This place is authentic, weird and no offense , in a little shady area. However, owner/baker is one of the sweetest people and his fried turkey is the most delicious, moist and fresh turkeys I had. He was so caring and nice, we placed an order for a fried turkey for our office Thanksgiving potluck and it was a great success. I am not surprised that they are in business for over 40 years. I would definitely order from them again. Very delicious and worth the drive to go get that delicious and juicy turkey. Highly recommend. Just remember to be patient when calling and have cash when picking up lol read more

Good to see Joe is still in business. Nice turkey and tacos. Joe was a delight as usual.

Loreto's is a Compton take-out spot specializing in deep-fried turkeys and serving turkey dinners. The operation is contained within a small, modest space bursting with charm, owned and operated since 2003 by turkey prodigy Joe Loreto. Whatever category of place that Loreto's is, this is the authentic no-B.S. version of it; I know authentic when I see it, and I know B.S. when I smell it. I saw a couple of the turkeys out, both monster birds with glistening copper skin that made me want to skip the rest of summer and bring on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I haven't got a time machine, and I'm not one to need an entire turkey in June. Fortunately, Loreto's also offers their delightful Cajun-seasoned fried turkey carved up on a plate as a turkey dinner, sliced and heaped into sandwiches, or chopped in tortillas as tacos. Mr. Loreto is a friendly and avuncular operator who wears his chef's whites (including a toque blanche) while he's in his store. He'll speak transparently about his cooking processes and ingredients, not that you'll ever be able to replicate it yourself: Joe knows more about frying turkeys than I've known about anything in my life. He fries birds as small as 12 pounds and as large as 25 pounds, and always in peanut oil. While Mr. Loreto is chicano, his wife is black, and the recipes used here are a combination of his and hers, fusing the "soul food" of old Compton with the Mexican appetites and evolving culinary sensibilities of new Compton. The "Turkey Taco" here is excellent. Where other turkey tacos in Compton and South L.A. are made with ground turkey that could just as easily be ground beef, Loreto's uses some of the best sliced turkey you'll have: luscious, savory, with a juicy texture and mouth-feel derived from a combination of white meat, dark meat, and skin. This taco has a warm, griddled tortilla with lettuce and chopped tomatoes in it, as most "black tacos" in this micro-region do. Even better than Loreto's turkey taco is their "Turkey Taco with Soul." The tortilla and turkey are the same as used in the turkey taco, but without the lettuce and tomatoes and with the addition of a well-seasoned poultry gravy flavored with onions, garlic, and bell pepper mixed with a hot sauce. This is the best turkey taco I've had to-date, the best of the "black tacos" I've had to-date, and one of the eating highlights of my summer. Eat tacos. Eat turkey. Food/Décor/Service: 4.3/2.3/NA Taco Score: Turkey Taco with Soul (97/100), Turkey Taco (92/100) What to Order: Turkey read more

I wanted to order a Thanksgiving Turkey, but they sold out on the pre-order level, I was too late. This review is based upon their customer service. Very friendly, helpful, kind, professional and awesome . I look forward to one day soon trying the food and review that. To me, in reviewing a business, it's a combination of product / merchandise, service / staff, as well as other factors that gets rated. This is a ***** five star customer service establishment read more

My husband ordered a fried turkeys from here & it has no seasoning & tasteless. I followed the instructions & but it didn't help, it is so light skin it ain't funny. This place probably forgot to season it smh. Never again wAste of almost $100 we didn't eat it, we can't even give it away. So I'm gonna try to doctor it, slice it & put it in the air fryer. read more

Loreto's Fried Turkey - Fried turkey we couldn't eat . - American Near Me - Compton, California

Its Five Star Fri again!!! I finally returned to Loreto's after trying to hit this place around the holidays. During the holidays they only do catering orders. Loreto's specializes in fried turkey and is on Redondo Beach Blvd and Dwight, 4 mi east of the 110 in CPT. In addition to turkey, they also offer Southern faves like sweet potato pie, banana pudding and peach cobbler. BTW, cash only. I ordered the turkey soul dinner that comes w/ mac & cheese, greens, cornbread and gravy ($12). It was my first time having fried turkey, and it was amaaazing! First of all, the leg was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In addition, the white meat was moist and flavorful. Secondarily, the mac & cheese was nice and rich. It was comparable to a high end steakhouse's version. Third of all, the greens had a bit of smoked turkey to balance the flavor of the other items. And last but not least, the cornbread was moist and the portion was large. No butter was required: All 5 Stars. Regarding the ambiance, its a total hole in the wall. However, you can savor the fried turkeys in the display case while you wait. There are a few tables outside, but if you don't like the area get take out. Service is leisurely to say the very least. Nonetheless, the owner and his son are very nice. Additionally, so are the clientele: Both 5 Stars. Idk what took me so long to try fried turkey, but it won't be long before I'll be back. The food and service are outstanding here!!! read more

