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Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria
Categories: Restaurants Latin American Restaurants Mexican Latin American, Mexican [Edit]
5707 N Figueroa StLos Angeles, CA 90042
Neighborhood: Highland Park
(323) 255-4719
Announcement
Happy Hour ! Everyday from 4p - 7p . Okay, jump on this right away. $5 for a pitcher of Bud Light, Pacifico, Shock Top, or New Castle ?!?
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria
Review Highlights
"This place has amazing sopes and pupusas."
(in 42 reviews)
"The pastelitos de carne are bursting with flavor."
(in 3 reviews)
"Fried plantains were perfectly done, with a perfect crispy..."
(in 6 reviews)
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63 reviews in English
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Review from Keila N.
It was on a late Wednesday morning that I was wandering through Highland Park. I stopped to check if any restaurants in my immediate area had a deal, and Las Cazuelas was offering a 10% discount for checking in.
Las Cazuelas is an unassuming spot adorned in bright yellow. I'm not sure if there's parking in the back, but I found a meter parking in the front.
I ordered the fish fillet, which was fresh and tender. The beans were tasty. My bill was $10 and change without the discount. It was a little over $8 with the discount.Listed in: Cheap and Good, Fish
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Review from Glenda U.
Toluca Terrace, CA
Went there on a Saturday with a couple of groups. It took a bit to get a table but then it was the peak of the lunch hour. The service was a little slow, it also took a while to get our orders - both food and drinks.
It was my 1st pupusa and it was actually good - freshly made and they did not skimp on the meal filling. No condiments were on the table so we have to get the hotsauce from the next table. Liked that they put a jarful of cabbage on the table instead of just giving you a dollup. Pupusas cost $2.25 which I believe is reasonable. I had the tamarindo whichwas really good as it was not too sweet.
The place is clean and well lighted.
If I am ever in the vicinity, I will go back. Thanks Las Cazuelas for my first good pupusa. -
Review from tony S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/12/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I picked up the yelp deal and went to check it out with my girlfriend.
I got the carne asada plate and a pupusa( which i had to take home). I also had the "ensalada" My girlfriend had 3 pupusas.
Pupusas---My girlfriend is Salvadorean so her opinion on the pupusas is much heavier than mine. She said they were okay, but a bit on the greasy side. My girfriend hates greasy pupusas so i had to dab it with a napkin. (Would of been a solid 4 stars if it wasn't for that)
Carne asada plate -- it was good, nothing out of this world but i enjoyed it.
Meat was cooked to my liking and surprisingly, the little salad on the side was pretty fresh.
"ensalada" drink-- i've ordered this countless of times at every place they sell salvi food at. This one was okay, i felt like the fruit was a little too big.
If you live or are just around the neighborhood, check it out.
Its definitely nothing to come across town for, but i enjoyed it :)
UPDATE: REPLY TO OWNER COMMENT.
salvi? as in short for salvadorean. Offensive? why would it be? That is in no way a derogatory term. It's like saying Jackie is offensive to a jaqueline.
if all you are trying to do is remove my honest review out of false accusations then you really don't respect yelpers and their reviews.
All of my salvadorian American friends, and my girlfriend don't find it offensive at all .... Its not derogatory, and taking offense to it is unreasonable..technically not logical. There isnt a justifiable arguement for the contrary.
I hope you explain yourself, I would take you up on a second visit but not with comments like these.Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 10/12/2011
Hi... Thanks for taking the time to rate us. It means a… More » -
Review from Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here with a large group (family) and we were all very pleased! The happy hour is amazing, pitchers of New Castle for $5!!!! The kids were happy since they were able to order hamburgers. We had the sopes (amazing), meat pies, and pupusas. Everything was delish and the price was right. You can pick up a http://restaurant.com certificate and get $25 off your bill (for purchases over $50). Will definitely come here again when my diet allows me to take in so much masa :)
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Review from LilyPie L.
LAKE VIEW TER, CA
2/4/2012
great place for pupusas among other Salvadorian dishes! Been coming here for years, staff is cool, chill place, casual attire. Good breakfast too!
