Olvera Street

A small historic street in LA. So much history and you feel like you are in Mexico. Many food places to try great for the kids and I just scored these awesome sun glasses for $ 5 hehehe

Came upon this area by accident during free museum Saturday as we were at the Japanese American National Museum. Loved the outdoor market and the eateries looked yummy too. One of the eateries had a really long line and there were some cool and lovely gifts at each of the stores. A great break from the hustle and bustle of LA. I was here like 20 years ago and bought a poncho when they were all the rage and saw the same one — reggae colors. LOL I think parking is more nearby paid lots or may be street parking if you can find it. We had parked a mile away for lunch and walked to the museum and this was the half way point. A great place for families, couples, or just friends to hang out, eat, and browse/​shop on a nice sunny day.

Part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, Olvera Street is the oldest part of Los Angeles, dating back to 1781, when the area got settled.
Olvera Street was a small street, where Los Angeles began. It would grow, as the settlement would grow into a major city. The area does have a Latin American feel, as California was once part of Mexico, before becoming part of the US, as you can see it with the architecture and feel of the place. There are performances by bands and dances that happen there, giving the place a festive feel, along with churches and shops to check out. There is a small museum called Avila Abode, which is a replica of a California home from the 1840’s. There are different rooms with period furniture, along with artifacts that have been found on the settlement. Also, exhibitions on the history of the settlement, which you can read, near the model of the settlement.
Olvera Street is definitely worth the time to check out, not only for the museum, but also a nice place to experience some Mexican culture.

The blend of history, culture, shopping and food makes Olvera St a must-​visit, especially during Mexican holidays.
There are tons of little places to eat, and none of them have let me down, especially for the price.
Most of the items on sale cost the same no matter which stall you visit, so shop away!

Been coming here since I was a kid. It’s always fun to take the train here and walk around to see the shops. My first and I love to come to the day of the day parade. They have good restaurants here also. I hope this place never closes! Save olvera street!

It is definitely a historic landmark in DTLA and of course it is one of the top tourist attraction spots as well.
When I was walking down the Olvera Street, I really felt like I am in different country. Besides shopping, there are a few small museums (free). They show the history of the neighborhood, very informative.
There are more than 4 different Mexican restaurants on Olvera Street. Good varieties to choose from.
If you ever come to DTLA, this will be a good place to check it out.
It is right across from Union Station. Easy access to Metro and Metrolink.

Its a nice and interesting street, full with Mexican food, musicians, clothes, decorations.
I happened to be there during the Mole fiesta and I was really impressed with the music, all people dancing, really nice food, sweets.
There are many tourist too so it can get pretty crowded and not easy to move around, but if you are in no rush you can see everything for about 2 hours.
Nice place when you want to see something a bit different and so many people in one place :)

I love visiting ethnic areas in Los Angeles, but felt that at Olvera Street the atmosphere was too commercialized and the products were tacky. Authenticity was not there and it’s probably my first and last visit.

I thought this place was going to be more than just a tiny street. I figured a few streets or one LONG one. I was sort of bummed that it wasn’t more. Although, there is a ton of culture here. I’m 3^rd generation so I don’t get out to Mexico a lot. It was nice to see all the monitos and learn a little about my history. I’m half Mexican. There were a few restaurants that had mariachis playing which was pretty awesome. There was a band playing since AARP was having people sign up and get freebies. They had tons of great food there. You must stop and get churros from Mr churro if you come!
While street pays tribute to «Dias de Los Muertos». Lots of skulls and plenty of leather. I found Loteria! Brought back great memories! My grandma would play with us when we were little. I had a good time here.

