[dropcap size=big]E[/dropcap]l Huarache Azteca has been an integral part of Highland Park for over two decades now and during that time has seen quite a few changes in the neighborhood. Indeed, while many independent businesses in this once predominantly working class Latino neighborhood have closed, El Huarache Azteca is one of the too few places that has weathered the area’s gentrification. On any given day, longtime neighbors line up for the restaurant’s huarache, a street snack that originated in or around Mexico City and involves a thick piece of masa being stretched into the oblong shape of a large sandal and topped with a slather of beans, your choice of meat or vegetable, strips of lettuce, cotija and crema. A pair of huaraches, washed down with an ice-cold agua fresca, would make for a solid lunch, but you might want to pair a sole huarache with another snack, like the salsa-drenched pambazo or a fried quesadilla made with fresh tortillas. On the weekends, locals know to come out for the restaurant’s Texcoco-style lamb roast, which includes a restorative bowl of consommé. — TN
5225 York Blvd., Highland Park
(323) 478-9572
http://instagram.com/el_huarache_azteca
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