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Review from Pixie R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2012
For a Latin woman who grew up with Salvadorean food, the food here is good but not great by any means. Because all the food was unusually GREASY, we won't be coming back. I have to admit that the atol de elote is incredibly delicious!
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Review from Claudia D.
Baldwin Park, CA
9/12/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here
I came here on a Sunday morning with one of my girlfriends. We were looking for a breakfast place but ended up ordering more than just breakfast.
We ordered:
Chilaquiles
1 taco de asada
1 sope de asada
1 taco duro de asada
1 pupusa de queso y frijoles
1 pupusa de pollo
and of course we had coffee.
Everything was superb. I would definitely go back again. The waitresses were very nice and I absolutely loved the music they were playing.
We had all of the above for just about $21.00 :D yummComment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 10/28/2011
Clau ... You're simply awesome !!! Thanks for reviewing us.… More » -
Review from Claudia A.
Berkeley, CA
12/8/2011
This is one of the best restaurants for pupusas.. there not tight with the cheese and not dry like other pupuserias. there thick & deliciously yummy!! Also there salvodorian breakfast is really good, the platanos are soft and the casamiento is delish. The chile relleno here is amazing...and of course the service is great, ive been coming here for about 10 yrs, and i notice one thing people complain about is the time they wait for pupusas to be made but thats how it is when your getting them done fresh and not reheated..
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Review from Mike V.
Los Angeles, CA
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not Salvadorean but the food was tastless and I could compare from a friends mom who made the authentic stuff that had a great taste to her food. Chilaquiles bland, cacimiento bland, fried plantains soggy.
The waitress never came back to refill the decent coffee and just pointed to a buzzer on the wall before she left. I hit the button and the waitress finally made her way to us even though there was only one other couple on a Sun morning to give us our check. Service was so so but with a smile.
My friend was a little high and he said the tacos tasted funny. Sober or stoned this place is mediocre.
Got an extra star cause the music was pretty good -
Review from Khathy H.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for a friend's birthday and wore heels and a dress--don't go in heels and a dress.
Then, this happened: "Papu-see?" "No, pupusa..I can't believe you just said that!"
My friends thought my elite status meant I wouldn't like the place. That's absurd! Price and quality is what I'm reviewing. Decor and atmosphere come next. I'm not a snobby elite--I can eat in a shady area! (not that this is a shady area) Ok, ok, it did take the waitress three times each time to understand our order. Bring Spanish speakers with you, problem solved! The soccer finals were on so that was entertaining for everyone--except me.
What is most important is that for $2 per Pupusa, I tried them all and enjoyed each one. With the amazing pickled cabbage reminiscent of kim chi, and the semi-sweet salsa, it was an amazing dinner.
My friend also got $25 from http://restaurant.com so we all ended up paying only $4 per person for all of the extra food!
For a person who has never tried this type of food before, I'm really impressed and to be honest I'm craving one right now.Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/20/2011
Hi, I love your review. I hope it was meant to be funny. I… More » -
Review from Josh C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011
Prices are super low, portions and flavor are big. This place has amazing sopes and pupusas! I highly recommend the chorizo pupusas...so delicious! And did I mention the prices are amazingly low for what you get!?! Seriously! If your looking for some delicious Salvadorean/Mexican food...this is the place!
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Review from julie m.
Los Angeles, CA
11/16/2011
Good pupusas and beers on tap (Blue Moon, Pacifico, etc..). Chilaquiles are a must try. Good deals on their lunch specials -until 3pm. Skip the wine and veggie burritos -meh. Service is usually quite slow, so don't go if you're in a hurry and not prepared to badger the waitress.
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Review from Irina S.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/21/2011
I totally recommend this place; the pupusas are great and so are the platanos and empanadas.
The waiters are very helpful and super nice, the place is clean and prices are reasonable.
I have to drive a while to go there but the drive it's totally worth it.
