La Chaparrita Meat Market

I had been hitting Salgado's in the same strip for ages before I finally walked into this market, and now I am mad I waited. There is so much to browse you could lose an afternoon, but I came for the kitchen inside. Everything looked good, so I put my faith in the chef and asked him to pick a torta. He built me the Raul Torta and it was as tasty as it was generous. The carnitas and barbacoa tacos are the standouts, and if Cris is making the carnitas, get them, no questions. Wash it down with an agua fresca.

It also pulls double duty as a legit local market: a respectable meat and deli counter, a great produce section, dry goods, Latin snacks, and hot food served right there. My wife is devoted to their menudo. A real neighborhood spot that earns the loyalty.