Several years ago I saw the buzz about this place on Yelp and wanted to visit. However, I wait (like I usually do) until I was sure it was truly deserving of the accolades, before making my way there.
I’m a huge supporter of small hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop establishments and Anepalco’s epitomizes this. Hidden in a small nondescript strip mall, it is easily missed if you aren’t looking for it. Once you enter though, the hustle and bustle of people inside, combined with the friendly staff makes you feel so very welcomed.
Anepalco’s is a family favorite now. My son always orders the Border quesadilla, every single time.
A large quesadilla is filled with tender braised pulled pork and black beans served with rice, pickled onions, and this wonderfully tasty green sauce. It is absolutely delicious!
I’ve had the Cuban sandwich here but it is not the traditional kind I am used to. Here, a large piece of chicken breast, some ham and pork is sandwiched between a ciabatta bun with a chipotle aioli drizzled over. It was a good rendition, but I like the old school Cubano better.
Their other specialty are the crepes, and as much as I’m not a fan of crepes, I thought the ones here were good.
The thickness of the crepe worked for me but I didn’t like the shredded beef filling with the chimichurri sauce. I think a Mexican style crepe would’ve been much better.
The truth is, there are a lot of items on the menu which are really great, however, the star here is the chilaquiles! I’ve had a lot of chilaquiles in my time both homemade and in various restaurants, but hands down this is THE BEST chilaquiles I’ve ever had! I mean WOW! The presentation is very nice, but it is the combined flavors of everything on the plate which makes it out of this world.
Unlike other chilaquiles I’ve had, the one here is served with smashed tortillas and presented in the shape of a rice cake topped with egg, sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado and an out of this world chile sauce around the plate. This is chilaquiles extraordinaire. Not only is it a work of art, but a mouthwatering experience!
Recently, I was introduced to huevos divorciados ($8.49), two eggs on top of tortillas, ham, bacon, avocado and red onion.
It has a yin yang feel about it, one topped with red sauce and one with green. It is almost like eating the chilaquiles (the same red sauce is used) but you get a green tomatillo sauce as well! The dish is not only beautifully presented but absolutely divine.
Prices are so reasonable and the food is absolutely outstanding! I love it when I am skeptical about a place and then I am utterly blown away by it! Anepalco’s is one of those places which always hits the spot whenever you’re wanting that special something something.
Anepalco’s Cafe
415 S Main St
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 771-2333
You went without me! (there’s a post-it on my computer to suggest it as our next lunch meetup) I want those chilaquiles!
haha, I’ve been there so many times I’ve lost count. we can still go! I love that place!
I was thinking of taking a couple of out-of-town friends here in May. Now I’m fairly convinced that I really, really should. Quesadilla… want.
you should! the quesadilla is really good but it’s all about the chilaquiles (or the huevos divorciados now) for me
i gotta agree with you, anita. their chilaquiles is so good!!! i love the spicy red sauce.
teehee, been here a couple of times already. Pretty decent, but I always walk out feeling overly stuffed. This place really is tiny…
The photo of the huevos divorciados is gorgeous. It must have been an amicable split.
haha that’s what I was thinking when I had it — that it couldn’t have been THAT bad if it tasted THIS GOOD!
Looks like my kind of spot 🙂