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Augusta Jan 28, 2009 08:58 AM

Will be in Eagle Rock tonight

and we've narrowed it down to either Oinkster or Blue Hen. I know they're two completely different cuisines but I've never been to either one and cannot decide. I live near a lot of inexpensive and aunthentic Vietnamese restaurants so not sure if Blue Hen is worth trying or not--looked at the menu and the prices are a little higher than what i'm used to. Any opinions out there?

  1. o
    ohdaylay Jan 29, 2009 05:59 PM

    Oinkster is classic. Get a beer with whatever you are ordering. They have a great selection.

    1. a
      Augusta Jan 29, 2009 12:17 PM

      Well we did go to Oinkster like I said and I have to say that I enjoyed the atmosphere very much. It's got that nostalgic feel to it without trying too hard to be retro, you know? Even though a little on the noisy side, the low booths we sat in were comfy and cozy enough. Okay, now about the food. My friend and I both ordered the veggie burger (I know, boring, right?), but I heard elsewhere that their VB's were to-die-for or something like that. The burger itself is a good size and had all the acoutriments like lettuce/onions/tomatoe/pickles with a side of their version of thousand island dressing. It was a good tasting, fairly large burger but nothing truly special. I'm not sure if their veggie patties are homemade or not but i felt like i probably could have made something just as good at home using Boca burger patties. Again, it was good, just not that great. I also ordered a side of black beans which comes in a smallish cup and which for two dollars did not seem like a good deal. The beans were on the watery and bland side so I wouldn't recommend them.

      I will definitely return to Oinkster however. I still need to try those wonderful fries and pulled pork that everyone keeps talking about. Oh, and the shakes too. Thanks guys!

      1. mrshankly Jan 28, 2009 05:26 PM

        Go to the taco truck parked in front of the Comfort Inn on Colorado Blvd one block west of Eagle Rock Blvd. Order the quesadilla and the all-meat burrito and don't look back at any of the other restaurants. Prepare to be seduced by the best taco truck in the land.

        1. a
          Augusta Jan 28, 2009 03:08 PM

          hey, thanks guys. we're going to Oinkster. I'll have to try the other places mentioned another time. Didn't know E.Rock had so much to offer food wise!

          7 Replies
          1. re: Augusta
            PurpleTeeth Jan 28, 2009 04:01 PM

            Quick run down on some other places:
            Dave' Sandwich shop- the best tuna sub I have had. Also the meatball is amazing. Make sure you get his pepper spread.

            The La Estrella Taco Truck in the Vaquero gas station- Excellent lengua and pastor tacos.

            Taco Spot- Has healthy mexican food. The Grilled Veggi Burrito is so good and you can get it with a whole wheat tortilla.

            Cafe Beaujolais- excellent french onion soup & frittes

            Petite Beaujolais- for Breakfast & Lunch Very good Eggs Florentine & Nicoise Salad

            Senor Fish- Very good fish & scallop tacos. The ceviche is my fav in LA

            1. re: PurpleTeeth
              s
              Sam D. Jan 28, 2009 04:56 PM

              I would add Classic Thai to the list. It's next door to Cafe Beaujolais. I've never been disappointed with their food or service and the prices are very modest. When the weather is suitable, the patio seating is very pleasant.

              1. re: Sam D.
                PurpleTeeth Jan 28, 2009 05:04 PM

                Good Addition I love their Garlic Shrimp

              2. re: PurpleTeeth
                BasilKitty Jan 29, 2009 03:51 PM

                Where is Taco Spot? I love Veggie Burritos!! I just had Brownstone for the first time last week for lunch and it was DELISH!

                1. re: BasilKitty
                  PurpleTeeth Jan 29, 2009 04:05 PM

                  Taco spot is about a block East on Colorado
                  Taco Spot
                  www.taco-spot.com
                  2006 Colorado Blvd
                  Los Angeles, CA 90041
                  (323) 256-7001

              3. re: Augusta
                The Oracle Jan 29, 2009 11:41 AM

                Please post a report on your experience, although, I'd urge you to go elsewhere. Visited for the first time earlier this month - I thought the pastrami was the grossest I've tasted (completely fatty and way over seasoned - the Hat would be a far superior option) and the cupcakes were only worth one bite.

                1. re: The Oracle
                  b
                  BearCity Jan 29, 2009 12:06 PM

                  I'm not down with the pastrami or pulled pork, either. But the burger and fries are great, the "Oinksterade" is lovely, the house-made condiments are delicious.

              4. t
                TailbackU Jan 28, 2009 11:57 AM

                My favorite place to eat in Eagle Rock is Brownstone Pizzeria. But i dont' think that's what you are looking for.

                4 Replies
                1. re: TailbackU
                  PurpleTeeth Jan 28, 2009 12:02 PM

                  Love Brownstone as well. Bring wine, order Pizza & chopped salad. Yum

                  1. re: PurpleTeeth
                    c
                    Clyde Jan 28, 2009 12:20 PM

                    Yes, Brownstone is wonderful!

                    1. re: Clyde
                      l
                      laeditormatthew Jan 28, 2009 12:25 PM

                      Brownstone is amazing and they have an alcohol license now!!!

                      1. re: laeditormatthew
                        PurpleTeeth Jan 28, 2009 12:35 PM

                        They do? We have been waiting I must get down there tonight!

                2. PurpleTeeth Jan 28, 2009 09:38 AM

                  Also if you want the best burger ever go to Columbo's Steak House up the street. It's th Gourmet Burger on the bar Menu.

                  Columbo's‎
                  1833 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA‎ - (323) 254-9138

                  1. LA Buckeye Fan Jan 28, 2009 09:25 AM

                    I haven't been to Blue Hen, but love Oinkster! I recommend the juicy burger, the belgium fries with the garlic aioli and the 1/2 chicken and fries. I don't recommend the pulled pork. It's vinegary, so not to my taste. Hope you enjoy.

                    1 Reply
                    1. re: LA Buckeye Fan
                      b
                      BearCity Jan 28, 2009 11:16 AM

                      Another vote for Oinkster, but I don't care for their pulled pork either, nor the pastrami. The burger and fries are really, really good. The fries are the best I've had.

                    2. PurpleTeeth Jan 28, 2009 09:23 AM

                      Oinkster is a little less comfy for Dinner but the Pulled pork is very good. Can't recommend their salads though. Blue Hen is a nice space to sit and talk. Their food is very good, free range chicken and sometimes grass fed beef pho. It's more delicate than most Vietamese places but I love it. Keep in mind they do not have liquor but you can bring your own wine.

                      1. b
                        burntwater Jan 28, 2009 09:21 AM

                        I've been to both, I wasn't blow away at the Blue Hen and since you live by the real thing...

                        If I remember correctly the higher prices are due to them trying to stick with locally grown organic produce. I could be dead wrong or partially wrong on this.

                        I would choose Oinkster, casual and easy with an ok beer list.

                        1. j
                          jackattack Jan 28, 2009 09:20 AM

                          Oinkster if you're there in time for the Happy Hour prices!

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