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Angel's Tijuana Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Angel's Tijuana Tacos
8.7
Tijuana-style taco stand with hand-pressed yellow corn tortillas made fresh on-site and mesquite-grilled meats shaved from an al pastor trompo. The assembly-line process showcases tortilla-making artistry while generous portions of meat pair with thick, firm tortillas designed to handle heavy fillings and creamy avocado salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Quesataco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Hand-pressed yellow corn tortillas with perfectly grilled Tijuana-style meats
Who should go: Taco enthusiasts seeking authentic Tijuana preparation methods
When to visit: Evening service from 4:30pm onwards for freshly grilled meats
What to order: Al pastor with grilled cheese, asada tacos, vampiros
Insider tip: Long lines form but move quickly through the efficient assembly process
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - find spots on Sunset Blvd or residential side streets within 2-3 blocks, easier before 7pm
Dress code: Completely casual - street food stand so come as you are, athletic wear perfectly fine
Noise level: Loud - outdoor taco stand with street traffic, not ideal for intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line but moves fast, order taken while waiting
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - opens 4:30pm daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - beans, cheese quesadillas, and grilled vegetables available but meat-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - corn tortillas are vegan, can do bean tacos without cheese or crema
Gluten-free options: Yes - 100% corn tortillas, no wheat products, but verify cross-contamination tolerance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic street food - it's loud, casual, and you'll eat standing up or at picnic tables. Better for adventurous eaters or a fun second/third date showing off local spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - this is a walk-up taco stand with outdoor seating only. Join the line, order moves quickly despite length.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual outdoor setting, quick service, mild options available. Kids can watch tortillas being hand-pressed. Just manage expectations for the wait.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Tijuana-style preparation with hand-pressed tortillas and mesquite-grilled meats at unbeatable prices ($2-3 per taco). The trompo-shaved al pastor and tortilla-making theater beat typical LA taco trucks for technique and value.
Skip if: You want tableside service, a quiet date atmosphere, extensive vegetarian options, or climate-controlled dining. Also skip if you're not willing to wait in line or eat outdoors.
Angel's Tijuana Tacos
8.2
This sidewalk operation draws nightly crowds for mesquite-grilled carne asada and al pastor shaved from a massive trompo onto handmade yellow corn tortillas. The salsa bar and $10 dinners make it LA's street taco king.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Mulitas
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tijuana-style street tacos with al pastor from a spinning trompo and handmade tortillas
Who should go: Street food enthusiasts and late-night taco seekers
When to visit: After 7PM when lines form but move quickly
What to order: Al pastor with pineapple, carne asada, load up on salsas
Insider tip: Take tacos to Everett Park for DTLA skyline views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - spaces available on Sunset Blvd and side streets, easier after 9pm
Dress code: Extremely casual - shorts, t-shirts, whatever you're wearing
Noise level: Outdoor sidewalk setting - street noise present but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line typical, moves fast with efficient service
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, 5-10 minutes max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese tacos, grilled veggie options, fresh salsas
Vegan options: Limited - corn tortillas and grilled veggies without cheese or crema
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas naturally gluten-free, avoid flour tortilla options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic street food and casual vibes. Great for second/third dates when you know they're adventurous eaters. The nearby park option adds romantic points.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables - this is sidewalk counter service. Just walk up, order, and eat standing or take your tacos to go. No reservations needed or possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ who eat tacos. No seating means restless toddlers might struggle. Kids love watching the trompo spin and the casual vibe removes fine-dining pressure.
How late are they open? Typically until 2-3am on weekends, making it perfect for post-bar cravings. Weekdays usually until midnight. Call ahead to confirm as hours can vary.
Can I feed a group here? Absolutely - tacos are $2-3 each so feeding 6 people costs $60-80. Order rounds of different meats and share. Just coordinate the pickup spot since there's no group seating.
Best For
Better for: Late-night authentic street tacos at unbeatable prices. The al pastor trompo and handmade tortillas beat most sit-down Mexican spots. Choose this when you want real Tijuana-style tacos without the $15+ sit-down prices.
Skip if: You need table service, indoor seating, or a full restaurant experience. If weather is bad or you want alcohol with dinner, hit a brick-and-mortar spot. Also skip if your group includes people uncomfortable with street food.