Did You Know?
Los Angeles was originally named El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula, (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciúncula) and was settled by 11 families in 1781, under Spanish rule. The original settlement was located southeast of Olvera Street, but they were forced to abandon it and move to higher ground due to flooding. The period following Mexican Independence saw the establishment of adobe houses, farming, and the growth of cattle ranching– a community where the Plaza was always the center of life.
Over the years, the center of the city moved south and the old Plaza area fell into decay. In the late 1920’s, a young woman named Christine Sterling began a campaign based on the idea of renewing the Plaza as a romantic «authentic» homage to the city’s past; this ultimately led to the Olvera Street people visit and love today.
Although it is sometimes criticized as a romantic, unrealistic, kitschy representation of Mexican-​American traditions, Olvera Street succeeds in celebrating and recognizing the true roots of this great city.
On the surface, colorful vendor stalls stationed down the street offer piñatas for sale among rows of Mexican candy, ceramics, marionettes, zarapes and other traditional dress, oversized sombreros, worry dolls, Spanish fans and decorative candles. Restaurant menu signs posted outside advertise margaritas, taquitos, burritos, and an even larger sign points the way to Mr. Churro.
But between all of the trying and buying and selling and eating, there are also free museums where real learning and interaction with history can take place. And it’s all free!
The Avila Adobe, located about halfway down Olvera street, is the oldest residence in Los Angeles. Visitors can walk through the structure and feel how the thick adobe kept rooms cool; they can relax in the courtyard and imagine the effort it would have required to cook a family meal. Across the street, the America Tropical Interpretive Center asks visitors to consider the historical relevance of artistic censorship — in our own backyard. And the Sepulveda house takes them back to the lived realities of Los Angeles’ inhabitants centuries ago.
Towards the South side of the Plaza, the Plaza Firehouse stands as the first home of the first firefighters of the city. Forget the effort required to cook a family meal, imagine the coordination required for a small group of volunteer firemen to respond to a fire miles away. Around the corner, the Chinese American Museum invites visitors to learn about the history of the Chinese American community in California and their role in the development of Los Angeles.
And that’s not even all — the Pico House periodically opens its doors throughout the year for special exhibits, including Dia de Los Muertos; the Italian American Museum showcases the contributions of Italian Americans; a zig-​zag brick pattern down Olvera Street signifies the Zanja Madre, the original aqueduct of Los Angeles, and the source of life; and there are events on Olvera Street year-​round, like the Blessing of the Animals in the spring or Posadas in the winter.
Olvera Street is a wonderful place to visit and bring visitors– it provides the potential for true engagement with the history of one of the greatest cities in the world. It encourages you to imagine the vast differences and harsh realities of a society now past, while bringing you the comfort of a caramel-​stuffed churro and an ice cold horchata for that warm LA weather. The ultimate takeaway will depend on the visitor, they might leave with a newfound respect for the diverse communities that contributed to LA’s rich history and urbanization, but at the very least they’ll leave with a pair of maracas and a sugar candy skull. Either way, it promises a great stay!

Since the last time I visited and my review, I have to say it has gotten so much better in most recent years! The power of Unilocal!Hee hee, seriously I think someone might have heard my gripe: P And took pity on my selfishness and made this beautiful historical gem flourish!
Prices I’ve noticed are not the same as they were back then. Thank God! As for the authentic leather, pottery, clothing (except touristy t-​shirts, etc), are priced accordingly (higher) because of the quality of craftsmanship and the fact that you won’t find them anywhere else, but Mexico, San Diego and the little «Mercado”/Mexican storefronts w/​individual vendors. But as for the rest of the priceless «little trinkets» etc, they aren’t too bad, affordable and rest pretty darn cheap — especially for the kids that come on field trips, will go nuts here.
Restaurants are all good, but you have those 3 – 4 that stand out from the rest and my personal favorites are La Buena Noche, Juanita’s & Cielito Lindo being my last if the others are too full.
With all the recent changes in DTLA at the accelerated pace, this little piece of «Old LA» is quite a sight for those wanting that temporary relief from the trendy hustle and bustles to go back in time for a minute and/​or to get away (w/​out hopping a plane) to another place and indulge.
I LIKE!

If you visit L.A. and especially if you take the train to Union Station, this is a place you ought to visit. One time, anyway. It’s an easy walk from the train station.
Basically a Mexican-​themed arcade in an alley crowded with restaurants selling overpriced and underwhelming food, and shops selling billions of souvenirs, trinkets, blankets, and all things touristy Mexican.
There’s no striped donkey, but you can find oversized sombreros quite easily. Need a lucha mask, no problemo.
It’s very crowded on all weekends, all summer, and all holidays.
Been there, done that. No mas.

I really enjoyed the vendors and the atmosphere of this place. If you like something ask the price and walk around… chances are you will find it cheaper a couple of vendors down.
There are spots here that are picture perfect.

