Al & Bea's Mexican Food — Restaurant in Los Angeles

The music was on point, 50’s love songs coasted over us all, crooners with their heartfelt, upbeat or melancholy ballads like, “Who wrote the book of love?” Who, indeed. Everything was really good, especially when dug into hot, fresh from the bustling kitchen. Lots of cheese pulls, for example.

I watched as food containers of beans and meat moved in the arms of workers outfitted in fresh, professional kitchen whites moving quietly, seamlessly from the adjoining pantry to the busy kitchen. It’s amazing what a honed team can do in narrow space. While cozy, the seating doesn’t feel cramped.

This is a well run, busy little alcove, around eight shaded tables for al fresco seating in a semi-industrial strip near a highway overpass. It’s a long time neighborhood spot for Boyle Heights, now in the social media spotlight. I got there around 10:30am on a Saturday, no line. Any line build up moved fast.

They take all forms of payment, I used my phone to tap, easy. I ordered, took a seat at the very back table and took in the scene. Streaming in were families, moms in nice dresses and pristine cardigans with sons or friends, ladies pretty and solo, dads with daughters, couples in futbol jerseys, union men in work gear, young men in crisp fitteds.

The way the salsa works is you get one container of salsa, red or green, per burrito. I got two burritos - bean and cheese; chile relleno - and one order of taquitos, which only come in shredded beef. No included salsa for the rolled tacos bc it already came with a treatment of guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cheese. But still, I did dunk them in the salsas, of course. Pictured here is my to go order, nicely packaged. I mainly want to show you the red and green salsa, the green is the less red, more orange one. Both were good, at the end I wished I’d gotten both green though. The red was more like straight red chili flakes set to a light sauce, still nice, but yeah. I ate half there and left with the rest of my bounty once it began to get more crowded.

There was a scruffy, hard scrabble element to a small percentage of patrons. One guy I thought was a vagrant loudly crowed at me as I entered the roofed area. I’m a tall, attractive lady. I told him loudly, don’t follow me, at all. He left me alone after that. Turned out he was waiting for his food and was a known element. He sat at a table next to me to eat, and I could smell him, that’s when I moved to the very back. Right before I left a couple dusty guys came up, white, nosily staring into families’ plates. Watching them take up space, I couldn’t help but wonder about that all too common phenomenon, of liking the food, without humanizing the people. Just given everything going on in LA and the world. Anyway, East Los is its own vibrant entity. Reminds me of being in my beloved India, a lot of beauty from the struggle, a lot of lotus’s in the mud.

P.S. Another reviewer mentioned "commodity ingredients," and yes, I can attest to a rather tumultuous digestive situation after eating here. I mean, it is what it is. You can't expect quality ingredients at this price point and this volume. The cheese pulls per bite ratio was high and lovely with the chile relleno burrito, but let's be honest about the cheese. All I'm saying is, if you are used to eating organic and less processed, consider treading lightly here. Taste, but not consume in volume...or else be ready to be near a bathroom for the next 36...

Al & Bea's Mexican Food is an absolute culinary gem nestled in the heart of Los Angeles. Despite not having visited the restaurant myself, I had the pleasure of tasting their exquisite combination burritos thanks to a thoughtful friend. Let me tell you, it was an experience that left me craving for more!

First and foremost, let's talk about those combination burritos. The moment I sank my teeth into one, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. Bursting with flavor, each bite was a delightful fusion of perfectly seasoned meats, savory beans, and fresh vegetables. The sheer quality and taste of the ingredients truly shone through, leaving me completely satisfied and longing for another bite.

Now, let's discuss the salsa. Oh, that salsa! It was like a revelation for my taste buds. The incredible depth of flavors, the perfect balance of spice, and the freshness of the ingredients all combined to create a salsa that elevated the entire dining experience. And here's a tip: don't forget to grab a generous portion of that salsa. Trust me when I say it can transform an already amazing burrito into a flavor-packed delight.

Although I haven't had the chance to dine in at Al & Bea's Mexican Food, I can already tell that this place is something special. The fact that the burrito I savored made the journey all the way from downtown Los Angeles to Orange County and still tasted absolutely fantastic speaks volumes about the quality and care put into their food.

Al & Bea's Mexican Food has now become a must-visit spot for me whenever I find myself in the area. With such an outstanding reputation for delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine, I can't wait to step foot inside and explore the rest of their menu. If the combination burrito is any indication, I'm confident that every dish they offer will be a culinary delight.

To anyone searching for a Mexican dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a lasting impression, I wholeheartedly recommend Al & Bea's Mexican Food. It's a true gem worth discovering, and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed.

In conclusion, make a beeline for Al & Bea's Mexican Food and prepare to be amazed. Your taste buds will thank you!

¡Buen provecho!

Disclaimer: This review is based solely on the combination burrito experience and the reputation of Al & Bea's Mexican Food, as I have yet to personally visit...

NOT the best food, but I was very dissapointed that I call in my order, and they still Don't make it until I get there, so what's the point of calling it in? Parking is a Nightmare... I don't understand.... It's very small, lines are often long, but it does move fairly quick, very limited seating. The food is ok don't get me wrong. This place has been here for a very long time, I'm surprised they haven't expanded a little. Kind of rough area, I've seen crazies walking around there on the sidewalk, but have never seen an incident happen on their property...No Security Guard... I usually get the Chicharron Burrito, and the Taco with everything which is very good You have to ask for salsa,they then put it in little cups, instead of having it ready, the Taquitos and Guacamole are very good, they do have an interesting menu full of good stuff but I haven't tried any of the burgers, I would like to try some, but this place is mostly Famous for their burritos, the beans are really Excellent, they have the old time homemade taste... but even though they have been around since the 60's I believe... The B Bag on Whittier Blvd just West of Garfield in ELA, was better while it was there...( they closed in the 90's I think) The meat in the Green Chile Burrito was dry, I didn't care for that It is A Historical Place in Boyle Heights/ ELA... worth trying to see if you like it, it is very close to the LAPD Hollenbeck Station... literally...feet away....As far as I know it's still Family owned and operated... I try to beat the lunch crowd, or beat the dinner crowd, for less waiting, just wish they would make the phone orders immediately when they are called in so I could...