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Escuela Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Escuela Taqueria
7.7
Escuela Taqueria is a compact, design-forward taco shop on Beverly where chalkboard menus, tequila, and slightly cheffier fillings make it feel livelier than a grab-and-go stand. Portions aren’t huge, but the tortillas, salsas, and toppings are tuned for flavor over volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Queso Fundido
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Stylish Beverly taco bar where creative fillings and salsas lead.
Who should go: Taco fans who prioritize flavor and scene over quantity.
When to visit: Evenings for a casual drink-and-tacos neighborhood hang.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, shrimp tacos, bubbling queso fundido.
Insider tip: Grab bar seats for the easiest walk-in option on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Beverly and side streets; meters can be tight after 6pm, so expect a short walk.
Dress code: Casual but stylish fits best—jeans and a nice top align with the design-forward vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—music and chatter keep it lively, but you can still hold a relaxed conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak hours given the small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good—several tacos and sides can be made vegetarian with flavorful salsas.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adjusted, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Strong—corn tortillas form the base of most dishes; cross-contact is low but not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy, design-driven space and creative tacos make for an easy, low-pressure date without feeling too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—it's walk-in friendly, but expect a short wait on weekend evenings. Bar seating is the quickest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who enjoy tacos will be fine, but the tight space and louder evenings aren’t ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Flavor-driven tacos, a stylish room, and a livelier scene than most budget taco shops in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You need large portions, a quiet dining room, or extensive vegan options—other spots fit those needs better.
Escuela Taqueria
8.2
Escuela Taqueria is a candlelit Beverly Boulevard spot where tacos share the stage with tightly wrapped burritos in flour tortillas. Wood tables, chalkboard walls, and a focused menu make it a casual but date-friendly choice for burrito nights near The Grove.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Tinga Burrito, Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Small, design-minded taqueria where burritos and tacos feel curated, not fast food.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting a casual burrito night.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating and less of a wait.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, chicken tinga burrito, shrimp taco.
Insider tip: Pair a burrito-heavy meal with a quick dessert or drink run along Beverly afterward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Beverly and Huntley; meters open up after 6pm but can be tight during peak dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit the candlelit, date-friendly vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—enough background energy to feel lively but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours due to the small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or a short 5–10 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burritos and several vegetarian tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some tacos and sides can be modified, but burritos are largely non-vegan.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available for most tacos, but burritos use flour tortillas; gluten-free diners should stick to tacos and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, curated plates, and a compact space create a cozy, low-pressure atmosphere ideal for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekend evenings due to the small footprint. Weeknights are much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens fit fine, but the tight seating and candlelit ambiance make it less ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Curated burritos and a more design-forward, date-appropriate environment compared to most taquerias in the area.
Skip if: You want quick counter service, large group seating, or budget-friendly burrito options—other nearby spots will serve you better.
Escuela Taqueria
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pet Friendly Paradise
Escuela Taqueria is a casual Fairfax-area taco stop where sidewalk tables and a covered patio welcome dogs alongside late-night carne asada and tinga tostadas. Prices stay reasonable, the vibe stays unfussy, and BYOB policies at various points in its history have reinforced its neighborhood-party feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Tinga Tostada, Lobster Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A laid-back Beverly Boulevard taqueria with dog-friendly outdoor seating and late-night hours.
Who should go: Taco fans who want affordable plates and relaxed patio energy.
When to visit: Evenings before peak crowds for easier patio seating with pups.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, tinga tostada, a lobster taco to share.
Insider tip: Bring a water bowl; staff are used to dogs but outdoor tables fill fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Beverly Boulevard is limited during peak hours; look for residential side streets after 6pm. No valet or lot.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and patio-friendly layers are typical.
Noise level: Moderate; outdoor tables face street traffic, but conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak, especially for outdoor dog-friendly tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during nearby office rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — options like veggie tacos, sides, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and playful. It’s more of a relaxed taco stop than a romantic setting, but great for low-pressure hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive slightly earlier on weekends if you need an outdoor table with your dog.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family meals. The menu is simple, portions are manageable, and outdoor seating works well for strollers, though the patio can get cramped at peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Affordable tacos and a relaxed, dog-friendly patio atmosphere — especially for quick meals or neighborhood meetups.
Skip if: You want high-end Mexican, strong cocktails, or a quieter dining room; consider more polished sit-down spots nearby instead.