Mexican restaurants

La Playita

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

37 14th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, United States $10–20
4.6
762 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Located just steps from the iconic Hermosa Beach strand, La Playita offers an inviting slice of authentic Mexican cuisine that perfectly complements the laid-back Southern California vibe. This charming Mexican restaurant at 37 14th St has earned a loyal following thanks to its warm, cozy atmosphere that invites diners to relax and savor every bite.

The menu is a delightful journey through classic flavors, highlighted by an array of soups, appetizers, and quesadillas that showcase the kitchen’s dedication to fresh, vibrant ingredients. Start your meal with their comforting Tortilla Soup or share a plate of their deluxe nachos topped with your choice of grilled chicken or steak—each bite bursting with smoky, savory goodness. For quesadilla lovers, the options range from the classic cheese to the indulgently spicy shrimp variety, each one sizzling with rich, melty cheese and perfectly balanced fillings.

Salads like the Tostada Supreme, available in veggie style or with grilled chicken or steak, add a crisp and refreshing contrast to the menu, ensuring something for every palate. Complement your meal with an ice-cold Mexican beer—whether it’s the crisp, light Corona or the robust Negra Modelo, the beer selection pairs harmoniously with the bold, savory flavors of the dishes.

La Playita’s dining atmosphere truly sets it apart — it’s a hidden gem tucked slightly off the main strip, offering a “hole-in-the-wall” vibe that feels incredibly genuine and welcoming. Whether you choose to dine inside their modest yet cozy space or soak up the California sun on the outdoor patio with stunning ocean views, the ambiance strikes the perfect balance of casual and vibrant beach-town charm. Many guests have praised the friendly, attentive staff who effortlessly make every visitor feel right at home, adding to the overall experience.

Frequent diners rave about the consistency of the food and service, returning year after year to enjoy favorites like the California breakfast burrito, a hearty and flavorful dish that comes highly recommended. The outdoor seating, especially, is a standout spot to savor your meal while enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze alongside your furry friends, making it an ideal choice for both locals and visitors alike.

In essence, La Playita is more than just a Mexican restaurant; it’s a vibrant community spot where authentic flavors meet beachside charm. Whether you’re craving classic nachos or a perfectly grilled quesadilla, this unpretentious yet delightful eatery delivers a satisfying experience that reflects the essence of Hermosa Beach’s welcoming spirit.

For those seeking a flavorful escape near the water, La Playita is a must-visit that promises delicious food, genuine hospitality, and a memorable atmosphere all year round.

03 Notes from regulars

762 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.6
Based on 762 verified notes
5 585
4 125
3 34
2 16
1 17
All Beach View Beachfront Location Guava Juice Outdoor Seating Mole Sauce Mimosas Ocean View Fajita Plate Margaritas Homemade Chips
Brandon Liu.
2 month ago
I had a hankering for some Mexican food and took a look around and found this place just a bit away from the main strip of Hermosa Beach. It's got a hole in the wall feel to it with its moderate dining area, but it feels so worked and cozy. The staff were incredibly friendly and made you feel welcome. Spanish and English are both welcome and service is great regardless. I got the breakfast burrito and it is decently sized, I was considering getting another item, but between that and the chips and salsa, I was stuffed and everything tasted great. Be sure to swing by if you want a quick and casual place to have some great Mexican food!
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Lars Andersen.
2 month ago
Been coming here since 2018 and everything is consistent, from the service, food and atmosphere. Close to the beach strand at 14th.
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brianna hartmann.
3 month ago
Authentic and tasty Mexican food right next to beach, highly recommend stopping by. I really loved their California breakfast burritos on special for $12.95, also comes with fresh fruit, great price and great vibes!!
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Sen Rock.
3 month ago
Perfect mexican spot with ocean views. Food is excellent, staff was amazing, atmosphere fantastic. Highly recommend! Outdoor patio was great and I was able to have my dog with me.
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Sabrina Keigley.
3 month ago
Really cute place close to the beach! The seating outside was in a nice spot to see the ocean and get some sun! Our server was super attentive and really helpful! The place was clean with a nice vibe, definitely felt beachy and the food was good! Portions were appropropriate for the price. Definitely would recommend! Parking is typically best if you can find it on a side street and walk down if you don't want to pay, and if parking on the street is scarce there is a parking garage about a block over! Not too bad! You can always take a walk along the strand on your way to the restaurant which is absolutely lovely!
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Mike Letizia.
3 month ago
Love La Playita! Tonight we got the fish tacos (excellent) and chicken mole enchiladas. Didn’t love the mole sauce on the enchiladas but overall a great meal. Be back soon!
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Steviejr.
5 month ago
Great place to get drinks and food with some friends, they were able to accommodate our group of 6 comfortably. We got a wide range of burritos, tacos and chips and they were quite good. There pitchers of guava were also really tasty and paired well with the food. Great location and close to the beach for walking off the food.
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Luckwa Homchuen.
5 month ago
Authentic local little gem! Everything was so good!!! The food was delicious, authentic and generous portions. The staff are extremely welcoming, attentive and caring. The margaritas were refreshing and yummy! And we got free nachos when we sat down. The interior is lovely and cosy, we absolutely loved this little hidden local place and to mention that the prices here were half compared to other venues in this area the staff were the best part
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 08:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 08:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
Friday (today) 08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
Saturday 08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
Sunday 08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
Finding the door

37 14th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Serves local specialty
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
Crowd
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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