You should check this place out and I assure you that you also will become a regular.Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/22/2011
Thanks for the great review Irina. I make sure that we have… More » -
Review from Louie F.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2011
In the 10+ years I've lived in Highland Park, I've been to this place once. I've had way better Mexican and Salvadorean food (Chico's a few blocks down on Fig has much better sopes and tacos) and Jaragua over on Beverly near Western has much better Pupusas and their Salvadorean dishes overall are much more delicious.
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Review from Coco C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/19/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Every time I come here I feel like family. The owner and his wife are so mellow and down to earth. The food is amazing! This is my all time favorite Salvadorian restaurant. I can honestly say this place doesn't compare to any other place.
My usual order goes a lil something like this:
Pupusas de queso con frijol
Pastelitos de carne
Platanos fritos
PAN CON PAVO! (PheNOMS)
Puerco encebollado
And for dessert enpanadas...
YUMMMM!Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 11/2/2011
Hi !!!!!!!!! Tell them about the time I walked you into the… More » -
Review from James s.
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
On a hot Tuesday with no plans what so ever and it's the last day of my 2 day day-off, what am I to do?
This dilemma of mine started to increase my appetite by the minute to the point I was craving something heavy and greasy. Pretty much something unhealthy goodness. What is a boy to do!?
I pull out my iPhone 4(I hope recently retired CEO Steve Job sees this and signs his future spokesperson) than get on my Yelp app. I scan through it all, literally. My palate went haywire, I went from Mexican tortas to Malaysian Hainan Chicken to Thai curries to Salvadorian pupusas. So to curb my hunger and narrow down my choices by going through my bookmarks and found one with a note that I had written right after I had spoken to a good friend of mine. All the note said was "Johnny says Pupusas are bomb," and that's all that sold me. The guy knows his pupusas. Another factor that sold me to go here was the proximity to my house being that it was less than 5 miles away. Which was the seller since I didn't want to drive far on a hot summer day.
So I trekked out and look the extensive menu up and down till I figure out I just want nachos and pupusas for to go. This is primarily and secondarily a Spanish speaking place.
Let's get to the food
The carne asada nachos were tasty with fresh avocado to top of it off.
The pupusas stood out from the rest. LEGIT.
If you notice there is a Yelp deal $10 for a $20 meal for this place. I suggest you pick that up and have a pupusas feast! -
Review from Steve M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/6/2011
if your from Salvador, and you miss your grandma's/moms/aunties, awesome cooking, like there pupusas, or the fried plantains...
this is were you wanna come too...the flavors here are dead on...you can go wrong with however you decide you want your pupusas made...there Horchata is delicious...not quite home, but doesnt have that crap generic taste...
ive been coming here for yrs...and im never dissapointed...Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/9/2011
Thanks for the great review Steve. The trick to the platanos… More » -
Review from Leti T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/8/2011
The pupusas are moist, cheesy, and thick. The pastelitos de carne are bursting with flavor. The salsa+curtido aren't runny nor flavorless. I've ordered the three and have never been disappointed - the trifecta of yummy.
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/9/2011
" Trifecta of yummy " I love that phrase. Thanks for the… More » -
Review from Sophia T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2011
The $2 pupusas here are great. I've had 'em twice, and for the price, can't be beat. Also yummy! Unfortunately, that's all I've had so far the 2 times I've visited. I don't know if I can give them a 5 star rating if I've only eaten 1 thing there. Basically, I'm saying that I've just gotta go back .. for more. :)
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/22/2011
We'll be here when you're ready to try the rest of the… More » -
Review from Chris G.
Pasadena, CA
Updated - 9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ordered over the phone. Waited about 10 mins or less by a friendly and smiling waitress. Thank you Cazuelas :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/9/2011
Delicious food, wonderful service. We left fully satisfied! Thank you! Que viva El Salvador y Los… Read more »
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/17/2011
Hey Chris... Thanks for taking the time to review us. Really… More » -
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Review from Aaron G.
