Mexican food has been done and re-done so many times, it’s hard and almost impossible to find a restaurant or a joint that serves something that you haven’t tried before.  Sure, there are several places that switch things up a bit and add a twist to the traditional flavors.  What if instead of trying to re-invent Mexican food there was a place that focused on emphasized old school Mexican food: food just as is- no added b.s. or exotic herbs?  Lucky for you, such place exists in the San Gabriel Valley.

Expectations

Whenever you venture into a restaurant for the first time and you’re not familiar with what they have offer, it is best if you go with a clean slate- expect the unexpected and/ or expect nothing at all.

Generally, the food served at Valenzuela’s in El Monte is like that of any other Mexican food restaurants.  However, they have a few signature dishes that even though are served elsewhere, in Valenzuela’s the flavor is just exquisite and in a whole different level.

Right on track

Unlike other places, appetizers at Valenzuela’s are extremely limited and almost inexistent.  You might want to hit the snooze button on the appetizers when visiting this restaurant.  Their most popular “appetizer” is “queso fundido”… which is exactly just that- melted cheese.  If you want more cholesterol with your appetizer you can get “queso fundido con chorizo”.  Now, the thing is- it tastes good and all, but it doesn’t look that appetizing and you can see the grease from the cheese just floating up.  

So just stick to the chips and salsa, which are some of the best you’ll have.  The chips are home made and the salsas are good and spicy, a rare find in Mexican food joints.  If you feel like you still need a little something something, go for the guacamole.

Meat lover’s delight

For starters, the food at Valenzuela’s is not carb conscious, so if you’re into healthy eating, organic food, and such… well Valenzuela’s is the place to go whenever you want to spoil yourself.  

If meat is what rocks your boat, you’ll love this place.  The “main” and most popular dishes include some sort of meat… usually steak in various shapes and forms.

Their signature dish is the “carne en su jugo”.  For those who don’t know, “carne en su jugo” is usually a dish from the state of Guadalajara.  In Valenzuela’s they improve the recipe by giving it a Sinaloa treat to it… it has that northern Mexico flavor and kick to it.

En pocas palabras, the “carne en su jugo” is sliced beef steak with beans, onions, cilantro, and a   sauce (or jugo) that’s made of tomatillo green sauce, caldo de res and a secret ingredient that the cocineros didn’t want to reveal. 

Another customer favorite is the “parrillada mixta”, which is a served in a sizzling hot mini-grill.  It has chicken, beef, shrimp, onions, bell peppers, and tomato; all served with a side of arroz y frijoles.   

Hung-over Clinic

Now for those party monsters and excessive social drinkers, Valenzuela’s is the place to go for breakfast the morning after a night of one-too-many drinks.

Everyone knows that when hung-over strikes, one of the best things to do is eat something spicy, but not just spicy--- but hot super enchiloso. This place is popular for it’s spicy “levanta-muertos” chilaquiles.

Also, the “carne en su jugo” serves as a really good hung-over alternative remedy. 

Come on over

Whether you want to get rid of your weekend hung-over or simply want to try some good Mexican food, you won’t regret going to Valenzuela’s.

Get in touch with your inner Mexican and spoil yourself with some spicy and tasty food, margaritas, freshly made horchata, and some live music if you’re lucky.