El Gringo – There are an amazing number of Mexican places in the beach cities where you can get a decent meal for under ten bucks, so anybody who wins this category has faced down some serious competition. The three restaurants in the El Gringo chain have taken the title for the third year in a row, proof of a business model that works – burritos, tacos, tostadas, soups and salads that are big, cheap, and tasty. When your wallet and your stomach are both feeling a bit empty, this is the place to go.
El Gringo: 821 Torrance Blvd. RB. (310) 316-8032. 2620 Hermosa Ave., HB. (310) 376-1381. 921 S. PCH, MB. (310) 372-6080. www.elgringo.com
Runner-up: El Burrito Jr., 919 S. Pac. Cst. Hwy., RB. (310) 316-5058
