0 Followers
El Huarache Azteca
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
El Huarache Azteca
8.5
El Huarache Azteca has been serving Highland Park for more than two decades with Mexico City–style huaraches, chilaquiles, and an impressive menu of everyday Mexican staples. The space is humble and often packed, but the consistently crisp-edged huaraches, hefty burritos, and everyday pricing make it a go-to casual happy-hour-time stop for locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Huarache with red and green salsa, Chilaquiles rojos con carne, Burrito mojado
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Beloved huarache specialist with big portions and everyday prices.
Who should go: Hungry diners prioritizing flavor and value over ambiance.
When to visit: Late afternoon before peak dinner rush and lines.
What to order: Super Huarache, chilaquiles con carne, burrito mojado.
Insider tip: Split a Super Huarache and add a side taco to sample more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on weekday afternoons but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Come as you are — ultra-casual and neighborhood-friendly; jeans, tees, and sweats all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversations are doable but expect a bustling taquería vibe.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on the rush; the small space fills up fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though seating can turn over quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including bean-and-cheese huaraches, chilaquiles, quesadillas, and veggie burritos.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — bean huaraches without cheese and some sides; communicate needs clearly.
Gluten-free options: Most corn-based items (huaraches, sopes, tacos) are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates unfussy charm and excellent cheap eats — it’s tiny, bustling, and more about flavor than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Arrive before the dinner rush or be prepared for a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family meals — quick service, straightforward dishes, and low prices. No high chairs or play space, so best for kids who can sit comfortably at a small table.
Best For
Better for: Best for big portions, Mexico City–style huaraches, and fast, affordable comfort food without pretense.
Skip if: If you want cocktails, ambiance, long linger-friendly seating, or dietary precision like dedicated gluten-free prep, another spot may suit you better.
El Huarache Azteca
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Family-owned and serving Highland Park for more than two decades, El Huarache Azteca centers its menu on griddled huaraches topped to order with meats, nopales, and salsa. Big plates, aguas frescas, and weekend breakfast make it a go-to for Mexico City–style comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super huarache with carne asada, Barbacoa plate, Chilaquiles rojos with eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Blue-corn huaraches griddled to order with soulful toppings.
Who should go: Groups craving hearty Mexico City–style plates and huaraches.
When to visit: Weekend breakfast for chilaquiles, or early weeknight family dinners.
What to order: Super huarache, barbacoa plate, chilaquiles rojos with eggs.
Insider tip: Ask for salsas on the side to customize heat across the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa and side streets is usually manageable; expect tighter availability during weekend breakfast rush.
Dress code: Come casual—jeans, tees, and comfy attire all fit the family-style vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but still easy to hold a conversation, even with a group.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes, especially if you’re arriving with a larger group.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food comes out quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options—nopales, beans, cheese, huevos, and veggie-forward huaraches and chilaquiles.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—nopales huarache without cheese, beans that are generally prepared without lard, and salsa-heavy plates.
Gluten-free options: Naturally good selection—corn-based huaraches and tortillas, though no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, comforting, and low-pressure. The food is hearty and delicious, but the vibe leans more relaxed neighborhood spot than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive a little earlier during peak breakfast hours to avoid a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Spacious tables, quick service, mild options for picky eaters, and a family-oriented crowd make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, authentic Mexico City–style huaraches, and value-focused family meals set it apart from trendier or pricier competitors in the area.
Skip if: You’re seeking a modern, cocktail-driven Mexican restaurant or a quiet, upscale dining room—this is a comfort-food classic, not a sleek date-night spot.
El Huarache Azteca
8.3
El Huarache Azteca is a Highland Park institution, known for its oblong huaraches, weekend pozole and menudo, and a menu that runs from breakfast plates to late-evening comfort food. The room is modest and always busy, but the steady flow of regulars tells you the kitchen has earned its reputation over many years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Huarache con Carne Asada, Mole de Pollo Plate, Huevos Divorciados
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A long-standing York Boulevard spot where oversized huaraches and weekend pozole anchor the neighborhood’s Mexican comfort food canon.
Who should go: Groups and families craving hearty sit-down Mexican plates.
When to visit: Early weekend evenings before the dining room fills.
What to order: Super huarache, mole de pollo plate, huevos divorciados.
Insider tip: Come on weekends for pozole or menudo and pair it with a small huarache to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Boulevard and nearby residential blocks; generally manageable but can be tight after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible, but the dining room hums during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options—bean-and-cheese huaraches, enchiladas, and breakfast plates can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—customize huaraches or tacos with nopales, beans (ask about lard), and veggies.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—most huaraches and corn tortilla–based dishes are naturally gluten-free; always confirm cross-contact if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for a relaxed, low-pressure meal with great food; less ideal if you’re looking for something quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive slightly early on weekends to avoid waits, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, portions are generous, and the menu has mild, approachable dishes for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Oversized huaraches, comforting weekend soups, and a dependable neighborhood feel that rivals trendier spots.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, cocktails, or a quiet dining room—this is a casual, bustling classic.
El Huarache Azteca
8.4
El Huarache Azteca has been serving Mexico City-style antojitos on York for decades, with griddles full of masa and bubbling cazuelas of stews. Locals lean on it for hearty breakfasts and late-morning plates that feel straight out of a mercado fonda.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super huarache loaded with steak and nopales, Enchiladas de pollo in green or mole sauce, Caldo de res with handmade tortillas
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running Mexico City-style spot where fresh masa and stews anchor the menu.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting big plates and handmade tortillas.
When to visit: Weekend late morning for full breakfast-lunch crossover energy.
What to order: Super huarache, caldo de res, enchiladas with mole or salsa verde.
Insider tip: Share one super huarache; portions are larger than they first appear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Boulevard and nearby residential streets; can fill up during peak weekend brunch hours but generally manageable.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are; jeans, tees, and comfy attire are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — lively with griddle sounds and chatter, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on the rush; turnover is steady.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent options — quesadillas, huaraches, enchiladas, nopales, and sides can be made without meat.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — request items without cheese/crema; nopales-based plates are your best bet.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-free thanks to the fresh corn masa, but cross-contact is possible; ask staff if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for relaxed, flavorful, low-pressure vibes. It’s not fancy, but great for bonding over comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t use reservations. Show up, and expect a short wait during weekend peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — casual atmosphere, quick service, and familiar dishes like quesadillas and rice & beans make it great for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, affordable Mexico City-style antojitos made with fresh masa; great for groups and comforting weekend meals.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, cocktails, or a quiet, intimate dining room — this is more of a bustling neighborhood classic.