Salvadoran Restaurants near Altadena, CA

“So there we were, late on a weekday night blazing a trail east on the 134 and we simultaneously voiced the same thought: "I'm hungry. Where can we get something to eat?" Most restaurants are shuttered after 10 PM on weeknights. There's fast food, but even those places, with the exception of Del Taco, close pretty early. That's why you always see a super-long drive-through line at the Del Taco near Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. People want their crunchtadas and shrimp tacos, yo. But I digress. I googled "taco trucks near me" and I was directed to one on Fair Oaks. Driving like a bat out of hell down Fair Oaks, I see out of the corner of my eye the bright yellow food truck of Big Grandma's Kitchen and, emblazoned in neon purple, "Pupuseria on Wheels." I forgot the taco truck and stopped hard, brake smoke billowing around me. I turned into the parking lot and looked at my watch. It was 10:50 PM -- 10 minutes before the food truck closed. My husband was dubious. "What's a pupusa?" he asked. "Watch and learn, grasshopper," I said. We ordered four pupusas (Salvadoran fried, stuffed, thick corn tortillas): Revueltas, chicken, spinach and jalapeno, and garlic. We waited less than 10 minutes. The pupusas we got were delicious -- slightly crispy on the outside and warm and filled with a mild mozzarella and other ingredients, like chicken, on the inside. The garlic pupusa was especially piquant and good. The only thing is that I wish the curtido (a relish made of cabbage), was more flavorful. It was crunchy (thumbs up) but bland. I was pretty hungry, but one pupusa was filling and my husband ate two and was sated. Note that when you order pupusas, you have to order at least two. Next time, I'll try some of the plantain dishes as well as the pupusas; I'm getting hungry just thinking about them. Big Grandma's Kitchen is at the Altadena Farmers Market on Wednesdays and elsewhere in the SGV in addition to Fair Oaks in Pasadena.“

“This restaurant is like a pearl in a clam in HP neighborhood. They serve delicious Salvadoran food. The restaurant can sit about five tables. It's clean and well lighted. There are two colorful wall paintings depicting life of Salvadorans. The cashier has a cheerful voice which enlightens your day. She's very friendly and knowledgeable.“

“I love the food from here! I've tried their soups, seafood, chicken plates, and of course the pupusas. Everything here is really tasty and satisfying. The workers here are really friendly and welcoming as well. It's also really clean inside. The accept card but with a small, reasonable service charge. If you don't mind, cool. If you do, bring cash.“

“These pupusas are delicious. They are probably the best in El Sereno. The Lady operating seems to love what she is doing, which is reflected in her food. Each order comes with Curtido (Cabbage Slaw) and Red and Green Salsa . This is my go-to spot when I want pupusas. It may be located in an unconventional place, a Car Shop or a Wash but I recommend it to anyone who needs that Pupusa fix.“

“Best Mexican food I ever had on a while. It's a hole in the wall but I felt it as soon as I walked in here it was going to taste good. I got chicken tacos and my buddies got pupusas and tortas. Everything was great and I'll definitely be coming back.“

“The boyfriend and I decided to try this new thing where we randomly pick a spot to eat without looking at yelp first. We saw this hole in the wall restaurant and decided to just walk in blindly not knowing what they serve. We asked the woman who worked there what was good to eat but there was a language barrier so we used google translate. She recommended the pupusa revueltas and the pasteles de pollo and we also placed an order for salmon. Everything tasted amazing and clean. The pasteles de pollo had a nice fry to it! We are both not a fan of beans but the beans were good! We would definitely go back again.“

“This place is a hidden gem! First time trying out their liver with sautéed onions with veggies and rice and let me tell you it was worth it, I also ordered their signature Salvadorean dish Chicarrón pupusas with red spicy tomato sauce and pickled cabbage curtido and they were one of the best combos I've ever had.“

“The food here is extremely good. I had the empanadas and pupusas and both were top notch. Worth a trip!Parking: Medium sized lot at the location plus easy neighborhood parking.Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp from the parking lot up to the door. Tables all have chairs that can be easily moved.“

“Friendly experience, great food, please go.“

“Have been to Eagle Rock Kitchen many times and like it. Fast and friendly service, delicious and nutritious meals, vegan included. I recommend ERK whether your vegetarian or not. A lot of choices.“

“Machaca, bean and cheese, quesabirra tacos are delicious. Caldo de res had a little too many pieces of fat according to my dieting wife. Phone order pick up went smooth and quick. Definitely will be returning. Anyone know how's their menudo? Taco Tuesday specials advertised.“

“buen servicio y amavilidad se Los recomiendo.buena comida.“

“Vegetarian options: You can get pupsas, empanadas, and platanos fritos. Pupsas have veggie options and if you've never had a Salvadorean empanada before, it's like a savory hot pocket of deliciousness. Cash only and easy on the wallet! Kid-friendliness: It's a food stand outside, and by the gas station so easy to pick up on your way home.Wheelchair accessibility: It's an outdoor food stand, so the sidewalk is accessible.“