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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Downtown LA
Best Burritos in Downtown LA
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Cielito Lindo
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
A 90-year-old taquito stand on Olvera Street where hand-rolled corn tortillas and a four-generation avocado-tomatillo sauce recipe draw both tourists and locals to the same walk-up window. The format is pure street food efficiency—order at the counter, grab a spot on the plaza, and work through crispy beef taquitos doused in that signature green sauce. Functions as an LA food landmark where the history is part of what you're paying for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Taquitos with Avocado Sauce, Combo #2 (Taquitos & Tamale), Beef Tamale
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: LA's oldest taquito stand since 1934, still hand-rolling corn tortillas and making the signature avocado-tomatillo sauce from a four-generation family recipe
Who should go: First-time LA visitors and taquito purists seeking the original
When to visit: Weekday mornings to skip tourist crowds on Olvera Street
What to order: Get the Combo #2 with beef tamale for variety; order extra avocado sauce on the side
Insider tip: Ask for your taquitos fresh from the fryer—the crunch degrades quickly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: El Pueblo parking lots on Main St & Alameda, or Union Station parking (~6 min walk). Small lots around the main square typically $10.
Weekend wait: Lines form but move fast—expect to queue at this counter-service stand
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Beans & Cheese burrito, Spinach & Cheese tamale, Chile Relleno burrito, and rice available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a walk-up taquito stand, not a sit-down restaurant. You'll be standing in line, then eating at communal wooden benches or walking around Olvera Street with your food. It's casual, fun, and historic, but there's no intimate atmosphere or private tables for conversation. Better as a quick food stop during a date exploring Olvera Street than the main event.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations don't apply here - it's a walk-up counter stand. You wait in line (which moves quickly), order at the window, and grab one of the limited wooden benches if available. Most people eat their taquitos while strolling Olvera Street. No booking needed or possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the casual outdoor setting is perfect for kids. No pressure to sit still at a formal table, simple menu of taquitos kids love, and eating while walking around the historic marketplace is part of the fun. Families have been bringing kids here for generations since 1934. The line moves fast so little ones won't get too restless.
Is it good for groups? Yes for casual groups - everyone can line up together, order at the counter, and find spots around Olvera Street to eat. However, there's no private dining or large tables. Seating is very limited wooden benches, so larger groups typically eat standing or spread out. Works great for school groups or casual friend outings who don't need to sit together at one table.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited - there are a few wooden tables and benches near the stand, but seating fills quickly. Most customers eat their taquitos while walking around Olvera Street's outdoor marketplace. All dining is technically outdoors since it's a street-side stand with no indoor space. No covered or heated areas.
Best For
Better for: Quick iconic LA snack, families with kids, budget-conscious eaters seeking a historic experience
Consider Alternatives If: You need proper seating—this is a walk-up stand with limited tables, and many eat standing on Olvera Street
Hours
Monday9am - 8pm
Tuesday9am - 8pm
Wednesday9am - 8pm
Thursday9am - 8pm
Friday9am - 9pm
Saturday9am - 9pm
Sunday9am - 8pm