20 Best Restaurants in Baldwin Park, CA
This article was written by local contributor Nicholas Schultz & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As someone who has spent many years living in beautiful Baldwin Park, I can confidently say that this city has some of the most diverse and delicious cuisine options in Southern California.
From flavorful Mexican dishes to flavorful Asian fusion fare, there's truly something for everyone here.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of dining at many of the fantastic eateries in Baldwin Park, and I can't wait to share my recommendations with you all.
In this article, I'll be highlighting the very best restaurants in Baldwin Park, California, so that you, too, can embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in the delightful flavors that make this city so special.
Let's dive in!
Acai Joint
Oh, how I love my acai bowls!
Luckily, I found the perfect spot for satisfying my cravings - Acai Joint, a health food restaurant in my neighborhood.
They never disappoint with their fast and friendly service.
The artistry and attention to detail put into every single acai bowl always amazes me.
My usual order is their Paradise Bowl with a little less peanut butter, and it's absolutely delicious!
I've heard from people visiting from other cities, like San Antonio, Texas, that this place is the best acai joint they've ever been to.
The simplified menu makes it super easy to order either a custom bowl or one of their signature bowls.
What sets Acai Joint apart from other places are the diverse topping options.
They have an incredible array of options that I've never seen at any other acai bowl establishment.
It's always a treat to have a refreshing, healthy dessert from Acai Joint after a long day or a delicious dinner.
Mariscos La Tropicana
When I was on the lookout for some good seafood places to try out, I stumbled upon Mariscos La Tropicana, a small Mexican restaurant with dishes that pack a punch of flavor.
You can find their Facebook page here.
I've visited this hidden gem a few times now, and their Agua Chiles Verdes, Tostada Mixta, and Tostadas de Pescado are absolutely amazing!
The prices are quite reasonable, too, making it a great spot for regular visits.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, which can make it hard to choose what to order, but I've never been disappointed with my choices.
The place itself may be small, but it's clean and well-maintained, creating a pleasant atmosphere for dining.
I even bought some of their hot sauce to take home and enjoy with other meals.
Tizoc
It's always a joy to discover new gems in the neighborhood, and Tizoc is definitely one of them.
This Mexican restaurant has quickly become my local pot for authentic Mexican food, and it's no wonder why.
Every time I visit Tizoc, I feel like I'm being treated to a home-cooked meal by my Tia.
The chilaquiles are always perfectly cooked, and never soggy, and the asada is seasoned just right.
I also love trying out different dishes from their extensive menu, like the Huarache de asada and the Torta de asada.
My brother practically inhaled his Torta the last time we were here, and my Huarache was equally amazing with its fresh corn dough, flavorful pinto beans, and perfectly textured and flavored meat.
The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every bite, from the mouthwatering lettuce and tomatoes to the delicious Horchata.
Tizoc's customer service is also top-notch, and the space is always clean and inviting.
El Appetiz
I recently decided to visit El Appetiz, an Italian restaurant in our neighborhood, after hearing mixed reviews from friends and family.
My initial impression of the place was that it was a small, clean, and cozy restaurant, which seemed inviting.
To our surprise, the food also turned out to be quite delightful!
We ordered a variety of dishes, including the Blackened Chicken Alfredo, Grilled Chicken Avocado Sandwich, Calzone, and Steak and Shrimp Scampi.
The presentation was impressive, and the taste was fresh and unique, with a combination of Italian, Mexican, and Cajun flavors.
Orchid Thai
I've always been a fan of Thai food, and I have to say, living just a few minutes away from Orchid Thai has been a blessing for my tastebuds.
The atmosphere is simple and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a cozy family dinner.
One thing that sets this restaurant apart is its fresh and flavorful salads.
I'm not a salad person, but I can't resist the ones they serve here!
Classic dishes like pad Thai noodles, red curry, and pineapple fried rice are all delicious, with just the right balance of flavors.
I will say the pad Thai can be a bit too sweet for my taste, but that's just a minor detail in an otherwise outstanding experience.
Recently, I tried their combination fried rice through DoorDash, and it didn't disappoint - shrimp, chicken, beef, onion, and tomato, all beautifully cooked and seasoned.
The portion was generous, and the leftovers tasted just as good a day later.
La Cocinita
I have always enjoyed exploring different local restaurants, and when I came across La Cocinita, I knew I found a gem.
This Mexican restaurant serves some of the most authentic home-cooked Mexican dishes I've ever tasted.
The hand-made corn tortillas and papas con chorizo are simply delicious, and they definitely remind me of the authentic flavors I grew up with.
One of the standout dishes I tried was their burrito, which was packed with flavor and had the perfect balance of textures.
The menudo and pozole were also fantastic - the rich and hearty flavors of the soup left me wanting more.
La Cocinita also offers fresh fruit waters and great salsa, which adds a refreshing touch to their already amazing meals.
One of the things that makes La Cocinita extra special is the heartwarming service.
There's an elderly lady who serves the food there, and she's always so kind and welcoming.
It feels like you're stepping into a family home when you visit this restaurant.
