Finding the Best Mexican Food Money Can Buy

Located in the corner of a large Albertson’s complex in Walnut, California, Osuna’s is clean, quiet, quaint, and offers the best Mexican food I’ve ever tasted anywhere in Southern California. I’ve often wondered what they put in their food to give it such a distinct, hearty taste, but whatever it is it brings me back for more. Osuna’s is a family-owned establishment, and when you enter they make you feel like family. Managers Gilberto and Alex always greet you with a smile, something they’ve always done for me since my first visit some three years ago.

The Restaurant itself is decorated with an historic, latin feel, with orange and red marble tiling and Aztec paintings along the inside walls. The interior itself isn’t so big, but it gives off a cozy, intimate feel rather than a cramped, congested one. They serve cocktails for adults, and though not on the menu – they will make specialty children’s plates upon request. The locale is a corner spot in the shopping center, but parking is never sparse. The restaurant can get full around dinner time, so best to visit before or after 6 p.m. They also have three outdoor patio tables, should you want to enjoy the fresh air with your meal.
But it is their menu that puts Osuna’s on the map. Their “Ranchero Burrito” was taken off the menu a year ago, but they still make it upon request. The Ranchero is a huge bean, cheese, and beef burrito, served in a layer of picante sauce with sour cream and guacamole on the side. It is more than reasonably priced at $3.99 and is tough to finish at one sitting. It is my favorite, but Osuna’s menu’s boast all the Mexican dining staples: taquitos, enchiladas, burritos, carne esada, sopes, salads, shrimp cocktail, soups, and more. But the thing that sets Osuna’s apart is in the taste. You have to come and try their food once to know what I’m talking about. There is a distinct flavor, maybe a special ingredient that the chefs at Osuna’s flavor all their food with, and it makes an impression upon the first bite.

The other thing that Osuna’s boasts that no other Mexican restaurant can, is their salsa. Every dish is served with a chips-and-salsa appetizer, and I swear to you that the salsa is unlike any other I’ve ever had. It’s not the store-bought, thick-gooey, tomatoes-and-onions type, no. It is fresh, highly liquified, and mixed with fresh cilantro and tomatoes to give it a special taste. The salsa itself had me coming back for more. It is so highly requested that the restaurant added extra chips and extra salsa to the menu, should you want to take some home.

Osuna’s is located at 18746 Amar Road in the city of Walnut, and their serving hours are Sunday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can call them at (626)810-4101 for more information or reservations.