Pal Cabron: sandwiches with plenty of attitude in Koreatown

Pal Cabron's Bricia Lopez with Deep End Dining's Eddie Lin

Bricia and Fernando Lopez, whose family owns Guelaguetza restaurant, is ushering in a new wave of interest in the cuisine (and mescal!) of Oaxaca with their gradual updating of the family's empire. They launched Pal Cabron last year in Huntington Park, then opened the Natura juice bar on 8th St. and have now moved Pal Cabron to the more-convenient-for-most folks 8th St. space, a former Guelaguetza location. And since it's right next to the juice bar, there's a window in the restaurant for Leche quemada ice cream or passion fruit shaved ice (sorry, no mescal, but she'll be glad to tell you the best places to drink it). Last night Lopez and assorted friends and bloggers celebrated the opening of Pal Cabron with plenty of cemitas -- similar to tortas, they're Oaxacan-style sandwiches on a sesame seed bun filled with mole-sauced meats, barbacoa (lamb), chorizo, chicken, breaded pork, ham and more. Also on the menu are clayudas -- kind of like open-faced corn quesadillas topped with black beans and various meats and other snacks like fiery green chile memelitas (pictured) and mole tamales.
Prices: Very reasonable, everything is under $8. Casual, order at the counter.

Hours: 10 to 10 every day
Good to know: If you can't find a place to park and really need a cemita, they'll offer curbside service. And if you're a customer of R Bar on the corner, ask about special privileges for bar patrons.
Pal Cabron

3337 1/2 W 8th St

(213) 427-0601