Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cocina Express

    3.8 (167 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Order Cocina Express Takeout or Delivery

    Cocina Express Photos

    COCINA EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Cocina Express

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Proof of payment and receipts to show outrageous prices.
    Julia T.

    I had high hopes for this place but unfortunately, I was disappointed. Not only are they beyond overpriced (19$ for albondigas) but the food isn't worth it at all.. to spend 80$ here for two soups, one burrito, a juice and some guac.. is crazy. I wouldn't recommend anyone wasting their money or their time. And honestly I have never went to a Mexican spot that didn't serve rice with their soup. That was the cherry on top. So make sure you pay extra for rice if you want it for your soup!

    World famous Birria Ramen combo
    May W.

    Parking: Can get pretty tricky to find parking near the restaurant because it is located IN a neighborhood. They do have small parking lot near the restaurant but it's usually full. I went on a weekday during lunch so the parking was already hard to find. Food: Holly Molly, the Birria Ramen was so good and so worth for it's price. I would DEFINITELY recommend coming back here on a non busy day to pick up the food. It's a little on the saltier side, so to balance it out dump all the condiments they give you (tapatio sauce, sliced white onions, lemons/limes). With the leftover consome, I like to take it home so I can drink it. Personally, I took it home to eat with more ramen or pair it up with some side dishes. Service: You would have to order at the cashier and tell them if you're picking up or dining in. We dined in so they came by to drop off our food. The lady at the cash register was so nice when we requested to-go containers since we wanted to keep our consome soup.

    Chile verde container not sturdy enough for the sauces.
    Maria S.

    Food containers were not sturdy enough to hold food with sauces. Torta cubana was not as expected as to what the image shows to what was received on white toast not a telera. Our employees were not too happy with the way the food was. And did not meet the expectations.

    World famous Red Tacos

    These are the best birria tacos i've ever had in my life. They were so flavorful and juicy and packed with so much meat. The waitress was so kind and even let us wash our hands in the sink which was so kind. The restaurant has a nice seating area outside and I will definitely be back!!

    Taquitos de pollo
    Tina D.

    Amazing food and service!!! Definetly a must try. The young lady is very nice and attentive

    Refried beans and season potatoes
    Sergio Z.

    This my first at the Cocina Express couple of my friends of mine recommend the restaurant to me. The restaurant is very close to my mom house I decided to try it out. I know the area and street especially this area to find is going to be hard but lucky I found park close to the restaurant. This restaurant reminds me tamales restaurant in the same location but I'm not sure. I walk in the restaurant and then I saw the menu on the wall literally I was looking what caught my eye I decided to order the Huevo Ranchero and a Mexican Orange Fanta the big bottle. They brought the food to me I open the container and smell was so good the Huevo Ranchero come with three hand made tortillas and two side refried beans and season potatoes and two type of sauces. I took bite of it wow amazing flavors in the red sauce including spice,chile,onion and red pepper and other ingredients in the sauce. It come two egg and a fried tortillas holding the eggs it was so good. The three tortillas comes in handy adding the red sauce was so addicting. The refried bean very good great flavor and season they good I really enjoy it. And orange Fanta was great.

    The front of the place! Easy packing when I got there in a Saturday morning!
    Andrew H.

    Not only does the place smell amazing when walking in... the service is fantastic!!! I went in a Saturday morning and the person helping at the register was super nice and helpful! The red cheese taco.... !! Woot woot!!!!! I also got the menudo here!!! Fantastic! This is definitely a place that I'll keep on a Normal rotation!

    Inside as you enter
    Fab G.

    The ambiance is nice. The food was ok. The beans needed more flavor. The chicken had no flavor. The rice was bland. It was ok. The service was quick. More salt ..bullon.. I said no cheese...they put cheese....will I go back ...no.

