WHY Very good food, plus the tasty (but strong) margaritas and sangria.

WHAT La Cabañita is a cheerful, crowded neighborhood café offering superb food. It’s expanded to nearly twice its original size, causing some old-timers to grouse about kitchen consistency, but we think it’s as wonderful as ever, especially the beans, the green mole, the sopes compuestos and the chicken soup.

WHO Locals, plus salsa-to-go customers from Echo Park and beyond.