Abuelita's Restaurant   

Four miles from Malibu and light-years away from the LA scene is a cheerful little restaurant styled to look like a Mexican grandmother's house, complete with clutter and curtains. Located on a hillside just next to a creek bed, it's convenient to the nearby upscale suburbs and easily accessible for day-trippers coming from busy West Los Angeles. The owners have taken special measures to ensure that families, couples and groups of friends can enjoy themselves equally, installing an upstairs play area and a picturesque downstairs patio. Children can amuse themselves as adults enjoy ocean breezes, mountain views and creek-side dining. On weekend nights, live entertainment kicks the energy up a notch or two. If you show up after 9PM, there's a minimal cover charge. The cuisine here is a combination of authentic Mexican and American. For folks who want a south-of-the-border dining experience, there's mole chicken, enchiladas verdes or Chicken Suiza. On the American side, choices range from the cholesterol-laden bacon cheeseburger to the California-minded spinach burrito. Sweet fans opt for the Abuelita's Original Chocolate Chimichanga, a confection containing white chocolate cream and caramel sauce wrapped in a flaky tortilla (dark chocolate is ladled on the whole shebang). Delivery is available with a $20 minimum. Fresh fruit margaritas and seafood tacos are highly recommended.