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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Burritos in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Late Night Mexican in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Master Critic Review
La Esquina
7.8
A no-frills Venice Blvd taqueria that earns its following on house-made salsas and a tight menu of burritos and tacos built for repeat ordering. The weekly Taco Tuesday deal fills the place for a reason—straightforward execution at prices that make it an easy default lunch stop. Expect counter service in a strip-mall setting where the food does all the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Tacos, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: No-frills taqueria on Venice Blvd where the salsas are house-made and the Taco Tuesday deal packs the house every week
Who should go: Taco lovers who prioritize flavor over ambiance
When to visit: Taco Tuesday for the deals; mornings for breakfast burritos
What to order: Start with a carne asada taco to gauge the salsa heat, then commit to a full burrito; the al pastor rewards the wait
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot in front of the mini mall at Venice and National, plus street parking on Venice Blvd—finding a spot is easy outside peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several dedicated options: Calabacitas con Rajas Taco (sauteed zucchini, corn, peppers, poblano), Calabacitas Bowl, Roasted Veggie Bowl, Veggie Quesadilla, Bean & Cheese Burrito, and Chile Relleno
Vegan options: Roasted Veggie Bowl (rice, black beans, mixed greens, seasonal vegetables) is fully plant-based; sides like rice, beans, and roasted vegetables also work
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual, counter-service taqueria with about half a dozen indoor seats and a quick-bite atmosphere. There's no intimate lighting or romantic ambiance. Great for a low-key, 'let's grab tacos' hangout, but not the move if you're trying to impress with atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a small, casual walk-in spot. With only about six indoor seats and a few outdoor tables, seating is limited, but turnover is fast since it's counter-service. During peak lunch and dinner hours you may wait briefly for a table, but reservations aren't necessary for a place this informal.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, laid-back atmosphere means kids won't feel out of place. No dedicated kids menu, but tacos and burritos in the $2.69–$6.99 range are easy, affordable options for young eaters. High chairs and specific kid amenities are not confirmed — call ahead if you need them.
Is it good for groups? Difficult — indoor seating is extremely limited at roughly half a dozen seats. Outdoor tables add a few more spots, but this is a small neighborhood taqueria, not a group dining destination. Parties of 4 could manage; anything larger would be a tight squeeze. For bigger groups, consider their catering option instead.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a few tables outside along Venice Blvd. No confirmed details on cover or heating, so it's best suited for fair-weather dining. The outdoor area is casual sidewalk-style seating, not a dedicated patio.
Best For
Better for: A fast, inexpensive taco run with handmade corn tortillas—tacos start at $3.49 and burritos under $12, served counter-style in a no-frills corner spot
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full sit-down dining experience—seating is about half a dozen spots inside with a few outdoor tables, and it's counter service only
Hours
Monday9am - 10pm
Tuesday9am - 10pm
Wednesday9am - 10pm
Thursday9am - 10pm
Friday9am - 10pm
Saturday9am - 10pm
Sunday9am - 10pm