Chef Josef Centeno (Meson G, Opus, Lot 1) has made his return to the kitchen a spectacular one. And while his signature bäcos haven’t hit the menu yet, his eclectic small plates menu is a hit with downtown residents and business lunchers alike at Lazy Ox Canteen. Located in Little Tokyo, the cozy tavern with daily specials scribbled on a blackboard features dishes like cornmeal battered octopus, bocaronnes (friend anchovy), pig ear chicharon, and dashi marinated yellowtail. Of course, no tavern would be complete without it’s own signature burger.
The Lazy Ox Burger is a perfect blend of sirloin, filet tips, with just enough fat to keep it moist and juicy. A house made stone-ground mustard and a very unique and flavorful pico de gallo aioli is served on the side.
Dashi marinated yellowtail with avocado, hash brown & creme fraiche.
Whipped Jersey ricotta, drizzled with olive oil, salt, and fresh baked bread.
Crispy pig ear salad, drizzled with lime.
Reservations are recommended even at lunch time, but pull up a chair at the bar for quicker seating.
While $13 for a burger seems a bit excessive, especially with it’s small size, it’d definitely big on taste. The patty is the perfect blend of sirloin, filet tips, with just enough fat to keep it moist and juicy. Served on the side, a house made stone-ground mustard and a very unique and flavorful pico de gallo aioli. The accompanying fries are fresh, crispy, and finished off with parsley and sea salt.
There’s so much on the menu to try, you’ll find it hard to decide on just one item. But that’s the beauty here. Everything is served tapas style and meant to be shared with the entire table. Except for the burger, you may find you want to keep that one for yourself.
TIPS: Happy Hour specials are between 5-7 pm. Street parking is free after 6pm. Corkage is $20. Parking lot available at the corner of 2nd and San Pedro.
20. April 2010 at 8:20 pm
his bacos have been on the menu several times, usually every other week.