WHY An unending selection of Mexican and Latin American ingredients, plus great takeout.

WHAT The 19 L.A. County branches of this regional chain have butchers that prepare your meat corte al gusto (cut with flair), as well as the largest selection of Mexican and Salvadoran cheeses (Oaxacan, requesón, asadero, enchilada) in town, a great bakery department, quirky Mexican products, candies and loads of bargain produce. This is the flagship store; other locations include Burbank, Canoga Park, East L.A., Northridge, Van Nuys, Baldwin Park and Sylmar.