Sorry to hear we ended up doing Komal and chichen itza
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I was there a few weeks ago and had a similar thought. Something alone the lines of the Mercado was probably not built to handle this level of volume. Parking and seating are at a major premium. Iām hoping it hasnāt turned off a lot of the long time customers to the detriment of the other businesses.
It is definitely a top ten dining destination and I totally understand why visitors would want to check it out. Fortunately when it is mobbed, you can usually beeline to Chichen Itza or one of the other vendors for pretty damn tasty food with minimal lines.
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Speaking of parking - does anyone know the details as to when the lot behind the Mercado (DMV parking) is fair game? Iāve seen it both ways and donāt really know when it is or isnāt. (Well the cones are up and theres no one parked when there isnāt. But I donāt know when that is). Or is that really supposed to be a never thing?
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It seems to be open during the weekends only. But not totally sure
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Parked in that lot once but be careful if you drive a sedan with low clearance. The pavement from the front parking lot to back parking lot if uneven.
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I still go there all the time. Not on the weekends though. The DMV lot has been opened in the evening during the week. However when I go solo, I just take the E Line and walk there.
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How long are your average wait times?
If the line is out the sliding door I typically pass on waiting and go to one of the other vendors. If itās within the sliding doors / starting at the display glass, I havenāt waited more than 20 minutes from ordering to finding a seat. I donāt think Iād be happy if I waited over an hour for it knowing the quality of chichen itza and the fact thereās never a wait at it.
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Unfortunately, Ive had chichen itza multiple times and have never really loved it. I would rather have the menudo from the stand next door.
The line was curving up the fence towards the back parking lot yesterday!!!
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You should try the mondongo at Chichen Itza on weekend mornings! It is pretty spectacular and low key one of the best Mexican soups in LA.
Thanks to @Dommy for mentioning it.
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Will give that a try!
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Regarding parking for Mercado, plz donāt make this incredibly known lol but there is always parking here. Thereās no time limit, and thereās usc security in front of it so itās super safe.
I pulled up yesterday and there were 15 open spots. Itās a one minute walk away lol. No need to ever go into that dumb lot
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Thanks!
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Iām one of those long time customers - have been going every few months since they opened. But I have a 2 year old and I can only make it out there on the weekends, so Iām sad to say I havenāt been since the lines got insane. Which is especially too bad because weāre at the Science Center or Natural History Museum a fair amount.
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Youāre the hero we need but donāt deserve ā¦
Thanks all for the tips! I was stuck at the dealership on Sunday and was starving when I got out so I thought Iād drop by for some recon. I wasnāt expecting to get Holbox at all, but the line was out the door by 4:30 and like 1/3 of the way to the lot. (By the time I left ~5pm, it was close to the back parking lot ā¦) Even a small line at Chichen Itza.
I never go on the weekends, during the semesters in the evenings it hasnāt been this crazy.
Sign on the DMV lot says open after 5pm.
I was scoping out to see if thereās any other exits to the lot so I watched another car try to leave. Poor sedan tried to go for a gap between the curb berms near W 37th and Hope St that looked like it fits a car, but looks like is just a straight drop down to the street, not graded at all. The car eventually made it out but it did not sound good. I guess itās one way in, one way out at that lot ā¦
Stuffed myself with a taco from Komal instead, no line.
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Happy for them. Sad for me. I wont go until the lines die down. I did enjoy Komal though. And I asked at Holbox if the they still do the torta camarone , despite not being on menu. They will 
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Went for lunch today at opening the line was prolly 20 plus min long right to the entrance of the Mercado Paloma. Luckily I scored a seat at the counter. A pro tip for weekdays might be going 20-30 min after opening as the line actually died down after the initial open and wasnāt any longer at 12:50 when we left vs opening time.
Some new additions include vermillion rockfish ceviche. Everything was as good as ever except for the scallop taco which seemed to be missing something.
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i see a torta de camaron
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The side salad included with the torta is the only dish I have ever disliked at Holbox lol.
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I wonder if you can sub for potato salad from Chichen Itza 
hmmmmā¦.
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