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Guac Daddy Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Guac Daddy Taqueria
7.7
Mexico City-inspired taquería from the Tu Madre team featuring mesquite charcoal-grilled meats, legendary asada fries, and signature housemade guacamoles. Opened in 2024 next to the Los Feliz Theatre, this walk-up counter spot emphasizes fresh ingredients and bold smoky flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Asada Fries with garlic crema, Birria Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled tacos with unique guacamole varieties and fresh aguas frescas
Who should go: Taco enthusiasts, groups seeking outdoor seating, guacamole lovers
When to visit: Open 11am-11pm daily, evenings for the best vibe
What to order: Carne asada taco, asada fries, any specialty guacamole
Insider tip: New opening (2024) from proven operators - still finding its groove but showing promise
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave or side streets - typically easy to find. Los Feliz Theatre lot adjacent ($8 flat rate after 6pm). Walk-up format means quick in-and-out.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, jeans, shorts all welcome. It's counter service with outdoor seating.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor ambient noise - can easily chat but not intimate. Street-facing location with traffic hum.
Weekend wait: 10-15 min order wait during peak (7-9pm), seating usually available immediately
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min order time, minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom tacos, cheese quesadillas, all guacamoles, black beans. Solid 4-5 options.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - grilled veggie tacos, chips/guac, aguas frescas. Ask about tortillas (corn typically vegan).
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, skip the flour. Asada fries are safe. Alert staff to avoid cross-contamination on grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates. The walk-up counter format and outdoor plastic seating isn't romantic, but the laid-back vibe works if you're both low-key. Great for 'let's grab tacos' energy, not 'impress me' dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service with first-come outdoor seating. Tables turn quickly since it's fast-casual. Peak dinner (7-9pm weekends) may require brief wait for seating, but rarely more than 10 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual counter service, outdoor seating, simple menu options like cheese quesadillas. No changing table but plenty of space for strollers. Kids will like the asada fries. All ages welcome.
How does it compare to the original Tu Madre in Los Feliz? Same ownership, different concept. Tu Madre does elevated sit-down Mexican, Guac Daddy is fast-casual charcoal-grilled tacos. Think of this as Tu Madre's quick-bite sibling - lower price point, counter service, but same ingredient quality and attention to detail.
Are the asada fries worth the hype? Yes - they're the signature item for a reason. Crispy fries loaded with mesquite-grilled carne asada, cheese, guac, crema. Massive portion feeds 2-3 people. Get them if you're with a group or very hungry.
Best For
Better for: Fresh charcoal-grilled flavor that sets it apart from gas-grilled competitors. Superior guacamole varieties (5+ options vs. standard guac elsewhere). Proven Tu Madre pedigree means ingredient quality exceeds typical taco stands. Aguas frescas are exceptional.
Skip if: You want authentic street taco pricing (this is $$, not $). Looking for sit-down service or romantic ambiance. Need variety beyond tacos/Mexican. Want established neighborhood institution - this is brand new and still refining operations.
Guac Daddy Taqueria
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pet Friendly Paradise
This Mexico City-inspired taqueria opened in 2024 featuring mesquite charcoal-grilled meats and signature house-made guacamoles including spicy and superfood varieties. The counter-service spot offers tacos, burritos, vampiros, and loaded asada fries with outdoor seating beneath the Los Feliz Theatre marquee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Fries, Birria Burrito, Street Corn
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Mesquite charcoal grilling with four house-made guacamole varieties and vegan options
Who should go: Quick lunch seekers and breakfast burrito devotees on a budget
When to visit: Breakfast through late night, 11am-11pm daily
What to order: Asada fries with garlic crema, breakfast burrito with tater tots, birria
Insider tip: Dog-friendly outdoor seating with parking lot behind building
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot behind building, street parking available on Vermont Ave
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, counter service spot
Noise level: Moderate outdoor ambient noise - easy conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, counter service no reservations
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, quick counter service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including veggie tacos and superfood guacamole
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan menu with plant-based proteins
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available, check on cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or late-night hangs - it's counter service with outdoor seating, so more relaxed than romantic. Great if you want low-pressure conversation over solid tacos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with outdoor seating. Order at counter, grab a table outside. Rarely a seating issue given the outdoor space.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual outdoor setting, budget-friendly prices, and quick service. No kids menu but tacos and quesadillas work for most ages. Dog-friendly too if you're bringing the whole family.
How late can I eat here? Open until 11pm daily - solid late-night option in Los Feliz when you need quality tacos after a movie at the theater above.
Is this actually good or just cheap? Legitimately good - the mesquite charcoal grilling elevates it beyond typical budget tacos. The house-made guacamoles and quality ingredients justify the 8.1 score. You're getting Mexico City technique at taco truck prices.
Best For
Better for: Quick quality Mexican when you want mesquite-grilled meats and creative guacamoles without sit-down service prices. Best in class for breakfast burritos with tater tots and late-night munchies. Dog owners appreciate the pet-friendly patio.
Skip if: You want full-service dining with cocktails and ambiance, need a romantic date spot, or want traditional Oaxacan/regional specialties. For sit-down Mexican with full bar, try nearby Yuca's or Cafe Tropical instead.