    December 2021 menu prices

    Recently came after not coming for a couple months and was shocked to see the price jump. I live a couple houses down so on the weekends we would just walk here and get some breakfast but we noticed it kept getting more and more expensive. Usually get the chilaquiles with egg and meat but the price jump being $23 for ALWAYS cold beans & potato or if I don't want potatoes it's always cold rice. Don't get me wrong it's good but the food is almost always cold. But for this recent price jump it has me evaluating coming here. I 100% get it it's gonna get pricer and I wish I had a pic of a menu price from just a couple months ago. But you can see the huge jump on some items from December 2021-March 2025. Like I said it's good, but for the cold food and sometimes you can taste that the food is old/reheated.. then when I first started coming I guess they were barley starting out their menu and it used to be potatoes in a red sauce and then it changed to potatoes with jalapeños. Also if you do come here try to eat it there, like I said it's usually cold so I can imagine taking it home. Also sometimes the way they package their food it gets all thrown so when you get home it's a mess usually my daughter gets a taco de asada and it would be in a huge box with the meat all over and the tortilla just on the side.

    Taquitos Dorados Combo
    Elisa S.

    Loved the food here! I ordered their carne Asada tacos and was pleased to see that they use homemade tortillas. I also ordered their tacos dorados plate which came with a side of beans and rice. The only thing I was really disappointed with was the horchata. I love cinnamon, however, when drinking it I felt like I was reliving my middle school years of putting a spoonful of cinnamon in my mouth. I kept coughing after every sip, and it wasn't until all the cinnamon settled to the bottom of the cup that I was able to drink the milk at the top. I would come back for the food and maybe their other agua frescas, but I would be hesitant to try the horchata again. On a side note they have a parking lot adjacent to the place which makes it convenient as there is rarely any parking in CT. Also. they have an outdoor seating area to eat at.

    Anita L.

    Craving something warm and found this little gem on Grubhub. Menu is short and simple and prices are reasonable. Ordered their Menudo and Pozole and loved it. Located in a residential area near the 60 freeway. There is a parking lot just a couple steps from the restaurant. I decided to Pick up directly from the restaurant because I didn't want to pay the ridiculous Grubhub fees that pushed my order up by $10 (Grubhub fees, Delivery fees, etc.) Cocina Express is one of few restaurants that didn't mark up their prices on Grubhub. They did call me within minutes of me placing my order and let me know one of the items I wanted (de Pollo) wasn't available. The order was ready by the said time in a bag clearly marked with my name. I had to reheat my soup slightly when I arrived home because I like my soups steaming hot, and loved it. Will definitely be ordering from this lovely spot again soon. #SupportLocalBusiness - Check this spot out if you are in the area and support your local small business!

    Best home cooked Mexican Food in Southern California!!! Hand made tortillas, amazing customer service and the food is just amazing! Great Job guys!!! Definitely found my new breakfast spot!

    Chilaquiles
    Mariko F.

    So this isn't the first time I've been here, but the first time I was able to hold off eating my food right away to take some photos. Covina Express is smack dab in the middle of a residential area. Their menu has been extended and everything that I've tried ha been delicious, especially the birria. I ordered the chilaquiles but will ask for the sauce/salsa on the side next time, as the chips were super soggy since we have to take it to go. The sauce was spectacular, very flavorful with so much good spiciness. I used all the sauce I could spoon up for the rice and beans. We wanted to try out the Ramen Birria and were pleased we did. While it was way to rich for me to finish, having some of the consume, noodles and meat was perfect. I don't think I could finish a whole serving, as it was so rich! Each time I have visited, I have gotten a side of birria, at the very least and it has consistent been bomb.

    3 Dorado Red Taco Consume rice horchata

    See all

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julia T.
    299
    42
    2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of P G.
    0
    3
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fab G.
    0
    58
    106

    4 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anita L.
    165
    1143
    7259

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam T.
    0
    10
    5

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Gabriel H.

    Gabriel H.

    Thank you so much for your kind words !!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chelseaa V.
    884
    105
    43

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Amazing food and i always bring my friends and the love it as well and day it is the best food they had

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John C.
    35
    339
    52

    2 years ago

    Absolutely amazing food. I'd drive back to east LA in a heart beat for the Chips, Salsa and three more Al Pastor tacos.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Kristin V.
    98
    120
    99

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Hearts E.
    50
    29
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Cocina Express

    Is this place no longer in business? I stopped by today at 5:30 PM and they were closed.

    Hi sorry we recently changed our hours and various sites haven’t been updated. We’re sorry but it takes time for different sites to update. We’re open every day 8-4 pm

    Anyone know their hours?