Linda's Burger
I always see Linda's Burger on my way to work.
A few weeks ago, I finally decided to give it a try.
As a local, I was hoping to find a hidden gem.
After trying their food, I have to say I'm quite impressed.
Surprisingly, the burger was packed with flavors that left me wanting more.
On the other hand, my friend, who recently turned vegetarian, raved about their veggie burger.
She said the fries were perfectly crispy, and the flavors in the veggie burger were mind-blowing.
She highly recommended it, even mentioning that it made her forget about missing meat.
Pepe's Finest Mexican Food
It's always a treat to visit Pepe's Finest Mexican Food whenever I'm craving authentic Mexican cuisine in the area.
Their no-frills counter service is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Their food is consistently delicious, served hot and fresh.
The flavors are spot on, and I especially love their juevos rancheros plate for breakfast.
But what keeps me coming back for more are their asada nachos and mini taquitos.
The combination of ingredients in the nachos is simply amazing!
One thing I've discovered is that they have four different salsas at this location.
I always make sure to try them all and choose my favorite, which is the bright red salsa.
It goes so well with the fried food offerings.
My partner, on the other hand, loves their green salsa.
Mi Lindo Oaxaca Restaurant
I've always been a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, and Mi Lindo Oaxaca has quickly become one of my favorite spots in town.
This Oaxacan restaurant might look like a hole in the wall, but it's truly a gem.
The moment you step inside, you'll notice the authentic decorations that transport you straight to Oaxaca.
What really stands out at Mi Lindo Oaxaca is the cleanliness and attention to detail.
The entire place is neat and well-maintained, with a spotless comfort room that impressed me.
The food, of course, is the star of the show.
I've tried several dishes here, and they never disappoint.
My personal favorite is the green chilaquiles and chile relleno, which I often order as takeout along with a comforting cup of chocolate caliente and bread.
I've also tried their tlayuda and was blown away by the generous amount of authentic quesillo and the perfect hint of aciento in every bite.
My partner loves their mole, which is equally amazing and full of rich flavors.
The prices here are more than reasonable, and the food comes out quickly, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying meal.
Plus, they offer great catering services for events, which I recently booked for a family gathering.
King's Teriyaki Fusion Grill
I've been a regular at King's Teriyaki Fusion Grill for quite some time now, and their food never disappoints.
They have a great variety of dishes, from chicken and steak bowls to delicious sushi rolls.
In fact, their egg rolls are the best I've ever had!
The quality of their sushi is outstanding, even though they offer a diverse menu.
Their chicken teriyaki is my personal favorite – it's very tender and not at all dry.
I prefer it over their beef option.
Another great thing about this restaurant is its affordability.
The prices are fair for the quality of food you get, and they have a good selection of drinks like boba, slushes, and smoothies.
Lucky Star Burgers
Just the other day, I decided to give Lucky Star Burgers a try, and I wasn't disappointed.
I could clearly see that they value customer service even during rush hours.
One thing that really stood out for me was their crispy onion rings.
They were huge, perfectly cooked, and had the right amount of crunch.
I'll definitely be going back for more of those!
Red Top Kitchen Noodle House
My other local favorite is Red Top Kitchen Noodle House.
I've been going there for years, and it never disappoints.
I remember the first time I visited, I was craving a comforting bowl of Pho, and I stumbled upon their website.
Intrigued by their menu and positive reviews, I decided to give it a try.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by Minh, who briefly went over the menu and made me feel right at home.
The atmosphere is clean and cozy, with the warm feeling of a family-owned establishment.
It's easy to relax and enjoy your meal in such a welcoming environment.
I decided to go for their house special Pho along with an order of egg rolls.
Let me tell you - the egg rolls were crispy, and the dipping sauce tasted homemade, making for a fantastic appetizer.
When my steaming bowl of Pho arrived, I was blown away by the rich, beefy broth and thinly sliced meat.
It was genuinely the best bowl of Pho I've had outside of my own kitchen.
But it doesn't stop there - I've also tried their vermicelli, Vietnamese iced coffee, and chicken wings with grilled onions and peppers.
Each dish is packed with flavor, and every visit leaves me eager to return for more.
Taqueria La Chilanguita
I absolutely love Mexican food, and Taqueria La Chilanguita is hands down one of my favorite places in the neighborhood.
I remember discovering it through a simple Google search, and I've been hooked ever since.
The family-owned restaurant can be found on its website here, and it's a small gem that should not be underestimated.
From the moment you step inside, the warm and friendly atmosphere created by the lovely ladies running the place makes you feel right at home.
I often come here for breakfast with my family, and their chilaquiles, handmade tortillas, cafe de olla, fresh juices, and menudo never disappoint.
The authenticity of the dishes they serve is truly remarkable, and it's obvious this place specializes in true Mexican cuisine.
Recently, they reopened for indoor dining after having an outdoor setup, and the food is even better than before.
The inside is small, parking can be a bit challenging, and there might be a wait, but it is all worth it for the delicious home-cooked meals you'll enjoy here.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to try everything on the menu.
