It’s no secret that finding good, authentic Mexican cuisine in TC is difficult to say the least. It’s important to note that chains like Taco Bell and Chipotle, whose food is pulled out of packages and heated, are not true Mexican cuisines. However, a few restaurants serve some of the best Mexican foods in the area.
Habanero Mexican Grill
The closest restaurant to the high school is the Habanero Mexican Grill on the corner of Rosemead and Fairview. Their enchiladas are doused in red sauce that isn’t too spicy, but still packs a powerful punch on the tongue. The corn tortillas are thick and hold together underneath the heavy sauce, allowing for each bite to have an even distribution of meat, tortilla and sauce.
To compliment the dish, Habanero Mexican Grill also serves Horchata, which is cinnamon rice milk, and Mexican hot chocolate called Champurrado. Their Champurrado is thick and rich, but the cinnamon’s flavor enriches the taste.
El Pavo Bakeries
El Pavo Bakeries in San Gabriel is home to some of the best pastries in the area, including conchas. But many people don’t know that they serve some of the best tacos as well.
Made fresh, the tacos are filled with meat, onions, cilantro and salsa. The meat is tender and juicy, with a rich flavor that outshines the heavy onion.
El Sombrero
The famous El Sombrero in El Monte is family-owned. If someone wants dessert, their fried ice cream is divine. El Sombrero’s fried ice cream is made to perfection with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream rolled in cookie crumbs and walnuts, fried and then plopped on top of a scoop of cherries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and strawberries.
Chiquita Bonita
Chiquita Bonita means beautiful little girl in English, but there’s nothing small about the little restaurant’s pozole, which has a broth full of spices that balances out the starchy, thick bite of corn and makes the meat full and moist.
Of all the restaurants, this tiny place serves the biggest portions.