L.A. Is My Beat: Mariscos Guillen La Playita

I've blogged about La Playita in the past, but this stand is still going strong and serving the freshest seafood for the best prices in town! I was there today for lunch and snapped a few shots.

La Playita is just north of the Venice branch of Whole Foods Market on Lincoln Boulevard. It's situated near a few auto body repair shops. If you cannot park on the street, you may be able to squeeze into the WF parking lot....maybe.

The only item I've ever ordered at La Playita is the medium Shrimp Cocktail. It's so good. I always order it to go. It's less messy that way. The shrimp, along with big chunks of avocado, tomatoes and a cool broth with cilantro, onions and more comes in a big plastic cup. You are served lime slices along with curtido if you ask for it. Curtido is a sort of spicy pickled relish with chunks of radishes, carrots and onions. They also include 3 crispy tortillas. With a cold soft drink, it's a perfect lunch for $7.50.

Shrimp Cocktail to go with crispy tortillas on the side

There is minimal or no seating available at La Playita. Either you stand around the edge of the counter with your meal, or you fight the pigeons for space on this ledge next to the stand. I usually get my order to go and eat in my car or take it back to the office.

My motto: You cannot eat atmosphere!

Glamorous Seating at La Playita

There's this little poster / billboard facing the stand that changes every time I visit La Playita. Today, there was this interesting beach scene. I love Los Angeles!