Review by MayaZier

Do you love pupusas, tacos y más? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I have the perfect restaurant for you! Not only is trying new food great for the soul, it can expand your worldview and lets you learn about different cultures. 

La Guanaca is a wonderful restaurant located on 76th and Dodge. It is a Salvadoran restaurant that serves ethnic cuisine and opened on Feb. 28, 2021. 

They have since renamed it from East Coast Eats, and they have expanded their menu. For any of my non-Spanish speakers out there, La Guanaca means “the Salvadoran.” 

I first found this restaurant three years ago with my dad. We went in and immediately felt welcomed by the owner, Amanda Tripp. She told us about the menu and was so caring and sociable throughout the entire interaction. She is willing to explain anything and loves connecting with her customers. 

My favorite dish is their assortment of pupusas. A pupusa is a thick corn tortilla that is stuffed with a variety of fillings including steak, chicken, cheese, beans and pork. It is then cooked on a skillet until all the insides are completely done. And the best part is, they are gluten free.

La Guanaca also serves a variety of tacos. They have the regular chicken, steak, beef and shrimp tacos. And for all my lovely vegetarians of the group, they have veggie tacos, too! Don’t worry, they also serve burritos, fajitas, rice bowls and enchiladas. 

If you’re worried about your siblings being picky, don’t be. They have their very own kids menu with the classics: grilled cheese, hot dog and hamburgers. 

I also highly recommend their chips, salsa and guacamole. The guacamole is made of the finest avocados, and it tastes so divine.

It’s very important to try food from other cultures. I had never tried Salvadoran food before going here, and now it’s one of my favorite places. 

Trying new food can bring you to new places without even leaving Omaha. Exploring new cultures can give you an appreciation for cultural diversity and allow you to learn about different traditions. 

There are about 15 Salvadoran restaurants around Omaha, but La Guanaca takes the cake. 

Their prices range from $4 to $15. You can buy a single pupusa for $4, or a pupusa plate, which comes with three pupusas, rice and beans for $13. They also have a huge parking lot, so it’s not too hard to find a good parking spot. 

They have tables to sit at and trendy Salvadoran music playing in the background while you enjoy your food. The owner loves having new customers who get to experience her culture. She loves sharing her world with the people of Omaha. 

The next time you can’t decide where to eat, think about supporting local businesses, expanding your horizons and trying La Guanaca.