An Eating Tour of Sunset and Alvarado in Echo Park

Danny LiaoFood

Burrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoTierra Mia is a low-key option for quieter revelers. It's open till 11 p.m. on weekend nights.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoThe newest addition to the neighborhood; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoMohawk Bend specializes in beer and vegan food.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoThe huge restaurant is a converted movie theater.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoThe covered patio in front of Mohawk Bend; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoElf CafeBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny Liaois its smallerBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny Liaovegetarian sister.; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoThe bar at Cosa Buona; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoWonder if those books are real...; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoElf Cafe; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoInside Elf Cafe; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoElf Cafe; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoInside Elf Cafe; Credit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoCredit: Danny LiaoBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoEl Flamin Taco is a relatively new addition to the sceneBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoEl Flamin Taco is a relatively new addition to the sceneBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoEl Flamin Taco is a relatively new addition to the sceneBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoEl Flamin Taco is a relatively new addition to the sceneBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoEl Flamin Taco is a relatively new addition to the sceneBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny LiaoEl Flamin Taco is a relatively new addition to the sceneBurrito King has been in this location with this name since at least the late 1960s.; Credit: Danny Liao

With the opening of Cosa Buona, the area around Echo Park's Sunset and Alvarado intersection is truly a culinary destination. There's the aforementioned upscale pizza joint, along with a couple o cute little cafes and a giant cocktails-and-buffalo-cauliflower restaurant. But most importantly: tacos. This area is home to some of L.A.'s most beloved nighttime trucks and a walk-up burrito joint that was Warren Zevon's favorite. Watch this Letterman clip to see what the neighborhood used to look like, then check out these photos to see it today.