"Ed Fernandez Restaurant almost always has a line of people waiting outside, and for good reason: Brothers Miguel Angel and Jorge Fernandez serve some of the best Tijuana-style birria on either side of the border. Slow, overnight stewing results in a deeply comforting, soul-satisfying mélange of beef, chiles, and spices that you can order by the bowl for self-assembly using the accompanying fresh corn tortillas, or opt for the birria taco in an oil-fried tortilla, ready for dunking in a cup of fragrant consommé. Customer service here is always top notch and questions are encouraged if there’s an item you’re not familiar with. Plan to go there early, as they’re only open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday." - Mary Beth Abate