Los Angeles, CA
8/28/2011
This restaurant in the heart of Eagle Rock isn't somewhere you would normally just walk in and expect a great meal. I had a 25 gift certificate off http://restaurants.com, which stipulated I spend 45 dollars and so I did. 3 beers, 4 pupusas, 4 tacos, carne asada, 2 tomalles, pastelitos de carne, and god knows what else. The pupusas were the best item I had by far although everything was delicious. Since then I have been back several times and ordered significantly less but have been equally satisfied each time. It is quite easy to order for 2 people and make it out for under 30 bucks with drinks.
Recommended: Pastelitos de carne, tomalles de pollo, pollo pupusaComment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 10/28/2011
Aaron, Thanks for reviewing our place. It means a bunch to… More » -
Review from Julio G.
Los Angeles, CA
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Almost like my mom's cooking! No wonder, the owners are from San Vicente! Pupusas are excellent!!
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/17/2011
Glad you enjoyed your visit Julio. Mom's cooking is always… More » -
Review from Alex V.
Glendale, CA
11/20/2010
For the service and price you can get better. I came in here with an open mind and the reminder that you do wait a while, whether its dining in or take out. The restaurant itself is a bit stuffy, but overall clean.
The restaurant is in the heart of Highland Park and is very pedestrian friendly. It is a melange of classic LA architecture, with a side of reinvention in food, culture, and shopping.
The service leaves much to be desired of. The food is not the best and I don't think it's because it's Salvadorean. I've had some really good Salvadorean food, and unfortunately, this is not of those places. Las Cazuelas also has some Mexican dishes, which are okay as well. The service is slow, and the chips and salsa are not good. The food when it arrived was in a good sized portion. The rice tasted burnt, the chilaquiles were meh, and the beans had cheese on top.
BEWARE of any restaurant that slathers cheese on anything. They are usually trying to mask some bad cooking, burnt food, or trying to hide a poorly presented meal. Yes the food was slathered in cheese, and did not make for the best eating experience.
I will give it another shot for their pupusas and empanadas, which is what everyone raves about. We will see then if its worth the wait. -
Review from Gabby M.
Burbank, CA
8/16/2011
Love it here! Great food, great prices. The shrimp cocktail is my favorite. My hubby loves the "mojarra" or fried fish. Food tastes authentically Salvadorean.
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/17/2011
Awesome !!! Thanks for the great review and making a… More » -
Review from Teresa A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/3/2011
One Sunday morning, my guy and I wanted to have a nice breakfast, but nothing like a traditional American breakfast and I remembered having driven past this place and being intrigued by it so we decided to give it a try, and we were so happy we did! Located next to Antigua cafe, I'm sure a lot of the younger, unsuspecting clientele prefer to try Antigua over this place, but they don't know what they're missing out on! I've had a "mexican" breakfast at Antigua before and it doesn't even compare! I recommend the ranchero eggs and the plantains are so yummy and comforting, reminds me of childhood. There is a bit of a wait since everything is made from scratch, but well worth it. My hubby and I love the pupusas and sopes too, a must. Authentic and super reasonably priced.
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 11/2/2011
Hi Teresa, Thanks for the great review. I really like your… More » -
Review from Scott R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/10/2011
We first started going there when they had dollar pupusa night! When that ended a few years ago, we never stopped. Las Cazuelas has an awesome breakfast. Great smoky little salvi chorizo, casamiento, hand made tortillas, eggs, platanos fritos, and white cheese. The best breakfast around. Dinners: try the yucca con chiccarone. My spelling is terrible! Carlos is kind and super attentive. Say hi to him and he will be your pal everytime you come!
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/22/2011
Scott, It's always a pleasure... Thanks for your patronage… More » -
Review from Forrest D.
South Pasadena, CA
4/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Las Cuzuelas is a solid place to get your pupusas fix for those of us on the eastside. It's comparable to La Caravana on Lake Boulevard in Pasadena in quality, but pales when compared to the culinary wonders served up at the untouchable Atlacatl near Wilshire Center.
