Agua Frescas L.A.

Huarache Azteca is a gem I have been frequenting for years but have yet to give the proper shout out on the blog. This is one of my favorite Mexican spots in all of Los Angeles, located in Highland Park, just West of the San Gabriel Valley and off the 110 for those of you on the freeway. Whether my pockets are thick or I’ve only got $7 to my name, I know I can pull up a chair at Huarache Azteca and eat like a king. My order usually goes something like this – all in Spanish to boot – 1 Huarache de Asada, 1 taco usually chorizo, tripas or adobada and 1 agua frescha, preferably watermelon or cantaloupe (sandia o melon). For those of you who love a good agua fresca, they also have piña, jamaica, and horchata.

The huarache is a must here! I probably don’t even have to tell you after that first photo. A huarache is made of fried masa (corn dough) and shares a similar shape to the sandal of the same name. Huaraches are usually topped with a savory meat, onions, cilantro and queso fresco. At this location you have the added bonus of crema on your huarache and a salsa station that would please any palette. My preferred salsa is the chipotle in oil that is sometimes on view and other times has to be requested; this is the flavor that brings most joy to my mouth!

Tacos are not to be overlooked my friends. Last night I indulged in the adobada and enjoyed a good moan or two. Adobada is usually pork marinated in red chili sauce and spices, which in my world equates two thumbs up! Are you down with tripas? I recently took my mother here and she proclaimed their tripas as some of her favorite, ever. Coming from a Mexican-American matriarch who loves all things intestinal that statement was a huge deal.

Run, don’t walk, to get your huarache love on this summer.