El Bacano

4 New Restaurants Bring the Soulful Flavors of Dominican Republic to LA | Eater LA

"Decorated with illustrations of Dominican cuisine, tropical wallpaper, and a Barbie-pink logo, El Bacano is a casual San Fernando Valley spot run by siblings Jonathan and chef Deany Santana using their grandmother’s Santo Domingo recipes; it’s already drawn regulars and visitors searching for Dominican food in LA. The menu ranges from street-food staples like the chimi burger (well-seasoned beef patty with slaw and mayo-ketchup, served with crispy tostones) and the sweet, milky morir soñando drink to mastered traditional plates such as bistec encebollado and bandera (carne guisada with rice and beans) that are vibrant and beautifully plated. Standouts include bacalao guisado (stewed salt cod with bright bell peppers) atop moros con habichuelas negras, and sides I’d recommend like piquant habichuelas guisadas or hearty locrio; a local twist is a canary-yellow sancocho dominicano with pork, chicken, and beef plus yautia, auyama, plantain, and corn served with white rice and sliced avocado, while breakfast offerings like the cuatro golpes (fried salami, cheese, longaniza, and eggs on mangú) showcase Deany Santana’s deftness and the restaurant’s island vibe enhanced by karaoke salsa on a flat-screen." - Bill Esparza