Skip to Content
Echo Park

“Doin’ It in the Park” Wednesdays at Barragan’s ~ Echo Park

barragan.jpg

Barragan's Mexican Restaurant ~ 1538 Sunset Blvd. Echo Park, CA 90026

Doin' It in the Park ~ Every Wednesday from 7PM-on

2384.jpg

I lost my virginity one night in a public park in Salamanca, España, drunk on two 40's y una morena from Angers. So when Los Angeles' DJ Talib kept inviting TACO to 'do it in the park' with him, I kept politely declining, stressing that although he IS kinda cute, I'm a kitty-lover through and through. Finally, I realized that "Doin' It in the Park" was the name of his come-one, come-all party that happens every Wednesday at Echo Park's Barragan's, which features $2.29 margaritas and party people from the neighborhood and beyond.

8147.jpg

Those who know Barragan's solely for their greasy-spoon breakfasts of excellent huevos rancheros might have no clue how big this place actually is, as it goes on and on, and on and on, keeping moving like a rolling stone into a second level and an outdoor rooftop terrace, which are the best seats. TACO legal advisor Gregory Lemmons Esq. and I hit Barragan's (which is even fun-ner when you emphasize the "ARR"...like a bucaneer) and dove into some chips, salsa picante, and numerous small cups of sweet-strong agave elixir.

7164.jpg

The interior is super-70's, with a slight family-style twist and cool masks from some far-off place. I would hate to see it ever change. Remember when ALL restaurants sorta looked like this? The Dodgers were making up for the previous night's rout against the Padres (which another TACO editor and I witnessed in the flesh), over the broad shoulders of Armando Barragan, owner of the joint, and quick-draw slinger of margaritas. This guy is a stud. I bet he's kicked a couple of people's asses in his life, plus he seems to be a good fatherly type, even before you find out Barragan Jr. is at the door, holding papa's place down.

11177.jpg

The crowd slowly drifted in and partly because of the rolling fog in my mind, the joint was suddenly packed with Echo Park everybodys, from rookies to vets, a great assemblage of tucked-in, blue-shirted worker bees with tidy haircuts as well as some dudes who look like they came straight from a roadie gig with Turbonegro. But basically, the crowd was real regular-looking, cute, and young, without stupid ironic clothes stolen from Special Ed or any faux-mullets. Color me impressed. Soon, all were hooting and hollering and exchanging good times.

1799.jpg

As the great Talib said to me, "We basically wanted a place for everyone to feel welcome, no matter who they are, without lines and guest lists and all of that. I started it for the good people of Echo Park. Just a place for people to hang out or party, and get to know each other. We guaranteed that there would be no assholes, and Armando liked the idea. Our motto: Good vibes/Good people."

4249.jpg

What started as a small get-together has become one of Wednesday's and Echo Park's most care-free parties, with no lack of participants, and probably at least one person you know but didn't expect to find. The frivolity starts at 7PM and goes basically until you're sleeping on the couch of a stranger who looks like a Mexican Freddy Mercury who wakes you up at 4AM and forces you to watch porn in his 15th attempt to get you to close your eyes and "pretend it's a woman doing it." Fuck you, Ray. No means no. Ain't ya heard? Even on your birthday.

3295.jpg

Go to Barragan's on Wednesday evenings for $2.29 margaritas and fun, everybody. It rules and Los Angeles TACO will return soon! Thanks Talib and Armando!

5177.jpg
10139.jpg
9129.jpg


Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Everything Wrong with Tesla’s $500 ‘Mezcal’

"Mezcal has become a commodity for many, without any regard for the earth, [or] for Indigenous people's land rights," says Odilia Romero, an Indigenous migrants rights advocate from Oaxaca and the executive director for CIELO. "Oaxaca is also having a water access issue.

December 20, 2024

This Weekend: Sonoran Caramelos, Brisket Tteokbokki, Mex-Italian Fusion, and Country-Fried Tofu

Plus, Malay-style wings, a collaboration pizza-topped with Philippe The Original's French-dipped beef and hot mustard, and more in this week's roundup.

December 20, 2024

More Than 70 People Reported Feeling Ill After Eating Oysters At L.A. Times ‘101 Restaurants’ Food Event

Ragusano is disappointed that the L.A. Times didn’t publicly disclose that there was an outbreak at their event. “Obviously they’re not going to print it in their paper,” Ragusano said. “But they‘re a newspaper and newspapers are supposed to share the news. This is how people usually find out about something like this,” she added. “It's ironic because it happened to them.”

December 19, 2024

The 38 Best Books of 2024

Like listening to music, reading is an activity that recharges the spirit. It offers a chance to unplug for an hour to fill your soul and slow down. Here are 38 ways to free your attention span from doom scrolling and algorithms.

December 18, 2024

A Trucker’s Oasis For Peruvian Chicharrón Sandwiches, Leche de Tigre, and Camote Donuts In Vernon

Their chicharrón sandwich is the best $10 you can spend in the beautiful city of Vernon. This mom-and-pop shop opened by a couple of retired truck drivers is a bonafide strip mall gem in Los Angeles, overlooking the L.A. River, too.

December 17, 2024
See all posts