La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant in Boyle Heights

La Parrilla in Boyle Heights

I meant to post this a while back when Jeri and I first ate here but I got side tracked and never got around to it. La Parrilla was recommended to me by my good friend Frank Baltazar. It turned out to be a great recommendation! La Parrilla is located at 2126 Cesar Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA. (Boyle Heights). Wherever you are it is worth the drive. With so many good Mexican restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area, La Parrilla is at the top of the list.

When we got there we were not quite aware of the parking situation so we parked on a side street. It turns out they have parking in the back. As soon as we got near the doors the aroma of good Mexican cooking hits the nostrils. There is nothing like it. The smell of corn tortillas (tortillas de maiz), various meats roasting and chilies, fills the air.we couldn't wait to order. We were not disappointed.

The first thing we noticed was the colorful decor and a large painting of hometown boxer Oscar De La Hoya with his mother and someone else, presumably his brother Joel, hanging over a large booth. That booth was occupied so we got the one next to it. There was fairly large dinner crowd there but the service was prompt and friendly. We had our order taken within a few minutes of being seated but we weren't rushed.

I ordered a Corona beer right off, then the Arracherra a la Mexicali (carne asada); a perfectly grilled flank or skirt steak served with a roasted stuffed California chile topped with cheese (it was not a chile relleno), avocado and a small bowl of beans. I also ordered  side of nopales (cactus paddles). Everything on my plate was outstanding, including the salsas and tortillas.

Jeri ordered the Enchiladas Rancheras (chicken). I didn't get a chance to taste them but I could see that she was enjoying everything, including the salad, rice and beans. I happen to know she is particular about enchiladas, since she makes her own, so if she didn't like them she would not have finished them.

So I'm going to pass along my recommendation. If you do go let me know how you like it.

La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant's Website

The Phone number is (323) 262-3434