Salvadoran father, foodie, and cyclist William absolutely loves his Latin culture. This month William looks into three local Latin style restaurants in Great Los Angeles, California area and gives us his scoop on the taste of the town.
1. Pupuseria La Casita De Don Carlos 9/10
2046 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone:(213) 382-1326
Hours: 8AM–10:30PM
Each table has a jar of pickled onions. It's half white and purple onions in vinegar and dry oregano. It goes well with everything and anything. Waitress greets you right away, and you feel very welcomed. The whole place are decorated in Salvadoran ornaments. The dish to get is Salpicon. Boiled chunks of beef with onions and light seasoning salt. Chopped down to the smallest it may get. Now here's the touch mint, relish and onions are all mixed in. Served with rice and you must squeeze a lemon over it.
2. Dino's Chicken & Burgers 9/10
$ · Chicken Restaurant
Local counter-serve chain offering breakfast, burgers & hot dogs, plus chicken & Mexican dishes.
Address: 2575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone:(213) 380-3554
Hours: 7AM–11PM
Before you can even walk in the door, the astonishing aroma of the smoked meat on the grill hits your senses and the majestic cloud of smoke covered over Pico Boulevard lets you know you have arrived. When you enter the restaurant, you see staff on the grill, chicken grilling, and people waiting patiently for their turn to have their order taken. The food is very affordable pricing between best dish in the house is the chicken order. Consisting of half a chicken with fries smothered with a sauce that's drizzled all over with a paint brush. It's a Greek recipe and its Greek-owned but a Latin landmark none the less. Service is fast, direct and always right.
3. Don Felix Restaurant 8/10
Specializing in seafood, this low-key Peruvian eatery also offers traditional beef & chicken dishes.
305 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone:(323) 663-1088
Hours: 11am– 9pm
The Inca Cola is a dead giveaway of a South American flavor restaurant. Choros ala criola talk about flavor! Boiled mussels served on its shell topped with pickled purple onion. Must be eaten in one gulp to get all those flavors. Seafood is the house specialty. Camaron saltado its a delight. Sautéed shrimps with onions, tomatoes, and fries. Yes, French fries. Plus excellent customer service from the minute you walk in the door.