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Alejandra’s Quesadilla Cart
Master Critic Review
Alejandra’s Quesadilla Cart
8.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Operating for nearly 20 years, Alejandra hand-presses Oaxacan blue corn quesadillas to order at her parking lot cart, filling them with huitlacoche cooked with epazote, chicharrón prensado stewed in salsa roja, and delicate squash blossoms. The texture of her fresh tortillas—slightly spongy yet substantial—has earned cult status, with devotees planning trips around her Friday-Monday schedule.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicharrón with Squash Blossom, Huitlacoche Quesadilla, Chicken with Blue Corn Tortilla
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Hand-pressed blue corn tortillas with rare Oaxacan ingredients like huitlacoche
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking authentic Oaxacan street food
When to visit: Friday-Monday, 11:30am-7pm; arrive before 6pm for best selection
What to order: Chicharrón quesadilla, add squash blossoms, try both salsas
Insider tip: Watch Alejandra make tortillas with her wooden press—it's mesmerizing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Sunset Boulevard and surrounding streets; usually available but can fill up on weekend afternoons
Dress code: Ultra casual - T-shirt and jeans perfect, it's outdoor street food
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - outdoor parking lot setting, traffic noise from Sunset but easy conversation
Weekend wait: 10-20 min line on busy Friday/Saturday evenings; she makes each quesadilla to order
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typical, sometimes walk right up Monday afternoons
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - huitlacoche, squash blossoms, cheese, and beans are all vegetarian options
Vegan options: Limited - can do bean quesadillas without cheese, but most fillings contain dairy
Gluten-free options: No - corn tortillas naturally gluten-free but risk of cross-contamination; no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic street food and casual vibes - it's a parking lot cart with no seating. Better for 2nd or 3rd date when you know they're adventurous eaters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables - this is a street cart with no seating. Most people eat standing by their cars or take food to nearby Echo Park Lake.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for adventurous kids 8+ who like trying new foods - the quesadillas are mild unless you add salsa. No high chairs or changing tables since it's outdoor. Toddlers might find the wait challenging.
Do they take credit cards? Cash only - bring small bills. There's a Chase Bank ATM 2 blocks east on Sunset if needed.
How much should I budget per person? $8-12 per person - quesadillas are $4-6 each and most people order 2-3 to feel full
Is there anywhere to sit? No seating at the cart - this is grab-and-go. Echo Park Lake is 5 min walk with benches and grass, or eat in your car.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Oaxacan preparation and rare ingredients you won't find at sit-down restaurants; watching traditional tortilla-making technique; incredible value for quality; supporting a 20-year independent vendor
Skip if: You need seating or table service; dining with elderly/mobility-challenged guests; want a full restaurant experience with drinks; prefer Tex-Mex or Americanized Mexican food; need guaranteed vegetarian options