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Tito's Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tito's Tacos
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Operating since 1959, this no-frills taco stand dishes out hard-shell tacos filled with shredded beef and melted cheddar alongside generous portions of chips and house-made salsa. The straightforward menu and quick counter service keep locals coming back despite polarizing reviews about authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hard Shell Taco with Cheese, Bean and Cheese Burrito, Chips with Red Salsa
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: LA institution since 1959 serving simple, old-school hard-shell tacos
Who should go: Nostalgic locals and taco history enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid longest lines
What to order: Hard taco with cheese, bean burrito, extra salsa
Insider tip: Order your burrito double-wrapped to prevent blowout
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot on-site, fills quickly during peak hours; overflow street parking available on Washington Blvd
Dress code: Ultra-casual - gym clothes, work uniforms, beach attire all welcome
Noise level: Loud - bustling counter service with outdoor seating, conversation easy but energetic atmosphere
Weekend wait: 15-25 min line at counter, food ready in 5 min
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line typical, faster before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean burritos, cheese tacos, rice and beans available
Vegan options: Limited - bean burrito without cheese, chips and salsa only substantial options
Gluten-free options: No - corn tortillas not available, cross-contamination likely in fast-paced environment
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - counter service, plastic baskets, and picnic table seating create zero romantic ambiance. Better for casual hangouts or testing if your date appreciates LA history over Instagram-worthy spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's pure counter service with first-come outdoor seating. Grab your food and find a spot at communal picnic tables or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - casual atmosphere, quick service, familiar foods, and outdoor seating make it ideal for families. Kids love the simple tacos and generous chips. All ages welcome.
Best For
Better for: LA nostalgia, speed (in-and-out in 20 minutes), budget eating (under $10/person), experiencing a 65-year institution, satisfying old-school taco cravings
Skip if: You want authentic Mexican street tacos, soft corn tortillas, sophisticated flavors, sit-down service, or modern Cal-Mex - this is deliberately stuck in 1959 Americana
Tito's Tacos
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
LA institution serving American-style hard-shell tacos with shredded beef and cold cheddar since 1959. Massive lines move quickly as generations of families return for the nostalgia-inducing crispy tacos, generous chips, and signature thin red salsa that loyal customers swear by.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hard Shell Beef Taco with Cheese, Bean and Cheese Burrito, Chicken Tamale
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: LA's most iconic hard-shell taco stand operating since 1959
Who should go: Families seeking nostalgic LA classics and budget eats
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid longest lines
What to order: Hard shell beef tacos with cheese, bean burrito, extra salsa
Insider tip: Order inside rather than the outdoor windows for faster service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant plus street parking - rarely an issue
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and flip flops are the norm
Noise level: Loud counter service environment - not for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line but moves fast, order in 10-15 min
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line, slightly shorter mid-afternoon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean burritos, cheese quesadillas, chips with salsa
Vegan options: Limited - bean burrito without cheese, chips (check preparation)
Gluten-free options: No - corn tortillas not available, everything uses flour tortillas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - it's a loud counter-service taco stand with outdoor picnic tables. Great for casual hangouts or showing someone 'real LA,' but skip for romantic first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's pure counter service with outdoor seating. Grab your food and find a picnic table. Peak times fill up but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - it's essentially a taco stand with picnic tables. Kids love the crunchy tacos, portions are huge, and the casual vibe means no one cares if they're loud. High chairs not available.
Do they take credit cards? Yes - cash and all major credit cards accepted at the counter.
Why are the lines so long? 66 years of loyal LA families returning for nostalgia. The lines look intimidating but move surprisingly fast - usually 10-15 minutes from back of line to food in hand.
Best For
Better for: Nostalgic LA experience, feeding families on a budget, American-style hard-shell tacos, massive portions. This is about the ritual and memory, not authentic Mexican cuisine.
Skip if: You want authentic Mexican food, sit-down service, or modern taco trends. Go to Tire Shop Taqueria or Salazar instead. Also skip if you need a quiet atmosphere or gluten-free options.