So, I Tried that Horchateria that Everyone is Talking About, and it Was Amazing.
There’s something about food hype that I find hilariously ridiculous, but also exciting. Maybe because trekking across my favorite cities for unique, delectable twists on my favorite foods has got to be one of the best (and simple), yet ultimately satisfying weekend adventures.
I don't care what anyone says, I will not get tired of these trendy dessert places.
I sit on social media all day for my job, so when a gloriously framed food video showed up on the Facebook feed highlighting something like horchata -- it got my attention. I'm half Mexican and grew up with deliciously amazing cultural foods and drinks. As a child how could you not love the milky cinnamon goodness of horchata, or the crumbly sweetness of pan dulce, or sinfully sugary churros?
Well, Horchateria Rio Luna, located in Paramount, CA (just south of Los Angeles) is all of those things combined. This fun coffee shop fuses traditional Mexican flavors with our love of sweet treats and desserts.
Did I mention their horchata is also homemade? It's true!
As an adult, I was mostly drawn to the menu for their horchata latte, but the kid in me was jonesing for that pan dulce ice cream sandwich, or rather the "Concha Ice Cream Sandwich". Yes, you read that right. Your dreams have officially been made.
My boyfriend and I had been having a day filled with foodie adventures through LA so we strolled around Griffith Observatory as a way to balance out all the calorie consumption. It only kind of, just barely, but not really, makes sense. Okay, I tried. Calorie counting, healthy eating, gym and meal prepping are for week-days--NOT week-ends.
I work hard for my weekends ;)
We didn't have a solid plan other than knowing we'd be stopping at Horchateria Rio Luna on the way home. We had an early lunch at Philippe's the Original for beef dip sandwiches, had Shake Shack in Glendale for dinner, and although we were filled to the brim (why did my boyfriend get a peanut butter shake?) we were determined to end our day living out our horchata dreams.
I knew Horchateria Rio Luna was going to be a popular spot because I saw it appear on tons of food blogs, and I knew the same video I had watched was also circulating through my friends. So, I knew it was going to be busy, but not as busy as it ended up being.
Admittedly, Horchateria Rio Luna is not in the best neighborhoods and it kinda made my boyfriend nervous, but you soon make it to endless blocks of strip malls which puts you at ease, especially when you realize one of them houses the cute Mexican-inspired dessert shop.
There's a large parking lot shared with a bunch of other stores, so it was easy to find a spot, but we laughed when we saw the line to Horchateria Rio Luna was OUT THE DOOR. But we were committed and decided to wait. It was a Sunday evening at around 7:00pm and we waited a little over thirty minutes. You can see the line in my video below. I transformed my Instagram story, but if you wanted to see my full day in LA you can still head to my instagram to see my "highlight" video titled "LA" to see the full day of urban adventures and LA eats.
Being so full we tried to keep it simple. We decided to pass on the the concha ice cream sandwich and shared a churro sundae instead (best decision ever). We also ordered a horchata latte and a horchata frappe. And you guuuyyys ... it was so amazing! For the churro sundae you get to select the drizzle and i chose Cajeta and Nutella, which they poured over 4 churros and added a helping of horchata ice cream and whipped cream. There was no way I'd be able to finish it on my own and glad we shared.
"Vivan Los Churros!" - Horchateria Rio Luna
The horchata frappe was super sweet and tasted like a horchata milk shake. My horchata latte was delicious, but it definitely tasted a lot like the cinnamon dolce latte from Starbucks. Regardless, it was all fantastic. For all three items I spent $20. The churro sundae was around $9.
Their menu was also bigger than I imagined. Not only was there horchata everything from iced to hot coffee, and beyond, but also non caffeinated drinks like grandma's Mexican hot chocolate, choco mazapan frappe, and agua frescas. Don't forget about those decadent pan dulce ice cream sandwiches (and so much more!).
The shop itself was super adorable too and had a little section for special items for purchase like Frida Kahlo inspired candles, pan dulce coin purses, Selena inspired children books, and of course, Horchateria Rio Luna mugs, and other cute stuff. I somehow left empty handed but would totally go back for socks and a mug.
This place was well worth the stop and I'd definitely go back for more. Be sure to follow Horchateria Rio Luna's instagram to add something drool worthy to your IG feed!
If you need more convincing, watch the video Foodbeast did on Horchateria de la Luna. It's what inspired me to visit!
