Pacific Pizzazz
Taking inspiration from the Pacific Ocean-bordered El Salvador, Rinconcito Salvadoreno has a beachy feel to it. Fake palm trees, bamboo blinds, beige walls and a funky wood bar set the backdrop for the restaurant. Maps of El Salvador, framed photos of the country and wood masks adorn the wall with one dedicated to a mural of a beach scene from the country. Customers sit on green wood chairs at tables with bright table clothes, or a few choice booths, and can check out the daily specials on a chalkboard in the shape of El Salvador. The popular spot for a casual meal is run by Ana Herrera and her family, and has been a staple on the Drive since 1998. You’ll always find the family in the kitchen cooking with fresh, local ingredients and recipes that have been passed down from generations before them.

Festive Food
Many Rinconcito Salvadoreno regulars opt to start their meal with a plate of nachos, which come with fresh homemade salsa and guacamole. Rinconcito Salvadoreno is a great place to share some appies, which also include tostatas (crispy open-faced tortillas with chicken/beef, refried beans), soft tacos and quesadillas. On the main menu, you’ll find authentic dishes like “Yuca con Chicharron” (fried cassava root with diced fried pork), “Mar y Tierre” (a grilled prawn and steak platter for two) and “Mojarra” (a fried fish dish that’s very popular and comes in a limited number daily). Vegetarians will be delighted by the options, which include “Pipan con Crema” (zucchini sautéed in cream) and “Ejites Con Huevos” (chorizo with egg). The portions are large, so bring your appetite. Light eaters may want to opt for the delicious tortilla soup. Beer is the perfect beverage accompaniment for this kind of food and you’ll find a slew of choices as well as some Chilean wine. And for dessert, the fried plantains with cream are worth saving some room for.

Celebrating Pupusas
El Salvador’s most famous dish is the pupusa, so naturally Rinconcito Salvadoreno has made the pockets of goodness a feature on the menu. The thick handmade corn tortillas are stuffed with one or a combination of cheese, beans and pork. On El Salvador’s Pupusa Day, Nov. 13, Rinconcito Salvadoreno celebrates by making a slew of pupusas with special stuffings.