Cuisine Scene: Pupusas

The popularity of pupusas continues to grow in Long Beach, where restaurants serve all manner of interpretations of this Salvadoran staple. There are traditional fillings like pork and loroco, an edible flower, as well as inventive mashups pushing the boundaries of what a pupusa can be, like a pupusa burger? Whether you're in the mood for a homestyle experience or something with a modern twist, these spots prove pupusas can be deliciously reimagined while staying true to its cheesy, crispy roots.

LA GUANAQUITA

La Guanaquita (5344 Long Beach Blvd) is a family-run Salvadoran restaurant that delivers big on flavor with thick, generously stuffed pupusas cooked to perfection. Popular choices include cheese and pork, shrimp, and loroco (an edible flower), all served with crunchy curtido (a vinegary vegetable slaw) and house-made salsa.

MARILU’S BAKERY

Marilu’s Bakery (1400 Cherry Ave / 2608 E Anaheim St) is much more than a spot for cakes and pastries. The full kitchen turns out a wide variety of dishes, but it’s the pupusas, all made fresh and filled with generous helpings of cheese, meat, and vegetables, that keeps regulars coming back for more.

LA ESPERANZA

La Esperanza (1626 Orange Ave) serves up a sprawling menu of Guatemalan, Salvadoran, and Mexican cuisine—breakfast through dinner, plus desserts, juices, and aguas frescas. Their pupusa selection is just as extensive, featuring traditional fillings like pork and beans alongside zucchini, loroco, spinach, and even pineapple. If you’re looking for variety, this is your spot.

PUPUSERIA EL KIOSCO

Pupuseria El Kiosco (1642 E Artesia Blvd) is beloved for its handmade pupusas—crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful inside. Choose from classics like revueltas (pork, beans, and cheese) or go with veggies like zucchini or loroco. Served hot with curtido and salsa, these pupusas hit every time.

PUPUSERIA BRISAS DE ACAJUTLA

At Pupuseria Brisas de Acajutla (5303 Atlantic Ave), the pupusas are made fresh to order, generously stuffed, and big enough that one or two can easily fill you up. In addition to the classic bean and cheese, you'll find pork, shrimp, squash, and more—plus an array of salsas to match your heat tolerance. Just a heads-up, it’s cash only.

ROXANNE’S

A Cal Heights staple, Roxanne’s (1115 E Wardlow Rd) is best known for its craft cocktails and hidden speakeasy, The Exhibition Room—but its pupusa game is strong, thanks to the Salvadoran heritage of its owners. Alongside its traditional versions, Roxanne’s also serves creative twists like the Pupusa Burger (an Angus beef patty sandwiched between two cheesy pupusas), (Pu)Tacos (pupusas topped with carne asada or shredded chicken), even a Pupusa Chicken Sandwich.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.