Cocina Express

You walk in, greeted by, "Welcome in" by friendly staff…read more Atmosphere is a time capsule, which gives a one of a kind experience. Original crispy fried chicken, warm biscuit, creamy macaroni salad, mashed potatoes with a golden gravy. I'll most definitely come back, they have Orange whip!

Exactly the way I remember it from decades ago. I don't think they changed their recipe in any way…read morein all that time. Since the last time I was in a Pioneer Chicken predates Yelp I'm pretty certain this is my first Pioneer Chicken review.

Chicken

Large orange whip drink with combo

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Full frontal exterior

George's Burger Stand

4.3(298 reviews)

1.9 mi•Boyle Heights

Man, I gotta tell you!…read moreI saw this spot featured by In The Kut on YouTube and I was hooked just by how the place looked. It had those old menus that just by looking at it, you KNOW the food is fire! This spot is located in the historic Boyle Heights area of L.A. At first, it was hard to find. It's next to a large BofA building that kind of hides it. Once we parked in the lot behind the building,e stepped out and immediately got a whiff of that grill! I stepped up and ordered the pastrami burger combo (burger, fries, and a drink). I also ordered the onion rings on the side, which I'll describe in a bit. The pastrami was nice and lean- not too fatty. I spread some ranch onto it and my eyes rolled back into my head after that bite! The ranch is thicker than others that I've had. There is also what looked like dill in it. The burger also came with a small side of spicy mayonnaise. It was perfect! Then I saw the onion rings. They are the size of a glazed donut! Just massive! 4 come in an order. That's probably enough. The breading is that smooth one- not the rough panko one. You know that one is going to slap! My whole meal was $24. Not too shabby. Bonus- they were blasting some oldies like Barbara Mason the whole time. You KNOW I'll be back! Shoutout to the young guy (I forgot his name!) working the register. He was really cool and friendly! I can't wait for our next visit!

Ok, maybe I had high hopes for this place, but I'm not I was disappointed either…read more To start off, the young lady behind the window was great. She helped me select a nice choice out of their burger selection. She was polite and very helpful in answering my questions., I picked the avocado bacon burger. Here is where the good and room for improvement could happen. To start the meat was very tasty with a nice bit of char, but a little on the dryer side. The bacon had good flavor as well, but the avocado was barely there. Don't get me wrong this taste like a backyard barbecue burger and I would definitely like to dry their pastrami burger next. Now as for their onion rings, it would be for the fact I took them to go, as they must have steamed in the bag and gotten a bit soggy. The batter was like a bear batter and loved the portions of onion to batter ratio. So minus being a bit soggy and oily, I still liked them. I think the highlight was the ranch dressing. I loved their ranch dressing for sure. Hahaha Now since I didn't stay to dine in, I can only say it was a hot afternoon and there was outdoor seating with some in the shade and some that you would definitely get your tan on. I'd definitely be back, and like to try their other selections.

Pastrami Burger

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Al & Bea's Mexican Food

4.2(1.2k reviews)

2.2 mi•Boyle Heights

There was a dead roach by the cashier window. The cashier didn't want to clean it up and didn't ask…read moreanyone else to, even after she said she would. I don't even like leaving reviews. Maybe add cleaning the area in front of the window to the cashiers duties. Other than that food is usually ok.

Lately I've been on a food tour of Los Angeles and my latest fixation is burritos. Of course I had…read moreto come and try Al & Beas. They're on every list. It's a small shop, very limited indoor and outdoor seating. There was a line even at 2pm. I was chatting with my fellow line mates and most of them have been coming here for years. They said the cheap prices, consistent quality, and familiarity keep them coming back. After trying their chile relleno and green salsa burritos i can agree. Simple food, simple recipes. I felt like i was eating my grandma's food. It tasted like the food I grew up on. Don't be shy, ask to share a table with someone when there are no seats. The patrons are friendly. I can't wait to go back. Tip: don't come here expecting to be in and out. They have a sign that says it perfectly "We don't make fast food. We make quality food as fast as we can".

