El Batey Number 2

I can’t believe this place is closing.
I literally cried when I found out.
Evelia is the Archetype Neighborhood Momma who’s kindness has SURELY saved lives; something WE all know beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why did I move to Studio City when I had so much more in Echo Park?
People can say what they want about the past in Echo Park.
No matter what, nothing new will ever rival El Batey Number 2. It’s a loss that cannot be replaced.
For now, let’s all embrace all of the good memories, and kindness El Batey Number 2 has brought us over all of the many, many years.
Thank you, Evelia. You will be missed very much.

(Shopped 05÷25÷14 SU @ 1:00pm): It’s mom & pops like this that defined and shaped neighborhoods with their unique identity.
I visited El Batey Number 2 strictly because of a disheartening article I read earlier in the day that explained another impending loss of a long-​standing local institution due to gentrification in the name of «progress»
. Over the years, I’d seen this place while I passed through and even at one time had a friend who lived in the area. As a Silver Lake resident, I’ve seen this tragedy happen far too often within the past 12 months to other neighborhood «landmarks» (i.e. Tang’s Donuts, El Conquistador, Tom’s Burgers) later to be replaced with soulless homogenized business which will more than likely be rotated out in under five years for the next hot things. For my little part, here was my first shopping experience:
Various Groceries ($ 31.52) — I bought a couple 6-​packs of brews I’d never had before ($ 8.99 ea.), some of my favorite Cheetos snack bags ($ 1.49 ea.), another favorite in Maria’s Cookies ($ 0.99 ea.), and a Haagen-​Daz bar ($ 2.89) to cool myself off.
. Sure, all of these items could’ve been cheaper at a big-​chain grocery store, but that’s not the point for small convenience stores such as El Batey.
Service — Evelia, the bespectacled kind spirited matriarch of this establishment welcomed me with a warm smile that lit up the entire store and a courteous «hello». The store was small enough so I made quick order as I cased the place. As I entered the back of the store where the cold beer
and cleaning supplies
were, a nice gentleman greeted me and said to ask if I didn’t see what I was looking for. Although these were somber times, each held their heads up high and continued to be upbeat with me and others who arrived. Great job all around.
Parking — In true local grocer fashion, only street parking was available along the main drag of Echo Park Blvd. and all surrounding side street. Please note any posted signs to avoid unwanted tickets.
Atmosphere, décor, ambience — The light purple façade caught my attention. Otherwise, the full front windows where a couple beer posters were hung gave it more of a liquor store feel
. Once inside this quaint ramshackled space, you were faced with a menagerie of canned goods, snack products, food staples, knick-​knacks and more (I even saw a Princess Cruises onboard totebag!)
. Let’s get this straight — this was a no-​frills business where every inch was used to sell a product. There were plenty of promotional items hung on the walls
, ample lighting was both electric and natural, and there were no TVs or background music.
Attire — Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-​shirt, boardshorts, and flip-​flops.
Overall, I’m a huge fan of El Batey Number 2, and an admirer of Evelia and all she has done for herself, her family and the neighborhood. My disappointment was the circumstances that led me here, but I witnessed the appreciation first-​hand as others came in and gave their well-​wishes. She obviously left an impression and should feel accomplished in what she has done. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (total paid experience was around $ 32.00, no tip required). Everything a mom & pop should be. And, they accepted my credit card of choice… AMEX! 5.0 STARS

This is my favorite store in the neighborhood! Evelia, who truly IS the nicest woman in LA, as stated above, has been there since 1966. That’s right, hipsters. Evelia’s been a great neighbor and a beacon to the community for a long time. I really cherish my visits to her store, because it’s so much more than just shopping. Evelia’s smile and warmth just light up the room, and it’s fun to discuss world politics and events, neighborhood gossip, and the weather with her. It’s neighborhood, if you know what I’m saying. Also, her inventory is kind of amazing. If you’re looking for an obscure item for your household, like ping pong balls, a tea cosey, a rice cooker, or even organic coconut water, try asking there first before you go out on a wild goose chase. Evelia probably has it!

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MERCHANTS
This is the kind of place that makes a neighborhood worth living in. This little local grocery/​convenience store has been at this location and run by the same family for almost 50 years. Skip 7 – 11, Walgreen’s and pick up a soda, or some fresh bread, or other random thing here. They’re open 7 days a week. Say hi to Evelia the lovely lady who runs the place. Shop local, keep the important things that define a neighborhood alive.

Small little store has your basics like most in the area. As a previous Unilocaler stated the nicest sweetest lady works the register, might be the owner or something… Either way cool stop on your way home if you need something.

If you are nice, she will make you enchiladas!

This store may seem like many others in the neighborhood. Don’t be fooled. The store owner is the nicest woman in Los Angeles. She always smiles. She holds deliveries for people who live in the apartments upstairs. If you’re short on change, you can pay her tomorrow. Well, you have to get to know her first. It’s the kind of shop grandparents speak of, but right in Echo Park.
As far as the stock, she sells some fresh fruit and veggies in little baskets on the counter, various sundries and beer. Some good beer, too.