Los Cheros Pupuseria

16502 Main St, Gardena, CA 90248, United States
+1 310-515-0107
$$$ Salvadoran restaurant
(786 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Los Cheros Pupuseria in Gardena offers a straightforward, no-frills setting for those looking to dig into authentic Salvadoran comfort food. This small spot feels like a neighborhood kitchen more than a restaurant, with limited seating that encourages quick, casual meals rather than long dining sessions. It’s a go-to for people craving traditional pupusas made fresh, surrounded by an atmosphere that’s honest and unpretentious.

The menu clearly centers on pupusas, with standout options like Chicharron y Queso and Revuelta (a mixed filling), capturing the heart of Salvadoran street food culture. Beyond pupusas, dishes like Bistec Encebollado and Sopa de Camarón y Pescado add variety for those who want something beyond the classic stuffed corn cakes. Local diners often pair their meals with comforting sides such as plantains with crema, embracing traditional flavor combinations that feel both familiar and satisfying.

Expect a lively atmosphere during peak lunch hours when the line can stretch out the door, a sign of the place’s popularity among locals who call ahead to avoid waiting. The staff’s warmth and friendliness contribute to the welcoming vibe despite the compact space, making it a spot where regulars and newcomers alike can feel at ease.

Los Cheros is best suited for those who appreciate authentic Salvadoran cooking and are looking for a casual, quick meal rather than a sit-down, leisurely dining experience. It draws neighborhood workers and families seeking that homemade taste, especially during the midday rush. For a first-time visitor or a Salvadoran food enthusiast, this pupuseria offers a genuine slice of local Latin American flavor off the beaten path in Gardena.

Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

786 Reviews
Queen KIM

25 Dec 2025

I have never had Salvadorian food before and my boyfriend recommended that I try this place for my first time. He works not far from here and has come for their pupusas on a few occasions. The place is very small, not much seating but it's a nice little spot to have some good food. We had ordered the plantain with the beans and crema and got that with the bun instead of the tortilla, and also had ordered a couple of cheese pupusas with the loroco, it was so good. The pupusas were made just perfect. Perfect amount of cheese, so soft and melted in your mouth. The dish with the plantains was so good too, reminded me of eating some good home comfort food. I see why he keeps coming back.

Ana Gomez

14 Nov 2025

This place is wow!! The best of the best in every ways, exelent service, super friendly peoples, and clean clean place, the food is just delicious prepared by authentic Salvadorean cookers, I have been in many restaurants to try the popusas and finally I found the place I invited to everyone to give a try and you will never have to go to another place because this is the place. Thank you guys keep up your great work.

Dira R.

07 Nov 2025

The best pupusas in town! Now please be aware- their is a long wait specially during lunch time so I recommend calling ahead about 45mins to 1 hour to place your order during the busy times. (Please note, the picture is of a cheese pupusa that I added a carnita taco from El Antonitos- I definetely recommend the combo lol)

RAS_TUFF GONG_LION Daniels

07 Oct 2025

I've tried the foot and stripes soup ,its completely different from the menudo soup but overall very good ,the pupusas are very good too .

Natalie Benitez

07 Oct 2025

Small restaurant but one of the best pupusas I've had in l.a... Definitely coming back.

Orsi Flores

03 Oct 2025

Calling to place an order is recommended, but you still have to make the line to pay and pick-up, it would be great if they let you pass the line to pay, because you already placed the order and to make it faster

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