've have many). Service friendly, attentive. Space was perfect. Will be back.

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  5. Nick

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 22 October 2023

    overall1food4service2ambience3
    Good good but ridiculous 18% service charge. Will not return because of this.

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  6. Rosa

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on 16 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was so attentive and helpful in suggesting food items. Food was delicious. Nice restaurant with upbeat music.

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  7. MonicaS

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 October 2023

    overall4food3service2ambience4
    The food is good but the service is very mid. We didn’t see our waitress after we got our food

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  8. ShannnonM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I absolutely love this place most consistently amazing restaurant in LA

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  9. Tiana

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Karina was amazing! Food was good, a great cute little spot downtown.

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  10. WalterB

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 17 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service Staff was wonderful. Food was fantastic. Definitely will return with friends. Great margaritas a great homemade lemonade (non alcoholic). They can adjust menu items time suite a vegan palate. Very good pre-theatre dinner spot. Also good parking lot nearby or valet if u prefer. U must go!!

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  11. ChicoDamone

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best places in the city to get a GREAT meal. Stellar service, environment and menu. Super quality food at a more than reasonable price. Plenty of parking. One of my "go to" spots when friends and family come into the city.

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  12. William

    Los Angeles

    343 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    343 reviews

    Dined on 28 August 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    the squash blossoms and grilled peaches were stellar. the soft-shell crab as very, very good. we also enjoyed the chicken fajitas and especially the rice and beans. the vegetables were a bit too spicy for me. the tortillas were excellent. Overall a great dinner with perhaps too much food for two people.

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  13. Pesky

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 25 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always include a stop at Bar Ama. The mole is excellent! The grilled peaches were delicious

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  14. Azania

    Los Angeles

    42 reviews

    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on 29 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bar Ama, was excellent, as usual. We've been coming here since it opened and it continues to be among our favorite dtla restaurants.

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  15. SusanD

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 9 July 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Easy, friendly spot in the middle of the downtown hype. Excellent fish tacos and the grilled peach salad is super refreshing.

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  16. Rae70

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 7 July 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Always have a great time at Bar Ama. Service is great and friendly. Food delicious. And a great happy hour with delicious nachos!

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  17. Yoko

    Los Angeles

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 3 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently top level cuisine and service. They never disappoint.

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  18. Discerningeater

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 29 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food here is OUTSTANDING. The flavors never disappoint - there is something for vegans and plenty of delicious meat eaters options. The BEST guacamole and quest dip and margaritas. All the cocktails are divine. It is rather casual. We recently went as a party of 4 and had a wonderful time. The food is not to be slept on. I cannot over state how good it is. SUPER FRESH and prepared with consideration and intent. That cucumber salad with radishes??? INSANELY DELICIOUS. I will always say yes when Bar Ama is suggested.

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  19. LaurieK

    Los Angeles

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on 18 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal as usual - lots of vegetarian options. Fun, interesting, and yummy dishes!

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  20. anneh

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 June 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    terrible service. very expensive. good food, not great

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  21. Live2Eat

    Los Angeles

    90 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on 3 June 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Read the reviews. The food was as good as all of the reviewers said. Inventive, multi-layered flavors, well prepared technically. Elevated nachos. Delicious vegetarian stew. Moist, mouth-watering chicken. Service was a little lacking, though. Staff was pleasant and helpful. But they seemed a bit disorganized and we had to flag down different people with various requests (e.g. serving spoons to share dishes that they recommended to share, ordering dessert, etc.). After our waiter took our order, we saw him one time in the restaurant again and then he disappeared. We ordered and finished our main meal in and 1 hour and 15 minutes. To order and eat dessert, and pay the check took another 45 minutes. But the food and dessert were so good, we can overlook the spotty service.

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  22. KatrinH

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 12 May 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This my first time eating at this restaurant. The food is truly delicious, the ambience is also good. It was lively and cosy. Convenient parking is close by. The only piece that dragged a bit was the service - everyone was lovely so I think they were just a bit busy. I will be back for more.

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  23. LoganF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best nachos I’ve ever had. Deep flavors good cocktails great service good location.

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  24. SalvadorP

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 1 May 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    they added a 20% service charge to pay the kitchen staff besides the tip for the wait staff,,,so you are essentially paying a 40% tip and they had the nerve to tell us it was state law,,, the managers argument was that they would have to change more for the food otherwise, which makes no sense as we are paying regardless , I just didn’t like being treated like an idiot , food was good, but i won’t be back.

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  25. LizM

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ama was a delight and I loved every dish we tried. I have their cookbook and enjoy the recipes, so this was a must-visit while in town. I would suggest ordering as many things on the menu as you can to taste everything! The service was friendly and non intrusive and the space is inclusive and relaxed, but still feels special.

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  26. GabyM1

    Los Angeles

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on 21 April 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Good location, near the Regent Theater. Good service, great margaritas, food underwhelming.

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  27. LBYQrcs

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 8 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was quiet on a Friday evening, but I couldn’t tell you why. Food and drink was delicious, staff friendly and prompt. Would be excited to go back.

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  28. YvonneN

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wait staff incredibly engaging and helpful. Corina was able to recommend and describe food choices. Wonderful experience at Bar Ama!

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  29. mikerike

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 25 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really impressed by the veggie options! The huitlacoche Chile relleno and the mushroom birria were both great. So were the squash blossoms.

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  30. OLIVAS3D

    Los Angeles

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on 12 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bar Ama is the go-to Tex-Mex restaurant in LA. Chef Josef Centeno is one of LA's most influential chefs. You'll enjoy every entree!

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  31. Visitor

    Cleveland

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on 26 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Unique and fabulous food. Wonderfully creative. Can’t wait to go back.

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  32. ThomasC

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 26 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was amazing. I have been dining here for years-and I had the best Chile Rilleno EVER last night. This restaurant continuously amazes me. Try it.

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  33. SarahF

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 19 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and ambiance. Attentive service, delicious cocktails.

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  34. MrsC

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 11 February 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Food was a disappointment, as we had heard of this restaurant and were DEVOTED fans of Baco Mercat. Would not go back.

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  35. Melissa

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 10 February 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    Menu has been revised featuring way less vegan items. Main vegan item we came for, i.e. vegan short rib fajitas, weren't available which was very disappointing.

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  36. PattyP

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 30 January 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this restaurant...the food is amazing and they have great vegan options! The staff and service cannot be rivaled!

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  37. YaelM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 January 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent find!! It was our first visit and we will definitely be back! We went to The Regent Theatre so it was a short walk to our show. The food was outstanding! Everything was delicious! Happy hour menu is awesome and goes till 7:00. The nachos were the best!

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  38. SmrithiN

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 24 December 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Went for an early family dinner and our first time there! The food was unbelievably delicious and the desserts so yummy! We had a wonderful time!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 23 December 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and cocktails are ALWAYS delicious.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 23 December 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. Food was freshly prepared with fresh ingredients and a wonderful blend of flavors.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waiting staff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Bar Amá using the Order Online button. Bar Amá also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (213) 687-8002.

Bar Amá is rated 4.6 stars by 414 OpenTable diners.

Bar Amá does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

22:00


Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Bar Amá

118 W 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Spring
  • Area
    Downtown
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Tex-Mex, Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Ample street parking and non-affiliated lots also available.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Josef Centeno
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (213) 687-8002
  • Catering
    Email info@bar-ama.com for info about catering.
  • Private party facilities
    Email info@bar-ama.com for info about private events.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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