El Tapatio Restaurant

Dude.. I had this place starred on my Google Maps for whatever reason, so when I was in the area, I tried it. It was worth it.

Driving from Chino early morning on a whim can be a disaster, especially after circling the seedy streets of Boyle Heights to find parking. Once I parked, it was a short 1 block walk through the shade, stepping over someone sleeping on the sidewalk. Their neighbor Guisados looked appealing, but I continued.

Got there and was served very well. I had a menudo that was perfect. Not an overbearing flavor. Good mix of broth, meat, and hominy. Oregano wasn't immediately served with it buy I asked and received. My son got the Tapatio Plate. Good chorizo, cheese, nopales, pollo, and beans to accompany the homemade tortillas. We each had a Mexican hot chocolate that was perfect. Total bill a little high at $50 (it was about $6.50 for a tiny side of rice and sour cream). I'd go again.

Food is beyond amazing, and they speak both English and Spanish fluently!!

These people do not mess around. Great veggie burrito with squash and everything.

Wonderful fried taco plate. Great salsa!

This restaurant is small in size but huge in flavor!!! If you are looking for great Mexican food this is where you need to go!.. awesome service as well.. and a clean restroom!..

It was so good, I forgot to take picture of my delicious food. Thankful for this little mom and pop restaurant!)

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this place lol.

On one hand, they have a really good salsa. The salsa seems to be made by hand, and not one of those nasty salsas that taste just like a tomato puree. The chips were also nice and crispy and not overly salty or overly greasy.

The service was great, the staff were very attentive and the food did not take long to be served.

My friend got their Huaraches, I myself got the red salsa enchiladas. The huaraches seem to have been made from scratch. Both the al pastor and asada were cooked well. And every topping seemed fresh.

Now, and this is the only reason why I am giving this place a 4 out of 5 stars. Unfortunately, the salsa roja used for the enchiladas, lacked a bit of salt. This is not a huge issue since they do provide you with a salt shaker. But, my biggest complaint is in regards to the rice. Unfortunately, although the rice was cooked very nicely, it lacked flavor. But other than that, I have no other complaints.

Please keep in mind that this restaurant is in a really busy street, and parking is very very limited.

They also sell aguas frescas, but I think that they're horchata and Jamaica aren't made there. I think those two are store bought.

Would definitely return to try other things.

This place is amazing! There a bunch of Mexican restaurants on Cesar Chavez but this place is the best from all. It definitely has the feel of a hole In the wall, but the taste will blow you away. I recommend chilaquiles con huevo and the memela. The chilaquiles may be a little spicy for some, just be aware. The prices are modest and the portions are generous. The only downside is the location. Being on Cesar Chavez there is never any parking and you may have to park at least 3-4 blocks away. But it is worth it! Try it, you will not be disappointed!