La Cocinita

I came in to this place with a couple of friends with high hopes and of course an open mind. Surprisingly no lunch rush; it was about 1 o’ clock. The place looked really nice and the the waitress seemed nice just not motivated or interested. So we sat where we pleased and were finally given service a mere 10 minutes later. We all asked for a torta to keep it simple and because off the fries on the side. My buddy ordered a horchata and my other friend and I a jarrito. We talked and talked and noticed another ten minutes had elapsed. She came back with our jarritos but not the horchata. So we said joking don’t worry she’ll be back. We shrugged it off and sadly she never came back. So it took them another 20 min to make our simple tortas, one was carne asada and the other two milanesa. At this time my friend decided to claim his horchata. The waitress went to get his horchata unwillingly but she brought it.
At this time a huge party of at least 10 came in to the small restaurant. We were like «wow this place must be that good.» But, we were sadly mistaken. Our torta all three of ours were tiny to say the least and the worst part, no fries. So in my head I said these tortas must be delicious for them to cost $ 7 before taxes. I take my first bite and all I tasted was bread and a little mayo. Optimistic as I am, I took a second bite immediately to get a taste of the meat (milanesa) and tasted the same thing. I check my sandwich to see if there’s any meat and only to find a thin piece of breaded meat, I mean deli sliced breaded meat. I mean honestly ham is cut thicker than the meat given to me at this place. We noticed at the time we started eating that the unmotivated waitress all of the sudden was energetic and quickly took the orders of all the people that had just arrived. I laughed knowing they were never gonna get their food. How wrong I was!
The lady was back quicker than lighting with everybody’s drinks I mean I was surprised. Jarritos, sodas and aguas frescas you name it. I shrugged it off and continued on to my sorry excuse for a torta. We finished in no time maybe 8 minutes at the most. But what I saw next was nothing more than amazing. The waitress came out with food for two people which I thought was amazing. But then she left right away and came out the kitchen with more food. Keep in mind these people ordered something requiring more expertise than to just make a torta; I’m talking about fried chicken, burritos and codorniz asado. In about 15 minutes they got all there food and drinks no problem and our party of three got three disappointing tortas in 30 minutes. I know they didn’t phone ahead because they were all ordering in front of my eyes.
I felt betrayed, discriminated. All three of us were raza lol. Honestly one of my friends was wearing a baseball cap with a fresh taper (hair cut). Maybe she had something against «cholos» which he wasn’t. Maybe she was just a sexist of some sort. We all behaved ourselves because we all felt we were at home in this restaurant saying gracias to the horrible service. But what are you gonna do.
So we all sat there silently waiting for the waitress to check us out. But she acted like we weren’t here… I’m pretty sure she was suppose to check us out because we saw a couple go through the process. So ten minutes later I stood up and told the woman just sitting next to the register (not the same waitress) and asked her if we can pay to leave now. She must’ve seen some disappointment in all of our eyes and advised the waitress not to charge us tax on our meals. I tell people about our experience and they always tell me why did you even pay?! That way when I right this review, I’m not the bad guy.

Omg! Omg, this place really is a little hole in the wall but that doesn’t stop it from being extremely delicious! I can’t stress enough how it’s hard to find good authentic Mexican food that isn’t tasteless, not here! The service was great also, our server (didn’t get her name) was really sweet and super attentive! Will definitely return. You get a double thumbs up, la Cocinita.

Tried it once a couple weeks ago (had caldo de res) and was impressed, I went back today got a Huarache oh it was good! This will be my spot since I work close by.
I recommend it, prices are reasonable and portions are good.

Our waitress was very friendly. The food was very good (huevos rancheros & menudo). I would recommend this little place.

Good Birría experience! Tortillas were the best and they accept credit cards… I really like the costumer service. Quiet and nice. And they recommended me what was good. I really love it. I’m coming back!!!

O mi favorito restaurante para comer comida mexicana tengo 7 años comiendo la birria con tortillas hechas a mano y el molcajete muy sabroso sazón te recomiendo este restaurant te va a gustar su
estilo Michoacán.

When looking for great home cooking with a large variety you come here!!! Its the best… tortillas made by hand and the most tasty food in all of Pacoima I feel… service is great and friendly. A Breakfast Spot!!!

