I don’t really care about Cinco de Mayo. Before you hang me by the rafters, hear me out: I should say, I don’t really drink. As in “like a fish”. So there’s no need for me to find an excuse to binge drink in someone’s backyard while dipping nachos into a 2lb dish of Costco bean dip. In my past experience, this is why most people seem to care about Cinco de Mayo. Call me crazy but I’d rather be kind to my body and eat some of the best Mexican food I could find (um, if that could be considered kind). And I’d like to pay homage to the 4-5,000 men who defended their country against the French on this faithful, upcoming date by telling you about my favorite Mexican joint. Wait, back up you say? A battle? Much to my, and perhaps your, surprise, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence day! Strike one to the white girl. More history lessons can be found here, but for now, all I can think about is food. MEXICAN food.
There is a place in the Sherman Oaks called Tony’s Mexican Grill. I became aware of Tony’s food when some Southern boys I used to hang out with vouched for it in a big way. “Tony’s Tony’s Tony’s”!! It was always about lunch trips to Tony’s with them and so I finally had to see what it was all about. In true Valley form, the small, colorful exterior is wedged in the back corner of a mini-mall at Magnolia and Coldwater Canyon and sure enough, it serves some of the freshest, richest, lip-smacking-est Mexican food I’ve ever had this side of Albuquerque. (Nothing beats Gardunos baby)
Family owned and totally down to earth, (I just heard a customer today telling the woman who was working how pleasant and genuine she’s always been) Tony’s Mexican Grill is set like a diner with tables and booths that may or may not be sticky, a modest salsa bar and some damn-good, creamy Horchata trickling in the corner. This is the place you want the locals to take you when you’re on vacation. (Funny how it took a couple of out-of-towners to tell me about it!) I haven’t been to Tony’s on a regular basis, but everything I’ve tried has been a declaration of hardcore, cheesy, authentic Mexican grub piled high with no hope for anything but an afternoon nap at the end of it. The only thing bad I can say is that the parking can be pretty tight and the steak, while charbroiled and zesty, seemed a tad chewy to me. But I have been known to be a meat snob.
The burritos are messy and full of stuff like “secret sauce” and powerful, pungent guacamole. The combos and specials are chock full of everything from a grilled fish fillet over mashed potatoes to a chile relleno, taco, enchilada combo for just $10. Best of all, when you dine in you are delivered a small bowl of cold fruit with sweet Mexican yogurt at the end of your meal. Tony’s serves breakfast ALL DAY too! (So when you’re hungover on the 6th you can shuffle in for brunch). With 7 items to choose from, like huevos rancheros, chorizo eggs, and chilaquiles and eggs, only one is over $7.
So when Cinco de Mayo comes around, remember Tony’s and give a nod to Mexico not just for her incredible food but for the reminder that freedom, courage and the right to defend oneself against injustice is something that all of humanity shares [Editor's note: The French aren't a threat to all of humanity... We just wanted to show you all how to live properly...].
Of course, a good Margarita does wonders for the human spirit too, so who am I to judge?
Viva Libertad!
Tony’s Mexican Grill
12910 Magnolia Blvd
Sherman Oaks, Ca 91423
(818) 769-5754
$
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