We opted for a variety of standards from the El Salvadorean cookbook, including mixed pupasas, beef soup and Yuca con Chicarron washed down with a truly spectacular Ensalada fruit drink. Everything was solid, but other than the Enselada, nothing stood out.
The pupusas here are decent but nowhere near the perfection at Atlacatl. The loroco con queso was unremarkable, the mixed a little better, although the curtido is quite good here.
Beef soup was good, slightly on the salty side although that's not an issue for me, it's noticeable. The meat was tender and delicous, and given in decent amount. Best plate by far.
Yuca con Chicharron was a major disappointment. The pork was overcooked, it should be crispy on the outside and more tender inside that but here it's just tough all the way through. Oddlly, the yuca itself was the same, too hard to be enjoyable.
Lastly was a serving of plantains, served with sour cream and bean spread. I prefer the plantains to be sliced thin, here they're cut into sections. That's a personal preference and not a reflection on the quality of the plate. Overall I wasn't a fan of this, but in fairness our dinner companions love this particular plate here.
Dinner was filling and affordable, though not particularly inexpensive. There are many more cost effective places that serve superior versions of most of the plates here scattered around Los Angeles and for me, I'd rather drive to get to something great than settle. Still, it's a solid choice in the area if you don't want to make that much of an effort.
There's a few other issues to consider: service is slow and mostly inattentive, not enough help to keep up with the clientele, bathroom (at least the men's) was dirty, and there's really little ambience to speak of. Since I eat a lot of asian food, this isn't much of a concern for me but it can be a dealbreaker for many so you've been warned. The neighborhood isn't as bad as some would suggest, people are friendly and welcoming but it's not Beverly Hills so a healthy dose of awareness is always good.
They certainly have a following here, our friends included, but personally I'd get in the car and drive to Berendo Street for pupusas to die for.
Best Plates: Ensalada, Cocido Beef Soup, Plantains, Mixed Pupusas
Food: B
Ambience - C
Service - B-
Value - B-Listed in: Latin American Food
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Review from Claire H.
2/12/2009 ROTD 8/21/2009
One stop pupusa shopping, three blocks from my house.
I love the loroco con queso and the pupusas revueltas. Delicious fillings, tasty masa, and their curtido (pickled cabbage) can't be beat.
I remember when I moved into the neighborhood, Las Cazuelas seemed like just a quiet little hole in the wall. My old roommate and I came in here once for a tasty breakfast and we'd often order pupusas to go. Lately I've been seeing Las Cazuelas' rad, home-made commercials on TV! They must be getting popular.
Someday I want to try the Siete Mares soup and the yuca with chicharron, but for now, their pupusas get five stars. For my money, they're the best in the neighborhood.Listed in: La Highland Parqueña, The crème de la crème!
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Review from Wes S.
1/28/2009
If you're ever walking down Fig, you can easily pass this restaurant by if you don't actually take a step in. As many have stated, it looks like a regular taco joint that you order from. If you read the signs, they do coax you into taking a step inside, where the "party" really is.
*Slap, slap, slap, slap, slap*
That's one of the first things you hear walking in here. What are they doing in the kitchen? Are they beating up someone for mob secrets? Are they into some form of S & M? Relax, that's just the kind of preparation it takes making the pockets of "Sex in your mouth". Yes, I said it, "Sex In Your Mouth" pockets!
Their pupusas are freshly made at this establishment. The pupusas were so fresh, when I cut into them, they let out a light "sigh" (a light deflation) kind of a gentle, exhale of yummy air. I made sure I piled on the "Salvadorean Kim Chi" (pickled/preserved slaw) and also slightly added some of their red sauce. I ordered the pork and cheese. The pork had a really tender texture (shredded), seasoned just right. The slight "funk" (nothing overwhelming) of the cheese was just right. The concoction of pork/cheese had a flavor marriage made in foodie heaven. Besides pupusas, they have a fairly big menu that encompasses Salvadorean cuisine.
