Where to Get Horchata in Los Angeles

Can you think of a time when you had bad horchata? Nope, us neither. But some joints definitely do stand out when it comes to this traditional drink. The delicious, creamy drink spiked in popularity over the last couple of years, and various versions have been introduced from horchata latte to horchata ice cream. No need to wonder where to get horchata anymore—Los Angeles, with its various cultures and cuisines, is definitely the place to go for the best authentic (and non-authentic) cup of a good ol’ horchata.

But first, what is horchata, anyway? Horchata ingredients vary in different parts of the world. But generally, what you get when you order a horchata is a refreshing drink made of plant milk and nuts with different added flavors like cinnamon or vanilla. It’s similar to rice pudding but in a refreshing, liquid form.

Ready to have your first sip of this deliciously creamy goodness? Here’s where to get the best horchata in Los Angeles.

The Best Horchata Spots in L.A.

1. Gracias Madre

Address: 8905 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood

Brought to you by the same people who founded the famous Cafe Gratitude, Gracias Madre is a must-try West Hollywood spot for vegan Mexican food. And of course, it goes without saying that their horchata is top-notch. After all, the Mexican drink horchata is traditionally vegan, and that’s the restaurant’s specialty.

Not only is the menu absolutely delicious and the horchata one of Los Angeles’ best, but Gracias Madre also has absolutely beautiful interiors. With a gorgeous courtyard, high ceilings, and a cool but comfortable bar, this Melrose eatery can be summed up as Mexican chic meets Palm Springs casual. In short, it’s an awesome spot to sit down and enjoy a meal or a cup of horchata any time of day.

2. El Paseo Inn

Address: 11 Olvera Street, Los Angeles

El Paseo Inn has transcended beyond the status of just being a delicious spot to have dinner and has become a definite historical landmark in Los Angeles. Having been around since 1930, this awesome restaurant is believed to be the first Mexican bar in Los Angeles, and you bet they make one of the best horchatas in L.A.

Continuing to welcome and entertain guests to this day, El Paseo Inn celebrates Mexican culture through tasty food and drink, inspiring music, and authentic décor. Dine and drink a refreshing cup of horchata in Los Angeles at the spot where many special guests before you sat over the years, including civil rights leader Cesar Chavez and President Bill Clinton. While you’re there, make sure to check out the incredible mural painted by artist Rubén Lara Campos in 1946.

3. Café de Leche

Address: 5000 York Boulevard, Los Angeles

Want your vegan horchata to give you a boost of energy in the morning? Café de Leche is where you need to go to grab a cup of Horchata Con Espresso. This Highland Park hotspot has a few interesting lattes to try, but the smooth blend of refreshing horchata with espresso should be the first on your list. Like peanut butter and jelly, and mac and cheese, horchata and coffee seem like a natural match, and Café de Leche makes a mean cup.

If you’re more of a chai than an espresso person, the Chai Chata is another delicious take on the Latin American classic that Café de Leche does very well.

4. Sugar Taco

Address: 7257 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

Sugar Taco is another brightly colored and beautiful space serving authentic and vegan Mexican fare on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. The striking turquoise exterior of Sugar Taco is bound to catch your eye, but the food and drinks are what will get you to come around a second (and third and fourth) time. Serving one of the best horchatas in Los Angeles, this funky spot has a menu of vegan and healthy concoctions you’ll actually like. Pair your glass of horchata with deep-fried conchas or churro donuts and you'll be hooked immediately.

5. Guelaguetza

Address: 3014 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles

Guelaguetza is not only a delicious restaurant, but it’s also a boutique market and an important landmark preserving and advocating for Oaxacan culture in Los Angeles. Since first opening their doors in 1994, Guelaguetza has been serving family recipes and staying true to authentic Oaxacan ingredients in its lively environment. Naturally, their horchata ingredients also vary from others on the list.

Deliciously refreshing and definitely one of the best horchatas in Los Angeles, Guelguetza’s take on the drink is a must-try and pairs well with any dessert on the menu.

6. Horchateria Rio Luna

Address: 15950 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount

Another tasty to-go spot, Horchateria Rio Luna has a menu with eight different takes on horchata without counting their horchata ice cream. Serving everything from classic, latte, and frappe to even an iced green tea horchata, this delicious spot is basically horchata heaven. If you want to try different modernized takes on the traditional drink, this is the best spot to get horchata in Los Angeles.

7. Cerveteca

Address: 9418 Venice Boulevard, Culver City

If you’re craving a refreshing cup of horchata in Los Angeles but don’t have the time to sit at a restaurant or cafe, Cerveteca is the perfect spot to grab and go. The family-owned tacos and torta joint in Culver City serves traditional Mexico City-style food and drinks and is as delicious as they come. Chef Mama prepares everything according to family recipes passed down for generations and is always happy to welcome a new smiling customer.

Not only does Cerveteca serve some of the best horchatas in L.A. made from scratch, but it also makes bowls and tortas that’ll make you drool. When you’re there, make sure to ask for Mama’s monthly special and you’ll be treated to a seasonal recipe that's nothing short of mouth-watering.