"Cook’s in Monterey Park does things a little differently. Their warm housemade bread is closer to ciabatta, and there are plenty more filling options than the traditional milanesa and asada (although they have those, too). At this casual sit-down spot, a torta can come with blackened cajun fish, BBQ pulled pork, or salty bacalao (cod), which tastes like the best-ever version of tuna casserole. The menu includes nearly 20 options, but the unique bacalao—which pops with roasted garlic, sauteed peppers, and olives—might be our favorite." - sylvio martins