Soto's Cuban Kitchen

Soto’s Cuban Kitchen may look like another random takeout spot in the bottom of a new housing development, but it’s really a great neighborhood diner. Starting at 8am daily, this family-run Lincoln Heights restaurant serves breakfast dishes like pancakes and chilaquiles from their food stall with plenty of seating. At lunch, Soto’s menu expands to traditional Cuban plates—think ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo. But if you only order one thing, make it the lechon asado. This generous portion of pork gets marinated in mojo sauce then slow-roasted until its meaty juices can't contain themselves and the skin crackles like hard-shell candy. The plate comes out with a distinct oregano smell, as well as a mound of black beans and plantains on the side. Come for a solo lunch or breakfast then stroll across the street to thrift at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.