The pandemic has changed so much of how I work.

I’m extremely thankful to be working in the career that I love, but to say that working in a hospital is easy during this time would be a complete lie. It has been such a difficult time that I can no longer balance all the balls that I once juggled in almost complete harmony. To add to it, my memory isn’t as great. If it’s not about work it seems that there’s no place for it in the space between my ears.

Perfect example: I always forget to grab my lunch.

That wouldn’t be such a big deal if the cafeteria food was good and appropriately priced, but it’s not. Paying $6 for a grilled cheese sandwich in a hospital basement? No offense, but I’ll pass. Having limited onsite options means I either have to remember to bring my food or find what’s available in the area. Since the former isn’t happening, I was so thankful when my friend David put me on to El Barrio Neighborhood Tacos. Through a simple direct message, David let me know that their food was delicious but what truly put them on my list was knowing that the restaurant has provided meals to those in Compton during the pandemic. Hearing that and knowing there was a 100% chance I would forget my lunch again, I planned to visit the restaurant.

Spoiler alert: I forgot my lunch the following day.

Leaning into the smallest of excuses, I made my way to the restaurant and stood in line scanning the menu ready to order. Taking the suggestion from the smiling face on the opposite side of the counter, I went with the Three Taco Box ($15) of Wagyu Birria, Al Pastor, and Carne Asada. Served with tortilla chips, their churro donut holes, and a drink the box is a great option for lunch whether you forget yours at home or intentionally left it in the fridge.

What I loved about this box is that you’re given full size tacos. No small bite tacos, but ones that take the whole circumference of your hand. Tacos that are topped with mouthwatering meat that falls into the box giving you more to enjoy when you’re nearing completion. Most of all, the box has your starter (chips), main (tacos or burritos), and dessert (churros). It’s everything you need and you don’t feel as if you’re wanting more.

What I got from El Barrio Neighborhood Tacos in their on-the-go box option was better than anything that I made myself the night before. The delicious tacos and even the churros were filling and more exciting than whatever I left at home. Seeing how good it was on my first visit, I can see myself forgetting my lunch in an effort to go to El Barrio Neighborhood Tacos again. And forgetting it again many more days after that.

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Address: 3500 Overland Ave #100, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Phone: (424) 603-4073
Hours: Monday through Saturday – 8:00am to 9:00pm and Closed on Sunday
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