La Bodega Market #4 — Local services in Long Beach

#DCGourmet passing through LBC. Was driving down East Anaheim street going to San Pedro, when all of a sudden was captivated by the allure of grill smoke in a parking lot. We decided to U-turn and see what it was all about, and oh, man were we amazed!

Very professional grilling was happening in front of the bodega and the adjacent tire shop. What was it? Golden chargrilled whole chicken, served with rice, beans, tortillas, all for about $16. Payment for the chicken is done inside the bodega, and the cashier gives you a receipt to give to the grill master.

Be prepared to wait a few minutes. They make sure to cook the sumptuous marinated chicken until cooked to perfection. While you’re there, take advantage of La Michoacána ice cream shop. There is even an incredible butcher section in the back with huge varieties of marinated asada meats, plain meats, Korean style kalbi short ribs, and much more. Super fresh, clean, neat and zero meat smells. The convenience store section is very clean and has a variety of household and grocery needs.

Come for the chicken, discover the rest....

When I tried their carne asada marinated meat I was shocked how delicious it was so next day we decided to go back and tried their grilled chicken, men! we are so in love with this place​ now and can't wait to try some other of the food they sell, I am pretty sure it will be good. I can't believe I am going to say this but the grilled chicken was even better than in Mexico!! The wait for the chicken is like and hour or so but is worth it so I highly recommend to pay for it and get your turn then go do something else and come back to pick it up (the guy grilling the chicken will tell you how long is the wait). The prices are cheap, like $8 dlls for the whole chicken. Their green salsa is amazing too and it's the only one that my American husband eats...

If you pass by this place and smell the smoke, do yourself a favor and pull over immediately! The charbroiled chicken that they do here, is exquisite! The first time I discovered the magic that takes place on this corner, it was by accident. I was driving by and smelled that sweet savor. I quickly doubled back, determined to locate the source. After questioning someone in the parking lot, I was educated on the process. You go inside, place your order and pay the cashier. You'll receive your number, then you go outside, join the crowd and wait for your number to be called. After that, tastebud bliss. Good luck making it home without sampling the goods. Oh and don't forget the salsa that comes with each chicken. That's how you make a good...