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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Palms-Cheviot Hills

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Angelicas Cemitas Originales 7.8
Palms
A Puebla-style cemita specialist operating from a food truck in the Smart & Final lot on Venice Blvd, building each sandwich with the traditional chipotle-avocado-cheese layering that defines the format. It draws a loyal lunch crowd from Palms who know the cemita de milanesa by name and appreciate portions that outpace the price point. Straightforward ordering, no frills, and a tight menu that stays in its lane.
Must-Try Dishes: Cemita de Milanesa de Res, Cemita de Milanesa de Pollo, Carne Asada Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Puebla-style cemitas loaded with cheese, chipotle, and avocado, served from a food truck outside Smart & Final on Venice Blvd.
Who should go: Puebla food lovers and budget-conscious lunch crowds
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid lines; open daily 10:30-9
What to order: Start with a cemita de milanesa de res for the signature experience, add a carne asada burrito to split — portions are generous and everything is under $15
Insider tip: Ask for the chiles asados on the side — they're fiery but worth it
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Food truck sits in the Smart & Final lot at 10113 Venice Blvd—park in the store lot or grab street parking on Venice
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a food truck parked at a Smart and Final lot, so the setting is purely casual with no ambiance or intimate atmosphere. It's a great spot for a low-key, spontaneous lunch together if you both love authentic Pueblan street food, but not the move for a first impression date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - no reservations needed or accepted. This is a walk-up food truck operation open Monday through Friday, 11am to 2:30pm only. Closed weekends. Lines can form during the lunch rush but move quickly. Cash only, so come prepared.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the casual food truck format means zero formality and no one will bat an eye at noisy kids. Tacos and burritos are easy finger food for children, and prices under $15 keep the bill painless. No dedicated kids menu, but the straightforward Mexican fare works well for young eaters. Note: seating is basic outdoor only, so plan for weather.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 3-5 who don't mind casual outdoor seating at a parking lot. There's a small outdoor seating area, but no private space or large tables. For bigger groups, the limited seating and cash-only policy could be a hassle. Best for a quick, informal group lunch rather than a planned gathering.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - as a food truck, all seating is outdoors. There is a small outdoor seating area near the truck at the Smart and Final parking lot on Venice Blvd. It's basic and uncovered - functional for a quick meal, not a lingering sit-down experience. No heating or shade structures confirmed.
Best For

Hours

Monday10:30am - 9pm
Tuesday10:30am - 9pm
Wednesday10:30am - 9pm
Thursday10:30am - 9pm
Friday10:30am - 9pm
Saturday10:30am - 9pm
Sunday10:30am - 9pm