See all

*** Hmm, fried turkey for Thanksgiving! *** Of course I waited until the last minute to get turkey for Thanksgiving, right? (0_o) I called Loreto's on Tues and TG is today. They told me "all orders booked thru Sat" but they added me on to their waiting list. Luckily there was a last min cancellation. (whew) This 15lb turkey was succulent and tasty. I just refrigerated it overnight then placed it in the oven (350 deg) for an hour on TG Day. My first fried turkey experience was pleasing. *** I wish this Mom & Pop shop success! *** read more

Loreto's Fried Turkey - 15lb fried turkey - American Near Me - Compton, California

A chicken cackles, a duck quacks but you will be the one gobbling up food if you eat here! This is a very small business run by pops, son and daughter. They only do one thing here and that is turkey..deep fried turkey. They have instructions for reheating if you decide to purchase a whole bird and you must order in advance if you are purchasing for the holidays! ~Turkey Tacos-5 Stars These small tacos will cost you a buck each. I ordered mine with avocado and tomato and they were delicious. The turkey juices are really sealed inside the meat. This was all I tried and was very happy with my food. In fact, I placed an order for my 15lb turkey for Thanksgiving. ~Holiday Orders A fifteen pound turkey will run you $70. They also have plenty of sides you can order also. I will update my review after I actually eat this. I have very high hopes for the food at my holiday dinner this year and it is my turn to cook! Very small restaurant with minimal parking but worth the food. Make sure you bring cash. I am a fan and am anxious to update this review after Thanksgiving! read more

See all

My unc works here SHOUT OUT JOE, we love you!!! Loretos has always been close to my family , ahh the great memories of eating here as a kid & them giving me my first little chance at work when growing up. the food isn't the only thing that is great, they make sure they welcome you with a good environment and great energy. You'll leave feeling like you're family. If you're in LA. GIVE LORETOS FRIED TURKEY A TRY. 10/10. read more

This business post a contact number on yelp. Well you would think you could contact that business and place an order for your thanksgiving turkey.... Not the case! Called for 15 minutes back to back and no one answered the phone. If you post no phone orders for the business I'm good with that, but you do not. At minimum have an answering machine pickup take the order and call back when you can, or post no phone orders and we will call another business. read more

I went in for lunch and the guy working was extremely friendly. I told him I only had 10 minutes and he made sure my food was ready in a timely fashion. I ordered the turkey burrito. It wasn't bad or great. It lacked pizzaz. Maybe if he had some type of tasty sauce it would have been better. The burrito was 3 stars the service was 5 stars. So overall a 4 star grade. read more

Loreto's Fried Turkey - Turkey burrito with rice and beans. Needs some sauce. - American Near Me - Compton, California

Great prices, great food, and excellent service, humble and polite owner , I hope you get a chance to check out the turkey king of Compton

Found this place on Yelp and always wanted to try fried turkey so I convinced a coworker to go with me. The place is not easy to find and the parking was almost non-existent, but no matter, we went in and I instantly smelled the fried greasy poultry. There were 2 complete birds in the display case, dripping with delicious oil. I went with a regular turkey sandwich, she had the turkey pastrami. I snagged a piece from her and it was delicious, much more delicious than the regular turkey, and the regular turkey wasn't bad at all. Mr. Loreto was pushy about the mustard but he takes real pride in his food. I am definitely going back to try more of his creations and I already made reservations for 2 whole turkeys for Thanksgiving. read more

Wowowow! I eat turkey once a year and this turkey has defeated all other turkeys! Not only is it Super easy to cook (just stick it in the over) but it is also sooooo moist, flavorful and delicious. If you want an easy and amazing turkey for dinner GO HERE NOW! read more

