Contrary to what you might think, $2 margarita Wednesdays isn’t really a super-publicized event. Word-of-mouth was how we heard. We’re not even really sure when this all started, except that one day in July our friend called us and said, “Barragan’s. Tonight. Two dollars.” We’ve been there ever since. What month is it? September?
On Wednesday nights, Barragan's opens its doors to the teeming throngs of neighborhood hipsters who have one agenda: getting smashed. With two floors of space to move around in (and a narrow, nearly claustrophobic staircase) there's no reason not to grab a table with six of your closest friends. Pig out on some carne asada (and lots of chips and salsa!) while you’re throwing back your second, salty beverage. Tired of your friends? Go grab a seat outside on the scenic smoker’s porch, only open on Wednesdays.
You might run into Hollywood club kids—those guys you’ve seen at Three Clubs, those girls who identify themselves at Steve Aoki's groupies on Tuesdays at Cinespace. Random DJs take turns downstairs spinning hits from New Order to Robin Thicke (our favorite second-tier Justin Timberlake). It’s all a relatively laid-back atmosphere more conducive to getting happily wasted than schmoozing. Chill is the word of the evening. Remember, you’re all in a Mexican restaurant on a Wednesday night because you’re all cheap bastards.
Drinks: The bar doesn't actually serve $2 margaritas. A regualr cocktail is $2.25 and the fruit-flavored marg is $3.25. Random, I know. The bartenders stay busy from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m., pouring pre-mixed margaritas from white plastic containers. Don’t watch them do it. Like eating fast food, it’s better not to know where it came from. (For God’s sake tip them well. They’re working hard.)
Food: Carne asada, chips and salsa. The perfect compliment to your second (third, fourth…tenth) salty beverage.
Insider’s tip: Parking is easier than you might think. Skip the Barragan’s lot across the street (we hear they’re prone to charging) and venture west on Laveta Terrace where there’s street parking near a lovely old Craftsman.
Click here for Barragan's address, phone number and website.
George Ducker is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
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