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Tacos 1986
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Tacos 1986
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The Westwood Village location of Tacos 1986 brings Tijuana-style adobada tacos, mulitas, and quesadillas to a casual counter with sidewalk seating. Late student crowds and a constant line at the window turn the Kinross patio tables into one of the neighborhood’s most reliable cheap outdoor meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada Taco, Mushroom Mulita, Carne Asada Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tijuana-style tacos from a cult-loved stand with busy sidewalk seating.
Who should go: Students and taco fans wanting fast, affordable outdoor bites.
When to visit: Evenings when the walk-up window and patio are busiest.
What to order: Adobada tacos, mushroom mulita, carne asada quesadilla.
Insider tip: Grab your tray and claim a sidewalk table before you order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; Kinross and surrounding blocks can be tight during UCLA peak hours but manageable later in the evening.
Dress code: Very casual — come as you are; students and locals show up in everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively outdoors, especially with late-night student crowds; still easy to hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at the walk-up window during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — mushroom fillings and cheese-focused items offer solid vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited — mushroom tacos without cheese are the main vegan-friendly choice.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but note there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for very casual first dates — it's counter-service, busy, fast, and better for low-pressure hangs than romantic setups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — all seating is first-come, first-served; grab a sidewalk table quickly during rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and outdoor seating; no booster seats or dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Tijuana-style tacos with lively outdoor energy — ideal for late-night, solo bites, or casual hangs.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, quieter patio, more expansive menu, or substantial vegan/gluten-free options.
Tacos 1986
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The Westwood Village outpost of Tacos 1986 brings Tijuana-style adobada to a compact counter and sidewalk patio that stay busy late with students and night-shift workers. Handmade tortillas, a short menu, and a constant line keep it one of the neighborhood’s most talked-about casual taco stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada tacos, Mushroom mulita, Carne asada quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Tijuana-style tacos served fast from a buzzing Kinross Avenue window.
Who should go: Taco fans needing a quick, flavorful late-night fix.
When to visit: Late evenings when the line and patio feel energetic.
What to order: Adobada tacos, mushroom mulita, carne asada quesadilla.
Insider tip: Order a mix of corn and flour tortillas to compare textures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Kinross and nearby Village streets is metered and competitive during peak hours; better availability after 9pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, from campus wear to late-night street clothes.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak evening rush; patio tables can feel lively but still workable for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the line; moves quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait aside from a short line at the window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom mulitas, quesadillas, and customizable veggie options.
Vegan options: Limited—mushroom filling works, but check ingredients as tortillas and sauces vary.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you're after is casual, quick, and unfussy. Great for a low-pressure meet-up, not ideal for a long, intimate dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first-come via sidewalk tables; expect to hover briefly during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and quick meals; limited seating and late-night crowds may be less ideal for small children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, fast Tijuana-style adobada, and quick solo meals with handmade tortillas.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, quiet conversation, or broader menu variety beyond tacos and quesadillas.
Tacos 1986
8.6
This Westwood outpost of Tacos 1986 turns Kinross into a nightly taco line, with Tijuana-style adobada shaved onto fresh tortillas until late evening. Students, hospital staff, and night owls use it as a reliable post-class and post-shift stop for fast, high-impact tacos, mulitas, and burritos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada Taco, Asada Burrito, Mushroom Mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Tijuana-style adobada tacos and mulitas served late with serious crowd energy.
Who should go: Taco-obsessed night owls and students craving post-class fuel.
When to visit: After 8pm for peak late-night taco counter buzz.
What to order: Adobada tacos, mushroom mulita, asada burrito with salsa bar.
Insider tip: Order a mix of adobada and mushroom to sample their signatures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Kinross and adjacent Village streets; meter availability varies but improves after 8pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual; most guests come in campus wear, scrubs, or everyday street clothes.
Noise level: High-energy street-side environment with order-line chatter; fine for quick conversations but not suited for long talks.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during late-night rush, especially after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady counter flow but moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — mushroom tacos, mulitas, and quesadillas are solid options.