I’ve been coming here ever since I was a little girl & I still enjoy checking out the vendors & shops for trinkets: a sacred heart, hand decorated veladoras, sugar skulls, dia de los muertos art & a game of Loteria that I’ll win you at.
You’re probably setting the bar too high for yourself if you think you’ll come out bleeding la raza after one pass through. Don’t eat at the restaurants there unless you’re coping the taquitos at Cielito Lindo or a churro filled with cajeta. That’s it. Taquitos y churros, nada mas!
Your Homegirl,
Violy
P.S.
Don’t forget to check out the Avila adobe & the Siqueiros mural!

This is where the party is! Love the Spanish culture, love it! What an amazing way to spend an afternoon. I bought some curious art pieces which are very special to me (the artist did negotiate hugely) and I picked up a couple of Los Muertos skulls.
Great selection of vendors who are way friendly. The costume dancing and boisterous celebration here is something that should not be missed. You will feel electrified!
Parking is rough but it’s near the gazebo where the performances are so that’s a good thing.

Marvelous!
So much culture here.
It is amazing to see, how many artifacts there are.
Many people selling cultural clothing it makes me like if i actually traveled many many miles to get to another country.
The vendors are so nice and helpful.
Even though there are a lot of vendors that are so expensive that is why you should walk around because they will have something that you had your eye on at another spot for a lesser price.
I have been here some times but I loved coming here for El dia de los Muertos event
They have entertainment, such as little kids dancing to cultural music.
The dancers having their faces painted like sugar skulls so beautifully.

A part of Los Angeles history that everyone should go to at least once. Once is really all you need, considering you see it all pretty quickly. Olvera Street is cute. It reminded me of the tourist areas when you first dock from a cruise ship.
There’s several restaurants and food stands. The restaurants all come with a nice patio area so you can eat outside and enjoy your day. I didn’t eat while I was here but everything smelled amazing and I will make it a point to come back and try some of the food.
There are parking lots nearby, which is really your only option. There’s a restroom available, which is good to know.
It does have a lot of the same stuff, yes this is true, but there’s also a lot of original cute things to be had here. They have all the things you might expect like, Luchador masks, Piñadas, puppets, purses and religious candles. However, I found some things that had character and originality, at least in my opinion. One store in particular had a nice selection of tiles, ceramics, dinnerware and vases.
It’s one straight, narrow street. It’s not very long at all. There are benches available if you want to sit and people watch. There’s a lot of history behind it and it’s admirable that such efforts have been put into its preservation. Church bells sounding at the top of the hour, a big resurrected cross at that entrance of the street; Olvera Street is very quaint.

Olvera Street is a Historical Landmark located in Downtown Los Angeles where you will take in the great experience of our Mexican Culture. From Mexican Culinary goodness you will find in the many restaurants, to music that is playing throughout the marketplace don’t forget to pay a visit to the gazebo where there are always live performances of some kind, like today we watched Aztec Dancers.
The place also offers multiple vendors that have a nice array of Mexican items like toys, shoes, shirts, huaraches, sombreros, sarapes, and yes the Lucha Libre masks that were a big hit with the boys today. Don’t forget to buy Mexican candy, cause there is plenty of it here.
Parking is offered all around for a cost of course or if you drive around you might score a free spot in a nearby street. Venture around, enjoy the culture, the food, and all the Mexican delicacies that are offered at Olvera Street.

I’ve been coming to Olvera street since I was younger and I always enjoyed it. Parking is really hard to find especially on Sundays so I would recommend going on public transportation. It gets really packed but I don’t mind it because I am never in a hurry when I go. I love walking around the little stores even though they all sell similar things. Sometimes they even have events.
I never eat there because it is always busy but there is a lot of restaurants to choose from. Most of it is Mexican food. They have a few candy stands and other little stands where they sell items you would find at Mexico. Its just a really good place to hang out and relax for a bit. I would recommend going on the day of the dead. They have beautiful performances of dancers and at night they have a parade where there is people dancing around the little stores dressed as skeletons or dead people to honor them. During Christmas they decorate it and it is just filled with joy. It is a great place if you just want to walk and hang out with friends.
The energy is great because everyone seems to be in a good mood and it seems like no one has anything to worry about. I would recommend it for people who want to connect to their roots because there is a lot of Mexican Culture. It’s a great place if you love art they have a museum and there are some stores where they sell nice art. Across the street from the little stores there is a church so you could go to church as well if you’re into religion.

