The first time we walked up to this small Peruvian restaurant in Pico-Union, we thought we saw a fireplace through the front window. Turns out it was just the giant wood-fired rotisserie and a wall of flames kissing glistening bronzed chickens. Aside from a stir-fry or two, El Brasero serves only pollo a la brasa, and their laser-focused dedication pays off: the chicken here is perfectly cooked, with crisp smoky skin that’s well-rendered and moist meat found in every nook and cranny (even the chicken breast drips with juice). Don’t be surprised if your table lets out an “ooh” so loud when you carve into it that the cashier comes over to make sure you’re okay. A whole bird costs around $20, but we highly recommend upgrading to the full combo meal, which comes with their spot-on sides: creamy beans, crispy fries, salad, and rice, plus generous amounts of aji verde for dipping.