Old-time hot dogs that can stand up to the city's heavyweights (watch out, Pink's). Change it up with a tasty pastrami sandwich like the East Coasters order.

Known for its avocado salsa and its flavorful burritos filled with tender, perfectly cooked meat.

The king of local taco chains, this particular outpost has the virtue of being open 24/7.

Also called Changnoy, this nondescript Thai restaurant is hidden in the back of a strip mall.  But don't let the barren surroundings fool you -- the heaping lunch specials and yummy pad thai make up for the restaurant's shabby surroundings.

One of East L.A.'s best tamale joints as evidenced by the lines that often stretch out the door.

So good, you'd think your abuelita made it herself.

A surprising mix of coffee shop fare along with hefty kebabs, feta and sweet baklava. Owner Nick Begakis dishes out a fusion of Greek and Mexican food and claims to serve the best gyros in Montebello.

East L.A. is filled with tamale joints, but this is one of the better spots. Just ask patrons braving the long lines what these tamales are worth.

Host to a variety of banquets and special events in the Commerce area, the restaurant offers a variety of steakhouse favorites, including prime rib -- better known here as "Big Jim's Special." Stick around after dinner for when the restaurant hosts one of the hottest salsa nights in L.A.

A frequent venue for official (and not-so-official) events for sheriff's deputies working out of the nearby East L.A. station.

On a budget but hungry for homestyle Mexican cooking? You'll want to stop at Lilianas, where the fluffy and moist tamales are divine. The chilaquiles -- sliced tortilla strips that are fried then smothered in green sauce -- and the unusual Zacatecas-style peanut mole also draw a crowd.

Exceptionally well-prepared Mexican food served to politicos, police and neighborhood folks. Specialties: chicken albondigas soup, pork ribs in chile negro, chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips in chile sauce).