El Arco Lincoln Heights — Restaurant in Los Angeles

If you know what a "Jesse's Extra Special" burrito is, from the former EL ARCO IRIS in Highland Park, you will love EL ARCO! The "Jesse's Special (& Extra Special)" is now called "ABBEY'S EXTRA SPECIAL," but whatever you want to call it (I still it a "Jesse's), it is the best tasting Chile Verde burrito you will ever have! I have been craving one since the original El Arco Iris closed many years ago. I've tried many burritos since, but you can't beat the JESSE'S! The recipe is the same that was used when Arco Iris opened in 1964. Tender chunks of pork simmered in their special Chile Verde recipe, with beans, guacamole, sour cream & cheese smothered on top... It was soooooo good, I came back the very next day & had another!!! And I can't wait to go back!

By the way, my wife said the empenadas were the best she's had. Another plus, is that El Arco has Modelo (both "Special," & "Negra") on tap! The restaurant has 2 dining rooms and there is a small little bar. You can also order food to go. El Arco is conveniently located near the 110 fwy on Pasadena Ave in Lincoln Heights.

When I pass into the netherworld, I want to be buried with a JESSE'S EXTRA SPECIAL BURRITO to take on...

I had a strong craving for salad so I purchased a meal that came with salad. I got a pretty big salad with great presentation but they forgot to put dressing so it was a completely dry lettuce. I threw it away and came back to purchase more food the next day and asked if they could replace my salad and the lady immediately refused telling me they serve their salads dry and the dressing is extra. I had paid for dressing and even chatted with the other lady about how strong my craving was for that dressing the night before when I ordered it. She again insisted that all of their salads are supposed to be sold dry and that she was not replacing my salad. I was bummed because everyone there is always professional and kind but this server truly didn't care about making something simple right for their customers. She was very fast to tell me no and twice. This review is only based on my experience with her only. Everyone else there and the food...

We came after hearing that they serve Menudo during the weekend and we are happy to have finally given El Arco a try.

The menudo is great, seasoned well and while maybe some people like their menudo a specific way, I think the way it's served here will satisfy most who crave it.

While I have still not tried one of their specialty dishes, I did try the breakfast burrito and it filled me up well enough. The ingredients in it are potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, and pinto beans. I was sad to hear from the our server that they no longer served it with chorizo (though the menu still has the item listed as available) but other than that hiccup the burrito was great for the morning.

I will definitely be coming back to try their...