I stopped by Poncho's Tlayudas recently and the first thing you notice is the smoky flavor, you can really tell they cook with wood instead of gas. The tlayuda had that authentic char and depth that's hard to find anywhere else. Fresh ingredients, great texture, and the meat was perfectly seasoned. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Tlayuda - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've been wanting to come here for ages and finally made the effort. Only open Fridays after 4. Parking is nonexistent so be prepared to circle the blocks a million times. It's a grill w tables set up in front of an apartment. Reminds me of going to a friends carne asada. One tlayuda is huge and can def feed two. I got all 3 meats just to try them. While I'm typically not a fan of blood sausage I had to try the moronga and it was really good! You could taste the herbs in it, I think mint. The tasajo was good but a bit tough but usually that's how it is at least the couple times I've tried it. Like a very lean piece of carne asada. Chorizo was inside the tlayuda and again, good flavors. I would probably get the chorizo only but def recommend trying the moronga. The ingredients here are very fresh and the flavors are unique vs typical "Mexican" food. Indigenous foods definitely have so much more depth to them. They also give you a few pieces of guaje which helps with digestion and provides another layer of flavor. It has a nutty, mushroom like taste. Best tlayuda I've had for sure. I wish they still made their habanero salsa. The woman who I think is Ponchos wife is very kind and sweet! read more

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Run, don't walk, to Lugya'h by Poncho's Tlayudas! I was brought here by a friend who used to visit them back when they were run out of a house near USC years ago. Poncho and his team are delightful and down to earth, and the food is fantastic. The signature tlayudas (flatbreads) are incredible, and very large. I also had their memelas with steak (lunch special), perfectly crispy moronga (blood sausage) and a very delicious tamale, boiled and wrapped in a banana leaf, which had a very tropical feel. read more

It's been a while since my last visit here. Came here with a couple of friends this time. My previous visit I got the morongo or blood sausage. This time around, we got the chorizo and the tasajo or steak. These also came with 'Oaxacan edamame' on the side this time! So delicious with that Smokey grilled flavor and mild cheese. Enough cannot be sad about the awesome neighborhood cookout vibe they have here with the friendly service as well. I just really enjoyed coming here and I recommend for anyone who wants to come here on a Friday night as that's the only time they're open read more

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First time trying tlayuda from oaxaca. The owner is the sweetest and holds his cookout in his backyard. I couldn't decide on the meat so I got the tres carne. It's on a crispy corn tortilla with shredded cabbage, black bean, cheese and chopped meat. On the side I also got a chorizo and tasajo. The owner showed us how to enjoy the food with side veggies that came with it and also graciously let us taste a bit of his mezcal. Definitely making my way back! read more

