Leo's Mexican Food

One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the South Bay and a bonafide local institution, the first thing you should know about Leo’s in Lawndale is they’re famous for something called “cheese chips,” which are exactly what they sound like: a plate of tortillas chips underneath a blanket of broiled white cheese, like something you’d make in college at 2am with an empty fridge. But wow, if it doesn’t hit the spot with a tall Cadillac margarita on the rocks. After you’ve polished off your last round of chips and admired the retro faux-abode decor, order the Leo’s excellent chile con carne (red or green), which comes with fluffy rice and creamy refried beans that don’t taste like an afterthought.