Photo: Getty Images.
Though the origin of churros is debatable (Spanish shepherds? Portuguese sailors?), there’s no question that California is the prime spot in the United States to score the piped, fried dough sprinkled in cinnamon and sugar. Though traditionally served with melted chocolate, bakers in The Golden State have concocted creative variations on this classic pastry. Read on for the best places to satisfy your churros fix in fun, sophisticated and surprising ways.
Churro Borough
Photo: @churroboroughla on Instagram.
What could possibly make churros hotter? How about two of them, fried in flat spirals, and welded together with fresh churned ice cream? That’s the menu item that put Churro Borough on the map. The funky Los Angeles-based shop dishes up its signature dessert sandwiches in flavors like Strawberry Buttermilk, Chocolate Cookie Malt, and Spanish Latte. If you prefer your pastries dipped, ask for churro fries with chocolate, toffee, or guava sauce; eat while admiring the eye candy on the wall by Oakland artist Hueman. churroborough.com
The Iron Press
Photo: @theironpress on Instagram.
Its name is the Pressed Churro, but if you want an excuse to eat it for brunch, call it a waffle. Either way, it comes smothered with vanilla ice cream and your choice of maple leche or Nutella topping. You have gastropub The Iron Press to thank for this delicious monstrosity and you can get it at their Anaheim and Costa Mesa locations any day starting at 11 a.m. Because these joints are also taps, feel free to add a brewski to your order, too. theironpress.com
Churros Calientes
Photo: @churroscalientes on Instagram.
If you’re concerned about the nutritional quality of your churros, Churros Calientes allows you to indulge with a clean conscience. Its thin, Spanish-style churros are made from local, natural, organic, and vegan ingredients. Try them drizzled in chocolate, dulce de leche, Nutella, or guava; served with a side of gelato; or paired with Italian tartufo and a strawberry. When you’re through, rest assured that not only is the store’s packaging biodegradable, the oil used to produce those perfectly crispy snacks is donated for the production of biofuels! churroscalientes.com
Tacos Tu Madre
Photo: @tacostumadre on Instagram.
The churros at this casual Mexican restaurant are just as colorful as its Day of the Dead-esque decor. Order a batch of the red velvet delicacies that ooze cream cheese frosting at the walk-up window. Enjoy these potentially messy treats in the small seating area on Westwood Boulevard or get ’em to go. Within weeks, they’ll be available at the new Tacos Tu Madre Los Feliz location, too. Tacos Tu Madre
Papillon International Bakery
Photo: @papillonbakery on Instagram.
If you’re cruising through Hollywood, North Hollywood, or the Glendale area, make a pit stop at this humble, family-owned bakery. Though they specialize in an Armenian style of donuts called Ponchiks, cinnamon and Oreo churros are also on the menu, and served with generous squiggles of chocolate, Nutella, or dulce de leche. Regulars advise ordering by phone ahead of time to avoid waiting at this popular old-school shop. papilloninternationalbakery.com
Churro Cart
Photo: @tresjewelie on Instagram.
If you happen to be in Anaheim, head over to the Churro Cart in Downtown Disney, where foot-long churros come in unexpected varieties like Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cream, and Red Mango. Not into freaky flavors? Keep it simple with a churro sandwich packed with plain vanilla ice cream.
J&J Snack Foods
Photo: PR Newswire.
As the largest maker of churros in the United States, J&J Snack Foods is responsible for the media frenzy when it launched its boxed Oreo churros in November. Stop by the frozen section of major retailers and choose from ten-inch or bite-sized creme-filled churros, then take and bake at home. Don’t even bother with portion control. jjsnack.com