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You can spot the red canopy of Poncho's Tlayudas hanging above the front yard of a home in South LA. Correction, you can let your nose find the way by smelling the wood smoke. Here at this casual spot, they are grilling up tlayudas, a Oaxacan specialty. Tres Carnes Tlayuda: A thin, gargantuan corn tortilla is topped with black beans, asiento, shredded cabbage, and stringy Oaxacan cheese. The folded tlayuda is pressed over the mesquite grill until it becomes crispy and cracker-like. If you can't decide which meat to get, just get all the meats. Bits of salty chorizo crumbles are included inside the tlayuda. The tasajo is a large thin piece of grilled beef skirt steak. The smoky tasajo is draped over the tlayuda. It serves as a chaser to the tlayuda, with alternating bites of crispiness and meatiness. Moronga is a blood sausage made with pork blood, fat, and spices such as mint. It's toasty on the outside and soft on the inside. It has a little sweetness, and the gentle spices are comforting. The tlayuda is huge. It can seriously feed at least two people. Remember to bring some hard currency since it's cash only here. Parking is really difficult. It's all street parking on crowded residential streets. Hopefully, you'll get lucky and spot someone leaving. Dining Area: There are some tables in the yard. Hours: Currently, they are only operating on Friday nights. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Tlayuda with three meats - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This was my introduction to Oaxacan food! And I'm in LOVE! The blue corn and cheese and lettuce and beans were fried on a fire grill... so fresh and somehow chewy and crispy? The portions were generous. I took my leftovers home and fried half with an egg for Bfast the next morning this def a community spot, so be prepared to struggle to find street parking or go with a friend and have them drop you so you can get in line. The back of the space is called Cielos, they regularly host events there. When I was there they were screening the documentary film 'Powerlands' The director and soundtrack composer were there answering questions. I hung out for a few hours and the line was non-stop for Tlayudas. So be prepared to wait especially if you arrive when there is an event going on. Worth the wait and the parking struggle. They were accepting Apple Pay/ Cash / venmo when I was there read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - a woman holding a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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One of the highlights from my most recent trip to LA: my friend who is active in the food scene here took me here, and am so completely grateful. The location you are looking for is in the backyard of a residential area. A bit hidden save for a makeshift sign in the sidewalk as well as a small scrolling neon sign. You walk past the sign along the driveway into the backyard where you will find the wonderful aroma of open flame cooking, as well as Poncho, his wife Odilia, and usually a helper. The tlayuda was delicious: a thin, crispy (but still soft) tortilla with beans and cheese cooked over coals. The side of hot sauce was great, and the blood sausage I tried was amazing. There are some aguas frescas that you can get as a drink. Place is essentially cash only, but I think they've started accepting Venmo now as well. I have never been to Oaxaca before, but this is probably the closest I'll get until I finally make a trip there! read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We went to eat at Poncho's on a cold night, and they are an outdoor business, but let me tell you why that didn't matter... It was our first time there, but the community vibes were on point when we walked up to the canopy to order. They seemed to know the people ahead of us in line as well as people already eating. No doubt this is an inviting community business. We ordered tlayudas de tasajo and chorizo. Both were crispy, smoky with large portions, and hot off the flat top. The cafe de olla was seasoned well, and perfect for the weather. The owner came around to talk to everyone including us and was friendly. A family that came in while we were eating passed by us and wished us a "buen provecho" with a smile as they sat down. Poncho's Tlayudas is the kind of business that serves as an irreplaceable member of the life blood of Los Angeles. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Tlayuda de chorizo - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Fantastic! Heard amazing things about this place and it didn't disappoint! We got the moronga (blood sausage) and tassel (steak). Both were exceptional, but the moronga was something special. Easily the best blood sausage I've ever had! Poncho is amazing and came over and talked to us about his story and how he makes the blood sausage. Tasted super authentic and unlike anything I've had before. Highly recommend!! read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Blood sausage - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Front-lawn operation takes nothing away from the smokey, cheesey, deliciousness of the ginormous tlayudas. The two of us should have ordered one tlayuda w extra meat (black sausage / moronga is a must) as we had too much food. read more

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A great place to experience L.A. culture and Oaxaca's tlayudas. The food is great and it's a pleasure to share it with others at communal tables. I highly recommend the moronga, which is a delicious sausage with a hint of mint flavor. The chorizo and the beef are also very good. read more

We arrive right before they sold out, so I'm telling you know, 9:30 might be too late. We had the moronga. Delicious! That's it! That's my review. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - people standing under a tent - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Absolutely fantastic. We found a parking spot really easily right near by. The service was excellent and the Tlayuda was delicious. You can't really taste or see the asiento which I was a bit concerned about. It just adds a really nice flavor to it. Overall fantastic vibes with nice music and lots of seating. read more

Ponchos Tlayudas are so crunchy over a charcoal grill. He fills them with veggies and delicious black bean paste with a side of delicious blood sausage made from scratch! Can't wait to get another! read more

