"Downtown’s Olvera Street is rich in Mexican-American history, even if immersing yourself in said history can at times feel like you’re shopping for keychains inside an amusement park. But if there’s one thing you should prioritize while visiting this landmark, it’s the beef taquitos at Cielito Lindo. The nearly 100-year-old stand fries its signature dish in large batches before dousing each crispy rolled taco in an avocado salsa before handing them over. And Cielito Lindo’s secret sauce is just that: their sauce. It’s bright and tangy from stewed tomatillos and cilantro, with just enough avocado blitzed in to give it a silky texture. Some people come to eat as many a la carte taquitos as their body physically allows, but we prefer the #2 combo that comes with just two, plus cheesy refried beans and a fluffy beef tamal, which we think Cielito Lindo doesn’t get enough credit for. photo credit: Matt Gendal photo credit: Matt Gendal photo credit: Matt Gendal photo credit: Matt Gendal Food Rundown photo credit: Matt Gendal Taquitos We give these taquitos a lot of grace out of pure nostalgia. Is the shredded beef inside a little dry? Sometimes. Does it matter all that much after they soften up under a big ladleful of tangy avocado salsa? Not really. Order as many as you want a la carte or a few as part of a combo plate, but whatever you do, make them the focus of your visit here. photo credit: Matt Gendal Tamales Cielito Lindo serves four different types of tamales, including a cheesy spinach one and, our favorite, the sneakily spicy beef. The masa is always plush and the red enchilada sauce on top has a sweet roasted pepper thing going on that’s a nice contrast to the tart avocado salsa on the plate." - Sylvio Martins
