El Granjero Is the Original Farmers Market’s Colorful New Cantina

Foot traffic is back at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, and that’s a very good thing for the brand new El Granjero Cantina. The casual Mexican restaurant opened June 29 in the former Ulysses Village space, which closed back in 2018 after 16 good years in business, and is already drawing in customers. So what to expect from the laid-back spot with the colorful interior?

First, a lot of culinary talent. El Granjero is a collaboration between a bunch of busy names, including chef Jenni Sklar, who previously worked everywhere from Lucques and Son of a Gun to the celebrated Sierra Nevada haunt the Whoa Nellie Deli. Grace Whaley, formerly of Redbird and Pizzeria Mozza, is the restaurant’s new general manager, and the whole place is owned and operated by John Moshay, who also runs Fritzi Coop elsewhere in the market. Neal Fraser is on as a partner in El Granjero Cantina, and Amy Knoll Fraser even designed the dining room.

As for the food, El Granjero pulls from the classic American Mexican cantina playbook with options like nachos, fried tacos, quesadillas, and lots of antojitos. There are of course salads, protein bowls over herbed rice, and kids menu items as well, considering the family-friendly and dietarily diverse crowds at the market and nearby Grove outdoor mall. Tobin Shea of Redbird consulted on the opening cocktail menu, offering drinks like agave-based old fashioneds, frozen strawberry margaritas, sangria, and more. The opening menu can be found here.

El Granjero Cantina opened for service yesterday at 6333 West Third Street, and is keeping daily hours from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for now, with an extension to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations can be made via Resy.

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