This article was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat, a nonprofit newsroom of the L.A. Local News Initiative serving Boyle Heights and East L.A.
East Los Angeles—When people think of East L.A., they often think first of El Mercadito and Cinco Puntos. However, to other longtime and former residents, their first thought is Birrieria Chalio. Located just five blocks east of El Mercadito, the smell of rich goat meat mixed with dried chili peppers and traditional seasonings fills the air.
On a weekday last fall, Jose Luis, born in Zacatecas, Mexico, and owner of Birrieria Chalio, sat in one of his several circle booths covered in teal upholstery as he happily shared a YouTube video from his phone. That video is a short clip from the famed food series “No Reservations,” which features the late Anthony Bourdain sitting with three mariachis in one of Birrieria Chalio’s booths while enjoying a plate of roasted goat birria…