Holbox has been on my to-try list for a while since everybody raves about it, and it obviously has won numerous accolades, including one Michelin star. However, I live in the SGV, so I never wanted to deal with the traffic. Since they were closed on Thanksgiving, I decided to go on Black Friday for a late lunch/early dinner, and it was an extremely easy drive due to the holiday.
I ordered one of every taco, one tostada de jurel ($11.00), and a sparkling lemonade ($5.00). Total with tax and tip was $73.83.
In the first picture going from left to right then bottom:
* Taco de pulpo en su tinta ($7.00)
* Taco de pescado al carbón ($8.00)
* Scallop taco ($8.00)
* Baja fish taco ($5.00)
* Baja shrimp taco ($6.00)
* Smoked kanpachi taco ($7.00)
I was eating by myself, but I think the staff thought it was a party of two because they provided two sets of forks, napkins, and chips and salsa.
I know everybody on the subreddit raves about Holbox, but I would probably rate it 4/5. No hate, just my personal opinion and preference, but I’m starting to realize I’m not the biggest fan of seafood prepared in a Mexican style (e.g., I thought the Poseidon from Mariscos Jalisco was just okay).
If I had to rank my order, my top choices would be the smoked kanpachi taco then taco de pescado al carbón then baja fish taco/baja shrimp taco, and I would order them again if I’m ever in the area. Sparkling lemonade was good, a bit tart and not too sweet. Otherwise, for the other items, I’m fine with my one-time experience.
by georgecloooney
12 Comments
You missed the raw stuff!! That’s one of the areas where Mexican seafood shines!
I really need to make this place a priority next time im in LA.
I’m here at least every 2 weeks when I’m sharpening knives for the chefs at the Mercado. That sparkling lemonade slaps so hard that it’s probably become my favorite thing on the menu.
The pulpo taco is a must have. After that, ceviche (or tostada) mixto or de pescado, and the scallop aguachile are my go-to items. I like to ask for extra tostada to eatr the aguachiles with as the saltines don’t quite do it for me…
I stopped in for the third time a few weeks ago, that smoked kanpachi taco is every bit as incredible as everyone in this sub has made it out to be. Just incredible
Everything at Holbox is delicious!
The sparkling lemonade is strangely delicious. .
Holbox is good and consistent but its damn pricey. You could find just as good ceviche/ fish tacos for a fraction of the price in East LA imo.
I’d still go back to treat myself, but if you’re nearby East LA, I’d probably choose East LA for the price itself. Still, Holbox is a Michelin Star casual restaurant, so it’s probably a little easier to introduce to those who have never had ceviche and are skeptical. Holbox does a great job with consistency too.
The white sauce on those tacos is pitiful. Need at least double that
Went to holbox for the first time as well on black friday.
I too ordered a bunch of tacos, and one ceviche dish.
The smoked taco was by far the best and most unique one. The ceviche was probably the best I ever had.
In retrospect, I shouldn’t have ordered so many tacos, because I can get a fried fish or shrimp taco anywhere. I should’ve gotten more raw dishes and definitely will next time. The only taco I’d order again or recommend to anyone is the smoked fish.
Yall gotta try the cóctel mixto
I’m putting this on my list for the pulpo alone. Hard to find good quality and portioned octopus in the states that isn’t overpriced.
Like your picture 😍😋👇
Spicy Mexican food challenge for all the thrill seekers 🌶🔥 🇲🇽
🔻🔻🔻
[https://youtu.be/ehwKZsL0BYI?si=exP9AuDIGatXKH0H](https://youtu.be/ehwKZsL0BYI?si=exP9AuDIGatXKH0H)
https://preview.redd.it/b9ty54p9qn4e1.png?width=1168&format=png&auto=webp&s=42ca2e5f7a71e6e520c0e70fa89caec29faa5f75
The smoked kampachi taco is INCREDIBLE, but I’d suggest skipping the rest of the tacos next time and opt for a ceviche.