Vegan options: Limited — mushroom tacos can be customized without cheese or crema, but offerings are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact risk is high due to shared flat-top.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, high-energy taco counters. It’s tasty and fun, but too busy and crowded for deeper conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only. Outdoor tables are first-come, first-served and turnover quickly, but seating isn’t guaranteed during peak late-night rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like tacos and don’t mind crowds. No high chairs, booster seats, or structured seating, so less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Tijuana-style adobada, fast service, and high-flavor bites when you want something quick and affordable.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican dinner, quieter atmosphere, or extensive vegan options; consider a full-service Mexican restaurant instead.
Tacos 1986
8.2
This Westwood Village outpost of Tacos 1986 focuses almost solely on Tijuana-style tacos, quesadillas, mulitas, and vampiros on handmade tortillas. Lines of students and hospital staff run late into the evening for adobada shaved onto fresh tortillas and mushroom tacos that punch above their price point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada Taco, Asada Taco, Mushroom Mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Tijuana-style tacos on handmade tortillas with focused, late-night energy.
Who should go: Taco purists chasing high-impact bites after dark.
When to visit: After 8pm for peak counter buzz without daytime crowds.
What to order: Adobada tacos, mushroom taco, adobada mulita.
Insider tip: Order your tacos “con todo” to get guacamole included on each.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Kinross and nearby Village streets is the main option; it’s easier before 7pm but can be tight late at night. The Broxton public garage is the most reliable choice and usually has spaces.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, jeans, and student attire are standard. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. It’s a counter-service spot with music and a steady line, so expect ambient noise but nothing overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Often no line, though this location is primarily an evening destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom tacos and quesadillas are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—mushroom tacos can be made without dairy, but choices are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the small kitchen doesn’t operate as a dedicated GF prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is into casual, high-energy taco runs. It’s more of a fun, quick stop than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—everything is counter-service and first-come, first-served. Outdoor standing tables are common, but seating is very limited.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who can handle a grab-and-go setup. There’s no high-chair seating or indoor dining, so it’s not ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Tijuana-style adobada and high-impact tacos served fast at a low price point.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, large tables, or a quieter environment; alternatives like Frida or Pinches offer more comfort and seating.
Tacos 1986
8.5
This Westwood Village outpost of Tacos 1986 serves Tijuana-style tacos on handmade tortillas, evolved from the original street cart into a busy counter spot near UCLA. Lines of students and locals cycle through for adobada shaved from the trompo, carne asada, and mushroom tacos that stay relatively affordable for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada tacos, Carne asada tacos, Mushroom mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Tijuana-style tacos on handmade tortillas with a lively counter flow.
Who should go: Students and taco fans craving bold, fast counter food.
When to visit: Evenings after class when the line moves steadily.
What to order: Adobada tacos, carne asada tacos, mushroom mulita.
Insider tip: Order a few tacos, then grab a sidewalk standing table outside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Kinross and Broxton; spots open more easily before 6pm. Evenings can be tight, but the village garages typically have paid spaces available.
Dress code: Casual. Students come in hoodies and workout gear; anything comfortable works.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively. You can hold a conversation outside, but the counter area gets energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the adobada rush, but the line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait; expect a short line during UCLA class breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom tacos, quesadillas, and mulitas are all solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—mushroom tacos without cheese are the best choice, but prep is not in a separate vegan-only area.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but there is shared equipment and no dedicated gluten-free prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual, counter-style spots. It’s great for a low-key, walk-up taco run but not ideal if you want seating or a quieter setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and no formal tables. Most guests eat standing at sidewalk counters or take food to nearby benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and don’t mind standing dining. No dedicated kids’ menu, limited seating, and the counter can get crowded.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-impact Tijuana-style tacos with handmade tortillas and standout adobada—ideal when you want quick flavor over sit-down comfort.
Skip if: You want a full-service Mexican meal, cocktails, or guaranteed seating. In that case, a nearby sit-down Mexican restaurant is a better fit.
Tacos 1986
8.6
The Westwood Village outpost of this LA-born taqueria focuses on Mexico City–style fillings wrapped into compact, griddled burritos alongside its famous adobada tacos. Lines from students and late-night crowds speak to how reliably the tortillas, salsas, and charcoal-kissed meats deliver.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Burrito, Adobada Burrito, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Mexico City–style burritos built on charcoal-grilled meats and house salsas.
Who should go: Night owls and taco obsessives chasing serious flavor.
