For L.A.’s Snappiest Handmade Chile Relleno Sausages, Head to the Top of City Terrace in East L.A.

The logo for A’s BBQ says it all:

A’s BBQ: East Los Soul.

For an outsider, the first time you order (or pre-order, preferably) from Alan Cruz and try to find parking during the early evening hours in the car-lined streets around his City Terrace home, you get the sense that maybe, just maybe, this barbecue is built exclusively for the neighborhood. 

If you want a taste, you're going to have to put some work in, parking near the bottom of the hill, and scaling your way to the top of Hazard Avenue, potentially navigating your way around some of the local roosters and hens roaming around.

But don’t wait for an invite; just go in. Even if the gate is closed during operating hours. Because, much like the Olive Garden and Dom Torretto’s house, you’re family when you’re there.