My bf and I love trying different cuisines and new dishes. Tlayudas are one of the more recent discoveries we've found in LA. When I saw the rating and reviews of Poncho's Tlayudas, I sent the link to my bf and told him we had to go here. Thankful for EaterLA featuring smaller and authentic businesses. The location is a little strange, behind houses. And when you walk in there's so much space. Very unexpected! My bf and I decided to split a Tlayuda and it was sooo good! In the past, the tlayudas we had were more pizza like; however, here they fold it over so that it looks like a GIANT quesadilla. They use blue corn here for their tortillas! The tortilla was very crispy, like a chip and the inside was gooey from the cheese and flavorful from the meat. The chef even gave us a sample of the blood sausage. Tbh, not my favorite thing but it was very kind of them to let us try :) The salsa they give you to eat the tlayuda with it very spicy according to my bf. I didn't try it. We definitely recommend this spot! The service was so friendly and welcoming. I love hidden gems like these! read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Chorizo Tlayuda w/ Blood Sausage - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I never knew what a tlayuda was until I read this article on EaterLA that said that this vendor had the best Smorgasburg food. I had to come check it out. What really sealed the deal for me was the free samples of blood sausage that they had that were incredible. It was savory, spicy and smokey. I got their chorizo one however and it took about 15 minutes to get my order ready since everything is made and grilled on the spot. Really delicious and filling. Not the cheapest option at about $15 a tlayuda but its tasty. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

OUTSTANDING OAXACAN PIZZA. Thank you Bill Esparza of EaterLA and Yelper, Stephanie B!!!! LAer's, no need to trek to Culver City/Koreatown for this Oaxacan specialty!! Poncho's Tlayudas serves decadent traditional Oaxacan tlayudas ONLY on Friday nights in South LA (4pm-10pm) AND Sundays at Smorgsaborg LA (10am-4pm). The thin, crispy masa crust is a painstaking skill to master, but Poncho executes these flame-kissed tlayudas with pure perfection. Luckily I was able to sample all three meats. Quick Tips: -CASH ONLY -Very Simple menu: 3 types Tlayudas (folded n grilled like a quesadilla and cut in half): Chorizo (inside), Tasajo (grilled beef), and Blood Sausage. -On Fridays (just south of DTLA, East of the 110, and near USC) tlayudas are $12 each. -On Sundays (at Smorgsaborg LA) tlayudas are $15 each (Being a weekly vendor in an open market is very difficult) -Served with a smokey, peppery red salsa that adds yet ANOTHER layer of flavor. UGH. Taste 5/5 All three meats were fantastic, the Blood Sausage being my favorite. Tlayudas are huge thin masa disks topped with black beans, asiento (pork lard), shredded cabbage and quesillo (a mild string cheese similar to mozzarella) that are then flame-grilled to perfection. Even without the meats, the tlayudas are full of flavor and filling without being heavy. Tasajo (thin grilled beef) is chewy yet intensely spiced and very tender. Personally, I would have preferred it julienned INSIDE the tlayuda, but I loved this. Blood Sausage is Poncho's specialty. Not too salty and with a touch of heat, the juicy sausage is such a unique compliment to a rather perfect tlayuda. Chorizo is the only one served inside the tlayuda, and in agreement with Yelper Stephanie B's observation, is on the leaner and cleaner side. Really delicious with the quesillo and black beans. Price 5/5 These are massive and handmade with love. Huge recommend. The leftovers will make a really delicious breakfast. Service 5/5 Although I haven't been to the brick n mortar in South LA yet, I was very pleased with heartfelt service at Smorgsaborg. With quality ingredients directly shipped from Mexico, Poncho's Tlayudas is such a treat to LA. Treat yo self. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Chorizo tlayuda! - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The best Tlayudas in LA omg are amazing!! The place peacefully and beautiful and the service so good!! Thanks for that great experience!! read more

