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Yuca's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Yuca's
8.5
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
James Beard Award-winning taco stand opened by the Herrera family in 1976, celebrated for Yucatan-style cochinita pibil with citrus-marinated pork. This tiny orange hut in a parking lot has become a Los Angeles institution, with Socorro Herrera still taking orders on paper plates after nearly five decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil taco, Carnitas burrito, Carne Asada burrito
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.6
What makes it special: James Beard Award winner serving authentic Yucatan recipes since 1976
Who should go: Taco purists, budget diners, LA food history enthusiasts
When to visit: Lunch hours 11am-6pm, closed Sundays, weekdays less crowded
What to order: Cochinita pibil taco, carnitas burrito, machaca taco
Insider tip: Limited seating at rickety tables, grab a Dos Equis from the adjacent liquor store
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot shared with adjacent businesses - plenty of spots, no stress
Dress code: Casual taco stand attire - shorts and t-shirts perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Outdoor ordering with minimal seating - mostly takeout, quick conversations only
Weekend wait: Closed weekends (Sunday-Monday), but 10-15 min line typical on Saturdays
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait during peak lunch rush (12-1pm), otherwise immediate
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - beans and cheese options available, but primarily a meat-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - request beans without lard, but not the focus of this traditional taqueria
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available - tacos work, but burritos use flour tortillas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic hole-in-the-wall spots and doesn't need ambiance - it's literally a parking lot with rickety tables. Better as a casual daytime meetup than romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's a walk-up taco stand. Grab your food and claim one of the few outdoor tables if available, or plan to take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual outdoor setup with simple tacos kids love. No high chairs or changing tables, but the quick service and unpretentious vibe work well for families with younger children.
How much should I budget per person? $8-12 per person for a satisfying meal - three tacos or one burrito fills most people. Add $3-5 if grabbing a beer from next door.
Is this place overhyped? Legitimately earned its James Beard Award - the cochinita pibil justifies the acclaim. But manage expectations: it's a humble taco stand, not a polished restaurant experience.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Yucatan-style tacos at unbeatable prices with nearly 50 years of consistency - the cochinita pibil here beats most sit-down Mexican restaurants in LA. Choose Yuca's when you want the real deal without paying for atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a dining experience with ambiance, comfort, or variety. Also skip if you need weekend dinner (closed Sunday-Monday) or expect modern amenities. Go elsewhere if you want craft cocktails, extensive menus, or Instagram-worthy plating.
Yuca's
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This legendary 8x10-foot converted shoe shine shack has served Yucatecan specialties since 1976, earning a James Beard Award in 2005. The family-run stand specializes in cochinita pibil and machaca burritos that loyalists defend fiercely, with everything made to order on a well-seasoned griddle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, Machaca Taco
Scores:
Value: 9.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.8
What makes it special: First taco stand to win a James Beard Award, serving Yucatecan recipes since 1976
Who should go: Budget-conscious taco purists seeking authentic hole-in-wall excellence
When to visit: Lunch 11am-6pm, expect lines during peak hours
What to order: Cochinita pibil burrito with whole pinto beans, machaca taco, cheeseburger
Insider tip: Cash only, parking lot behind the stand, closes at 6pm sharp
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot directly behind the stand, street parking available on Hillhurst Ave - no parking stress
Dress code: Whatever you're wearing - this is a casual taco stand where construction workers eat next to film executives
Noise level: Outdoor stand - traffic noise but easy conversation while waiting in line
Weekend wait: Closes at 6pm - not open for dinner service
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line during peak (12-1pm), otherwise walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cheese quesadilla and bean & cheese burrito available
Vegan options: Minimal - can do beans without cheese but limited appeal
Gluten-free options: No - corn tortillas not offered, flour tortillas standard
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates legendary hole-in-wall spots - this is standing at a window counter, not a sit-down experience. Great for casual daytime hangouts with adventurous eaters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables exist - this is a walk-up taco stand with outdoor counter seating on stools. No reservations needed or accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - quick service, inexpensive, and kids love the novelty of ordering from a tiny shack. No high chairs or changing tables though.
Do they take credit cards? Cash only - ATM at nearby CVS if needed. Come prepared with bills.
How much should I budget per person? $8-12 per person - two tacos or one burrito with a drink will fill you up without breaking $15.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Yucatecan flavors at unbeatable prices - the cochinita pibil justifies the James Beard Award. Choose this over trendy taco spots when you want legitimacy over Instagram appeal, and when speed + value matter more than ambiance.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, need vegetarian variety, prefer modern taco innovations, or are bringing someone who judges restaurants by decor. Also skip if you need dinner (closes at 6pm) or can't handle cash-only.