If I could give this place 10 stars I would!! Customer service is superb!! Joe (chef/owner) is very warm and welcoming!! Kinda makes you feel like family!! The Location: Must admit, at first I wasn't sure what to expect as the place is older looking and next to a busy corner liquor store with ppl occasionally hanging outside .. Its tucked into a itty bitty corner without much space and isn't fancy. But otherwise, to my surprise the inside was pretty clean !! If you're not from around these parts I can see it being a tat intimidating but don't be scared away it isn't that bad.. The Turkey "soul" sandwich was pretty good and a nice portion.. Joe even bakes his on bread right there in the shop.. This bread was soft,fresh and just fits the turkey sandwich perfectly!! The mac n cheese was also great ! You can taste it's homemade-ness (sorry I know that isn't a word but get my point rt? Lol) Everything shows that he loves what he does!! I have forsure become a regular!! Can't wait to try the whole menu! Prices are very reasonable! This place is a must try!! Tip: bring cash they don't accept credit or debit.. read more

See all

I've gotta get this rant out there, Why are people angry when they come or phone to Loretto's in late November and the food is sold out? I imagine the same might happen around X-mas and other major holidays as well? This is a small business. Joe's turkey and sides are fantastic. Maybe you should be mad at yourself for not ordering well in advance and not understanding basic laws of supply and demand? Keep the fantastic turkey and sides coming, go Joe. Pro tip: Come visit and eat off season. I've found a turkey burrito in August hits the spot. read more

This place is fantastic just as I thought. Had their turkey burrito, and homemade corn bread with my beau. The owner Joe has a great vintage vibe in the whole shop. Wel be back for my contribution of Holiday dinners, pre order, that for sure. read more

Turkey for me, turkey for you....let's eat some turkey and then take a poo! Wait, is that not how the song goes?? Anyway, I just heard about this place from my friend P, and I was instantly intrigued. I love turkey anytime, but I mostly eat it only at Thanksgiving, unless it's in ground form. So I was really excited to finally try some fried turkey! I had to instantly spread the word, and my boss went for lunch today. Him, being a man and all, didn't even THINK to ask, hey Sarah want me to pick you up something?? haha so we called his cell, gave him a guilt trip, and the turkey was ours!! What he brought me was the turkey leg dinner, with a side of greens, cornbread, and rice. FIrst of all, the rice was moistened nicely by the delicious turkey gravy, and on top of that was more turkey breast bits. I grubbed that down in like 5 minutes. The actual leg was so good, I couldn't stop eating it. Very meaty and moist, almost perfect! The only part I did not enjoy was the cornbread. Now I am picky about my cornbread, and this was very sweet and almost cakey. No comparison at all to my favorite, R&R. The greens were very leafy, and cooked pretty well. I mean, greens are greens to me, unless they are served almost mashed like at Porkys. The place itself is sketchy if you are a scared white girl, which I try not to be most of the time. It's all good during the day though, no worries! Do yourself a favor and try this joint, GOBBLE GOBBLE BITCH!! read more

See all

Ya, a minute ago (yesterday really) I got taken by a restaurant listed on Yelp with a high rating. What I can't believe is the next day (today), I find this restaurant on the front of the Yelp page (as being bookmarked a lot) and it really does deserve its stars. A whole world of difference from what I had the previous day. Today I got the turkey taco plate ($4.50) which came with 2 tacos, rice and beans. The day before I had paid (well, I was taken to lunch) $6 for a taco-sized burrito that wasn't all that - no rice nor beans. Loreto's was worth the drive and my faith in Yelp. Not to mention it's right around the corner from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Why isn't this one of those secrets that the students pass around. This very much is like any of my Auntie's kitchens. Clean as can be, the delicious smell of food, but my Auntie never had someone in a chef hat prepping my plate. The door has a red wooden frame and black screen door and you enter in to a modest room with a table and a fish tank.. The turkey in the roaster was beautiful. You'll also notice the fabulous professional refrigerator unit. The hard part was looking at that whole cooked turkey and not calling a bunch of friends to split it. Never would I believe I could just drive up and get deep fried turkey. Who knew? And, AND, it's year around. Cool beans, eh? Of course, now I see in another review that there are greens. I did get a slice of cornbread and I liked it. I didn't find sweetness, just cornbread. They do have 99 cent tacos listed but I opted for the plate. It was delicious. There was a good amount of turkey, enough cheese, and a bit of salsa. The excellence of this was it wasn't loaded with flavors that would overwhelm the turkey. I'm not a fan of salsa but Loreto's did this just right. The rice was also good, light, and the beans were whole and well made. I will be stopping by again for the noodle turkey soup and sandwich. I imagine, but look at the map to be certain, that you can get off the 405, go north on Alameda, and turn left on Compton Blvd. to get to Loreto's. It is a small place and parking will take your talents. I'm looking forward to seeing more Yelps about this eatery. read more

