El Tepeyac Cafe (or Manuel's, as many know it) has been challenging the breaking point of burritos, and consequently stomachs, in East L.A. for over 50 years. Like many quaint Mexican restaurants in L.A., it is family-owned and -operated. Even the clientele boasts rich family tradition, as people pass this dining experience down like a precious heirloom. The signature Hollenbeck burrito, named after a nearby police precinct, is massive enough to feed a few. But taking it down alone will give you a greater sense of accomplishment and help you fit in better with the crowd of abuelitas, workers from Boyle Heights, and others who travel across town for these legendary burritos filled with stewed pork, rice, beans, guacamole, cheese and chilies. Locals also swear by Manuel's special (an even larger burrito) or the breakfast served all day. Soothe your mouth's roof, which no doubt is tingling from the spicy salsa, with an horchata or a tamarindo fruit drink. No alcohol available. Cash only. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Burrito
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"Burrito lovers citywide make pilgrimages to East L.A.'s El Tepeyac, one of the city's most legendary eateries."
—Gayot
"The burrito is the dish that Angelenos run on. ... El Tepeyac is famous for making them bigger than anybody else – and for its irresistible sense of place."
—Condé Naste Traveler
"At El Tepeyac, the legendary East L.A. stand whose name has practically become synonymous with the burrito, the Hollenbeck, named after the local East L.A. police division, is more or less an old-line Mexican restaurant's entire menu wrapped into a tortilla the size of a pillowcase."
—Los Angeles Weekly
"The dishes are authentic, portions are huge, and the service is fast and friendly. Manuel cooks with fresh ingredients and love. Most patrons have been going to him since childhood, and now, as grownups with their own kids, they return."
—Los Angeles Times
How others rate El Tepeyac
Zagat 2009
24 food rating (very good to excellent)
Mexican Tops
Pasadena Star-News
**1/2 (good to wonderful)