-- Boston's Hidden Restaurants --

Angela's Cafe

131 Lexington Street, East Boston, MA 02128
(617) 567-4972 Find location!
--- Winner, Best Mexican Restaurant in Boston Area, 2007 ---

Photo of Angela's Cafe, East Boston, MA East Boston, which was a predominantly Italian neighborhood not too long ago, is now mostly Hispanic, and the dining scene certainly reflects this trend, with many restaurants serving Mexican, Salvadoran, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine. And while it is up for debate as to which of these restaurants are the cream of the crop, there is one place in the historic Eagle Hill district called Angela's Cafe that this writer believes is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Boston area.

Angela's, which resides in a residential neighborhood, could easily be mistaken for a sub shop from the outside, but the plain exterior and interior mean little to those who dine at this extraordinary restaurant. Whether patrons sit at one of the handful of tables or up at the counter (or do takeout), they are greeted with some truly outstanding food. The sauce is the thing here, with a slightly hot red sauce and a cooler green sauce adding much flavor to select dishes. And the mole sauce is like no other you will find in or near Boston, as it is overflowing with a mix of flavors, including bitter chocolate, chiles, cinnamon, and a number of other spices and ingredients.

Some of the daily menu items you will find at Angela's Cafe include a mouthwatering tostada (shredded chicken, crumbled cheese, sour cream, homemade refried beans, and lettuce, all layered on a crispy corn tortilla); a simple but tasty taco that (comes with onions and cilantro and can be ordered with pork, chicken, or grilled steak); and the aforementioned gordita (soft tortilla with sauce and shredded chicken, crumbled cheese, and onions). The menu also has an extensive list of breakfast items and a number of sandwiches that are served at lunch. And the daily specials board is well worth looking at, as it includes such items as an amazing tortilla soup with a tomato base, and a delightful chicken enchilada dish with their wonderful mole sauce. Finally, consider the guacamole appetizer, which might make you forget about getting it anywhere else. Unlike the guacamole at many places, this one is smooth and mild, with none of the harsh taste of minced onions. And it comes in a traditional stone dish, which is another nice touch.

As is the case with restaurant guides, not all dining spots on Boston's Hidden Restaurants are equal in quality, but there are precious few that make us say, "Wow." Angela's Cafe certainly is one restaurant that has that "wow" factor, and the fact that it is a family-owned spot with friendly, down-to-earth people running it doesn't hurt, either. A tip of the hat to Angela's Cafe, which has helped make it even more exciting to go to East Boston for dining out these days.