You know those restaurants that feel more like a fever dream than a chain? That’s basically the vibe of Who Song and Larry’s. If you’ve ever sat on that breezy patio in Vancouver, Washington, overlooking the Columbia River with a "Sorta Skinny Margarita" in hand, you get it. It’s a place where the decor is a little chaotic, the guacamole is made right at your table, and the name sounds like a law firm started by two guys who met at a tequila tasting.
But honestly, most people are confused about what Who Song and Larry’s actually is. Is it a defunct Orange County relic? A thriving Pacific Northwest hangout? Or just a weird tax-shelter experiment by a massive restaurant group?
The truth is a mix of all three.
The Identity Crisis of Who Song and Larry’s
Let’s be real. The name is a mouthful. It doesn't scream "authentic Mexican cuisine." It sounds like a 70s folk-rock duo.
In reality, the brand is part of the Xperience Restaurant Group (XRG) portfolio. These are the same folks behind heavy hitters like El Torito and Chevys Fresh Mex. But while El Torito is the polished, predictable older brother, Who Song and Larry’s is the eccentric cousin who travels the world and comes back with a recipe for Lobster Mac & Cheese Enchiladas.
For years, the flagship was in Orange, California. It was a staple. People loved the "Cal-Mex" fusion and the indoor-outdoor flow. Then, it vanished. The Orange location shuttered, leaving a hole in the local dining scene and a lot of confused fans wondering where their favorite "Macho Combo" went.
Today, the heart of the brand beats in Vancouver, Washington.
Located at 111 SE Columbia Way, the Vancouver spot has become the definitive version of the concept. It isn't just surviving; it’s thriving as a waterfront destination. It’s one of those rare places that manages to be a family-friendly brunch spot on Sunday morning and a loud, tequila-fueled cantina on a Tuesday night.
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Why the Food is Actually Different
Most "big box" Mexican restaurants follow a very specific, very boring blueprint. Everything comes out of a bag, and the salsa tastes like it was made in a factory in the Midwest.
Who Song and Larry’s tries—and mostly succeeds—to break that mold.
They lean heavily into "from scratch" cooking. You can tell. When you order the guacamole, they aren't scooping a green paste out of a plastic tub. They’re mashing avocados at your table. It’s a bit of a performance, sure, but it actually tastes like food.
The Weird and the Wonderful on the Menu
If you’re looking for strictly traditional street tacos, you’re in the wrong place. This is Cal-Mex. It’s experimental. It’s a little "extra."
- The Mexi-Crunch Sushi: Yes, they serve sushi. Or "Mexi-Sushi." The Mexi-Crunch features crab, chicharron (pork rinds), and chipotle sauce. It sounds like it shouldn't work. It’s objectively bizarre. But people swear by it.
- The Burger Situation: They have a "Who Songs Burger" with jack cheese and chipotle aioli. In a world where every Mexican spot feels obligated to have a dry, sad burger for the "picky eater" in the group, this one actually stands on its own.
- Fajitas with Flair: Their "Ignited Fajitas Supremas" don't just sizzle; they’re a whole event.
The menu is a reflection of Executive Chefs like Johannes Bernau, whose background includes stints with Wolfgang Puck. That influence shows up in unexpected places, like the fennel in the seared tuna salad or the use of manchego cheese in the bacon-wrapped shrimp. It’s a step above the standard beans-and-rice platter, though you can still get those if you’re a purist.
The "Real Cantina" Vibe
Let’s talk about the drink menu. It’s massive.
The "Traveler" margarita uses Don Julio Blanco and prickly pear. It’s bright pink and very Instagrammable, but it also packs a punch. They also do "Strawberry Moon Shakers" with actual moonshine.
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Happy Hour here is a bit of a local legend in Vancouver. From 3 pm to 9 pm, Monday through Friday, the cantina is packed. $4 food and drink specials in 2026? That’s basically unheard of. It’s why the place stays relevant while other casual dining chains are dying off.
They’ve leaned into the "lifestyle" aspect of dining. It’s not just about the calories; it’s about the "fiesta" atmosphere. The staff is coached to be engaging, the music is always a bit too loud, and the views of the Columbia River are genuinely stunning.
The Business Reality: Who Owns the Fiesta?
It’s easy to forget that this quirky spot is part of a corporate machine. Xperience Restaurant Group manages over 50 locations across various brands.
There’s a tension there.
On one hand, you get the consistency and professional management of a large group. On the other, you lose a bit of that "mom and pop" soul. However, XRG seems to use Who Song and Larry’s as their "innovation lab." It’s where they test the weirder recipes and the more adventurous cocktail programs before rolling them out—or killing them off.
The closure of the Orange, CA location was a business move, likely related to real estate and the shift toward "polished casual" dining. But by keeping the Vancouver location as the crown jewel, they’ve maintained the brand’s cult status. It feels exclusive because there’s only one left that really matters.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume Who Song and Larry’s is just a rebranded Chevys. It’s not.
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While they share some DNA, the flavor profiles at Who Song are sharper. There’s more citrus, more smoke, and more global influence. The "Indonesian-Japanese-Dutch" background of the culinary team pops up in the sauces and the seafood prep in a way you won't find at a standard Tex-Mex joint.
Another misconception? That it’s overpriced.
While some of the "Specialties" like the Carne Asada and Shrimp can creep up over $30, the "Create Your Own Combo" and the Taco Tuesday specials are surprisingly affordable. You’re paying for the real estate—the river view and the patio—but you can still get out of there without draining your savings if you know how to order.
How to Do Who Song and Larry’s Right
If you’re planning a visit, don't just show up on a Saturday night and expect a table. The wait times can be brutal because it’s one of the few places in Vancouver that feels like a "destination."
- Go for the Weekend Brunch: They do a full brunch from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s less chaotic than dinner and the chilaquiles are legitimate.
- Sit on the Patio: Even if it’s a bit chilly, they have heaters. The view of the water is 50% of the reason to go.
- Order the "Social Eats": Instead of one big entree, get a bunch of the appetizers like the Charred Mussels or the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. It fits the vibe better.
- Taco Tuesday is a Zoo: It’s great for the $3 tacos, but be prepared for a crowd. If you want a quiet dinner, avoid Tuesdays like the plague.
Who Song and Larry’s is an outlier in the restaurant world. It’s a brand that survived the "chain-pocalypse" by being just weird enough to stay interesting. Whether you're there for the kitschy name, the river views, or a sushi roll topped with pork rinds, it’s an experience that most generic Mexican restaurants just can't replicate.
Next time you're in the Pacific Northwest, skip the fast-food tacos and head to the waterfront. Just make sure you're ready for a "Sorta Skinny" margarita—or three.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Check the Tide: If you’re a photographer, the sunset over the Columbia River from the patio is prime for "Golden Hour" shots.
- Loyalty Pays: Since they are part of XRG, you can often use gift cards or rewards points earned at El Torito or Acapulco here.
- Plan for Parking: The waterfront area can be tight; give yourself an extra ten minutes to find a spot in the nearby lots.