El Caserio in Silver Lake

[blacksab67]

What's the deal with El Caserio, that little Ecuadorian/Italian joint at the intersection of Beverly/Virgil/Temple (just south of the 101)?

I've passed it a million times, but have never been.

(On that note, has anyone ever been to The Mexican Village across the street? Their parking lot is always packed.)

[deelich]

Lived in Ecuador and I think El Caserio is great! My faves: Llampingachos, little potato patties with a peanut sauce - I never had them this way. Fritada -pork riblets. And during lent they have Fanesca!! - which sounds like a fruit drink but actually is a delicious fish stew. The empanadas are good. The bread is excellent. And the aji - is crazy hot. Perfection.

Never had anything from the Italian side of the menu. Don't really understand why its even there. The Ecuadorian menu kicks ass!

[love2eat]

I know that lots of Ecuadorian expats live in Italy. Maybe the owners are Ecuadorians from Italy. Just a theory.

[LANewbie]

I've driven by this place so often and I haven't made it in yet. Anyone know if they have anything vegetarian friendly (plus dairy and eggs, natch).

[gonoles84]

been there a few times....very consistent and always good. agree with the salsa comment....hot and tasty. had the pork dish as well.

the mexican village is decent....they have salsa dancing on the weekends (and maybe thurs night too). its a great local haunt and lots of folks go there for the margs and salsa dancing....its a fun night.

[mwalton]

We've gone there many times and always order the same thing: Lomo Saltado with beef. It is AMAZING. I think other things on the menu are delicious as well but every time I end up ordering the same thing. Definitely worth the horrible parking.

[Ollie]

Not bad, I've eaten there a few times over the years.

[corydon]

there is a great shrimp dish there made with a sauce thickened with plantains. really terrific, also the juices esp. the strange sounding one made from some Amazonian fruit no one's ever heard of unless from South American.

[martyR]

I just ate there last week and really enjoyed it. Had a roast pork with a side dish of this potato pancake thingy stuffed with cheese and with an egg on top. Sounds weird but it was really good. The pork was also delicious. They also have the hottest salsa I've ever had that also tastes good.

[Jack Flash]

I've been to El Caserio a few times, and had a nice experience each time. I've never had Ecuadorian food elsewhere, so I can't compare, but I've really enjoyed what I've tried. The shrimp dishes in particular are highly recommended. Inside, it's casual but quite pleasant; don't be fooled by the outside appearance. Very reasonably priced.