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.

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.

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.

I have been coming to this restaurant since 1974--more than 50 years--so I don't write this review…read morelightly. The original owners understood something that seems to have been lost over the years: how to treat customers. They were always welcoming, cordial, and genuinely made people feel at home. There was a warmth about this place that made you want to return, and I did--for decades. Unfortunately, since the son took over, the atmosphere and level of customer service have changed dramatically. I have found his demeanor to be arrogant and unwelcoming. I recently greeted him directly, and he simply did not respond or acknowledge me. For someone running a longtime neighborhood establishment, that speaks volumes. The attitude from some of the staff has also been disappointing. Today, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the young lady working at the window was particularly unpleasant. Her demeanor gave the impression that customers were an inconvenience rather than people whose business should be appreciated. And this wasn't an isolated incident. Today marks the fourth unpleasant experience I've had here within the past few months. Everyone can have a bad day, and I would never judge a business based on one interaction. Four similar experiences, however, indicate a pattern. After more than 50 years of patronizing this restaurant, it is genuinely sad to see what has changed. The original owners built more than a business--they built relationships with their customers and made people feel welcome. Good food can create a customer. Good service creates a loyal customer. I sincerely hope the current ownership remembers that, because longtime customers should never leave feeling as though their business--or even their presence--is unappreciated.

I was really uncomfortable with my experience here. While we were sitting near the food area, staff…read morekilled a roach right in front of us and very close to the food. It was disturbing and completely ruined my appetite. Cleanliness is extremely important when it comes to restaurants, and seeing that made me question the hygiene standards. Unfortunately, after that, I didn't feel comfortable eating there. I hope management takes pest control and sanitation more serious

This is the first time I've stopped in this restaurant and the food tastes good. It wasn't crowed…read moreat all. I'm from Bakersfield and I'm guessing this place is a local favorite among the community here. No complaints here.

I ordered chicken sandos with my family, and they were delicious. The real star though was the…read moreservice. One of the employees, Charlie, without being asked, cleaned our table, gave us napkins and wiles, and got us waters. He gave us the best service I have seen in a restaurant in a long time. Thanks!

First time at Howlin' Ray's and I already have to give a huge shoutout to Charlie and the entire…read moreteam! The service and energy have been incredible from the moment we arrived. Everyone has been so welcoming and genuinely amazing. If the service is any indication of what's to come, we can't wait to try the food!

What a wonderful surprise a very good location. Believe me…read moreeven though under same brand some are not nearly this good. Selena C. was cleaning dinning room, greeted me and rang me up while answering questions on rewards! What a great employee! Selena C. definitely deserves recognition: reward/raise! No I don't know her or anyone at this location. Yet I know good employees while by owning my own businesses and working restaurants and fast food! Good order fresh tasty zucchini. See pics!

I went at night time Tuesday the girl was alone taking oder in the front and in drive tho. She is…read morestill having amazing customer service. The food was good. Kathy was her name will come back again. Hope they are treating her right.

Really good chicken always well cooked and their sides options are good…read more Been to this restaurant since my dad used to buy them in the 80's still the same taste. I give them a 10 out of 10

Good portions, great taste. Very poor customer service, they can do better with the presentation…read moreand cleanliness of the restaurant.

1. The staff are joyful. 2. The music is poppin'…read more3. The stewed meat - especially the beef - is unique and full of flavor 4. The tortillas are made in house and PHENOMENAL Best i've ever had! 5. The tamale - OMG! The masa - also best I've ever had! 5. Know that the enchilada is unlike any enchilada we've had - I'd say it's just a larger taco. But the cheese enchilada is still delicious as a big taco. Looking for a late Friday night taco spot that was still open near DTLA. Hubby, and I ventured into Boyle Heights and went into one of the few places open. We did not come because of YELP reviews. We did not come because of reputation. We came in completely blind, and it was fantastic. Don't go expecting it to be fancy. It's not. But it's clean even if it's hard to find the wash bowl after using the bathroom. What it is is full of life, flavor, Joy, and just genuinely good feeling food. Like somebody's grandma's food. The 3 staff members working there were all senior citizens. But they had great energy and attitudes. The lady taking orders was extremely helpful explaining the menu, pointing out each item that we ordered on our sampler plate, and checking on us regularly. The other woman who was making the dough for the tortillas was working hard, as was the cook. My favorite memory is seeing the cook start jiggling and bouncing along to the merengue music, as my husband and I had been the entire time we were there. All of us just wiggling our hips fast to merengue, no words, just big smiles, cuz ... how can you not? While there I was able to see all of their accolades, learn that Guisados is a Boyle Heights staple, and that it is named for the term that means "stewed meat and vegetables." They have vegetarian options so if that's your lifestyle, wiggle your way to Guisados! Finally, the Jamaica agua fresca was on point!

Authentic & Flavorful Tacos!…read more -I absolutely love Guisados! We were in the LA area as we went to Crypto Center for a concert and Guisados is conveniently open late, so we skipped dinner just to eat here after our concert. If you're craving truly authentic tacos packed with rich flavor and quality ingredients, this is the spot. We've visited a few different Guisados locations, but this one is always a 10/10 -- consistently delicious food, great service, and you get the full LA vibe since it's right in Boyle Heights. Such an experience! Parking is easy with a lot right across the street. The only downside is that if you go later at night there aren't any bathrooms -- but other than that, it's perfect. Highly recommend the mole taco and the calabacitas taco -- they're my absolute favorites. And don't forget the horchata... SO good and worth the drive. Definitely a must-try!

Love this spot! Had a great 1st experience. Tasty food,…read moresuper friendly service, small restaurant offering covered outdoor seating. They have burgers, hot dogs, tamales and pastrami. Reminds me of The Hat. Great prices!! The chili cheeseburger was big, filling, and delicious! Fries and onion rings were perfectly salted and crispy! I was in heaven when I saw how much came in the box Get the orange bang! It's so good you'll want to get a large!

ramon es muy nice! que bueno la comida ! So happy ! Had…read morethe cheeseburger special and u loved every bite :)

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!

A Boyle Heights gem! We came here for brunch and boy did this place exceed our expectations. CHECK…read moreTHIS PLACE OUT! We ordered the Huarache - 5 stars! (5 hour cooked suadero meat) Chilaquiles - 5 stars! (we liked one sauce over the other) Enchilladas - 4.5 stars! The place itself is small and cozy with a vibrant warmth of good vibes. DO expect a wait time and 2 hour metered parking is available out front. The service itself was amazing and all the food tasted like it was cooked from scratch. I loved the rustle and bustle of cooking noises in the background and my friend and I overall had a lovely time!