This is the kind of restaurant I love going to, not only for the food, but because it is run locally, by a family who contributes to the community by having their establishment here. I remember being greeted by my waitress (who was the wife of one of the owners), one of the owners (who was manning the cash register), and another waitress (I believe she was an aunt). Nothing says good food, warmth, and a great atmosphere than having a family run the business.
UYE anyone? :) -
Review from Eug M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/21/2011
4.50 for a generously sized burrito with a side salad and chips. Pretty hard to beat. They also have fried meat pies which are scrumptious. My dinner companion had the garlic shrimp, which was reasonably priced and really good.
We talked with the owners' son; he was super friendly and very pleasant.
Will def be back again to check out the happy hour (4-7) and breakfast.
Quick update: Went back again. Carne asada burritos are even better than the carnitas. Had a couple of the much loved pupusas: chicharrones was ok, the chicken one was REALLY good though.
And the caramel churro was surprisingly tasty. It wasn't overpoweringly sweet, but had a nice, subtle caramel undertone to go with streams of chocolate syrup and the light, crispy, sugary churro goodness.Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/23/2011
Hey Eugene, Always awesome having you guys here. Thanks for… More » -
Review from Jonathan T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/12/2009
***4.5 Estrellas!***
Don't let the grimy banos, B rating, mildewed ceilings, weathered floral-patterned booths, or obnoxiously omnipresent mirrored sideboards that adorn the walls scare slash keep you away...then again if a scaredy-cat you be, all the more delicioso pupusas you leavin' behind for me!!!!
At Las Cazuelas, you feel as if you're just hangin' at a friend's humble neighborhood mom n pop restaurant den--- smiley servers are very attentive, grainy telenovelas compete with the seemingly random bursts of latin pop and occasionally, some kinda reggaeton hybrid mash (or if you're lucky you might be serenaded by a roving band of aging mariachi troubadours, such as happened this visit), and for some reason all this never feels offputting or headache-inducing.
The joint brims with hearty Salvadoreno-Mexicano comfort food (i stuck to the Salvadorean offerings), and i must say, what i had was all good...
but BEWARE...you get A LOT for your money. Don't be fooled or you might be sacked with a mound o comida that you can't finish. For an amazingly cheap $1.99, you get a big honkin' pupusa that comes with a kind of salsa rojo and a monstrous bowl of a spicy kimchi-esque cole slaw that was irresistible, but i could hardly make a dent...
GET GET GET a pupusa or three, although one of these thick, dense stuffed treats will be more than enough to satiate. I got the Revuelta Pupusa, stuffed with queso, frijoles, and chorizo!!! ohhhhhh yeeeeeaaaa!
Don't forget about the Platanos (Plantains) Fritos, which were nicely charred on the outside, sweet, moist, and chewy all at once, accompanied by a side cup of silky, smoky frijoles refritos and the bomb-ass crema that blows American-style sour cream outta the pond!
More of where that Crema came from with the Tamales de Elote (Sweet Corn Tamales), which were decent, but needed to be more dense and moist on the masa and a tad bit sweeter, but i wasn't complainin' too much as i forked off piece after piece and coated with that amazing crema!
More more more gastronomic bliss was on the way, as the meal was topped off by the Cocido Beef Stew---
really REALLY tender stewed beef and a light broth that was more souplike than stewy, which was just fine by me--chock full 'o zucchini, carrots, cabbage, yuca, and the most excellent corn cob--all the veggies were well stewed but firm and not mushy--i tried my best to dip in the accompanying thick pupusa-like tortillas, but alas my distended stomach was exponentially expanding down Bloat Lane at warp speed by this point...
A Postre, you say? ummm....uhhhh...HARDLY. It's time to stick a fork in me and roll my ass out sidewayz!
Wash it all down with a Tamarindo (just so-so) or the more tasty Ensalada (a kind of sweet 'fruit cocktail'-like refresco), and you've got the rub-my eyes, slap-my-tummy-silly incredulity of true local Highland Park flava in the zone of the sublime...daaaaaamnnnnn!Listed in: Holy Holes In Tha Wall!!!
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Review from Lily T.
