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Take A Food Tour Of LA At Grand Central Market

GCM-header-by-Julie-Wolfson
(credit: Julie Wolfson)

Housed on the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building in downtown Los Angeles' Historic Core District, Grand Central Market is just plain fun. Drivers can park in the lot marked with fruits on every level, the metro and bus routes are close as well as the "Shortest Railway in the World" Angels Flight. However you get there, it's worth the trip. Once inside these vendors entice hungry shoppers with carnitas tacos at La Morelianas or Sarita's Pupuseria. Locals fill the counter every morning at China Café as well as Wexler's Deli for modern twists on classic deli eats or Eggslut for delicious egg sandwiches and dishes.

Grand Central Market
317 Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.grandcentralsquare.com

GCM-G&B-by-Julie-Wolfson
(credit: Julie Wolfson)

G&B Coffee
317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(626) 716-0705
www.gandbcoffee.com

Starting out on Hill Street, the same side of the market where cars enter the parking lot, the new G&B Coffee sports a very long coffee bar helmed by some of the world's most talented baristas. Opened by Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, G&B is the place to go for expertly-made filter coffees and sublime espresso drinks. If you are in the mood for something sweet, try the coffee milkshake made with McConnell's ice cream and espresso. Drink your coffee with a full view of Angels Flight or sit inside the market. Grand Central Market offers free Wi-Fi.

wexler's deli pastrami sandwich
(credit: Joey E./Yelp)

Wexler's Deli
317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.wexlersdeli.com

Wexler's Deli stands for three things: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Featuring deli items ranging from bagels and sandwiches, must-order items include "The O.G.," a pastrami sandwich with mustard served on Rye bread, as well as the Macarthur Park pastrami sandwich with coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on Rye bread.

GCM-Saritas-by-Julie-Wolfson
(credit: Julie Wolfson)

Sarita's Pupuseria
317 S Broadway #41
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 626-6320
www.grandcentralmarket.com

Next, turn the corner just north of Valeria's to find Sarita's. For more than 15 years, made-to-order pupusas at Sarita have been known as 'worth the trip' to Grand Central Market. Sara Clark has been griddling up made-to-order pupusas at Grand Central Market with a family recipe from her native El Salvador. These hand-stuffed tortillas can be paired with 19 options, including everything from pork beans and cheese to the edible flower loroco. Pupusas are served with a seriously spicy slaw. Sit at the counter or grab a plate to enjoy at one of the many market tables.

GCM-Valerie-by-Julie-Wolfson
(credit: Julie Wolfson)

Valerie Confections
317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 621-2781
www.valerieconfections.com

Just east of Sarita's, a new lunch counter has joined the market family. Valerie Gordon, known for her artisanal chocolates and world-class pastries, transformed a market stall into her utopian version of a diner lunch counter. The menu is full of classics: club and egg salad sandwiches, cobb salad, Let's Be Frank hot dogs, and savory hand pies. Don't forget dessert. Cookies, Blum's Coffee Crunch cake, Brown Derby Grapefruit cake are served alongside daily pie offerings. Go hungry and come back often because specials rotate and get added as Valerie continues to be inspired by serving diner-style food with fresh local seasonal ingredients.

GCM-Sticky-Rice-by-Julie-Wolfson
(credit: Julie Wolfson)

Sticky Rice
317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 621-2865
www.facebook.com

Still hungry? Well, either start here or come another day because Chef Johnny Lee's Sticky Rice is crazy delicious. Locally-made Thai sausages are served with traditional accoutrements. Lee also makes delicious BBQ chicken with sticky rice, daily curries, and spicy beef salad. This new lunch counter has already has won over legions of fans so come early or wait patiently -- it's worth it. Or come for breakfast -- the congee rice porridge with chicken and egg may just be the new breakfast of champions.

GCM-courtesy-of-Horse-Thief
(credit: Horse Thief)

Horse Thief BBQ
324 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 625-0341
www.horsethiefbbq.com

Back on Hill Street across from Angel's Flight the newest additional to Grand Central market is Horse Thief, helmed by Wade Elroy and Russell Malixi. Specializing in Central Texas-style BBQ, Horse Thief serves up brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, and chicken made in hickory smokers.

Julie Wolfson (@juliewolfson) is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. She covers travel, lifestyle, art, pop culture, cocktails and food for Cool Hunting and several other media outlets. Most days you'll find her out and about in Southern California and around the world tracking down stories about talented people doing amazing things.
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