For the benefit of non-Angelenos, the El Coyote Mexican restaurant is a bit of an LA institution. Nearly everybody I know agrees that while the food is only okay, the margaritas are killer-good, and the colorfully kitsch atmosphere makes everything festive. Its current location on Beverly Blvd (where it moved in 1951) was not its original one, though. It opened in 1931 at the location shown here, 105 N. La Brea Ave at 1st Street. This shot was taken in the 1940s and interestingly, it advertises “Spanish Food.” Question: Is that what we called Mexican food back then?
**UPDATE**
Susan says: “From my memories, some people called going out for Mexican food, going out for Spanish food, because of strong racist feelings toward Mexicans that existed in the area at the time. Along with blacks back then, Mexicans were quite discriminated against and lived in segregated communities. It’s just a guess here, but El Coyote might have advertised Spanish food vs Mexican food served, to attract a wider group of clientele.”
For the benefit of non-Angelenos, the El Coyote Mexican restaurant is a bit of an LA institution. Nearly everybody I know agrees that while the food is only okay, the margaritas are killer-good, and the colorfully kitsch atmosphere makes everything festive. Its current location on Beverly Blvd (where it moved in 1951) was not its original one, though. It opened in 1931 at the location shown here, 105 N. La Brea Ave at 1st Street. This shot was taken in the 1940s and interestingly, it advertises “Spanish Food.” Question: Is that what we called Mexican food back then?
What we now call “Mexican” food was called “Spanish” cuisine until about 1960.
Thanks, David. I’m not sure why or how I wasn’t aware of that until now, but I wasn’t. Much appreciated!