I’m not mad at how many different restaurants around the San Fernando Valley have micheladas — or miches, as they’re commonly known — on their menu. I was born in the Valley and have lived here most of my life, minus scattered months in San Jose, California and different parts of México.
I also have a borderline obsessive love for micheladas, which turns into annoyance when I sip on one that’s made incorrectly. Using Yelp as a reference, along with suggestions from friends and family, I tried a total of 18 micheladas all over the San Fernando Valley.
As difficult as it was to narrow it down to just a handful (for now), here are the five Valley michelada spots that I will definitely be returning to. This list is in no particular order, though the first one was my favorite.
1. Papa Juan’s Baja Grill, San Fernando
Located in the heart of downtown San Fernando, this small (and super cute) establishment offers specialty micheladas with and without shrimp. The micheladas are simply amazing — no exaggeration, this is exactly what a clamato michelada is supposed to taste like. From my first sip to my last drop, I’m shocked I stopped myself from ordering more than one.
2. Añejo Cantina and Grill, Sherman Oaks
This is the Sunday brunch place. There is no doubt you will run into at least one person you know, if not half the Valley. The food is super yummy, and the drinks are even better. Most people love this spot for their bottomless mimosa brunch — but don’t sleep on the micheladas, because they are the tits! Small suggestion: Order without cucumbers for a more…authentic taste.
3. La Corona Bar and Grill, Lake Balboa
This spot became home base for me, because the micheladas are delicious and it’s fairly close to me. Like everyone else, I am obsessed with plants. La Corona Bar and Grill has plants all over the restaurant, giving a bit of a ~jungle vibe~ as I sipped on my drink. Shrimp or no shrimp, always get the straw!
4. Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks
If you didn’t know Casa Vega before, you definitely know it after Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Besides its feature on the big screen, Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner famously got drunk at Casa Vega before covering Kim Kardashian’s mansion in toilet paper. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by this michelada. It was so delicious — this was the only place I ordered a second one!
5. Culichitown Town, Sylmar
My first visit to Culichitown was epic. The vibe in the restaurant is very lively and fun! The micheladas are simple but delicious and not overdone with Worcestershire sauce. My favorite part might be the calendario — a large rubber duck with a large sparkler and a range of tequila shots. Yum!
~BONUS: Puta Cruda, Northridge
If you really don’t feel like having a drink at a restaurant and prefer a homemade michelada with zero hassle, try PUTA CRUDA.
If I’m being real, I was skeptical before I tried it — but now there’s never a time I don’t have a bottle in the fridge. All you need is beer and a generous pour of the mix, and listo! Since this is your mix, you can go nuts with Bloody Marys too. Either way, say “bye bye†to your cruda!