DIOS MÍO
BACKGROUND:
Olvera Street, known as «the birthplace of Los Angeles,» is a Mexican Marketplace that recreates a romantic «Old Los Angeles» with a block-​long narrow, tree-​shaded, brick-​lined market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants and gift shops. Olvera Street was created in 1930 «to preserve and present the customs and trades of early California.» Many of the merchants on Olvera Street today are descended from the original vendors.
Dodger fans visiting Olvera Street! Visitors from around the world stroll around the marketplace smelling the ever-​present taquitos and tacos at the outdoor cafes, listening to the strolling mariachi music, and watching Aztecs and Mexican folkloric dancers. The puestos offer handcrafted items such as pottery, belts, wallets, purses, leather and Mexican folk art.
STATS:
Street parking
Near Union Station
Uneven brick walk-​way (leave your stilettos, in the, I mean, at home)
Merchandise carts
Eateries
EXPERIENCE:
Every bit a native Angelo and a fan of all things Mexican, Olvera Street has always been in my lifetime. Visits with family, field trips with school, as well as all on my own with friends.
With China down on one end and downtown on the other, Olvera Street has so much to offer tourists and locals. So many quaint shops selling clothes, novelties, souvenirs representative of the Spanish heritage along the uneven brick, foot traffic only, street, with kiosks making up a center partition.
Eateries, they got those too. Taco, burritos, taquitos, guac and tortillas made right in front of you with fresh ingredients. Got a sweet tooth? Jamaica, Horchata, and Churros all for the taking.
A gazebo is center stage for music and dance performances by various music and dance troupes.
So if you’re ever in the mood for a taste of Mexico, check out Olvera Street. Look into their web site for events, if you’re thus inclined to plan your visit.
#losangeles #tasteofmexico #spanishculture #thingstodoinla
Review #12

I first visited wonderful Mexican heritage Olvera Street in August 2013 for the Anniversary celebration of Square Dancing becoming the official folk dance of the state of California. The open air plaza is a massive, and many people were able to sit on the sides on the short retaining wall as seating.
Drawbacks: Homeless people frequent the area, pretty much safe and harmless, just it can make it feel uncomfortable to eat in public at the marvelous kiosks or trying to sit and sip a cool beverage. Seeing as it’s LA, Parking is an Olympic Sport without any gold medals. Parking lots (not cheap) behind the station. There are other parking lots on the other side of Olvera Street. You’ll spend more on parking than your meal.
Seeing as it was a typical SoCal summer day, it was quite hot. And let me tell you, with Square Dancing in public like that for hours on end, we got hot and some great exercise. The kiosks featured Mexican inspired styled fruit pops which were marvelously refreshing and really helped to cool us down. There’s also a small store front store which sells soft-​serve ice cream cones.
Easy access by the train station.
Fast forward about 6 months, and I was taking the train to LA from The OC to meet my life partner to go to the Los Angeles Opera’s production of Carmen. (still need to do a Unilocal of the LA opera. It’s fantastic.) He picked me up in front of the train station, and we stopped by Olvera Street for a quick bite to eat for dinner. The food was delicious. The seating in the small store front restaurants is small and close. Nearly picnic style. The restaurant (closed when we were there.) facing the plaza has a larger seating area.

Cons:
–All the stores generally sell the same, useless, overpriced trinkets/​food.
–Mexican food does not taste authentic and is overpriced. Mostly unsanitary and greasy.
–Parking is horrible, with most places taking no less than $ 8. Suggest you park in Chinatown for $ 4 or less and walk two blocks.
–the whole area smells like urine/​garbage
–dirty, stinky bathrooms (what did you expect?). Have fun trying to take a number 2 here.
Pros:
–Free «museums,» which consist of a few old, houses, paintings, and furniture. So much fun!
–sights and sounds make you feel like you are in Mexico. Just barely (not really). Maybe a cheap knock-​off version of Mexico that tries to rip tourists off.