Would choose 0 or NEGATIVE stars if I could. What a complete let down. $75 turkey and my bird turned out to be: burnt. dry. blackened from being burnt. skinny bird with no meat. what a COMPLETE let down. my family and I were looking forward to a delicious fried turkey and we were all SO disappointed. Ordered my mashed potatoes as a side a month in advance (at the same time I ordered my turkey) and come time for pick up, they didn't have it and told me they 'lost it.' are you kidding me? I was looking forward to having mashed potatoes for dinner and was disappointed about that too. What a waste of my money and efforts to try a new place. NEVER COMING BACK HERE AGAIN. Terrible. Wish I could get my $ back. read more

My husband and I promised we would bring the turkey to the family Thanksgiving dinner. My husband wanted to try a deep fried turkey. We couldn't find anyplace in San Diego but Loreto's in Compton kept popping up in our search. My husband was able to place our order a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. The owner explained that the cut off to place orders was in a few days so we had made it! He informed my husband that the turkey will come sealed, no peaking, and all you need to do is reheat on T-day. We made the 2 hour trek from San Diego. Let me just say how nice the owner and his son are. I had called ahead of time to confirm the order and let him know we were coming after we got off of work. He told us that they would wait for us and not to worry since we were coming all the way from San Diego. I will say it was easy to miss at the first pass since it is a small mom and pop operation but the place feels like you are in an aunts house. The owners are extremely kind and friendly and thouroughly explained how to reheat the turkey. I was skeptical since it was just wrapped in tin foil. It was Tuesday, would this thing still be alright on Thursday??? No worries...IT WAS AWESOME! Flavorful and seasoned throughout, moist and delicious. There were hardly any leftovers which is unusual for us since most of us don't care for turkey. Loreto's has changed our tune. We will be coming back and making Loreto's fried turkey a tradition! read more

They make a mean fried turkey here! We ordered our turkey for Christmas eve dinner pretty damn early (about 3 weeks in advance); in fact, we were the first on the list! I arrived just as they opened to pick up our order and it was pretty much fresh out of the fryer. They included instructions for reheating, but we didn't have to do any of that since we planned on eating our dinner that evening. We did warm it up at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes before the feast, and boy, what a feast it was! Our bird was fantastic; moist, succulent, flavorful. I am not a big fan of turkey, but I really enjoyed this one. I am pretty sure we will be having fried Turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas from here on out. It was $70 for the whole bird (about 15 lbs), and well worth it. I didn't get to try any of their sides, or their meals, but my interest is piqued and I would love to come by again and check it out. Notes on the establishment: It's located in not the greatest area, so be forewarned. The staff is fantastic; super friendly and dressed professionally. Don't let the location deter you from the experience. read more

Seriously delicious. This tiny little hidden gem focuses on one thing and does it oh-so-right: deep fried turkey. The turkey soul tacos were juicy and hot. They were great, but not my favorite. The turkey pastrami sandwich, however, blew my mind. The staff was super sweet and nice, too. But, don't plan on bringing a huge group here. Their small indoor area seats only 5-6 people at the very most. And, their lack of a public restroom is a bit of a problem, especially if you have kids. But, you can always hit the restroom in the nearby chain fried chicken place. Nonetheless, I can't wait to go back! read more

I have never had fried turkey before and wanted to try it. Searched for places on yelp and came across this place. At first I was hesitant but gave it a shot anyway and I'm glad I did! The turkey was delicious and moist! I reserved the turkey about 2 weeks before I needed it and it is $70, cash. Would order from them again! read more

I called this restaurant several times and left several messages. They don't answer their phone ever so I won't go there

Damn! The fried turkey is so moist, you'll wonder why the oven is used at all. Downright deliciousness. But be warned you'll get hooked and find yourself in Compton a lot more frequently. Cash only, so don't be a turkey! And this spot also has your holiday fried turkey, just order in advance. Cheers! read more

I made a special trip to this hidden gem all the way from Oceanside, CA. My biz partner had stumbled upon this place last year and had nothing but great reviews. So, since I had a job to do in the LBC, I was quickly reminded by him to go check this joint out. I was not disappointed by the least. I got the Turkey Pastrami Sando. The meat was so juicy and tasty that I could eat a whole plate of just the chunked up turkey. The owners Joe and Jeremiah were so kind too. They were really appreciative that I had come all that way to eat their Turkey. I will no doubt recommend Loreto's to anyone and will definitely be making a return trip soon! read more

