Diverse Eats You'll Find On Los Angeles' Eastside

Much of the celebrated Los Angeles food scene is concentrated in the Westside. However, a substantial part of town gets left out of the conversation. LA’s historic Eastside is a culinary find, and not just for its expected authentic Mexican flair. We dig into the diverse menu of this part of the city here.

Guisados Tacos

There are hundreds of taco restaurants dotted all over the East LA map, but Guisados Tacos is a clear standout. With an upscale approach to the typical taco, the Boyle Heights neighborhood taqueria impresses with its ingredient variance on the menu and gastronomical quality in preparation and cooking. Guisados is named after its signature offerings, ‘stewed’ tacos, which are prepared from the crack of dawn.

Guisados Tacos, 2100 E. Cesar E Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 264 7201

Love Hate Rock Bar

Bar, Gastropub, American, Pub Grub

Conveniently a half block away from the busy Atlantic Metro Gold Line stop is an atypical East LA dive bar with an equally surprising menu. Here we find 80s Rock-n-Roll-themed Love Hate Rock Bar serving up delicious American comfort food with a fancy twist. East LA’s eclectic gastropub is open daily for heavy metal lovers and all who are hungry.

Un Solo Sol

Un Solo Sol shines at providing a craveable and diverse menu. Well beyond predictable Mexican, the colorful hole-in-the-wall satisfies the global palate of the Americas to half a world away in Europe and Asia. A quick, flavorful Sol bite that rivals a taco is the Salvadorean pupusa, a patron favorite. Un Solo Sol is appreciated for its warm and artsy atmosphere, highlighted by colorful local art pieces hanging on the walls.

Cha Cha Chili

In the lesser known Eastside neighborhood of El Sereno is Cha Cha Chili, a modern Californian restaurant with heavy Asian and Latino influences. For those who prefer to eat with a fork, the Asian bowls are hearty with a lot of Japanese noodles, fresh veggies and choice of meats.

Cha Cha Chili, 4625 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 222 6900

El Gallo Bakery

Bread is a staple, and it’s even better when sweet. El Gallo Bakery is an East LA institution popular for its panes dulces, and other Mexican baked goods. With many mouthwatering choices, dilemmas break out by the bakery counter on which freshly baked delicious treats to pick. El Gallo’s faithful patrons crowd in and buy often by the dozen, so it’s best to come early to not only beat the rush but to also have the most wide selection of goodies, which includes day-old but still delicious items.

El Gallo Bakery, 4546 E. Cesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 263 5528

King Taco

Restaurant, Mexican

Reigning supreme in LA authentic taco land, King Taco is a must-try for a simple but masterful Mexican bite. Originating in Northeast LA, the fast food restaurant holds court throughout the East LA neighborhood, in eastern LA county suburbs and parts of neighboring Inland Empire. The chain’s massive following is justified by its consistent deliciousness within the tortillas and corn meal husks.

About the author

C. Marie Cradle

A cultural aficionado since early youth, C. Marie Cradle is a passionate writer based in greater Los Angeles. Her aspirations include pursuing world travel for leisure and rich travel blogging, self-publishing multiple books and mastering the Romance languages, especially Spanish and Italian. Known commonly as Marie, Nisha and Marinarena (poet-travel blogger moniker), she has a penchant for poetry, all kinds of cheese and gummies, boat rides, collecting music memorabilia, playing trivia, watching sports and volunteering, especially for self-help causes. Seek out a plethora of California travel tips, photography and random ramblings on her website and Twitter feed.