Planning to work up an appetite at CicLAvia’s Heart of LA event this weekend?
The Boyle Heights Beat staff has put together a guide of some of our favorite restaurants, eateries and cafes along the Eastside leg of the route.
If you’re venturing out for the full 7-mile journey, our partners at LAist also have a list of longstanding LA eateries to try — including Boyle Heights’ Al & Bea’s.
Whether you live nearby or are coming to the neighborhood for the first time, here are our top picks for where to rest or refuel during CicLAvia.
Un Solo Sol
Looking for something light, healthy and full of flavor to kick off your 7-mile journey westward to MacArthur Park?
Un Solo Sol offers vegan dishes that’ll leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Think braised shiitake mushrooms, fresh salsas, organic quinoa and an assortment of salads and fruit-based dishes.
This restaurant, and many others in Boyle Heights, marked a significant drop in sales since the ICE raids began this summer and could use the business.
Location: 818 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; CicLAvia Sunday’s special hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Andrew Lopez, reporter)
Jim’s Burgers
For a budget-friendly breakfast choice, roll over to Jim’s Burgers on the corner of 1st and State streets.
I usually get their sunrise burrito for $4.20 or their pancake special that comes with two pancakes and two eggs for $6.49. If a breakfast sandwich is your vibe, try the breakfast muffin.
In order to get these meals at these rates, place your order by 1 p.m.
Location: 1901 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
(Kevin Martinez, community engagement director, LA Local)
J&F Ice Cream
J&F has smoothies, fresh juices and ice cream, but you can also find hearty meals. If a vegetarian option is what you’re looking for, try their torta packed with queso fresco, avocado, lettuce, onion and tomato. The best part: it comes with a side of jalapeños!
Their tortas remind me of the ones my mom would pack on day-long trips. If you want something more hearty, try their pierna de pollo torta.
Location: 1703 Mariachi Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Alejandra Molina, senior reporter)
Yeya’s
Looking for a home-cooked meal along the CicLAvia route? Look no further than Yeya’s.
For 15 years, this family-run restaurant—operated by locals from Boyle Heights—has been serving up delicious, spicy chilaquiles made fresh on the spot. Their most popular dish? Costillas de puerco en salsa verde.
Location: 1816 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Jessica Perez, senior editor)
Tenampal
Tenampal is one of my favorite brunch spots in Boyle Heights.
Their classic queso enchiladas with guajillo sauce are a must — though fair warning, siempre me suelta el moco. The huarache azul is another standout; it’s the size of my face and piled high with flavorful coleslaw and toppings. I always pair my meal with their café de olla, which is best enjoyed hot and black. Note: This Sunday, the restaurant will be serving a special menu of tacos dorados de papa, chicken and suadero.
Location: 1859 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Kate Valdez, operations and engagement manager, LA Local)
Pink and Boujee LA
If you’re bringing your kids to CicLAvia like I am, a must-try is Pink and Boujee.
My daughters are obsessed with the idea of eating pink chilaquiles and pink tacos surrounded by pink decor — but their favorite? Definitely the pink pancakes, topped with powdered sugar and an edible flower.
The restaurant, owned by Boyle Heights native Yesenia Castro, also sells Labubus! It’s a small, super Instagrammable spot — so be sure to get on the waitlist early if you want to beat the crowds.
Location: 1908 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(Jessica Perez, senior editor)
Distrito Catorce
Distrito Catorce is a perfect casual spot to hang and people watch just steps away from Mariachi Plaza.
Need a light bite during a pit stop along the CicLAvia route? Crunch into some turkey taquitos or sample the miso ginger tamarindo wings from their antojitos menu. Need something protein-rich after a day out in the streets? You can’t go wrong with their carne asada plate or their pescado frito sandwich.
Pair your meal with their wide selection of craft beers, cider cocktails and mocktails.
Location: 1837 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Wednesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Matt Reagan, Documenters assignment editor)