The eight new stations on Metro’s growing rail system will lead Angelenos to some fantastic options for munching. The internet is buzzing about the possibilities and even the Mayor has chimed in with his two cents about where to eat. And now the L.A. Times has joined the fray, calling the Eastside Extension of the Gold Line a “food nirvana”.
Metro has put out a map of restaurants (PDF) along the line, but the inclusion of places like McDonalds, Subway, and Pizza Hut left me wanting to explore the dining options a little deeper. I love a Quarter Pounder as much as the next guy, but I decided it would be best to look to the local reviewers on Yelp! to find out if Metro missed any gems along the Gold Line that don’t involve golden arches.
My general methodology goes like this: restaurants must be located within half a mile (about a 10-minute walk) from the stations, they must receive at least four stars from Yelp reviewers, and there has to be a minimum of 10 Yelp reviews in order to make the cut. If some restaurants listed don’t match this criteria, I’ll make note of it.
The final stops on our East L.A. dining tour are relatively close to one another, located on the last mile of 3rd Street, and thus the Maravilla, East L.A Civic Center, and Atlantic stations will be bundled together in this post.
View Foodie Guide to Gold Line Eastside Extension in a larger map
Maravilla Station
King Taco (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 127 reviews.
Another King Taco restaurant along the Gold Line Eastside Extension, and the third for the entire line (there’s one in Old Town Pasadena near the Memorial Park Station).
Lupe’s Hot Dog Stand (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 13 reviews.
Despite the name, Yelpers seem to prefer Lupe’s burritos to her dogs.
Tamales Lilianas (0.8 miles away)
3.5 stars based on 35 reviews
If you’re at the Maravilla station, craving tamales, and willing to take a little walk, this is your place.
East L.A. Civic Center Station
Taco Real (0.1 miles away)
5 stars based on 8 reviews.
Mexican staples, right across from the court house.
Atlantic Station
Manny’s El Loco (0.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 11 reviews.
Located in a strip mall right next to the Atlantic Station platform, Manny’s delivers not so crazy but tasty Mexican fare.
Los Molcajetes (0.3 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 7 reviews.
Salvadorian food including what some Yelp reviewers call “the best pupusas in Los Angeles”.
Tacos Baja Ensenada (1.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 112 reviews.
This is another 20 minute hike, but 112 Yelp reviewers can’t be wrong about these fish tacos, can they?
Other stops:
Categories: Metro Lifestyle