Marc L.
Yelp
This is greasy, fatty Mexican food... and I mean that in the most positive of ways.
I went to Torta Ahogadas El Rey off the recommendation of a chef friend. Apparently a lot of restaurants close early in El Monte and if I didn't want Chinese takeout or buffets, this was a solid option.
I ordered 6 of the mini tacos de canastas and a mini torta ahogada, plus a medium horchata... all for about $15. The tacos de canasta were semi-fried and greasy... again, in the best possible way. You have your choice of potato, bean, or chicharron fillings and to me, the potato and chicharron definitely stood out. 6 tacos for $6, a nice appetizer before you sink your teeth into their sandwiches.
The torta ahogada is indeed unlike any torta I've had before. Served on a crusty birote roll, this carnitas sandwich is dipped in tomato sauce, served with onions and lime on the side. If I had a bigger appetite, I would have had 2: if you like French dips, this is like the more flavorful, more robust Mexican variant. The birote roll was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside; instead of falling apart, the structure of the bread stayed intact, in spite of the substantial amount of light tomato sauce covering it.
Not very familiar with the cuisine of Guadalajara, but if this is a good representation, I'm a fan!