tamales

Christmas is tamales season, and in Koreatown it’s not just the Hispanic eateries who sell them, but even so-called “mainstream” chain restaurants as well, like chicken-specialist Pollo Loco and hotdog-vendor Wienerschnitzel.

 
El Cholo Spanish Cafe LA

El Cholo “Cafe”


Address: 1121 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: (323) 734-2773

Mexican restaurant that’s been open since the 1920s

Mi Ranchito Veracruz Melrose Avenue North Koreatown LA

Mi Ranchito Veracruz


Address: 5200 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: (323) 645-7364

Authentic Mexican cuisine in North Koreatown

King Taco on Pico

King Taco


Address: 2020 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: (213) 384-8115

Mexican restaurant just east of Koreatown proper in the Pico-Union district.

Known for hosting the world’s most famous pedophile in May 2019.

Taurino Pico Hoover

El Taurino


Address: 2306 W 11th St Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: (213) 738-9197

Popular Mexican restaurant located east of Koreatown proper, in the Pico-Union district.

Menu: Tacos, Burritos, Tortas, Tamales…

Drinks: Horchata, Tamarindo, Jamaica…

House specialty: costillas rancheras