I’m a subscriber to the theory that potential hangovers can be beaten by eating something before passing out. By the looks of the line outside Hole Mole’s bar-adjacent Fourth Street location, I’m not the only one. After a night of the Fourth Street Crawl, I find myself at Fern’s not just for the wonderful aroma, but because this godsend of a Mexican eatery is 15 yards away and open past last call on weekends. Depending on what’s left in my pocket (and how much I’ve had to drink), I order anywhere from two to four potato tacos and devour each in two bites if I’m with my guy friends (or three if females are around). The scrumptious spuds are flavored with a spicy kick that heightens my senses, makes my nose run, clears my head and fills my sloshing belly. And most importantly, this delicious late-night snack costs two bucks. For four. Plus, these half-dollar goodies tickle my taste buds in the same manner when I’m straight as they do drunk. Many times I soberly stroll in for lunch with some change or crumpled George Washingtons from my car’s ashtray. But even if I had a million dollars, I’d still order the potato tacos and feel like a king.

HOLE MOLE 1327 E FOURTH ST | LONG BEACH 90814 | 562.437.0878

Tags: Food, hole mole, Long Beach, mexican, SIDES