    The restaurant hours are 8am-4pm Monday-Sunday and the taco stand outside is 6pm-11pm Thursday-Sunday

    View All 3 Questions

    You might also consider

    Pioneer Chicken - Amazing!

    Pioneer Chicken

    4.2(715 reviews)
    2.4 miBoyle Heights
    $$

    I felt a little nostalgic, but not because I had eaten at Pioneer Chicken before. It was because…read morethis is what fast food used to look like: friendly cashiers who asked if we had any questions and then happily took our order, rather than directing us to a kiosk or telling us to use an app. The dining room was clean and inviting, and they still offered free refills on soda. I ordered the chicken strips with fries, while my partner ordered a two-piece chicken dinner with macaroni salad and spicy rice. Although we had to wait a little while for the food, it arrived hot. We both agreed that it was some of the best fast-food fried chicken we had ever eaten. The chicken was moist and the batter was crispy. My fries were good, and my partner's macaroni salad and spicy rice were both flavorful. We especially loved the biscuit. I also couldn't help noticing that although the dining room feels like something of a relic, it is very well maintained. There were no dirty tables and no trash on the floor. I was genuinely shocked when the cashier came out to ask how everything was and whether we needed anything else. Most fast-food chains seem determined to eliminate as much human interaction as possible. Pioneer Chicken was a refreshing reminder that fast food can still be friendly, clean and satisfying. Pioneer Chicken is a winner in my book!

    I didn't know Pioneer Chicken was still around until I saw my coworker with some. I haven't had PC…read morein years and wanted to give it a try. I ordered 8 piece bucket and one fish. It's a chicken joint, but I wanted to taste the fish. I'm glad I only ordered one piece, it was too greasy. The chicken was pretty good, not as good as I remember, but good. The chicken was also greasy, but not as greasy as the fish. Would I order again? No. Not because it wasn't good, but because there are much better chicken joints that are not greasy.

    Photos
    Pioneer Chicken - Chicken

    Chicken

    Pioneer Chicken - Large orange whip drink with combo

    Large orange whip drink with combo

    Pioneer Chicken - Full frontal exterior

    See all

    Full frontal exterior

    George's Burger Stand - Chili Cheese Fries and Chili Cheese Dog

    George's Burger Stand

    4.3(296 reviews)
    1.9 miBoyle Heights
    $$

    Man, I gotta tell you!…read moreI saw this spot featured by In The Kut on YouTube and I was hooked just by how the place looked. It had those old menus that just by looking at it, you KNOW the food is fire! This spot is located in the historic Boyle Heights area of L.A. At first, it was hard to find. It's next to a large BofA building that kind of hides it. Once we parked in the lot behind the building,e stepped out and immediately got a whiff of that grill! I stepped up and ordered the pastrami burger combo (burger, fries, and a drink). I also ordered the onion rings on the side, which I'll describe in a bit. The pastrami was nice and lean- not too fatty. I spread some ranch onto it and my eyes rolled back into my head after that bite! The ranch is thicker than others that I've had. There is also what looked like dill in it. The burger also came with a small side of spicy mayonnaise. It was perfect! Then I saw the onion rings. They are the size of a glazed donut! Just massive! 4 come in an order. That's probably enough. The breading is that smooth one- not the rough panko one. You know that one is going to slap! My whole meal was $24. Not too shabby. Bonus- they were blasting some oldies like Barbara Mason the whole time. You KNOW I'll be back! Shoutout to the young guy (I forgot his name!) working the register. He was really cool and friendly! I can't wait for our next visit!

    Ok, maybe I had high hopes for this place, but I'm not I was disappointed either…read more To start off, the young lady behind the window was great. She helped me select a nice choice out of their burger selection. She was polite and very helpful in answering my questions., I picked the avocado bacon burger. Here is where the good and room for improvement could happen. To start the meat was very tasty with a nice bit of char, but a little on the dryer side. The bacon had good flavor as well, but the avocado was barely there. Don't get me wrong this taste like a backyard barbecue burger and I would definitely like to dry their pastrami burger next. Now as for their onion rings, it would be for the fact I took them to go, as they must have steamed in the bag and gotten a bit soggy. The batter was like a bear batter and loved the portions of onion to batter ratio. So minus being a bit soggy and oily, I still liked them. I think the highlight was the ranch dressing. I loved their ranch dressing for sure. Hahaha Now since I didn't stay to dine in, I can only say it was a hot afternoon and there was outdoor seating with some in the shade and some that you would definitely get your tan on. I'd definitely be back, and like to try their other selections.

