If I’ve learned one thing while living here in LA, it’s that people don’t like to leave their neighborhood. So if someone lives in Venice, and is asked to go to dinner in West Hollywood at 7PM, and therefore has to sit an hour in traffic, the Venice resident is likely to say no. And dinner out in Silver Lake? Forget about it. Well I refuse to let myself become that LA person who doesn’t venture outside of his/her area. Downtown, Hollywood, Pasadena… you name it, I’m coming for you! Last week I was invited to El Chavo, in Silver Lake, and given my goal to frequent all areas of LA, I was quick to check it out! …
I realized right away that I’ve been to El Chavo before! It is the perfect place to have dinner with a group of friends before a night out or celebrate your birthday. Known for their unreal ceviche, lively atmosphere, and of course, their margaritas, El Chavo is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, and the ultimate spot to kick off your night. Best of all, as with most Mexican restaurants, the majority of dishes are corn-based and gluten-free! To start, the yellowtail in a young coconut is one of the most popular dishes at the restaurant, and can be found on most tables! I also recommend starting with the chips and guacamole, because you should ALWAYS order chips and guacamole when you go out for Mexican! My friends and I went to El Chavo for Tamale Tuesday, so of course we ordered the tamales! This dish is perfect for vegetarians, and it was delicious! Next up, the tostadas! We ordered the shrimp and octopus tostadas, and the octopus tostada filled with creamy avocado was probably my favorite dish of the night! El Chavo is also known for their tacos, and all tacos are gluten-free because they are served on corn tortillas! Unfortunately the restaurant was sold out of pork belly, as it is the most popular item on the menu, so we couldn’t order the pork belly taco. Not to fear, we opted for the potato taco (great for vegetarians too) and the short rib taco, and both didn’t disappoint!
Unfortunately, the desserts at El Chavo have gluten in them, BUTTTT you’ll be so full from your meal that you won’t feel as though you are missing out! Head to El Chavo on a Sunday for Sunday Supper, or a Tuesday for Tamale Tuesday. The whole family can enjoy El Chavo favorites during Sunday Supper with the option to add a pitcher of margaritas! Tamale Tuesdays features two of El Chavo’s famous Green Corn Tamales offered all night long.