You don't eat at Los Betos because you want to impress your date, or because you are planning a location to propose -- at least I hope not.
This is not necessary the go-to restaurant you visit because of its stunning decor and outward aesthetic, it's eager-to-please staff or because you can gain some cache for being "on the scene."
No.
Los Betos is the nitty-gritty of culinary experiences. It's where you go for a lunchtime quickie or a late night hushed food rush -- the type of meal you eat in secret. Probably in your car. In some abandoned parking lot. Or at the foot of some neighborhood park. Or, I don't know...
No one ever gloats, "Gosh! You simply must read my new review of Los Betos!"
No.
You frequent Los Betos because you can be sure that, for the price of one, you are going to have enough food to feed two or even four people.
Mass, budget eating? This is your spot. It's the kind of place you would imagine draws bikers and veteran truck drivers on the regular.
But, alas, it generally draws whole families and people who have just spilled out of the bars and clubs.
Why else do you visit?
People love it. The sensation of biting into the adobada plate or a cheesy tostada drenched in guacamole and sour cream happens to release the feel good chemicals your brain and body are driven to secrete.
But me?
Why do I love Los Bestos?
Goodness, I am still trying to figure it out.
I have long abandoned the familiar faces of American fast food. McDonald's and Wendy's have been on my "off limits" list for years -- at least seven years.
I also will not eat at In N Out, Chick-Fil-A, Jack in the Box, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell (NEVAR AGAIN!!!), etc.
These types of restaurants strike more terror inside of me than a rogue plastic bag floating across the highway. The gut-wrenching fear is real!
But Los Bestos.
I still return for the breakfast burrito. The bacon, egg, cheese and potato burrito is the perfect ratio of everything good.
The shrimp entree is delicious. I do not know how the shrimp is cooked. I may not want to know.
The carne asada is always so flavorful, and never dry.
Oh! The zanahorias! I learned about them -- learned to love them and learned how to pronounce them -- thanks to Los Betos.
And the super nachos? Well, this is probably my least favorite on the menu but, still, the nachos are quite good.
And the beans. The refried beans are soft and smooth. They call my name from a distance at night. I love these frijoles. Never a husk or bean pulp was seen in the bowl of yummy goodness.
Not to mention that this particular Los Betos is my absolute favorite in town! Though I am told that the owner of this location owns only the one Los Betos on west Valencia. I thought the same person/family owned them all.
I will return again and again. read more