Orsolya D.
Yelp
When most people think of the City of Angels; they think of glitter, glitz and glamour (well, this is more so through the eyes of tourists - us locals know better). Although this star studded VIP lifestyle is indeed available - there is also an essence of 'home' and community in the city: mom and pop shops, businesses that feel like family and restaurants/bars that know you by name. The latter is exactly what you will find at Gloria's: a Mexican and Salvadorian eatery/bar in the Culver City adjacent neighborhood of Palms. Gloria's is the epitome of family and this translates to everything from the vibe to the food.
Gloria's holds real estate in a small strip plaza on Venice Blvd which means parking can be a nightmare but there is a small lot available directly in front. From the exterior, Gloria's looks like a dive absent of bells and whistles but as we all know too well: dives are usually the best! In fact, Gloria's was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" hosted by Guy Fieri but quite honestly - that guy annoys me to no end so it wasn't his frosted tipped hair and backwards sunglasses that introduced me to Gloria's; but my boyfriend who has been singing the praises of this establishment for YEARS.
The time came when I finally got to pop my Gloria's cherry and I was welcomed into a small but charming eatery complete with booth and table dining, a bar area with a live fish tank and outdoor patio area. There is something about Gloria's that feels like walking into your Mexican grandma's house with that essence of, "Come eat! Come eat!" Gloria's simple has great energy. I was already sold and I haven't even eaten yet!
The menu at Gloria's is a beautiful melding of Mexican and Salvadorian dishes and my boyfriend and I had to start with a couple of pina coladas ($9) and some chips and guacamole to start ($10.95). For our dinner, my boyfriend went with the Chimichanga plate (chimichanga of your choice served with beans and rice - $18.95) while I went with the Enchiladas Suizas (2 enchiladas - I chose chicken and cheese , topped with green salsa, guac, sour cream served with rice and black beans - $18.45). My satisfaction with Gloria's was on a hot streak because the pina colada was perfection and not light on the alcohol. But the chips and guacamole is where it is at! Holy moly, Gloria's! This is the guacamole of dreams and I could bathe in a tub of it. Well, no, but I could EAT a tub of it! That is some damn good guacamole!
If the pina colada and guac were any indication - plus my boyfriend's undying devotion - I knew the plates were going to be mind-blowing and I was not disappointed. First of all, Gloria's does not play in regards to portions as these servings are large and in charge! But the starring role is held by the food itself as Gloria's effortlessly offers at-home style, slow simmered flavors that are both comforting but elevated. My Enchiladas Suizas were PERFECT with ooey gooey cheese and tender chicken. The green sauce was a heavenly chorus accompaniment and there was more of that famous guacamole! Downright excellence on a plate! I had a bite of my boyfriend's large-sized chimichanga and it was equally divine. The amount of south of the border food options in LA is seemingly endless but I am telling you that Gloria's is at the top of the top. I have been thinking about the food non-stop since my dining experience.
An insider tip: make sure to ask for a bottle of Gloria's very own habanero hot sauce. I'll take 10! This hot sauce could run every hot sauce company on your grocer's shelves out of business because it is that good.
In case you are wondering if Gloria is real... She is and can often be seen working the floor.
Gloria's is the trifecta of family atmosphere, large portions, and amazingly delicious food that will leave you dreaming it about days later. Who needs the glittery upscale version when you can have food that has you feeling at home? But don't take my word for it... or Guy Fieri's or my boyfriend's... run to Gloria's and give them a try.
