Any thoughts on the best sit down Mexican from DTLA and further west for non-Oaxacan Mexican with a full bar?
West of 405 these come to mind but none are great (maybe none are even good 
).
Lares
Talpa
Don Antonio
Paco’s
Casablanca
El Cholo
Thanks
I have always been a big fan of Mercado. Was sad to see the Santa Monica and DTLA locations close, but the Hollywood location is still open.
Prima Cantina on Montana Ave is pretty solid, though I think Mercado is a better experience.
Both Mercado and Prima Cantina skew upscale/modern Mexican.
For old school, of the ones you listed, I think Paco’s has the best food, Don Antonio’s has the most lively environment / well rounded experience, and Casablanca is the most unique.
Thanks, we are definitely thinking more old school than modern/upscale!
I would go Paco’s if your priority is food. I usually go to the location on Centinela, which I think is fantastic. I have heard claims that the Manchester location is better…but I haven’t been and the Centinela location is damn good as it is.
If your priority is ambiance:
Casablanca is the most unique of the bunch (though it can feel a bit cheesy), and if you like seafood they have the most interesting selection. Nothing else in LA feels quite like Casablanca. Homemade tortillas. Unique green salsa served as your primary dipping “salsa”. Live music most nights. Food ranges from solid to great.
Don Antonio’s will feel the most standard of the bunch. Checks all the boxes. Menu has everything you’d expect it to have. Interior feels a little on the “cheaper” end. Can get loud. Food close to Casablanca, maybe a hair under. Never wows, generally meets my expectations.
Lares I think is on par with Don Antonio’s food wise, but feels a little more rustic / understated, as opposed to Don Antonio’s which is more mass market.
I don’t care much for Talpa. Generally underwhelms me. Not terrible, but too many better options.
El Cholo is nostalgic but I think the food is borderline inedible.
I don’t have any other places to add - you’ve hit all my spots - though others may.
La Serenata feels like the best choice
Damian
Javier’s (it’s annoying but they make a good marg at least)
Gracias madre
La cha cha cha
New place in Sherman Oaks (Daisy Margarita Bar) is amazing. Drinks are A+, food is B+/A-. But it’s very good overall. I can’t say enough about some of the drinks I had–especially the salsa verde margarita. If this bar was in Mexico City it would be all over the World’s 50 best.
damian
Damian, La Cha Cha Cha etc are great but definitely not “old school”
El Condor in silver lake is fine if the emphasis is vibes. It’s probably a little outside of your range (though maybe technically slightly west of downtown??) but I love La Cabañita in Montrose. And definitely outside your range but on this side of town Mijares is a pretty iconic example of the style - not great! but accurate representation and totally adequate.
How full is a full bar? Gilbert’s El Indio is a family favorite – laid-back, convivial atmosphere; old school interior (and exterior); they will put cheese on absolutely anything if asked politely. What’s not to love?
We did a holiday office party at Cha Cha Cha dtla. Much better than expected.
Well, we get a A for effort on Easter Sunday. However, neither Ciao Bob nor myself will ever set foot again into Don Antonio. An alleged Mexican restaurant. The “tamale“ was a gelatinous mass under a “mole“ that was just a slurry of goo. The chile Colorado, which is my go to when I want American Mexican food and a margarita, was a little like a radish kimchi I had this morning. But the kimchi was better. The guacamole was soft and the salsa I hope will be forgettable. Margaritas were fast and sugary awful. The only thing that made the meal, even slightly more palatable, excluding my dining partner, was when I asked for some salt. I honestly have not had food that bad, regardless of ethnicity, in a very, very long time. Don Antonio is dead to me. May he rest in that mole.
The food 
Mirate team! Good sign
that’s funny! you really need to report more.
I have never ordered the chile Colorado, but I can attest to the tamale being mediocre. I guess I’ve been going to Don Antonio’s long enough that I stick with what I know is good. Would have offered some ordering tips if I knew you had settled on Don Antonio’s. Sorry you had an awful meal. 
I had such a terrible meal at Don Antonios a few weeks ago, that I’ll likely not return. And I’ve been going for decades.
Talpa and Gilbert’s are still excellent choices when you want that style of Mexican food. Lare’s also.
Casa Sanchez might be an option. The alcohol menu isn’t large but does include margaritas.