When to visit: Late nights and post-game evenings when the crowd hums.
What to order: Adobada Burrito, Asada Burrito, a side of guacamole.
Insider tip: Ask for extra char on the tortilla and double-salsa on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Westwood Village can be tight at night; nearby structures on Broxton and Weyburn usually have paid spaces available.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and game-day gear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during late-night rushes; conversational but energetic earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, longer if a big UCLA event just ended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though short lines form during peak class breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom and nopales options are often available depending on the day.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetarian fillings can be made vegan if you skip dairy sauces.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but burritos (flour tortillas) are not; cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for fun, casual, and energetic—great for a low-pressure meetup but not ideal for a quiet getting-to-know-you night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Expect counter ordering with limited seating; most people eat quickly or take it to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like tacos and burritos, though the late-night crowd can be loud and standing-room-heavy.
Best For
Better for: Charcoal-grilled meats, late-night consistency, and Mexico City–style burritos that are compact but big on flavor.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal with comfortable seating, quieter ambiance, or fully vegan burrito options.
Tacos 1986
8.6
Tacos 1986 brings Tijuana-style street tacos to a compact Westwood Village storefront with hand-pressed tortillas and meat grilled over open flame. Launched as a street cart in 2018, it’s now one of the area’s most talked-about taco counters, drawing steady lines of students and locals late into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada taco with pineapple, Carne asada taco, Mushroom taco
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Tijuana-style street tacos on handmade tortillas with citywide buzz.
Who should go: Taco purists chasing bold, fire-grilled flavors.
When to visit: Evenings and late nights when the grill is busiest.
What to order: Adobada, carne asada, mushroom tacos.
Insider tip: Order a mix of meats, then add salsa at the side counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Gayley, Broxton, and nearby side streets is the main option; it becomes tight after 7pm. The Broxton Public Parking structure typically has open spots and low-cost short-term rates.
Dress code: Casual — students and locals show up in everyday wear; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; outdoor tables offer slightly easier conversation than the indoor counter area.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line, longer (20–30 minutes) right after campus events.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5–10 minute wait or no wait at all.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the mushroom taco is the main option and is consistently well-reviewed.
Vegan options: Partially — mushroom tacos without crema can work, but options remain limited.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the small kitchen does not guarantee zero cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date where you want quick food and street-taco energy, not a lingering sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's counter-service only. Tables are first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast, especially on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly — families with older kids do fine, but limited seating and late-night crowds can be hectic for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Hand-pressed tortillas, fire-grilled meats, and fast service make it ideal for quick, flavor-forward tacos at student-friendly prices.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, large group seating, or broader menu options like burritos, enchiladas, or combo plates.
Tacos 1986
7.8
Tacos 1986 brings its Tijuana-style street taco formula to a compact Westwood stand, focusing on handmade tortillas, adobada shaved from the trompo, and a tight menu of meats and mushrooms. It’s a go-to for fast, flavor-forward tacos before nights out or quick bites after class.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada Taco, Mushroom Mulita, Adobada Vampiro
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas and trompo-cut adobada give real street-taco character.
Who should go: Taco purists chasing Tijuana-style flavors in Westwood.
When to visit: Evenings and late night for fresh-off-the-plancha tacos.
What to order: Adobada Taco, Mushroom Mulita, Adobada Vampiro.
Insider tip: Start with adobada, then add a mushroom taco for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Westwood Village can be tight during evenings; meters are available on surrounding blocks and nearby public garages usually have open spots after peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are — it’s a walk-up taco stand popular with students and late-night crowds.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on foot traffic; it’s outdoors and energetic, so expect some ambient village noise.
Weekend wait: 10-20 minutes, with occasional short lines during peak late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the mushroom taco and mulita are strong options.
Vegan options: Limited — the mushroom taco without cheese is the main viable choice.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, street-style food and a quick, energetic setting. It’s more of a fun grab-and-go stop than a sit-down romantic environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with no reservations. Seating is minimal, so plan to stand or walk with your food during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and don’t mind standing or limited seating; younger children may find the bustling street environment less comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Quick, flavor-packed adobada tacos with handmade tortillas and late-night convenience.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, indoor seating, or expansive vegetarian and vegan options.