Alhambra, CA
5/16/2009
I came to this restaurant to try the pupusas . I have to say that for my first time experience with pupusas, I really liked it. I highly recommend the chotizo ones. Each pupusas was only $1.99 and unlimited cabbage to eat with it. The cabbage was marinated with spicy sauce..yumm!! I also have the pork, chicken, and the revueltas (mix)...my favorite is still the chotizo with cheese.
The service was attentive and super nice. The other food that they served at the restaurant looks good too! I would come back. -
Review from Brian S.
Sierra Madre, CA
9/20/2009
You know, its been forevor since I've written a review. I've got a lot of catching up to do, starting with Las Cazuelas.
I've been to Las Cazuelas before and here are a few things you need to know:
1) Staff, unless the owner is around, speak limited English
2) This is really a salvadoreno restaurante, so don't expect spicy
3) They use giant fans instead of A/C, so if that bothers you, well, best go somewhere else
4) Food is reasonably priced and above average, especially for breakfast (My friend had the salvadorean version of Cocido and I had Chilaquiles.)
Review #1 down
P.S. mmmm...pupusas...Listed in: Leave the car behind
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 9/20/2009
It would be great if we didn't have to use our AC. It just… More » -
Review from Gabe F.
Los Angeles, CA
2/24/2011
Incredible. A true hole in the wall pupuseria with great prices and plenty of options. Need a little something extra? Try their fried plantains, they're probably one of the greatest things you will eat in Los Angeles. Do it.
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Review from Randy M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/14/2008
In the food service industry, there's a well-proven proverb that says, "When a customer has a good experience, they'll tell three others. When they have a bad experience, they'll tell ten." This certainly was the case with Las Cazuelas. The experience I had here last year was so horrifyingly bad, I personally steered many potential diners away.
But I'm happy to report that things have changed.
A couple of months ago, I was contacted by owner/manager Carlos who had read my original review. Needless to say, he wasn't pleased with it. Carlos wrote to me, apologizing for the bad experience, and stated that changes had taken place inside his family restaurant. He asked if I would give them another chance. To me, not only does this show honor, but it demonstrates that the owner not only wants to give his patrons a pleasurable experience, but cares about the quality of the cuisine. That is the reason anyone visits any eating establishment in the first place. So given all of this, a return visit was in order.
I am pleased to report that our experience was wonderful. Eons away from the dining disaster I previously encountered.
As I walked through the front door, it appeared that all the tables were full, but the waitress, Delia, managed to take care of her other customers, get a table cleared and cleaned, and seat me, all in under a couple of minutes.
The appetizer chips were fresh and warm. The salsa was quite good as well, though having it served in a maple syrup dispenser was rather strange and unexpected.
i opted to order a wide-spectrum of smaller items from across the menu rather than two standard fare to write a more comprehensive review. The particular items ordered were Bean and Cheese Pupusas, a beef burrito, several varieties of meat pie, and sweet corn tamales.
Overall, the food was quite delicious, though some of the fried items were on the greasy side, but not so much as to take away from the overall enjoyment of the meal, and in many ways lent a warmish "home-cooked-meal" aspect to the fare.
I've always said that it's a good sign when one can witness the food being prepared and cooked. It's even more impressive when you can do this from the street, which is the case with Las Cazuelas. From the walk-up window (is this in use anymore?), you can witness the kitchen staff prepping and cooking the orders as they come in. I mention this, because watching the buzz in the kitchen will confirm that the food is, indeed, fresh and homemade. No meals made ala "fresh-frozen" here. Unfortunately, doing it this way means that occasionally an item may run out, as was the case with the Chili Relleno. But the other dishes were plentiful and satisfying, so this minor inconvenience was quite forgivable.
Other than being unable to fulfill one of the menu items ordered, the only other negative that should be mentioned is the mistake made in the choice of beverage to go with the meal. A nice, cold beer would have been perfect, but I ordered margaritas, which tasted a bit too artificial, not unlike Nestle Strawberry Quik. They weren't horrible, but for the money you'd be better off with the above mentioned beer and order the margaritas at somewhere with a reputation for good ones.
