GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Dodgers season is back, and baseball fans in blue are gearing up across Los Angeles for opening day (April 1). Whether you’re a baseball enthusiast or a casual attendee, you’re going to need something to satisfy your cravings before or after enjoying nine innings of America’s pastime. While there is something nostalgic about those overpriced hot dogs and French fries, there are also plenty of excellent food options within two miles of Dodger Stadium. We’ve compiled a list of 18 favorite restaurants in Echo Park, Downtown and Chinatown, with variety from classic French cuisine to Filipino BBQ, from Italian subs to vegetarian bistros. With something for everyone, you can keep experiencing new food all season long.

Guisados (0.8 miles away)

You’ll find plenty of street tacos in Echo Park, but Guisados stands out with its gourmet flavors and warm, hearty, handmade tortillas. The dining area is simple, with both indoor and outdoor seating available, and the large variety of tacos available will satisfy any appetite.

TRY: 6 Taco Sampler + 1 Shrimp Taco, Homemade Horchata, Aguas Frescas

La Caridad (1.9 miles away) [CLOSED]

La Caridad may seem intimidating with its entirely Spanish menu, but the staff is friendly and will help you navigate their authentic Cuban fare. Expect huge portions and don’t be afraid to try their daily specials. La Caridad closes at 6 pm and is cash only.

TRY: Ropa Vieja (shredded beef simmered in tomato sauce base), Cuban sandwich, café con leche

Masa of Echo Park (1.2 miles away)

Masa of Echo Park offers a unique Californian take on Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, complete with its special corn-meal crust, fresh ingredients and vegan options. The small, charming restaurant with its mismatched chairs can get busy, loud, and crowded, but accommodates groups well, especially with no corkage fee. Consider ordering the pizza ahead of time or before you’re seated, as the hefty pizzas can take up to 50 minutes to cook.

TRY: Lots of Meat Pizza, Warm Croissant Bread Pudding

Mexicali Taco and Co. (1.6 miles away)

Although Mexicali Taco and Co.’s menu offers plenty of tacos, most patrons come here for the vampiro, a unique garlicky twist on the classic quesadilla. The small restaurant—which was once a humble cart in a downtown parking lot—also boasts an impressive salsa bar. This cash-only place is more expensive than your average taco truck but still relatively cheap, and the unusual items are all worth trying.

TRY: Chicken Vampiro, Cachetada (tostada topped with asada and chipotle aioli), Zuperman, Avocado Salsa

Mohawk Bend (1.5 miles away) [CLOSED]

Mohawk Bend is a hip gastropub located in a former Vaudeville theatre and decorated with industrial plywood. The restaurant features a busy bar in front, complete with a large collection of craft beers, and a large, open backroom where diners can enjoy vegan options and ingredient-focused dishes.

TRY: Buffalo Style Cauliflower, Flash Gordon salad, Squash Chowder, any of the pizzas

The Park (0.7 miles away) CLOSED

The Park is a casual neighborhood bistro with a globally influenced menu. The Park is vegetarian-friendly but still touts plenty of meat options and is one of the closest restaurants to Dodger Stadium. Consider coming to The Park on one of their special nights like $5 burger Wednesday or $15 prix fixe dinner Tuesdays.

TRY: The seasonal menu is constantly changing, but try one of their sandwiches or burgers and you can’t go wrong.

GUIDE CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE