Elina Shatkin
Lists
How to eat like a cop in the South Bay
Cheap, quick and good -- a trinity that's rarely achieved. But the police officers understand. And they know where to eat. You can also find this list in map form by clicking here.
This divey looking taco stand on an even divier stretch of Imperial Highway doesn't look promising, but it dishes out some of the best carne asada you could hope for.
Though it looks like a dump from the outside, Al-Watan is legendary among SoCal foodies for its outstanding Pakistani cuisine. Halal dishes served in elegant setting.
Opened in 1994 by Richard and Norma Hood (and named after their two sons), B&R's serves big, juicy, high-quality, hand-formed burger patties.
Just down the street from LAX, these St. Louis style ribs have a spicy outer crust and meat that melts right off the bone. Take out only.
Mexican-style meat market filled with raw meat for grilling or BBQing, complete with tangy marinades. Order rice and beans that can be prepared on the spot or cooked at home.
This vintage diner with the futuristic theme (in a 1950s sort of way) has been dishing out breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, soups, steaks and other classic American fare since 1957.
Don Rogelio's bills itself as a Tex-Mex restaurant, but thankfully it serves food that's much better and more authentic than that phrase generally suggests.
This is the original El Pollo Inka, specializing in pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) and lomo saltado sautéed with tomatoes, onions and French fries.
A California tradition, this is the hamburger stand referred to in the Beach Boys classic "Fun, Fun, Fun" -- and they keep the tradition alive with cruise nights.
Come for the bowling, stay for the food. Better yet, just come for the legendary Hawaiian food. Loyal customers (and there are a lot of them) love the mouthwatering sausage and crunchy tempura plate.
Beneath the roar of airplanes flying into LAX, you can have fairly authentic Baja-style Mexican food. Well known and loved by locals.
Beautifully presented Mexican food in a small, family-owned restaurant. Handmade tortillas and other authentic delicacies make this a great Latin alternative.
Another one of Hawthorne's hidden gems. This is some of the best Americanized Chinese food in the South Bay if not all of Los Angeles.
Legendary milkshakes with over 30 flavor combinations. Open 24 hours, customers come for the chili cheese fries and stay for the avocado bacon cheeseburgers.
Their spicy chicken and gourmet shrimp pizzas are the stuff of south bay legend.
The self-professed most authentic Salvadoran restaurant in L.A. offers everything from savory pupusas and sopa de res to steaming tamales and tasty rellenos.
A small restaurant with a giant burrito. You'll find yummy Mexican food that's easy on the wallet and the taste buds.
Locals love the spicy barbecue sauce and mighty beef ribs. The meat is so tender it nearly falls off the bone.
This family-run pizza and Italian joint is known for its delicious breadsticks (coated in butter and parmesan) and its fresh, hand-tossed pizzas.
This cafe is beloved by the South Bay's growing ex-pat Cuban community for its authentic cuisine and friendly atmosphere.
This Turkish Middle Eastern gem started out as a market and over the years has expanded into a top-notch restaurant serving creamy hummus, crunchy falafel and savory skewers.
A small place filled with big flavor, this hole-in-the-wall is only a year old but already has loyal customers who swear by the meatball sandwiches and homemade lasagna.
The menu features a variety of Jamaican and Caribbean classics including curry goat, ackee and salt fish, oxtails, beef short ribs, cow foot soup, jerk chicken and fried plantains.
Great selection of Cuban sandwiches and entrees along with homemade pastries and breads. Located in a nondescript strip mall, this restaurant packs in the flavor.