Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Loteria! Grill at 3rd and Fairfax
()
Even though the Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax isn’t really a farmers market at all, Loteria! Grill alone stands out among the labyrinth of tchotchke-filled stores and food stands that make up this misnomer (and trend setter?) as a viable reason to brave the parking lot at the Grove. Named after Mexico’s answer to Bingo, Loteria!’s Zagat-rated and highly lauded open-air stand seems to belie its moniker; consistently excellent food here seems anything but a game of chance.
The premise is pretty basic – you can order a taco, burrito, tostada or sope in one of a handful of preparations – but don’t think that means your typical refried beans-and-lard bloat-fest reigning supreme at the average margarita joint. Leaning towards traditional Mexican, the end result is a lighter, more flavorful fare.
Once you get past the fact that the little gals taking your order can holler your name louder than a circus barker, stand a few feet away from the melee and check the ever-changing specials menu. If you've got your game plan, have one person in your crew grab a table (they're often in short supply, especially as the weather heats up) and hop into the quick-moving line. If you're still uncertain, start with an order of the Sopa de Tortilla or Pozole (yet another reason to love pork and hominy), both spicy and filling and the No. 1 cure for what ails ya, be it the ass-kicking flu that sidelined half of the city earlier this year or too many Vodka Gimlets the night before. For something with a bit more substance, the Mole Poblano con Pollo with its tender, slow marinated shredded chicken, sesame seeds, onion and queso fresco is satisfying as a couple of soft corn tacos, especially with a dollop of their chunky guacamole and some extra mole for drizzling.
Support for LAist comes from
For the non-meat eaters, the Calabacitas burrito, filled with zucchini and roasted corn succotash, salsa verde, onion, cilantro and queso fresco is a sizeable meal in itself, but add a side of whole black beans and rice and an order of fresh chips with salsa and you've got enough to share with a friend. For those craving a more LA version of Mexican food, you've still got your Taquitos (chicken, shredded beef or potato), quesadillas and enchiladas (try the chicken and cheese Suizas, with roasted tomatillo sauce, or the Rojas in a red chile Guajillo sauce), so you're not on totally unfamiliar ground.
Finish with an order of Platano Frito (fried plantains with crèma mexicana) and wash it all down with a cold cerveza from the neighboring E.B.'S Beer and Wine. Loteria! Grill proves to be a sure thing for the mid-city. (Just don't forget to validate that parking!)
Loteria! Grill
6333 W 3rd Street (@Farmer's Market)
Photo by Melissa Moore/LAist
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist