Border Grill Los Angeles

Working in downtown Los Angeles is quite convenient when it comes to food, since there are so many amazing restaurants and food vendors to choose from, most within walking distance. But since I'm eating gluten free and currently dairy free, most of the time I bring my lunch to work. However on Fridays, I sometimes like to go socialize with coworkers, unwind with a drink and enjoy a good meal to start off the weekend.

Situated on corner of 5th and Figueroa below the Union Bank building is Border Grill, a modern Mexican restaurant that focuses on the cuisine of Oaxaca and the Yucatan. What I love most is that Border Grill uses seasonal, local and organic produce whenever possible, and the meat and dairy is raised without the use of hormones and antibiotics. And they are allergy friendly! Need I say more?

During this particular visit, I ordered the turkey tostadas. The server and manager were very helpful and took every precaution to make sure my meal was gluten free. Made with grilled turkey meat, black beans and tomatoes, roasted corn and cotija cheese atop of shredded lettuce with a flavorful Caesar dressing, the tostadas were not heavy even for a summer day. They were tangy and refreshing, as was their pomegranate lemonade!

We ate our meal on the outdoor patio overlooking the city skyline of the financial district. I especially liked their flower boxes containing brightly colored Lantanas, and their funky retro sunny pink and orange floral table cloths. It made me feel like I was a kid back in my great grandma's backyard. The ambiance set the mood for a fun lunch.

If you can't make it for lunch, check out their Happy Hour Monday through Friday - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Border Grill also has locations in Santa Monica and Las Vegas. If you're a food truck fan, you should track down their Border Grill truck roaming the streets of Los Angeles.