Or so they say.
La Pila #2 is down there in La Chaveña, south of downtown, west of the tracks. Take 5 de Febrero a couple blocks past a Del Rio and it’s a block to the right.
During the week the flautas are slathered with a tomato sauce. On the weekends it’s guacamole.
The menu is simple, so the waiter only asks ‘Cuantos?’ Then he asks you ‘Cocacola o manzana?’
Like that time I saw my neighbor Dave walking to his house with a plastic grocery bag. I could tell by the shape the bag held a quart.
‘Hey Dave,’ I said, ‘what kind of beer do you drink?’
‘I drink both kinds,’ he said.
‘Both kinds?’
‘Yeah. Natural Light and Busch.’
That’s the kind of choice you get at La Pila #2.
I ordered a double and an apple soda. They don’t serve beer. This is a family joint. Bring a flask.
I got a stack like a cord of tacos, splashed with an unexciting tomato sauce, served with a big salad. Cabbage and onions. Carrots and tomatoes. The salsa on the table was dark green and mild. A yellow squirt bottle held vinegar.
Mexican vinegar is better than American vinegar. Richer flavor. I put it on my salad.
This is a nice joint. Nice bathrooms. Nice sinks. Clean. Good food.
Were they the best flautas in Juarez? They were plenty good. The flautas and soda set me back 75 pesos, and they were taking the dollar at 18.
La Pila #2. Check it out.