Ground beef burrito, fries and a coke

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Chili fries

China Express

3.8(4 reviews)

2.1 mi•Boyle Heights

I was really uncomfortable with my experience here. While we were sitting near the food area, staff…read morekilled a roach right in front of us and very close to the food. It was disturbing and completely ruined my appetite. Cleanliness is extremely important when it comes to restaurants, and seeing that made me question the hygiene standards. Unfortunately, after that, I didn't feel comfortable eating there. I hope management takes pest control and sanitation more serious

This is the first time I've stopped in this restaurant and the food tastes good. It wasn't crowed…read moreat all. I'm from Bakersfield and I'm guessing this place is a local favorite among the community here. No complaints here.

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Food

Howlin' Ray's

4.7(8.3k reviews)

3.9 mi•Chinatown

One of the best Nashville hot chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Sometimes the line can be long and…read moreparking isn't always easy but this sandwich is worth it. It's a thick piece of chicken with crispy coating and the spice is so flavorful. The medium had me sweating! The place is more for take-out (I ate it in my car) but there is outdoor seating as well that's great for people watching

When we visited LA last year, our son recommended Howlin' Ray's and we really enjoyed the food at…read morethe Pasadena location. This time, we decided to try the Chinatown location since the traffic going toward Pasadena looked terrible. This location is pretty small and doesn't really seem set up for dining in. It feels more takeout-focused, although they do have some tables outside so we sat there. They didn't have the Mild+ spice level that the Pasadena location offers so I ordered two Mild and one Medium chicken tenders. I also got a side of collard greens after seeing several reviews recommending them. I felt like the spice level was higher at this location than at the Pasadena one. Even the Mild was definitely spicier than I remembered! It still had really good flavor, though. I also really enjoyed the collard greens and was glad I decided to try them. I'm not sure if it's just this location or if all of their locations do this now but they also gave us bottled water for free, which was nice. One thing I really liked about the Chinatown location was the parking. There's a huge parking lot across the street so finding a spot was easy. I prefer the Pasadena location for dining in but its parking lot is very small and finding a spot can be difficult. We'll definitely go back to Howlin' Ray's when we visit LA again next spring. We just haven't decided which location we'll choose next time!

The inside

Hot Chicken & Waffles

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Hot Shake Fries

Carl's Jr

2.2(88 reviews)

2.1 mi•Boyle Heights

I went at night time Tuesday the girl was alone taking oder in the front and in drive tho. She is…read morestill having amazing customer service. The food was good. Kathy was her name will come back again. Hope they are treating her right.

What a wonderful surprise a very good location. Believe me…read moreeven though under same brand some are not nearly this good. Selena C. was cleaning dinning room, greeted me and rang me up while answering questions on rewards! What a great employee! Selena C. definitely deserves recognition: reward/raise! No I don't know her or anyone at this location. Yet I know good employees while by owning my own businesses and working restaurants and fast food! Good order fresh tasty zucchini. See pics!

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Super Pollos Rostizados

4.3(124 reviews)

1.8 mi•Boyle Heights

This is my go to place when I am hosting at my home…read more Everyone always says the food is great. And in my experience the service is also great

The roasted chicken was amazing! I had a thigh, drumstick, and wings! I had the most perfect flavor…read moreand was cooked to perfection. The lady who helped me was so sweet and helpful! I will definitely go back for the chicken!

The beautiful chickens!!!

Lunch special - frijoles and arroz for my sides and also got a few potatoes and tortillas - great deal

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Menu & Pricing 2023

Guisados

4.4(2.7k reviews)

