If your vice is fast food, consider...

If your vice is fast food, consider two old but reliable establishments in the South Bay: Slavko’s Harbor Poultry in San Pedro and Diana’s Mexican Restaurant, with branches in Carson and Hermosa Beach.

In 1922, Warren Harding was President and Jack Dempsey was heavyweight champion, and Harbor Poultry opened in San Pedro. It was in 1946 that

Slavko Frlekin bought the store, which was originally set up to sell live poultry. Pressured by competition from supermarkets, Slavko began cooking and selling chickens in the early 1950s.

His sons, Jim and Ray, now run the busy operation. The chickens are lightly seasoned with garlic, paprika and other spices and then roasted. The prices range from $4.95 for four pieces to $17.95 for 20 pieces.

Slavko’s also offers barbecued turkey, ham and duck.

Still, perhaps the favorite items at Slavko’s are the potato nuggets that accompany every order. These unpeeled potatoes are cut into bite-size pieces, sprinkled with a secret mixture of spices and then roasted.

If Mexican is your style, consider Diana’s in Carson. Although the dining area seats 40 people, it does a brisk business in takeout.

A popular item is the freshly made tamale ($9 per dozen, or $1.75 for one). They are made of chunks of pork, beef or chicken coated with masa, a dough made with corn kernels and then wrapped in a cornhusk and steamed.

Menudo ($7 a gallon, $3.45 a quart) is also popular, especially on the weekends. This spicy soup is made with tripe, calves’ feet, hominy and green chile peppers, among other ingredients.

Slavko’s Harbor Poultry is at 1224 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Monday. (310) 832-5723. Diana’s is at 300 E. Sepulveda Blvd., Carson. (310) 834-4886. Also at 4 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 374-8300. Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.