Poncho's Tlayudas is probably one of the best food experiences that I have ever had in Los Angeles. Poncho, a helper and his wife open up each Friday night. Walk down the driveway to the tent - you must be looking for the address or you WILL miss this place. Parking on the street is decent; cash only. The menu is limited, but when you achieve perfection with regard to a type of food, like In N Out, you offer nothing else. The menu consists of: Tlayuda with Chorizo ($12) Tlayuda with Tasajo ($12) Tlayuda with Blood Sausage ($12) If you are really hungry, order a tlayuda for yourself. If you are moderately hungry and have a crowd, order two for every three people. I had two-thirds, and it was perfect. However, it was so delicious that I wished to have order one myself and jammed myself. The tlayuda is the best that I have had - ever. Granted, I haven't been to Oaxaca (that comes in June - YAY!), but his tortillas are the stuff of legend. Were it not for Bill Esparza's comprehensive article about the sourcing of the masa and construction of these fragile tortillas, I would be convinced they are flour (https://la.eater.com/2018/2/13/16997662/ponchos-tlayudas-oaxacan-tortilla-los-angeles). It is incredible! They are smeared with black beans and topped with quesillo and shredded cabbage. Folded in half, the magical folded tlayuda is grilled over smoky charcoal. If you have chorizo, the meat is also inside. If you have tasajo or blood sausage, it is served as an accompaniment along with a spicy red chile salsa. The quality does not stop at the incredible tortilla. The meats are similarly best in class. The tasajo (dried beef reconstituted with water) is cooked on a flat top until it is just cooked through. Despite its chewy texture, it is very tender. And this tasajo is some of the best that I have ever tasted - just a very clean, beefy flavor. The blood sausage is housemade from a secret recipe that is over 100 years old and has been passed down from Poncho's wife's family. The crisp casing is split and filled with delicious animal parts that are thoroughly seasoned and a smidge spicy. It is hard to describe as it is clearly very fresh but has this earthy, gamey quality. Delicious. The chorizo....I am still dreaming about that chorizo. It is incredible. So fresh and relatively lean, it is cooked on the flat top and put in the tlayuda. This is traditional Mexican chorizo - no casing, super tender. It is incredibly well seasoned, almost sweet, with distinct flavors of cinnamon and a mild chile flavor. There are beverages in the refrigerator and you pay up at the end. You are seated outside, albeit under a tent, so be prepared because it can be chilly. There is a DJ playing awesome music (lots of Ranchero included). The space is incredibly clean. Above all else, Poncho, his wife, and his right hand man are the nicest people in food. Warm, welcoming, hospitable - it feels like you are coming home. In addition, Poncho and his wife are happy to educate and share the provenance of what they do. If you have any interest in Mexican food or enjoy it whatsoever, you must come here. read more

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We went back much earlier in the day, and actually got a tlayuda! The wait was worth it. I got all three of the meats (chorizo, carne asada, and blood sausage). The chorizo goes inside the folded up tortilla with the beans and cheese, while the asada and blood sausage were just hanging out in the box. They threw in an extra piece of blood sausage to make up for being sold out last time even though they'd already made us free food to more than make up for that. The tlayuda takes a bit to make because they make them all to order, and there's only room for about 2 at a time on the grill. It comes out piping hot, with melted cheese and beans. The tortilla has a nice toothy blend of crispy and chewy. The chorizo and carne asada are both solid, but the blood sausage is the star here. It has just the right level of spice and smokiness to go with the slight funk of the sausage. I've never really had anything like it. read more

