Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Inglewood, CA?

[AnnieAmie]

I've been driving up and down Inglewood Ave. in Inglewood for years as its part of a daily route I take to and from various other areas. There are so many new little restaurants on that one street. I was wondering if any of you out there in Chowhound Land ever tried any of these places and what you thought about them. There's also a little place called Azteca on Arbor Vitae. Has anyone been there? It always looks empty to me but then, I only see it during the day .

I'm just trying to find some real, authentic mexican food instead of the reheated frozen stuff that a lot of the restaurants serve in the LAX area. .. Thanks!

[streetgourmetla]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5455...

The Mariscos Chente chef and family was working out of the Inglewood branch when I did this report, they are now in Mar Vista.I heard that the Mariscos Chente in Inglewood just got a new chef and is much better now. The chef that took over after Sergio was changing things and screwing up the plates, might be a little more consistent now.

But, also check out Angelica's and Don Rogelio.

[AnnieAmie]

I'd like to thank you for the excellent review that I read on Mexican restaurants in Inglewood. Apparently, you get out more than I do and am braver than I am to try some of these smaller restaurants. Since I'm writing to thank you, would you mind answering another question for me? Do you know where I can find a store that sells great homemade pork tamales? I don't like the ones from Corn Maiden and used to buy some from Lucilles on Sepulveda and at Robert's Market on Manchester in Westchester but those never seem to be fresh. I know that you said that the best ones probably come from street vendors but I was hoping to find a little store somewhere on Inglewood Ave. where they're made fresh daily and sold by the dozen. Thanks again for your wonderful review! Annie

[streetgourmetla]

I love Tamales Elena on Wilmington and 110th st in Watts, and there was a some nice sold from a woman with a shopping cart near the Alameda Swap Meet. I'm sure there are great places in markets, but those have stood out for me.Elena's is there until 2PM every day.It's a truck.

[young_chower]

Have you tried that Mexican market (La S... something) on the corner of S Prarie and W 105th in Inglewood for tamales? They have many different tamales for pick up everyday starting at 5pm. I really enjoyed them... but then again don't know anything about tamales. Curious about your opinion?

[streetgourmetla]

You mean La Sinaloense.Haven't been inside, but if they are Sinaloan the pollos rostizados should be great, and the tamales should have some vegetables thrown in, Sinaloense style.Maybe tamales de camaron?

Thanks for the reminder, need to check that place out.What have you bought there besides tamales?

[young_chower]

That's the name!!!

I've only bought tamales there, and the fillings were chicken, pork, maybe beef, and cheese. The tameles seem to be pretty popular because they have huge pots filled with them and people were coming in and out buying them to go. They have a little grocery store, maybe some liquor, and a little restaurant/to go place in the back. If you do go, be sure to keep us updated.

[AnnieAmie]

Thanks for suggesting La Sinaloense for tamales! I'll definitely go there and buy some. Any idea how much a dozen tamales cost? And do they really sell fresh tamales every day? I sure hope they do because I don't want to go there and there aren't any tamales available! Thanks again! Annieamie

[young_chower]

Again, when I was there they said they had tamales every day starting at 5pm. If you want to be 100% sure, call ahead.

[JEN10]

Up at the farmers market in Rolling Hills, there is a wonderful vendor selling delicious homemade tamales on Sundays. I go around 10 am and get them steaming hot, I can hardly wait to get home and tear into them. My favorite is the pork, be sure to get some of her red sauce.

[Cinnamon]

There's a Mariscos Chente in Inglewood - I've been to the one north farther, on Culver Blvd. There was recently a thread if you want to search for it.

Realllllly hot salsa.