2.1 mi•Boyle Heights

1. The staff are joyful. 2. The music is poppin'…read more3. The stewed meat - especially the beef - is unique and full of flavor 4. The tortillas are made in house and PHENOMENAL Best i've ever had! 5. The tamale - OMG! The masa - also best I've ever had! 5. Know that the enchilada is unlike any enchilada we've had - I'd say it's just a larger taco. But the cheese enchilada is still delicious as a big taco. Looking for a late Friday night taco spot that was still open near DTLA. Hubby, and I ventured into Boyle Heights and went into one of the few places open. We did not come because of YELP reviews. We did not come because of reputation. We came in completely blind, and it was fantastic. Don't go expecting it to be fancy. It's not. But it's clean even if it's hard to find the wash bowl after using the bathroom. What it is is full of life, flavor, Joy, and just genuinely good feeling food. Like somebody's grandma's food. The 3 staff members working there were all senior citizens. But they had great energy and attitudes. The lady taking orders was extremely helpful explaining the menu, pointing out each item that we ordered on our sampler plate, and checking on us regularly. The other woman who was making the dough for the tortillas was working hard, as was the cook. My favorite memory is seeing the cook start jiggling and bouncing along to the merengue music, as my husband and I had been the entire time we were there. All of us just wiggling our hips fast to merengue, no words, just big smiles, cuz ... how can you not? While there I was able to see all of their accolades, learn that Guisados is a Boyle Heights staple, and that it is named for the term that means "stewed meat and vegetables." They have vegetarian options so if that's your lifestyle, wiggle your way to Guisados! Finally, the Jamaica agua fresca was on point!

Pescado burrito was on point! The fish was tasty - seemed pan fried and lightly breaded? - and they…read morenailed the cabbage/beans/cream/salsa combo. I called in my order and they were super cool about adding calabacitas. And it was ready on time as usual which I appreciate. Guisados is a pretty space for a casual meal and I love their truth in disclosure. How their menu including specials is written on a gigantic chalkboard behind the cooking space, where you can see exactly what goes into your food. Their handmade tortillas from masa are to die for and make me nostalgic for the Bay Area - tortillas hecho a mano are sadly rare on the L.A. taco scene! Also don't miss their agua frescas - I got limon and melon (cantaloupe) and both were seriously delicious.

Interior

The OG Sampler

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Chorizo Breakfast Taco

Tom's Burgers

3.8(104 reviews)

1.0 mi

Love this spot! Had a great 1st experience. Tasty food,…read moresuper friendly service, small restaurant offering covered outdoor seating. They have burgers, hot dogs, tamales and pastrami. Reminds me of The Hat. Great prices!! The chili cheeseburger was big, filling, and delicious! Fries and onion rings were perfectly salted and crispy! I was in heaven when I saw how much came in the box Get the orange bang! It's so good you'll want to get a large!

ramon es muy nice! que bueno la comida ! So happy ! Had…read morethe cheeseburger special and u loved every bite :)

Space that they're working in.

SO MANY FRIES!

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On the corner- easy to find, small parking lot but there's also street parking

Tenampal

4.7(337 reviews)

2.4 mi•Boyle Heights

A small, unassuming, humble corner restaurant tucked away in Boyle Heights serving up the best…read morechicken omelette I've ever had. Stumbled across this place cause I was in the area for a job. Upon walking in, the vibes are very cozy and intimate, not a lot of seating though. My waiter, Gabriel, was extremely friendly, welcoming, and had very good knowledge of the menu which I appreciate a lot. Now back to the omelette-- oh my god. Best omelette in my life I think. The eggs were soft, pillowy and cooked to PERFECTION. Not overdone and not super runny either. The chicken was extremely tender and flavorful. The sauce they used was sweet and savory, the pickled onions balanced it all out with the perfect acidity. I wish I was around this area a lot more, I'll definitely be coming back!

A Boyle Heights gem! We came here for brunch and boy did this place exceed our expectations. CHECK…read moreTHIS PLACE OUT! We ordered the Huarache - 5 stars! (5 hour cooked suadero meat) Chilaquiles - 5 stars! (we liked one sauce over the other) Enchilladas - 4.5 stars! The place itself is small and cozy with a vibrant warmth of good vibes. DO expect a wait time and 2 hour metered parking is available out front. The service itself was amazing and all the food tasted like it was cooked from scratch. I loved the rustle and bustle of cooking noises in the background and my friend and I overall had a lovely time!