    Photos
    George's Burger Stand
    George's Burger Stand - Pastrami Burger

    Pastrami Burger

    George's Burger Stand

    See all

    Al & Bea's Mexican Food - Bean & Cheese Burrito

    Al & Bea's Mexican Food

    4.2(1.2k reviews)
    2.2 miBoyle Heights
    $

    Al & Bea's absolutely lives up to its reputation, especially when it comes to the bean and cheese…read moreburrito. The beans were flavorful, the cheese was just right, and the whole thing had that simple, comforting deliciousness that makes a great bean and cheese burrito so special. Being from Yuma, Arizona, it immediately reminded me of the bean and cheese burritos from Chile Pepper and Mr. G's, which is about as high a compliment as I can give. I also tried the shredded beef folded tacos. They were good and I enjoyed them, but they didn't quite reach that extra-special level for me. I'm still searching for a folded shredded beef taco that can match or beat Tito's Tacos, and while Al & Bea's makes a solid one, Tito's still holds the crown in that category for me. The red salsa was excellent and went great with everything I ordered. It added just the right amount of flavor and made an already very good meal even better. Al & Bea's is the kind of place that does simple, comforting Mexican food really well, and that bean and cheese burrito alone is absolutely worth coming back for.

    Lately I've been on a food tour of Los Angeles and my latest fixation is burritos. Of course I had…read moreto come and try Al & Beas. They're on every list. It's a small shop, very limited indoor and outdoor seating. There was a line even at 2pm. I was chatting with my fellow line mates and most of them have been coming here for years. They said the cheap prices, consistent quality, and familiarity keep them coming back. After trying their chile relleno and green salsa burritos i can agree. Simple food, simple recipes. I felt like i was eating my grandma's food. It tasted like the food I grew up on. Don't be shy, ask to share a table with someone when there are no seats. The patrons are friendly. I can't wait to go back. Tip: don't come here expecting to be in and out. They have a sign that says it perfectly "We don't make fast food. We make quality food as fast as we can".

    Photos
    Al & Bea's Mexican Food
    Al & Bea's Mexican Food - Ground beef burrito, fries and a coke

    Ground beef burrito, fries and a coke

    Al & Bea's Mexican Food - Chili fries

    See all

    Chili fries

    Tenampal - Red and green chilaquiles

    Tenampal

    4.7(335 reviews)
    2.4 miBoyle Heights
    $$

    A small, unassuming, humble corner restaurant tucked away in Boyle Heights serving up the best…read morechicken omelette I've ever had. Stumbled across this place cause I was in the area for a job. Upon walking in, the vibes are very cozy and intimate, not a lot of seating though. My waiter, Gabriel, was extremely friendly, welcoming, and had very good knowledge of the menu which I appreciate a lot. Now back to the omelette-- oh my god. Best omelette in my life I think. The eggs were soft, pillowy and cooked to PERFECTION. Not overdone and not super runny either. The chicken was extremely tender and flavorful. The sauce they used was sweet and savory, the pickled onions balanced it all out with the perfect acidity. I wish I was around this area a lot more, I'll definitely be coming back!

    Definitely recommend checking out Tenampal in Boyle Heights! The flavors here are different in the…read morebest way--you can tell there's a lot of care put into the food, and everything tastes like it's made from scratch in-house. I started with the chips and mole sauce, which was delicious and such a great way to start the meal. For my entrée, I ordered the wet burrito with chicken tinga. I LOVE tinga, and the presentation and flavor of this burrito were great. Fair warning, though--it was a little too spicy for my palate, so I couldn't even finish half of it. If you enjoy some heat, I think you'll absolutely love it! The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, but it has a cool, welcoming feel. Overall, I'd definitely recommend giving Tenampal a try if you're looking for authentic flavors and food that feels thoughtfully made in-house.

    Photos
    Tenampal - Inside

    Inside

    Tenampal - Chilaquiles

    Chilaquiles

    Tenampal - Chilaquiles

    See all

    Chilaquiles

    Cocina Express - mexican - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...