Jeff N.
Yelp
Perla Escondida had been on my list to check out for a while now, and finally I paid a visit recently. Being that tacos and pupusas were my main two focuses for food on this given evening, I was pleased with both when I sat at the bar and enjoyed some lagers as I noshed.
The interior and exterior is full of character, just with how the building is situated on a slight hill and the former has a couple of steps that take you into a back dining area. There's two areas for outside seating, which feels more like an old porch/patio than anything that would be considered formulaic. There are two parking areas, and I would recommend using the south-side one, where there are more spots and its easier to access.
I liked the side-doorway that took you into the restaurant, where immediately you faced two narrow bathroom doors, and to your left brought you into the main room. Loved the red trim around the entryways and along the walls. The ceilings had paintings of various Central American landscapes and scenes. The Guatemalan-influenced decor really gives Perla Escondida the full experience and feel of what a local hangout should be.
The speakers blasted Spanish-sung music, as I chilled at the bar and ate some chips and drank beer. It's hard to find a building like this where it's definitely been around for a few decades, and has the character, with a lot of chill, laid-back vibes.
I sat there for a bit as I enjoyed some chicken and chorizo tacos that were very magical, with the chimichurri sauce, as well as the spicy sauce into which I had been dipping my chips. The chicharron pupusa was awesome, so awesome that I forgot to take a picture as I took one look and started devouring. There's more on the menu that I want to try, for sure. Just a great Guatemalan eatery that has great eats.