Its décor is thematically Mexican–with its colorful pictures on the wall, to hand-made napkin-holders on each table. It’s a family oriented establishment, as exemplified by the family sitting at the table next to us, who were busy trying to keep their two young boys from continually wondering away. I had dinner with my girlfriend here, after a long day of shooting murals in East Los Angeles for my Mapping Los Angeles Public Art project.

We started the meal with wonderful homemade chips and salsa, and my mouth was watering with joy. Their food is authentic Mexican cuisine, so be prepared to shed your “Taco Bell” mentality. More seriously, though, the restaurant, although small, is large in its menu and choices. I ordered Pollo en Chile Chipotle, and my girlfriend chose Tampiquena, which included a salad, rice, and beans.

Next up was a freshly made garden salad with light lemon dressing. It was pure and simple yet in that, it was satisfying to know that perfection is always in the small things in life.

The Tampiquena was moist, tender, and delicious, and with its delicately fried onions and Spanish rice, I thought that the cook was not only well versed in cooking good food, but food that’s otherwise known as “comfort food.” In that fact, I was both pleased and satiated because it was so good. The refried beans were firm yet moist, and tasted exactly what one would expect.

My girlfriend’s Pollo en Chile Chipotle, was cooked well with marinated chicken, and served with rice and beans. Added with the perfect aroma of spicy salsa, together its mixture proved to be an extremely tasty amalgamation of flavors and ingredients. Each meal is served with a choice of freshly made corn or flour tortillas, which, when used to eat the chicken, melts in one’s mouth.

The service here is great; a kind and smiling waitress took our order, was timely in bringing us each part of it, and came back several times to make sure we had everything we needed.

Although one can always find fault at a restaurant for whatever reasons, at this establishment, having an authentic Mexican dinner for 2 with tip, for under $20, is a hidden treasure. While I’d like to keep it a private secret; for Travelin’ Local’s readers, it’s named El Huarchito, and it’s located at 3010 North Broadway, in East Los Angeles, CA.