The 10 Best Eats On LA's Eastside
The epicenter of the Chicano movement, the backdrop to American Me, Blood In Blood Out, and countless other movies from the ’90s; East LA is home to the oldest and largest Mexican community outside of Mexico, so you can expect to find plenty of great Mexican food. Don’t come to the barrio expecting to find haute cuisine. This list focuses on restaurants in East LA and Boyle Heights all of which serve great, wholesome food with plenty of soul.
1. Los Cinco Puntos
Los Cinco Puntos
Los Cinco Puntos is as authentic a taquería as they come. It’s in the heart of East LA and has been preparing tacos with love since 1967. Every one of its crusty, chewy corn tortillas is hand-prepared by a team of old ladies who have been honing their craft for decades. Cinco Punto’s specialty is tacos de carnitas, which come greasy, crispy and full of savory flavor; not to be missed. These go great with guacamole and salsa verde and, of course, an ice cold Modelo.
Los Cinco Punto, 3300 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA, USA +1 323 261 4084
2. El Tepeyac Café
Cafe, Mexican
3. Al & Bea’s Mexican Food
Al & Bea’s Mexican Food
Continuing with the burrito motif, LA Times food critic Jonathan Gold named Al & Bea’s as his number one place for burritos in LA, and who are we to argue? Al & Bea’s is a simple, down-to-earth food stall. Seating is limited, and the line often runs around the block. Nevertheless, the wait is well worth it. Do not leave without trying the combination, which is a classic bean and cheese burrito with lean, slow-cooked brisket. Apparently the beans are cooked with lard, which is what makes them taste oh-so-good.
Al & Bea’s Mexican Food, 2025 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA, USA +1 323 267 8810
5. Tacos Baja Ensenada
Tacos Baja Ensenada
Specializing in Ensenada cuisine, Tacos Baja specializes in sublime fish tacos which are full of succulent white fishy flesh inside delicately fried batter. As well as fish, Tacos Baja excels in all things shrimp: shrimp tacos, shrimp cocktails, and ceviche tostadas. Go on Wednesdays, when the fish tacos are just $0.99 (Except Ash Wednesday, lest you be damned).
Tacos Baja Ensenada, 5385 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA +1 323 887 1980
6. La Serenata
La Serenata
Good desserts are what separate the good restaurants from the great, and La Serenata offers an exquisite range of Mexican desserts which are baked daily by the resident pâtissier. These include Mexican guava in light cream, which is a traditional dish from San Juan del Rio; and Cajeta, a thick goat’s milk caramel from Celaya. East LA is still LA and, with that in mind, La Serenata strives to keep things clean and healthy and uses no lard in its cooking.
La Serenata, 1842 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA, USA +1 323 265 2887
7. Un Solo Sol
Un Solo Sol
If you’re a stickler for authenticity, Un Solo Sol is probably not the place for you. Un Solo Sol is a restaurant on a mission: to innovate ethical, sustainable, and, of course, delicious variations on classic Mexican dishes. Located right next to Mariachi Plaza (which itself is worth visiting for the beautiful murals and captivating mariachi bands), Un Solo Sol’s menu includes a range of vegetarian and vegan friendly options (carnivores are catered to, as well).
Un Solo Sol, 1818 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA, USA +1 323 269 8680
8. La Azteca Tortilleria
Restaurant, Mexican
9. Moles La Tia
Restaurant, Mexican
10. Otomisan Restaurant
Restaurant, Japanese
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