Overall, the meal, the service, and the atmosphere are all very good, and I recommend Las Cazuelas to anyone looking for a Salvadoran-inspired meal. Check them out.
On a side note: As you exit the restaurant, take a look around. This section of Figueroa is part of the legendary Route 66. And while Highland Park does not resemble the Highland Park of yester-year, traces of this by-gone era can still be seen. If you look towards the roof, Las Cazuelas is one such artifact. Just peaking out, you can see an original coffee shop sign, used to entice travelers when the Route was still the main road, and there were fewer buildings. And if you go for the mother road history, definitely stay for the food. -
Review from George p.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2010
I am all about culture and fusion, so in trying to get to know my salvi coworkers, so I join them for lunch. All I hear is how good pupusas are and so on and so on.. I roll one deep being the only Greekican I know...we pop in right before lunch. I notice the looks like "what are you doing here", but once I bust my spanish out, the natives settle down. KING KONG AINT GO SHIT ON ME! 1/3 full but the service was very prompt. I ordered 2 pupusas(1 chicken and 1 pork). Well I got 2 cheese!. I was a bit bummed, but they were good. From the outside they all look the same(extra thick tortillas dough stuffed with cheese or meat. The pickled cabbage was delish and complimented the pupusas.
will I go back...hell yeah. Do I wanna be more salvi....hell no! Hahaha that is for you Mr. Corleto and thanks for the pupusas....u really not that useless.
keep on yelping -
Review from Charis L.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/4/2010
FORTY MINUTES for 2 pupusas!
One star, not because this place is on the dirtiesh side (it is), or because it's in a bad neighborhood (it also is).
One star because the service is SLOOOOW. We came in and ordered 2 pupusas to go. I paid at the register and we waited.
and waited.
and waited.
and waited.
and waited.
About 20 minutes later, I asked if the 2 pupusas would be long. Hmmm - it seems they forgot to make it. The owner, who was also the one who took my order and money, told his cooks to make the 2 pupusas, and we waited again.
and waited.
and waited.
and waited.
Another 20 minutes later, the pupusas come out.
FORTY MINUTES for 2 pupusas.
The pupusas were decent. The cheese was good, but the masa was too doughy.
The slaw was nasty and tasted like feet.
The salsa tasted like ketchup and not spicy at all.Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/20/2011
What can I say ???? We definitely screwed up. Everyone makes… More » -
Review from Thia G.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/22/2009
Right at the corner of Figueroa and Ave 57, this place is in the heart of East LA and all things hole-in-the-wall and tasty. Of course, we got the pupusas, one chicken, one chorizo, along with sweet corn atole and fried plantains.
Chorizo is REALLY good, way better than the chicken. Make sure to pile on tons of pickled cabbage because it adds great crunch and taste to the pupusa. The atole was really good too, I've never had atole and don't know what it is, but it was like sweet creamy corn soup, with a cinnamon-y twist. Just try it, you won't be disappointed. Fried plantains were perfectly done, with a perfect crispy burnt outside with sweet mushiness inside. YUM. $12 for all of that food, plus tip.
Free 2 hr parking right behind the restaurant, so don't worry about trying to find a meter.
Slow service, a little dingy inside, but very nice and friendly staff. They even have those service doorbells (like at Korean restaurants!) I will be back again! -
Review from jan y.
Chino Hills, CA
8/23/2011
this place was amazing. their guac was good. their pupusas were good. their empanada was good. even their beans were good! i shoveled everything into my mouth, and all was good. i wasn't even hungry, and it was midnight. i wasn't even drunk, i was at work. i know all of this sounds weird, but if you take one thing away from this review, take this: its good here at las cazuelas
Comment from Carlos L. of Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Pupuseria 8/23/2011
Hi jan, Thanks for the great review. Always a pleasure… More » -
Review from Jennifer G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/16/2011
The bean and cheese pupusas were delicious!
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