Welcome to Eastside Eats, a taste of the local favorites, hidden gems and must-try spots across Boyle Heights and East LA.
Whether you’re craving tacos, pizza, brunch or something new, our guide highlights restaurants, coffee shops, pop-ups and street vendors that help define the neighborhood.
From longtime family-owned institutions to newer businesses, this guide is here to help you eat your way through the Eastside.
Don’t see your favorite spot on the list? Email us at editor@boyleheightsbeat.org. We’ll keep adding new spots as we visit them.
Tacos and Mexican food
Soulmex
Born and raised in East LA, Eric Ashcraft started in this pop-up in his backyard in Bellflower during the pandemic. He then came back to his hometown of East LA, where he’s been serving tacos, flautas and nachos for the past several years.
How to find them:
- Address: 975 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022
- Hours: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 11 p.m.
- Instagram: @soulmex.la
Moles La Tía
This. popular eatery reopened in August of 2025 after being closed for six years, bringing back the mole, chilaquiles, café de olla and community ties that made it a neighborhood gem.
The restaurant is a go-to for families after Sunday church, a brunch spot for friends and a place for work meetings.
How to find them:
- Address: 4619 E. Cesar Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
- Instagram: @moleslatia
Tenampal
Growing up in Boyle Heights, Leonardo and Isaac Crespo often passed by the spot on 1st Street where their restaurant now stands. In 2022, the Crespo brothers took the leap and opened Tenampal, a restaurant that brings a modern twist to traditional Mexican dishes, with their huaraches becoming a fan favorite.
How to find them:
- Address: 1859 1st Street Los Angeles, CA, 90033
- Hours: Wednesday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed: Monday and Tuesday - Phone: 323-526-8172
- Instagram: @tenampal
Tacos Árabes
This family-owned food truck specializes in tacos árabes, a traditional dish from Puebla, Mexico, with roots in the Middle East.
How to find them:
- Address: 3600 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023
- Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 11 p.m.
- Phone: (213)453-0193
- Instagram: @tacosarabes
Coffee shops
Yia Caffe
With over 15 years in the coffee industry, Leo Miguel and Jorge Castillo opened Yia Caffe last year in East LA. Leo recommends trying their Oaxacan mocha and the tamales de mole, available on weekends.
How to find them:
- Address: 3557 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90063
- Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Phone: (323) 685-2049
- Instagram: @yiacaffe
Breakfast and Brunch
EastLos Pantry
A handful of longtime cooks from the Original Pantry Cafe found a home at East Los Tacos since losing their jobs when the diner closed. Here, they brought their signature breakfast dishes – and a following of loyal customers.
How to find them:
- Address: 4500 E Cesar Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
- Hours: Everyday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; “East Los Pantry” breakfast menu is available from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
- Website: eastlostacoscorp.com
- Instagram: @eastlostacos
Velarde’s Fruits
Velarde’s Fruits has been a neighborhood staple for more than 55 years and is well known for its fresh, made-to-order smoothies and juices.
Modesto Navarro began working at the business more than 35 years ago, doing everything from cooking to preparing fruit and helping wherever he was needed. In 2007, after years of dedication, he became the third owner of the restaurant.
While smoothies and juices are the main draw, Velarde’s also offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes.
How to find them:
- Address: 2201 E Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Hours: Monday through Saturday: 7:30 a.m to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays: Closed
- Phone: (323) 263-7276
- Instagram: @velardesfruits
Pink and Boujee
Inspired by her favorite color and Mexican roots, Yesenia Castro created Pink & Boujee to honor her mom’s traditional cooking.
The restaurant, which began as a food cart in 2022, offers dishes like pink chilaquiles, tacos and sparkly drinks like the pink glitter latte.
How to find them:
- Address: 1908 E. 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Hours: Everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Phone: (213) 466-2128
- Instagram: @pinkandboujeela
Pizza
Brooklyn Avenue Pizza
Chef Jorge Sandoval opened Brooklyn Avenue Pizza Company with the goal of creating a neighborhood hub where people could come together for a good time. The menu features pizza, wings, salads and fries, along with a full bar.
How to find them:
- Adress: 2706 E. Cesar Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: (323) 968-1106
- Instagram: @brooklynavepco
Vegan
Un Solo Sol
Inspired by natural medicine, Carlos Ortez opened Un Solo Sol in Boyle Heights to offer healthy dining options in the neighborhood.
From green pozole to dishes inspired by Mexican, Lebanese, and Indian cuisine, Un Solo Sol is redefining comfort food — one nourishing bite at a time.
How to find them:
- Address: 1818 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Hours: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays: 12 – 9p.m.; Sundays: 12-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Closed
- Instagram: @unsolosol
Boyle Heights Beat intern Genesis Cruz contributed to this story.
