Vicki Paris Goodman
Culture Writer
Some people get cravings for ice cream or pizza, or for pickles or mac ‘n cheese. Me? More often than not, I get a yen for a taco. Something about the crunch, maybe.
But go in search of a great taco and you’ll find that some are too greasy, others skimp on the shredded beef (or worse yet, substitute ground beef for shredded). Still others come with a salsa that’s not quite right.
Being a regular Metro Blue Line commuter, I’d been eyeing this curious little Mexican place across the street from the platform at Wardlow Station. One night I said to my sweetie, “Sweetie? There’s a place I want to try. And I need a taco.” Being the good sport that he is, my husband Sam promptly replied, “Let’s go!” That’s the spirit.
So we descended on Guadalupe’s for the first time on a weeknight many months ago. And, after taking the first bite of one of the two tacos I’d ordered a la carte, the verdict was in. In a word, yum. Double yum.
Guadalupe’s tacos are ample, not greasy, packed with shredded beef, adorned with plenty of lettuce and cheese, and crunchy as all-get-out. And I love Guadalupe’s chunky salsa, which I pour over each taco until it’s dripping. Although I am known for my “healthy” appetite, two of Guadalupe’s tacos, ordered a la carte, fill me up.
Disclaimer: Just because I order my meal sans rice and beans, don’t assume the rice and beans lack pizzazz at Guadalupe’s. On the contrary. Sam usually orders a combo plate that includes the two traditional sides, and they are among the best I’ve tasted anywhere. In fact, the enchiladas, chiles relleno, tostada, taquitos, and chile verde are all excellent at Guadalupe’s. Sam also enjoys the Caldo de Pollo (chicken soup served meal-size— the restaurant’s Wednesday special).
Twice so far, we’ve even been to Guadalupe’s for breakfast. The Huevos a la Mexicana and Huevos Rancheros, which can be ordered any time of day, are delicious.
Guadalupe’s offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Out on the patio, it’s fun to listen to the fountain and watch the trains come in and out of the station. When the weather is cold or breezy, indoors is the place to be.
I especially enjoy the patio on a warm summer’s evening, when it’s still light out at dinner time. That’s when I order a beer with my tacos and pretend I don’t have to work the next day. Life is good, Marge.
As for the service at Guadalupe’s, it couldn’t be friendlier or more competent. At the times we visit, we usually find Melicze and Frank tending to customers. They are both delightful. And when Neena and I decided to celebrate our birthdays (four days apart, same year) at Guadalupe’s a few evenings ago, Frank brought out a creamy celebration flan for us to share. The entire place broke into song.
In fact, more than once we’ve made acquaintenance with other diners at Guadalupe’s. The atmosphere somehow seems to encourage it.
As for the location, it’s unusual. The restaurant is part of a small strip center on the corner of Pacific and Wardlow, where the area feels like a hybrid of industrial and residential, and where you would never expect a restaurant to be. I like that, too. Parking at breakfast and dinner times is adequate if not abundant. I can’t speak for lunch hour.
If, like me, you are intrigued by a quaint little place in an interesting setting, where the food is really good and the prices just right, give Guadalupe’s a try. It might just become your regular Mexican restaurant. It certainly is mine.
Guadalupe’s Mexican Grill, 3431 Pacific Pl., can be reached at (562) 490-2100. Wine and beer are available. Restaurant hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8am to 9pm, and Sundays and Mondays from 8am to 8pm. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm. Visit guadalupesmexgrill.com .