Angel's Tijuana Tacos
8.6
Thick yellow corn tortillas support charcoal-grilled meats at this reliable Tijuana-style stand that draws post-Dodgers game crowds. The al pastor with pineapple and flame-kissed carne asada benefit from handmade tortillas and a respectable salsa bar, with efficient made-to-order service keeping lines moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Queso Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Loaded Baked Potato
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Yellow corn tortillas with charcoal-grilled meats and efficient system
Who should go: Dodgers fans, charcoal-grilled meat lovers, budget diners
When to visit: Game nights for electric atmosphere, 11pm for shorter waits
What to order: Al pastor queso, carne asada, vampiro for crispy texture
Insider tip: Multiple LA locations but Echo Park spot has best energy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive but easier after 11pm. Sunset Blvd spots within 2 blocks, bring quarters for meters until 10pm
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, Dodgers gear standard. This is a taco stand, not a restaurant
Noise level: Loud on game nights with crowds cheering, moderate otherwise. Outdoor ordering setup means traffic noise present
Weekend wait: 10-15 min in line typical, 20-30 min on Dodgers game nights
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait, moves quickly with efficient counter service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - bean and cheese tacos, quesadillas available but this is a meat-focused operation
Vegan options: Very limited - corn tortillas are vegan, beans available, but most dishes feature meat/cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Yes - 100% corn tortillas naturally gluten-free, no cross-contamination risk at taco stand setup
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love tacos and casual vibes. It's a counter-service stand with outdoor seating - great for showing you're low-key and fun, terrible if you want intimate conversation or impressing with ambiance. Better as a second or third date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's pure walk-up counter service. Seating is first-come outdoor tables and benches. Arrive before 8pm or after 11pm for easiest seating, avoid 9-10pm on game nights when it's packed.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly during day/early evening - casual outdoor setup, simple menu, quick service. After 10pm crowd gets rowdier with bar-goers and late-night scene, so keep kids under 10 to earlier hours.
How does this compare to Guisados? Angel's does charcoal-grilled Tijuana-style with thicker tortillas and sports bar energy. Guisados focuses on braised stews with handmade tortillas in quieter setting. Come here for flame-kissed meats and game day atmosphere, go to Guisados for homestyle braises.
Is the salsa bar worth it? Yes - respectable selection with proper heat levels. Not revolutionary but solid execution with fresh ingredients. The green salsa has good kick, pair with the grilled meats for optimal flavor balance.
Best For
Better for: Charcoal-grilled meats with thick Tijuana-style tortillas, late-night energy after Dodgers games, budget-conscious quality ($2-3 per taco), quick counter service when you're hungry now
Skip if: You want sit-down table service, quiet intimate dining, adventurous regional Mexican beyond basic tacos, or you're avoiding the late-night bar crowd scene
Angel's Tijuana Tacos
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Sidewalk taco stand with al pastor spinning on a vertical spit draws nightly crowds. This serious street operation features smoky grilled asada and juicy al pastor with pineapple on handmade tortillas, complemented by a respectable salsa bar—all for under $10 per meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Mulitas
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Authentic Tijuana-style tacos with vertical al pastor spit
Who should go: Budget-conscious taco purists and street food fans
When to visit: Evenings 4:30pm-midnight, expect lines after 7pm
What to order: Al pastor with pineapple, asada, hit the salsa bar
Insider tip: Take tacos uphill to Everett Park for DTLA skyline views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - meters until 8pm ($1.50/hr), free after. Side streets fill up fast after 7pm, arrive early or use rideshare
Dress code: Pure casual - shorts, t-shirts, whatever. This is sidewalk eating at its realest
Noise level: Loud street scene - traffic noise, sizzling grill, crowded sidewalk. Not a conversation spot
Weekend wait: 15-25 min line typical 7pm-10pm, moves quickly once you order
Weekday lunch: Closed - only open evenings starting 4:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - beans, rice, grilled veggies available but this is a meat-focused operation
Vegan options: Minimal - corn tortillas are vegan, can get bean tacos without cheese, but limited options
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available (naturally gluten-free), but cross-contamination likely on shared grill
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if they're already into you - it's loud, you'll eat standing on the sidewalk, and there's no ambiance beyond authenticity. Better as a second or third date when you're both comfortable being real. The skyline view at Everett Park helps though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables exist - this is pure sidewalk stand eating. Order at the window, grab your tacos, find a spot on the curb or hood of your car. That's the experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in the sense there's nothing inappropriate, but no high chairs, bathrooms, or seating. Best for kids 8+ who can handle standing and eating street-style without making a mess everywhere.
How many tacos should I order? Start with 3-4 tacos per person - they're authentic-sized (smaller than typical LA tacos). At $2-3 each, easy to order more if needed. Most people do 4-5 to feel satisfied.
Is the al pastor actually good? Legitimately good - real vertical spit with pineapple, crispy edges, proper seasoning. This isn't tourist al pastor, it's the real Tijuana technique. Get it with everything.
Best For
Better for: Authenticity over comfort - best when you want real Tijuana-style street tacos without the border crossing, don't mind standing to eat, and value flavor-per-dollar over amenities. The late-night crowd and sidewalk energy make it feel like actual Tijuana.
Skip if: You need seating, bathrooms, or a quiet conversation spot. If you want elevated/gourmet tacos or a full restaurant experience, hit Sonoratown or Guerrilla Tacos instead. Also skip if mobility issues make standing difficult or if your date expects anything beyond hardcore street food.