Lynda T.
Yelp
We traveled to East LA at the advice of a friend, who loves this place and goes at least once a month. Only 15 minutes away from downtown LA, where we were located while boyfriend worked on a Saturday. Again. He knows he can lure me to join him with the promise of a foodie adventure afterwards.
El Tepeyac's parking lot was full, but we had no trouble finding street parking. At 4:30 pm, a line snaked its way out of the small dining room, and we joined the end of the line. After waiting about 20 minutes, a lady walked up and went in, then came back to the line, saying there were plenty of seats at the counter for the several parties of two who were waiting! I wish an employee had told the line of people waiting that information, as it was 59 degrees and chilly. But no matter: we found seats and happily settled in at the counter.
I ordered the cheese enchiladas, because I always do, and boyfriend had the Original Hollenbeck Burrito. We also ordered their hot, homemade chips for $1.50, still dripping with oil on delivery and served with homemade salsa. Service was lightening fast and the food was piping hot.
As a cheese enchilada connoisseur, the enchiladas were excellent. Perfect red sauce, with lots of paprika, as I like it, and lots of it. The dish was served with rice and refined beans, which I just finished for breakfast this morning. To say that the portions are large is an understatement. Lots of bang for your buck here.
The Hollenbeck Burrito is so massive that boyfriend ate a third of it, and was so full that he didn't have anything else to eat or drink all night, lol. He had half of the remaining burrito for breakfast this morning, and still has half for another meal!
The cafe also sells Manuel's Special Burrito, named after its beloved late owner, which is large enough to feed a family of four and still have leftovers!
This is a great place for authentic Mexican food, at good prices and massive portions. The indoor dining room is small, but there's also open seating at the counter, which I preferred anyway. There's also patio seating and pickup for orders, so lots of options. We will be back.