This place is so delicious. In particular I love the turkey tacos at a buck and a half, and the soup which has the most flavorful broth. It is hard to park, and it's pretty much take out but it's so delicious that I keep coming back read more

Really good quality food here. He only uses turkey meat, which I'm usually not a fan of because it tends to be dry, but let me tell you Loreto's has changed my whole view on turkey. I had the wet burrito (if you decide to get this, brace yourself because it's HUGE!). The Flavor was amazing and the turkey was far from dry! I was so satisfied! It took me two days to finish the burrito by the way lol. I can't wait to go back and find out what other mixes of flavor Loreto's has to offer with his succulent turkey. read more

Excellent service and the best fried turkey around. we came in a the last minute to get a turkey for our office Thanksgiving party and they helped us out. Everyone love the turkey. Not dry and super flavorful. read more

First time here. Wow, very impress. I liked the different spin to the tacos, delicious BBQ Turkey, and excellent corn bread. Can't wait for my next visit. I had trouble rating this place. Food was 5 starts, location not so great, but the prices were very good for the amount of food you get. read more

See all

This place can be good making Fry Turkeys i don't know yet. But i been calling and calling since last week and They Never answer and that make us very disappointed this year was going to be the first time we try the fry turkey but i want know when can i go and pick up my order. I have a Number already but how i know when and what time can i do my pick up. read more

Trying the breakfast for the first time will update soon. But all in all the food here is pretty good, love the soul (GRAVY) that's served with the food. Fried turkey every way you like it pretty much, everything is homemade which is a plus.... read more

Loreto's Fried Turkey - New breakfast menu - American Near Me - Compton, California

Omg the soul taco would uplift ur soul!!! I'm very particular bout cut up or chopped meat but Jesus he could have put the turkey neck in this taco and it still would be GRRRREAT!!! the place of business ain't to hot but I'm from the city so it's nothing....Joe is amazing he remembered me from few years back being a frequent customer....so when I picked up my order he said "I added extra soul" Yessss Joe!!! I don't know why I fell off but you will see me again...I introduced a friend to his tacos she ordered 1 and when she was done she said heeey Joe make another one...but by then lunch was over lol!!!! Thanks again Joe and wish your son well in the Electrical Business read more

Great place for deep fried turkey. So delicious. I have used them two years straight for a work event.

Absolutely fabulous! My family hasn't had turkey for Thanksgiving for about 8 or 9 years because no one could cook the bird thoroughly without massively drying it out. During our weekly family group text banter, someone suggested getting a fried turkey this year and the responsibility fell upon my shoulders. A quick yelp search suggested Loreto's Fried Turkey and we are so glad it did. Ordering was a breeze, thank you to the owner, pick up was a breeze and reheating it 2 days later on Thanksgiving afternoon was a breeze (350F for 1 hour+). My family could not stop raving on how amazing and juicy the turkey meat was and that included the white meat which is normally avoided like the plague. Turkey is back on my family's menu going forward although I will probably put in my order as early as possible to ensure my place in line, probably around Halloween next year... read more

First time reheating a fried turkey for thanks giving. Was very skeptical at first because you hear a lot about dryness and blandness in fried turkeys BUT THIS TURKEY IS ABSOLUTELY EXCEPTIONAL. JUICY and FLAVORFUL!!!!! Crispness is not there as its been a few days but it's still absolutely delicious. 'Nuff said. read more

Loreto's Fried Turkey - American Near Me - Compton, California

Great food at a good price , they do one thing only and that's Turkey . Let's Talk Turkey I had the Turkey Noodle soup which was out of this world , home made noodles and lots of turkey and veggies loved it. The soul Turkey sandwich was like eating a turkey sandwich at home the day after Thanksgiving . I have a great lunch . Will repeat again . It's a meal worth repeating . The place is not in the best place of LA but if you want to experience a great lunch try it . Call your order in is best very limited space and a small patio for two people , takeout is best. read more

See all

Delicious hard or soft shell shredded fresh turkey tacos with your choice of toppings cheese cilantro tomatoes and spicy sauce you gotta try Laredos burritos and Turkey plates as well fried turkeys as well read more

Great Place. Not sure of the previous sketchy comment..I guess typical racist fare of the day...black people = sketchy..but it's okay to eat up their food because we all know all white neighborhoods look like Beverly Hills because all white people are rich! read more