You value independent local news, so become a sustainer today to power our newsroom.
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.
This 'Elote Burger' Comes With Fire-Roasted Corn, Chipotle Adobo And Hot Cheetos
The Elote Burger (Photo courtesy of Lock & Key Social Drinkery and Kitchen)
If you're looking for proof that good things come from unexpected places, head down to the Lock & Key Social Drinkery and Kitchen in Downey. Their secret menu (packing items like a brown butter quesadilla-topped ribeye and a black bun pastrami burger) currently features an Elote Burger—and it's not something you'll want to miss.
"There was an elote bowl that we had on the menu," Marc Shelton, owner and founder of Lock & Key SDK, told LAist. "And I love mash-ups and one-upping things, so, I said, let's put it on a burger and see what happens. And it caught fire."
The burger is topped with fire-roasted corn, chipotle adobo, cream cheese, cotija cheese, scallions, mayo, and hot cheetos.
"Flamin' Hot Cheetos are a very nostalgic thing," Shelton said. "We have a Hot Cheetos Pie [also on the secret menu]. It's what girls used to eat in high school."
Can't say we remember that, but we're intrigued, as we are by the Manimal(a burger smothered with applewood smoked bacon candy, American cheese, and "secret sauce") and the Cheese Boner (a burger topped with mac 'n cheese).
"We take everything seriously, but ourselves," Shelton told LAist. "The biggest thing to us is the guest experience."
The Elote Burger is still on the secret menu, but Shelton expects to put it on the restaurant's regular menu by mid-July. The burger is $14.
Sponsored message
Lock & Key Social Drinkery and Kitchen is located at 11033 Downey Avenue in Downey. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Tuesday and Wednesdays and Sundays, with extended 1 a.m. closing on Thursday, and 2 a.m. closing on Friday. On Saturdays, hours are 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. (562) 822-8281
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
