I was searching the internet for the pupusa spot on 105th a couple of weeks ago. I eventually asked my brother for the name and it was Pupusaria Labendicion. During my search, I found another restaurant on W 105th that serves Salvadoran food, La Casa Tazumal. I wanted to try this restaurant especially after I read this article on a local Hispanic on-line publication:
I think that you would love this restaurant...it is one of my favorites! The owner's name is Maria. She is from El Salvador. Her story is amazing. She lived there during the time of the Civil war and left because it was so bad. I totally recommend her restaurant. It is like a mom and pop's kind of place. She owns it and makes the food all by herself. It is a one woman show. But lately she hasn't been getting business. I went there yesterday with a friend and was her first customer for 2 days...she was on the verge to cry...poor thing...She is a sweetie.....If you can pass this email along...:) gracias...
The article broke my heart. I knew that I would soon visit this restaurant and tonight was a perfect time to do so. The owner was the sweetest woman that I have met in such a long time. She was the type of person who just exuded kindness and had a pleasant nature. My friend who is normally stoic said that he just wanted to hug her before we left. I didn't even tell him about the sad article. The pupusas here were just as good as they are down the street. The spicy cabbage, or curtido (wiki'd it) was an excellent addition to the pupusa. The fried plantains were awesome. The tamale was ok. My friend ordered the bistec and a few sides and all were good. They do not take credit card, so bring cash. I must inform you that not much is needed as each pupusa is $1.50 and realistically, two can fill you up in a pinch. The other food is good too, so bring a little bit more.