El Tepeyac Cafe

"Manuel's" is more of a Boyle Heights institution than anything else. The food does vary in quality (soggy huevos rancheros to superb burritos), but the place reeks of Mexicano/Chicano culture, and therefore is a must stop. The waitr ... more

"Manuel's" is more of a Boyle Heights institution than anything else. The food does vary in quality (soggy huevos rancheros to superb burritos), but the place reeks of Mexicano/Chicano culture, and therefore is a must stop. The waitresses, mostly Mexicanas, tend to be big and friendly. The most famous offering of course are the burritos, especially the Manuel Special (too big for me). When you go there, look to see if Blackie still works the parking lot. Get there early if you go for Sunday breakfast or lunch. If you want slightly better food, though, go to Ciro's down the block (complete with juke box loaded with Ranchero/Norteno/Oldies). less

no longer live in California and this restaurant is one of the few things I miss. This is the best Mexican food restaurant north of the border. The food melts in your mouth. Everything on the menu is great. My favorites are the chee ... more

no longer live in California and this restaurant is one of the few things I miss. This is the best Mexican food restaurant north of the border. The food melts in your mouth. Everything on the menu is great. My favorites are the cheese of beef enchiladas, the tostadas (with the creamy french dressing), and the tacos. I have heard that Gov. Jerry Brown (a.k.a., Gov. Moonbeam) once took Linda Ronstadt on a date here. When I die and if I go to heaven, the only restaurant there will be the El Carmen Cafe! less

I agree with most, but if you live in the heart of East LA then you need to go to El Tepeyac Cafe. If you like real grandmas cooking then you'll like El Tepeyac, its the home away from home. The food is so good that you can't help but sit ... more

I agree with most, but if you live in the heart of East LA then you need to go to El Tepeyac Cafe. If you like real grandmas cooking then you'll like El Tepeyac, its the home away from home. The food is so good that you can't help but sit down. Their menu consits of all types of mexican foods, but if your a true native of east la, then you know "the manuels special" a five pound burrito with your choice of pork, chicken, carne asada, etc. Mixed with rice & beans, salsa. guacamole, lettuce tomates, with red or green chile. Topped with melted cheese and mole' this is a hungry persons dream come true! So go and check it out. One other thing, if you get your order to go and its not real busy, you get to watch them construct your lunch, its amazing! Enjoy! less

El Tepeyac is an Eastside tradition, but especially for people outside the area. The meat tends to be tough, no matter how long they cook it, it is still chewy. Portions are big, and if that is your main criterion, then El Tepeyac is your dream co ... more

El Tepeyac is an Eastside tradition, but especially for people outside the area. The meat tends to be tough, no matter how long they cook it, it is still chewy. Portions are big, and if that is your main criterion, then El Tepeyac is your dream come true. But there are far better restaurants in the area, if taste and presentation are more important to you. El Tepeyac is in Nahutl, the Aztec language, where Juan Diego reputedly had his miraculous vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The neighborhood is run down, and not on a main street. There are far better situated restaurants in East L.A. There are at least two other El Tepeyac's which the owners tell me are not related. Not techincially, perhaps. They do not form a franchise, but are owned my other members of the family, and serve virtually the same dishes. One faces Resurrection Cemetery in Monterey Park, and is also very popular. But also serves lower priced cuts of meat, and draws a younger clientele, with perhaps, stronger teeth than mine! There is often a waiting line at both El Tepeyac's. People definitely like them a great deal. They do serve the largest burritos on the planet! El Tepeyac is an experience, and should be tried. But the novelty does wear thin. less

If you havent eaten here then your lost in LA......I used to live in Alhambra and made weekly visits here go have a Hollenbeck Burrito or if your real hungry try The Manuals Special...these are HUGE portions so be ready to take some good grub home ... more

If you havent eaten here then your lost in LA......I used to live in Alhambra and made weekly visits here go have a Hollenbeck Burrito or if your real hungry try The Manuals Special...these are HUGE portions so be ready to take some good grub home and be real full when ya leave..... less