Bill Esparza eats his way through LA's El Salvador Corridor

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With ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, "Elotes locos are indeed loco," says Bill Esparza. "It's kind of like a Sizzler dinner plate on a stick."

With ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, "Elotes locos are indeed loco," says Bill Esparza. "It's kind of like a Sizzler dinner plate on a stick." Photo by Matthew Kang.

The country of El Salvador is divided into 14 departamentos or departments. But you can find Departamento 15 more than 3,000 miles away. It's LA's El Salvador Corridor, a 14-block strip that runs along Vermont Avenue from West 11th Street down to Adams. On this stretch, Salvadoran transplants, who make up the second-largest Latinx demographic in Los Angeles, have set up a thriving, diasporic community. For many years, the heart of the neighborhood was El Mercado Salvadoreño, the lively street vending area between 11th Street and Pico Boulevard. Then, in May 2022, city officials swept through and shut down street vending in the area. 

Writer, musician, and local food expert Bill Esparza surveyed the best eats in LA's El Salvador Corridor for Eater LA. Esparza has a few "know before you go" tips:

  • Bring cash
  • Bring a reusable tote bag
  • Before you grab a seat at a table, make sure it belongs to the restaurant you are patronizing when dining inside the Two Guys Plaza
  • Be respectful to the local residents by parking on main streets, not on residential streets
  • Salvadorans say "my love" casually, so be ready for that love
  • Don't bring alcohol
  • Don't litter
  • Be thoughtful as you interact with vendors and regulars in the space

Credits

Guest:

  • Bill Esparza - food journalist who focuses on Latin American cuisine

Host:

Evan Kleiman

Producers:

Laryl Garcia, Gillian Ferguson, Elina Shatkin