The seafood works well in the delicious broth, which is both salty and light. The biggest challenge involves fishing the shellfish out of the soup and then out of the shell, as well as picking the large chunks of fish off the bone. One must prepare to be very hands-on to eat this soup.

The lively lunch specials, served weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., seem to be the most popular items ($7.95). There is even a hamburger and a steak sandwich with French fries on the menu. Lunch is the busiest time, and it's often advisable to order to go for lunch items if you are in a hurry. The service as a whole is timely, but it is a relatively small establishment and the tables fill quickly during peak hours.

The daily specials range from sizzling carne asada or chicken fajitas, brought to the table on cast iron skillets with wood plank trivets, to mole poblano chicken. Everything in the restaurant, aside from the refried beans, pork carnitas and pork ribs, is cooked with vegetable shortening. There is also a kids' menu, and cheesecake and flan are offered for dessert.

With its long history in Downtown Los Angeles, Restaurant Ensenada has set itself apart from the dozens of other small, Mexican restaurants in the area. If you're looking for an ice cold Corona and some fresh, casual Mexican food, this is the place to get it.