My conversion to Los Compadres lover was a slow one. I was not a fan when I first began going a few years ago – forced to go because people at work insisted on picking the Anaheim Street locale for birthday lunches. Each time this came as the choice, I’d roll my eyes but go along, ordering a quesadilla.
Thinking back, I’m not sure what my problem was with the place. Mexican food is my favorite, their chips and salsa are like crack, their affordable lunch specials come with a fountain drink, and they’re generally fast. So why the hesitation to fall in love? Maybe I was just playing hard to get.
I’m sure I don’t have to explain that, eventually, I fell. And fell hard. And without realizing it. I’m guessing my reversal began the day I first ordered the #13 – Chicken Enchiladas Suizas. Since trying these, I’ve searched ever since for a sauce as good – creamy and rich, the roasted tomatillos providing a zingy zest – but I’ve failed (though the now closed Diego at the MGM Grand came close). This is by far my favorite plate of Mexican food in my little world. I do my enchiladas with double beans, as their frijoles are just the right texture, have a nice bite, and offer lots of flavor.
It’s still the birthday spot, but I don’t mind. Really, no one minds – even if we were just there two days before for a regular ol’ normal lunch. What I’ve not yet done is visit during Happy Hour, a goal I plan to tackle this holiday season when I have some time off. In the meantime, I’ll keep my visits prime time, ordering my #13 over and over again.
Los Compadres
3229 E. Anaheim St.
Long Beach, CA 9080
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