"A Fruitvale institution since 2001, this family-run spot has long been one of the East Bay’s top destinations for the food of Mexico City — especially for its namesake huaraches (sandal-shaped fried masa cakes), sopes, and other masa-based dishes. The restaurant’s chicken tinga and the barbacao are some of the best versions in town, and it’s one of just a handful of spots where you can snag a pambazo, a kind of sauce-soaked sandwich that’s popular in Mexico City. In addition to takeout, El Huarache Azteca now also has a small outdoor patio that’s open for customers who want to dine in." - Luke Tsai, Janelle Bitker