L.A. TACO is embarking on its largest mission but: to create a dependable taco and meals information for each neighborhood in Los Angeles! Alongside the way in which, we will even be releasing temporary histories of every neighborhood to grasp L.A. a bit of extra and why every neighborhood makes our positive metropolis distinctive. Try the remainder of our historical past and meals guides on our neighborhood web page.
Glendale’s location makes it such a particular Los Angeles neighborhood. It’s a skip away from downtown Los Angeles and toes the road between bustling metropolis and vigorous smaller city. What as soon as was a sleepy neighborhood on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountain, Glendale is now buzzy with exercise: workplace buildings have popped up and drawn in staff, procuring facilities are bustling year-round, and there are infinite eating places to attempt.
Glendale can be residence to the most important inhabitants of Armenian immigrants exterior of Armenia, and this demographic displays within the meals. You’ll discover Persian, Lebanese, and Georgian influences amongst golden saffron rice, seared kabobs, and infinite hummus. After all, Glendale has different treats, too: a well-loved mother and pop teppanyaki spot, a market slinging the freshest seafood for over 70 years, pastries galore, and, after all, tacos.
Porto’s
Porto’s is a Los Angeles icon. This Cuban bakery, which now has places scattered throughout the better LA space, at all times has a line (and with good cause). All the pieces they do—from Cuban sandwiches to freshly fried potato balls to flaky cheese pastries to creamy espresso—is great, and value ready for. Bringing a field of Porto’s pastries to a celebration or potluck will make you the preferred particular person there. 315 N. Model Blvd, 91203
Karina’s Cake Home
Ever since attempting Karina’s famed fowl’s milk cake—a layer cake full of custard and topped with a shiny sheet of ganache—at a pal’s party in highschool, I’ve requested the identical for my very own celebrations over the previous decade. This Armenian bakery opened its doorways in 1999 and has been baking customized truffles, cookies, and pastries since then. Whereas the fowl’s milk cake is to not be missed, and is offered by the slice, the fruit tarts, eclairs, and kievsky cake are additionally value attempting. 515 S. Glendale Ave, 91205
Raffi’s Place
It’s unattainable to jot down about Glendale with out together with Raffi’s Place. This iconic restaurant and LA-darling, which opened its doorways the winter of 1993, has arguably one of the best Center Jap fare within the metropolis. All the pieces here’s a winner: herbaceous tabbouleh, creamy and wealthy hummus, completely seasoned koobideh, sides of saffron-kissed rice, and sticky baklava with strongly brewed tea. Pair that with the truth that you’re eating in a backyard and the entire expertise seems like magic. 211 E. Broadway, 91205
Mini Kabob
For meals that tastes like a heat hug, go to Mini Kabob. Though the eating house is small, the flavors listed below are daring, huge, and alluring. Combo plates arrive with beneficiant parts of rice, hummus, lavash bread, roasted veggies resting on shaved onions, and protein of selection. The bottom beef luleh kabob is the preferred, however the hen and lamb choices are equally juicy and value attempting. Telephone forward to keep away from a wait (every thing is made contemporary to order) and convey money. 313 1/2 Vine St, 91204
Fish King
Fisk King calls itself essentially the most trusted supply for seafood in Southern California, and with good cause. Since 1948, this seafood market has been offering the encompassing neighborhood with contemporary oysters, shrimp, fish, and crab—to take residence or to eat proper at their small dine-in house. There are premade sushi rolls and poke available, in addition to a menu full of fried favorites, like catfish, crab truffles, and shrimp. The pleasant and educated workers may help with any seafood inquiries. 722 N. Glendale Ave, 91206
Mori Teppan Grill
Benihana who? This mom-and-pop teppanyaki spot has all of the aptitude and showmanship of a widely known chain restaurant however with a snug ambiance and a beneficiant quantity of meals. Sure, there will likely be an onion volcano and shrimp flying by the air, however there will even be seared steaks, golden scallops, and buttery fried rice. The expertise could be accomplished with a spherical of sake bombs, too. 120 W. Stocker St, 91202
Brick & Flour
Brick & Flour shouldn’t be Mexican meals like your abuela makes, however that doesn’t detract from how scrumptious every thing is. You will get your basic tacos—carne asada, al pastor, shrimp, and carnitas are simply a few of the choices—however their menu extends far past that. There’s a surf-and-turf quesadilla filled with steak and shrimp, fried chicken-filled tortas, and California classics like carne asada fries and thick breakfast burritos. 1015 N. Pacific Ave, 91202
Taco Azteca Unique
For unfussy and inexpensive tacos, this unassuming stand that primarily caters to to-go orders is the place to go. Burritos, quesadillas, and tortas clock in at $10 a chunk, whereas tacos go for $2.50 every. The lengua is juicy, the cabeza is tender, and the al pastor is well-marinated. Fiery purple salsa rounds off every dish. 143 S. Verdugo Ave, 91205
Bea Bea’s
Breakfast is every thing at Bea Bea’s. Their expansive menu contains 22 totally different variations of pancakes, 42 totally different toppings to construct a really perfect omelet, and an attractive espresso and tea menu. Favorites embrace the inexperienced tea and black sesame pancakes (you’ll be able to order a sampler trio if you wish to attempt totally different flavors) and the loco moco with the burger patties subbed out for corned beef hash. Ensure to ask for his or her Thai sizzling sauce, which has a kick that goes completely with crispy hashbrowns and breakfast proteins. 301 N. Central Ave, 91203
Mario’s Italian Deli & Market
Mario’s has been a mainstay Italian market in Glendale for over 50 years, with a collection of colourful pastas, jarred olives, and imported balsamic vinegar to parse by. There’s additionally an unimaginable deli counter full with infinite protein choices for sandwiches. I’m a fan of the spicy combo sub, full of a trio of spicy salami, spicy soppressata, and spicy ham. Classics like hen parmigiana and meatball subs can be found as effectively. 740 E. Broadway, 91205
Carousel Restaurant
Located in downtown Glendale, Carousel has been cooking up Lebanese-Armenian classics for over 20 years and test all of the containers. The service is attentive, pleasant, and welcoming; the meals is vivid and flavorful; and the setting is celebratory, typically with stay dancers and music. We perceive why it’s considered one of Kim Kardashian’s favourite Armenian eating places. 304 N. Model Blvd, 91203
Zhengyalov Hatz
For a whole brick-and-mortar enterprise to specialize and solely concentrate on a single flatbread, it should be extraordinarily distinctive, area of interest, and scrumptious. That’s the case for this cafe that solely provides one savory merchandise on its menu: Zhengyalov Hatz. A conventional chewy flatbread filled with a mix of many herbs and greens beloved by Glendale’s religious Armenian neighborhood. You possibly can have it with some chilled spiced black tea, and it’s someplace between a snack and lightweight lunch. It’s surprisingly filling and very satisfying since it’s made contemporary all through the day. 318 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205 – Javier Cabral
