Raspados Nayarit — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Raspados aka Mexican "Snow Cones" are a refreshing combination of scraped ice ("scrape" from the verb raspar in Spanish), syrups, fresh fruit, and sometimes spices and chiles. Like most Mexican food worth eating, the origin of the raspado is a contentious topic, with some people insisting its origin isn't Mexican at all, but Nicaraguan. Regardless, what is known for sure is that this colorful treat is now enjoyed across Mexico by both young and old, and is available here at Raspados Nayarit, a shop specializing in raspados, biónicos, and tacos in Lincoln Heights.

Wait, did someone say tacos?

Indeed, this raspado shop serves "Tacos Tuxpeños." These antojitos, also known as 'tacos al vapor' or 'tacos de canasta,' are steamed mini-tacos popular in the southwest coastal states of Mexico, primarily Colima, Jalisco, and Nayarit. Raspados Nayarit changes up what they fill their tacos with on a daily basis, with only one filling available at any given time. During my visit, they were serving them stuffed with shredded chicken stewed in tomato and chiles that was similar in flavor to tinga de pollo. I am a fan of steamed tacos generally, and these were particularly tasty. They are served on a plate as a trio. Salsa roja is provided on the side that I recommend leveraging heavily for dipping the little tacos into. Also, the taco plate is completed by a pile of fresh fruit chunks dusted with tajin, along with some de-shelled peanuts, and a dry arbol chile. (I feel they should have given me some popcorn and a Fig Newton too, because why not?)

And, of course, I couldn't leave without grabbing a raspado. My "Raspado Tamarindo" was exactly what you would expect it to be: cold, sour, treacly yet fresh at once. Chunks of tamarind flew up my straw occasionally, along with ice chips that induced momentary brain freeze. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, so there was no shot at this being the "best snow cone ever," but I liked it well enough to suggest picking one up if you stop in...

My boyfriend got throat surgery and I wanted to get him a healthy juice I called this place and I really nice man answered and was super accommodating and recommended a drink which by the way was ready by the time I drove there to pick it up . They always make me feel welcome every time I come in. I always come back for that reason. The drink was a 10/10 I highly recommend this place if you’re in...

Didn't get to try the raspados, the selection seems ok for raspados or corn (which they didn't have ready), ice cream is a mix of thrifty and smart and final brands. The place is so poorly run, one person up front taking and making orders while another in the back. Can only take care of one customer each 20 minutes... Which is not a great business model. Left...