Chef Josef Centeno created the baco, one of his signature dishes at his Baco Mercat in Downtown LA. The baco, a cross between Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisine, is a flatbread sandwich with Mexican-inspired fillings.  Recently, he opened Bacoshop, a casual sandwich place, in Culver City.

There’s a rotating menu of items, listed on clipboards above the counter. After you’ve placed your order, you’ll find a seat in the bright dining area or outside on the patio. The bacos are made fresh with each order so be prepared to wait.

For a different flatbread experience, try the bacorrito, in which the flatbread dough is rolled to a thinner tortilla-like consistency. The baco cheese melt came filled with a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, resembling a quesadilla. There’s an option to add avocado or filling as well. The woman sitting at the table next to us had avocado in hers, and I dare say, that avocado cheese melt was flirting with me, giving me “come hither” eyes. I had to restrain myself from running up to the counter and begging them to throw some avocado into our cheese melt.

One baco is not very filling so you might want to consider adding on a side. The cheddar hash browns seemed too good to pass up, combining two of my favorite things, cheese and deep fried potatoes.

We also ordered the pasta salad – another cheesy choice, seemingly simple but good – tossed with olive oil, lemon, parmesan and yogurt. I like to think I fulfilled my calcium requirement of the day by eating here.

With its high quality ingredients, Bacoshop has managed to produce delicious food reflecting the flavors of the great melting pot of Los Angeles.

Location – 9552 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232
Website – https://www.baco-shop.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes

As of May 2019, BacoShop has closed. Chef Josef Centano is revamping it to become Amacita, a Tex Mex restaurant.