Nestled behind hedge walls and obscured by an older off-white house is Poncho's Tlayudas. The only way I knew I was at the right place was an inconspicuous sign posted over the shrub wall with the words "Viernes de Tlayudas". I actually don't know any Spanish but I recognize Tlayudas. I showed up after work just before 11pm on the only day they're open, Friday, to a quiet neighborhood in Historic South Central. As a USC alum, it always surprises me what I'm able to find in my backyard even after all these years. To the right of the sign, you're able to make out a driveway illuminated with light leading up to an expansive, brightly lit, outdoor space behind their home. Poncho, his wife, and one other man are the only ones who run this operation but it's obvious that they are practiced hands. He and his wife were incredibly welcoming, warm and friendly, they offered me mezcal while I was ordering which I had to decline since I drove alone. They laughed and told me to just get an Uber. Maybe next time. I have never tried tlayudas and only once had blood sausage but this was an experience. The tlayuda is a crisp masa (versus corn/flour) tortilla that is lathered with black beans, cabbage, and quesillo cheese then folded like a quesadilla and cooked over a charcoal grill. The blood sausage, as I was informed is a homemade recipe made fresh and also cooked in the same smokey grill. The tlauyda may seem like it's not a lot of food but don't be fooled-it absolutely is. The lightness of the quesillo cheese makes the meal feel less heavy but the addition of the beans along with the blood sausage (or chorizo) fills you up. The crisp tortilla crunches and flakes with each bite entirely unlike any flour or corn equivalent I've ever had. I was the last customer for the night and Poncho came over to the last table they had out to share his very palpable passion about tlayudas. Tlayudas are a traditional Oaxacan dish that is iconic to the region. Poncho told me there are other pockets of Oaxacan communities and some restaurants that serve tlayudas but they don't do it justice. Firstly, the tortilla must be the traditional masa-he gets his exclusively shipped to him from a family business in Mexico. Second, some places do not use quesillo but instead use other cheeses, he mentions a restaurant nearby that uses mozzarella cheese instead and the way he describes it makes it sound like a cardinal sin. Last and most importantly, everything must be fresh. Poncho emphasizes fresh ingredients, holding his hands towards me as he gesticulates the just how important it is, all the while intoning, "It must be fresh" like a priest chanting a prayer. The passion he has for making tlayudas comes out when he speaks, but you can also taste it in his food. I mention that I would come eat his tlayudas every day if they were open and Poncho lets out a proud grin. It's apparent how much he loves making tlayudas. "I would love to, but we can only open after work on Fridays," He says. "Sometimes we are also open during the weekend when there is a local event we try to support, we even host concerts and parties right here." For him and his wife, it seems that they use their love and talent for cooking to also lift up and support their local Oaxacan community and they encouraged me to stop by the next day. I would have if I had the same number of stomachs as a cow and the metabolism of a much younger man. I left with a to-go box shortly after; a single person could probably finish a whole tlayuda themselves along with the blood sausage but 2/3rds of one and half a sausage is probably the perfect amount for most anyone. Plus, you can savor it a little while longer the next day. I spent my drive back to the Westside waxing poetic about Ponchos to a friend over the phone. Come to Poncho's. Have the food, fall in love with it, and tell all your friends. Things to note: 1) Cash only, I had the tlayuda with blood sausage for $12. They were kind enough to throw a water at me for free. 2) Only open Friday, though on special occasions Saturday as well, from 4pm-10/11pm read more

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First time having a tlayuda for myself and my boyfriend and it won't be our last We've been following posts on Instagram, and had most recently seen one from Cellador Ales, and it truly lived up to all the hype, unlike the majority of Instagram foods. The tortilla was perfect - both crunchy and chewy - crisp, light cabbage, perfectly seasoned beans and stringy melted cheese, served with spicy salsa. This was my first time trying blood sausage from any region, and I was thoroughly impressed. 11/10 recommend and will come back through many times in the future. read more

Terrible Experience at this place ! Sorry ! The area is pretty dark , no parking, only one long table and very poor presentation of the food . EXPENSIVE they charged $ 20 dollars for a Clayuda ( 3 meats) poorly served and $ 15 for Carne NO FLAVOR, very poor service. It was cold very unpleasant the seating and they served the Clayudas Fold , only one salsa very spicy but no flavor . I don't recommend this place they need to check their prices and make food more tasty and the place needs to be cleaner . Perhaps friends gave them 5 stars but honestly they don't deserved them! This is NOT a restaurant is someone's backyard and jet they charge as if you were in a nice restaurant. read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - The entrance - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Delicious. Tried the tlayudas at an event for Sept. 16. Definitely want to check it out again.

Just a superb experience. We had the chorizo tlayuda and a moronga tlayuda. It is now in the front yard of an indigenous peoples' community center (they are v supportive of the Zapotec community). The tlayudas are crisp, paper thin, and delicious. They get a quick brush of lard, beans, cabbage, cheese, and protein of your choice. Onto the charcoal grill for cooking and onto your plate immediately. Salsa went perfectly with the tlayudas. The moronga (his uncle-in-law's recipe) blood sausage was one of the best sausages I have ever had, and by far the best blood sausage I have ever had. Spicing was perfect. You sit at a table set up in the front yard of the community center, just sharing the vibe of the cooking, the music, the conversations around you, and the neighborhood. Friday nights only and way worth the wait. Everything you heard about it is true, so go. read more