I've had the chilaquiles huevos in mole, and they were incredible, but there are so many other dishes I can't wait to taste.
Next time, I'm definitely going for a pombaza!
Casa Guerrero
As someone who frequently dines at Casa Guerrero, I can attest to the exceptional quality of their food and service.
I remember my first time trying their mouthwatering posole, and I've been hooked ever since.
The chicken mole is another dish that I can't resist, and my partner loves the shrimp options on the menu.
Even my mom, who can be pretty picky about her pancakes, was impressed by their fluffy goodness.
What sets Casa Guerrero apart, however, is not just the amazing food but also the warm and attentive service.
WaBa Grill
One of my favorite places to grab a quick, healthy meal is WaBa Grill.
Their teriyaki bowls with chicken, steak, shrimp & vegetables are simply delicious, and I just can't get enough of them.
I remember the first time I tried their kale salad – I was totally surprised by how tasty and fresh it was!
The service at this Asian fusion restaurant is also something worth mentioning.
It's also a nice quiet spot, perfect for when I want to enjoy my meal in peace.
What's great about WaBa Grill is that their prices are reasonable, and the place is always clean.
I'm not sure why I've never seen it packed, but I'm hoping it's just my timing because I would hate for this gem in Baldwin Park to disappear.
Lolitas Restaurant
I have been living in this area for years now, and one of my favorite spots to grab a bite is Lolitas Restaurant, a cozy Mexican restaurant.
I absolutely love their food, especially the handmade tortillas that they serve.
While I do enjoy their rice and beans, I think there's room for improvement in those dishes.
However, their menudo with Aceite Chile is simply out of this world, and I can't recommend it enough.
I have to admit that it took me a while to actually give this place a try, but ever since my first visit, I've become a regular customer.
El Llano Restaurante
I've been coming to El Llano Restaurante for years, and it's always been my go-to spot for delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine.
I still reminisce about their good old days when they offered 99-cent tacos from Monday to Friday until 2 pm.
The endless free chips and salsa were always a treat!
Out of their menu, I particularly recommend the mojarra plate.
The tostada mixta, fish tacos, burritos, micheladas, and even french fries are some of the dishes that I highly recommend.
On the weekends, they also have karaoke nights.
Other restaurants nearby
Siam Casa Thai Cuisine (Irwindale)
Lately, I've had the chance to visit Siam Casa Thai Cuisine.
I must say, I've been missing out on some great food and atmosphere!
My partner and I decided to give it a try, and we were both pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of the dishes we ordered.
I went for a simple beef noodles soup while my partner tried the seafood soup.
The overall flavor of both of our meals was amazing, and we could tell that the ingredients were fresh.
Apart from the food, what really made our experience memorable was the ambiance of the restaurant.
The music was on point, creating a calming atmosphere that even put our baby to sleep!
Camino Real Restaurant (La Puente)
Recently, I came across Camino Real Restaurant, and let me tell you, it was a life-changing experience!
This Mexican restaurant has been around since the 1980s, and it's no wonder why it's so popular.
When I first walked in, I noticed the board outside by the entrance displaying the specials of the day.
I was instantly drawn to the shrimp enchiladas with red sauce, and they were absolutely some of the best I've ever had.
The dish was homemade from scratch, and you could certainly taste the love and effort put into it.
The homemade soups were also delightful and heartwarming.
During my subsequent visits, I've tried a variety of dishes, including the Chile Verde Nachos, Creamy Chicken Chipotle Burrito, French Toast Slam, Huevos Rancheros, Blueberry Lemonade, and Cucumber Limon.
The Chile Verde Nachos are an absolute must-try - the tender meat and flavorful sauce beautifully soaked into the chips, making it a taste sensation!
The Huevos Rancheros dish came with rice and beans, and served on tortillas, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
I couldn't help but appreciate how simple yet delicious this dish was.
Camino Real Restaurant also offers American breakfast dishes, which is a pleasant surprise.
I tried their French Toast Slam, and I was blown away by how amazing it tasted.
The cinnamon flavor and the perfect level of sweetness made it one of the best French toasts I've ever had.
Taco Nazo (La Puente)
Just thinking about Taco Nazo's famous fish tacos and Baja-style Mexican food makes my mouth water.
It's a counter-serve eatery, so I can quickly order and grab a seat in their shaded patio area to enjoy my meal.
The fish tacos are truly exceptional, and I have to agree with the many praises about them.
The shrimp tacos are also quite delicious, but my heart belongs to the fish.
I can't resist ordering a large mixed ceviché – it's always packed with flavor and so satisfying.
While the shrimp cocktail might seem a bit pricey, it's worth every cent for the mouthwatering taste.
And don't forget the beans and rice; they may not steal the spotlight, but they complement the main stars perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Baldwin Park, California truly offers an incredible variety of delicious dining options that cater to a variety of tastes.
From the mouthwatering Thai dishes at Siam Casa Thai Cuisine to scrumptious seafood at Mariscos La Tropicana, there's something for everyone in this vibrant community.
Each time I visit these establishments, I am reminded of the diverse and rich culinary scene that Baldwin Park has to offer.
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