Es así de sencillo. At this joint you’ll get as close as torta perfection as you can get without taking a trip to TJ or stopping by at your favorite lunch truck. “King Torta” is seriously to tortas what In-N-Out is to hamburgers. Perhaps one of the most popular Mexican comfort foods aside from tacos, are them tortas. Many of us, especialmente los chilangos, grew up eating them or hearing about them every night thanks to El Chavo del 8 and his incessant need for a torta de jamón. So, if you’re craving a real torta, aunque nomás sea de jamón con queso, don’t go bananas looking for a place that might have some blah tortas and instead head over to “King Torta” in El Lay.
While many might argue that “King Torta” is situated in a rather shady location on the always questionable Valley Blvd. on Lincoln Heights, la neta es que you woudn’t want it any other way. Sure, the location is a little meh, and there’s not much around but a bunch of industrial buildings and stuff, but that’s also kinda part of their charm- it’s your typical hole-in-the-wall, yet it still manages to be anything but that.
“King Torta” is not to be confused by “King Taco”, the self-appointed king of tacos that serves rather generic Mexican food. Sure, the name is similar, the items are similar as well… heck, even the peeps that stop by this joint seem to be the same that devote their lunch hour to “King Taco”… sin embargo, the difference lies within the service and the quality of food.
Fresco Fresco Fresco
The “green thing” nowadays is to have fresh meat and produce, “King Torta” follows this trend and passes the freshness taste with flying colors. Todo está fresco: desde la lechuga, which is crisp and juicy, hasta los bolillos, which are a home-made delicacy- crujiente por fuera y suavecitos por dentro.
While this joint is known for its tortas, it’s not all they have on their menu. If you would like to start with something relatively light, one of the most popular “appetizers” are the Super Fries.
They are not called Super Fries just because… this entrée has tons of well seasoned French fries, your choice of meat (chicken, al pastor, asada), beans, cheese, and lots of guacamole- that last one a very unique trademark of this place… ahora si que no podrás comer solo una. They are beyond yummy.
The ultimate king
Una buena torta doesn’t need much pomp and circumstance, nor a grand introduction and a gazillion garnishes. It only takes a bolillo, your choice of meat, and a hint of grease- ya sea aceite o manteca. Yes, the calories and the cholesterol are off the hook… but seriously, everyone knows que si la comida no está aunque sea un poquito grasosa, even if its’ just a pellizcadita, it just won’t be the same.
At “King Torta” they prepare them tortas to perfection. If you feel like El Chavo del 8, their torta de jamón is exquisite.
Sure, a torta de jamón is rather simple, but as you may have previously experience, some people manage to butcher even the simplest of things. You won’t regret having one of those at this place though. Just after one bite you’ll feel like Kiko and La Chilindrina are right beside you warning you to finish off your torta before Ñoño takes it away from you.
Si quieres algo with more flavor and way more meat, then you might want to order either a torta de asada or a torta al pastor. Either one will have meant in it for ages, you could easily feed two people out one of this monster tortas. The torta de asada has a nice flavor to it, and surprisingly enough the meat is not dry and it’s well seasoned. Now the al pastor one will seriously blow your brains out… it’s juicy and flavorful, you can even get a slight hint of pineapple in there, just enough to make your taste buds go crazy. After a bite of this heavenly torta you’ll understand why this joint is called “King Torta”… the king indeed.
King Torta4507 Valley Blvd. #102
Los Angeles, CA 90032
323.222.7006