Been coming to this little spot right here since 2005 and it has always been really good I love the huaraches they’re bomb!

Aw maaan,
Coming from Ventura, huaraches are not so easy to find and the quality is usually mediocre at best.
I ordered the huarache de pollo (chicken) and it was gigantic! Packed with tons of chicken, lettuce, beans and mexican cheese; alongside a separate plate of onions and cilantro if you desire to use them.
I tossed a ton of their homemade chile, which was decently spicy but in a flavorful way, and added some oregano and onions. The order was only $ 6 I think, and there was sooo much food I only ate half.
Great service. They were polite and quick. I would definitely go back.
–Rayce
#TheLifestyleNotTheLabel

I order a Chilaquiles Plate and let me say it was Delicious!!! it came with Rice Beans and Some tortillas De mano the only thing that the chilaquiles were too spicy but it was manageable I Recommend this place to anybody that wants to try some good Mexican Food.

Usually go in for «agua de frutas» drink, by the way, very delicious. I usually order a torta de carnitas, which actually is full of flavor! The telera bread is nice and toasted, and the carnitas just fall into place. I have ordered chilaquiles with carne asada before as well and the meat is seasoned well. I love anything and everything I order. There is tables as well as booths for your convenience. For all of those people who complain about the jukebox, it’s not there anymore. They have a tv now. I mean honestly this place is amazing for a great bite. Its authentic! In the valley, what do you expect? It’s an authentic mexican restaurant. You will see Spanish shows on tv. If you don’t speak Spanish, I see no problem. If it’s such a big deal to you, Google translate it!!! I order in English all the time! The waitress is extremely nice and always cautiously sets down the plate of food on the table. The waitress also comes by constantly to check on us. I see no problem in this restaurant besides the fact that on occasion it will get a bit humid in there. But well worth the wait for the food. Oh and about that darn wind chime, it’s great! The wind chime allows the waitress to know when she has new customers. You must be a big Debbie downer to criticize every thing. Head on over to the Cocinita and have yourself a great meal!

Came here the other day. In short, I thought the service was terrible and the food, mediocre at best. I ordered a huarache de asada and when brought to the table, instead of placing the plate on the table, the waitress awkwardly hands it to me, wtf! Then I realize that instead of a slab of steak as traditional huaraches usually go, they top the huarache with freakin’ taco meat! Needless to say, I probably won’t be going back. If you’re looking for much better quality huaraches nearby (although still not quite as authentic as those in Mexico City), go to El Huarache Veloz.

Lets be realistic, its a good spot with good food and great service. I love their tacos burritos and tortas. If youre in the neighborhood and need a quick bite and service with a smile, this is the place. Give them a chance wont you?

Great if you speak spanish and know what to order and not so great if you can’t handle the jukebox playing, the door chime ringing and the TV playing the Soccer game!
I have been there several times and ordered a simple Chorizo and Egg plate. it’s probably the best I have had, but i can’t really speak about anything else.
Service was good both times, but nothing special.
I did notice there were several regulars here.
Will be back for the Chorizo and Egg with Hand Made Tortillas

Jukebox playing loud Spanish music… men in cowboy hats… soccer playing on a flat screen, a wind chime hanging on the entrance door: these are all things you will either like or most likely dislike (myself included) at this small restaurant.
Waitresses are nice, but you must be very thorough about your order – otherwise you will be vey disappointed.
My biggest upset about this place is that they do not bring the entire parties food out at the same time. What’s up with that?!?
The prices are hella cheap, but I guess that’s to make up for the fact that the service and ambiance is not up to par.
My parents like coming to this place – not sure why, but I come along anyhow. I almost never have a good meal here. The only thing that was ever somewhat to my liking is the quesadilla with grilled chicken, or the (3) hardshell tacos w/​chicken… no rice.
This time I wanted something different. I have been craving a wet burrito, so I asked them to make me a wet burrito with grilled chicken, refried beans and cheese. What did I end up with on my plate… a watery mess! Ugh, not again! I have had better burritos at Taco Bell’s dollar menu.
So as the gaudy music continues to play, all I can say I really enjoyed on this experience was my Diet Coke (that was from a can).