Share(310) 390-0755
4515 Inglewood Blvd
Culver City,
CA
90230
33.9945
-118.4176
Neighborhoods: Marina Del Ray, West LA, Marina Del Rey
09/02/08
The Amazing Disappearing Taco
by luckysun at Citysearch
You know a place is good when you can't eat the food fast enough. I just inhaled two of El Abajeno's signature carnitas tacos, and can barely remember what they looked like. Oh yeah: they were stuffed, and I do mean STUFFED, with shredded pork, and topped with an avocado slice and white cheese. I meant to put some hot sauce on them (actually I like them with jalapenos), but they were just too tasty on their own to bother. Get the number 12; you'll get two of these beauties and some perfectly cooked re-fried beans and rice. I will be back to see what else they offer, but they had me at the number 12...
- Pros: Carnitas tacos to die for
- Cons: Other than off-peak hours, be prepared to wait.
07/25/07
Best Mexican Cafeteria in Los Angeles
by robtpalmer at Citysearch
I have dined at El Abajeno for 25 years. I now live in Port Townsend, WA, but consider the food at "El Ab" worth the flight to Los Angeles. Four reasons: (1) authentic atmosphere (nothing pretentious, really a Mexican cafeteria), (2) authentic food (come on Gringos, since when did you see sour cream served in Mexico? Really! Go to Taco Bell for that type of "authentic" Mexican food. (3) the carnitas. In my opinion, carnitas is the indicator that a Mexican restaurant is authentic. Carnitas means little meats, in Mexico, a whole pig is butchered, and each part fried in lard in a large caldron, and served on waxed-paper or newspaper to place in tortillas. At El Ab, get the Tacos de Carnitas (my favorite) or the Burrito de Carnitas. Two corn tortillas, dipped in hot oil (very greasy), shredded pork carnitas, white mexican cheese (there is no Cheddar cheese in Mexico), an avocado slice, and their heavenly green salsa. (4) the salsa. With their green salsa, you don't need no stinkin' salsa bar, amigo. If you are looking for an American salsa bar, go to Baja Fresh! The chips are for their outstanding beans (cooked with lard, I believe). The plates are filling, so don't ask for more chips, remember, you came for the carnitas. There is limited parking on the south side of the building. There is a security guard in the evenings on the sidewalk near the parking lot, or by the front door, please tip him on the way out. We have never had a problem with our safety here, but if might give some a case of nerves. Come here for an authentic Mexican cafeteria experience. Join Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and Americans in a relaxed, self-service dining adventure. No reservations. Friendly, bilingual staff. Cash and major credit cards. Beer available. Enjoy!
- Pros: Authentic Mexican cafeteria food, friendly staff, security guard outside, orders to go
- Cons: Sometimes a wait, no reservations taken, but worth it
12/21/05
Authentically YUM
by podgorda at Citysearch
Try the chile rellenos here, they are the best ever. And the grease is THE POINT! i actually haven't been there in years, been out of the area, but am going to go sometime next week. i remember it as a hole in the wall, with a line out the door, especially on sunday mornings, peopled by mexican and mexican-american locals, hollywood types, even the occasional movie star. i did not rate the burritos because i never ate one there. the food is the best, the ambience is grungy informal small unpretentious and comfortable. i don't even remember a salsa bar, so apparently it's changed some since i've been there. i can't wait to go again!
- Pros: great food, cheap, authentic