The best thing I've tasted in years, and so authentic, they import everything. Its so fresh too!!! I love homemade moronga!!!! read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Poncho, his family, his team and of course the food are all amazing! I hosted a surprise bday party at Poncho's, with tlayudas and aguas frescas. Everything tasted incredible, the service was great and we got to party with Poncho! I recommend Poncho's Tlayudas for all your authentic, delicious catering needs! Try the blood sausage, it is the best! read more

Hard place to find but well worth it when you do. We ordered a choriza and a tasajo clayuda both were good but I prefferred the chorizo. They come with cabbage,beans, Oaxacan cheese and a light coating of asiento (lard) on a clayuda thats toasted on a coal grill. read more

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Great Tlayuda , be sure to get the blood sausage if you stop by. If you know anything about Tlayudas you know that in Oaxaca they are a popular street food served folded and heated on open flames. That's exactly how they are served at Ponchos. On cold nights they serve café de olla and patitas de puerco. The back yard feel is charming especially when you go with a group of friends , large parties are easily accommodated. read more

Amazing tlayuda! Had the one with the blood sausage on the side. It's a must have. The red salsa was a great compliment to everything. Check them out at Smorgasbord!!! read more

My favorites Tlayudas in Town! Music on live and the best Mezcal from Oaxaca. read more

Looking for authentic Oaxacan tlayudas without the pesky drive to LA's west side enclave of Oaxacan restaurants, look no further. Today Poncho prepares his Tlayudas over a slow BBQ fire pit toasting the tlayuda tortilla just right. One large tlayuda tortilla is filled with delectable quesillo cheese and you have your choice of meats: chorizo, tasajo, and my personal fav moronga, blood sausage prepared with locally sourced ingredients following a family recipe passed down for our good fortune to enjoy. As if the food was not enough the environment is relaxed and draws a diverse crowd of foodies, loyal South Central customers and on any given day internationally known indigenous artists, are interspersed with family friends and newcomers chasing the latest and greatest Ponchos Tlayudas reviews from LA's finest food critics. This is the place journalists find their next scoop, elders mingle with a range of generations, musicians share acoustic sets, and folks leading progressive efforts and campaigns in LA, all converge for the common goal of enjoying a delicious fire roasted tlayuda with salsa for those that can take the heat. I have no doubt in my mind that in the next couple of years @PonchosTlayudas will become the Oaxacan restaurant to go to in South Central, and today we enjoy it for the prized jewel that is right in our backyards. read more

Got me one of the best tlayudas in this side of the world. The morronga was spot on, smoky, and flavorful. Their house red sauce is to die for. Also loved that they have specialty mezcal tasting and music. I also loved that my purchase helped support the striking LA teacher breakfast. Very few businesses have that type of solidarity and impact. The smells are legit and the tlayudas are fire! Get them while they're Hot! read more

Only one thing to eat, Tlayudas. They are great. You can add tasajo, chorizo and morronga. They have beer, water and mescal to drink. That's it. Do one thing and they do it well. UPDATE: They have parking at the Louisiana Fried Chicken parking lot. They got permission from the owners read more

If you're looking for some authentic Tlayudas made with authentic products shipped from Oaxaca, Poncho is the man. Moronga is great too, Oaxacan blood sausage, can't find this anywhere. read more

Great community space with amazing art by tlacolulokos its a must see, here you get to hear indigenous speak, sing their languages. You get to taste amazing delicious tlayudas read more

Poncho's Tlayudas - Amazing art by #tlacolulokos its a most see - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Zapotec-Family owned, recipe for their amazing morcilla has been in the family for generations. They work closely with a local nonprofit that does work regarding indigenous migrants. Come try their Oaxacalifornia influenced Tlayudas! read more

poncho's service is sooooo great. still need to try the tlayudas but his tamales are so great!!!!

Authentic Tlayudas by far! Go Poncho!! and the best thing (apart from the food) is that proceeds go to FIOB, Frente Indigena de Organisaziones Binacionales . read more