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Abuelita's Birria & Mexican Food
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Abuelita's Birria & Mexican Food
7.9
Open 24 hours, this no-frills counter specializes in richly spiced birria, hearty breakfast burritos, and comforting plates at wallet-friendly prices. Popular with night owls and early risers, it's a staple for locals craving a late-night fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Plate, Chilaquiles, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: 24/7 operation perfect for insomniacs and service workers.
Who should go: Night owls, shift workers, birria fans
When to visit: After midnight for tacos or 6am for burritos
What to order: Birria plate, chilaquiles, breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra consomé with your birria.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 6pm and on weekends. No dedicated lot or valet. Metered spots are available, but expect competition during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual attire is standard—jeans, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes are perfectly acceptable. No dress code enforcement; come as you are, whether you're rolling in from work or a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially late at night and on weekends. Conversations are possible, but expect background chatter and occasional bursts of energy from groups and late-night revelers.
Weekend wait: Expect 30-60 minutes without a reservation, especially after midnight. Lines can stretch longer during holidays or special events.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short lines (under 15 minutes), making it a reliable spot for a quick bite during the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options include bean and cheese tacos, chilaquiles (request no meat), rice and beans, and vegetarian quesadillas. Staff can accommodate most vegetarian requests.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan options are available but not extensive. Bean tacos (no cheese), rice and beans (no lard), and some salads can be ordered vegan. Confirm with staff to avoid animal products.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are gluten-free, and many dishes can be made gluten-free upon request. Avoid flour tortillas and fried items unless confirmed safe. Staff is generally accommodating to dietary needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a casual, low-pressure first date. The lively atmosphere and affordable prices make it easy to relax and focus on conversation. It's not romantic or quiet, but it's fun and authentic—ideal for food-focused dates or those who want to avoid the formality of a sit-down restaurant.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcome and common. However, during peak hours (late night weekends), expect a wait. Arriving early or off-peak increases your chances of seating without a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, families are welcome. The menu offers simple, hearty options like tacos, burritos, and rice and beans that appeal to kids. High chairs are available, and the casual vibe is relaxed for families with children. Best for ages 5 and up, as the noise level can be high.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings, solo dining, and budget-friendly comfort food. Abuelita's excels at birria, breakfast burritos, and quick, satisfying meals at any hour. It's a staple for locals and service workers who value speed, value, and flavor over ambiance.
Skip if: You're seeking a quiet, romantic, or upscale dining experience. If you want extensive vegan or gluten-free menus, or if you dislike casual, counter-service environments, consider alternatives like more polished Mexican restaurants or dedicated vegan spots.
Abuelita's Birria & Mexican Food
7.6
Specializing in birria and homestyle classics, Abuelita's offers 24/7 counter service in a straightforward, friendly setting. Locals come for rich birria, vibrant salsa, and quick breakfasts — a no-frills staple open all hours for satisfying late-night meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, Breakfast Burrito, Quesabirria
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: True 24/7 operation serving hearty birria and classics anytime.
Who should go: Night owls, students, budget eaters
When to visit: Late night or post-shift eats, anytime
What to order: Birria tacos, breakfast burrito, quesabirria
Insider tip: House salsas are punchy — ask for both red and green.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; usually easy but can get challenging during peak meals or late at night.
Dress code: Come as you are — super casual, jeans and tees totally fine.
Noise level: Lively but not overwhelming — you can chat comfortably, but expect background bustle.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait, but up to 15 minutes if there's a post-bar rush.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options; the menu is very meat-focused but basic cheese or bean burritos can be made.
Vegan options: Very limited — not really a destination for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; ask for corn tortillas but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — it's counter service, casual, and bright, best for low-key hangouts.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's walk-in only, tables typically turn over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for all ages; no special kids' amenities but casual noise and fast food are fine for families.
Best For
Better for: Anytime birria cravings, late-night munchies, and fast, cheap meals without the fuss.
Skip if: Skip if you need vegan options, want a quiet or formal setting, or are looking for a date night spot.
Abuelita's Birria & Mexican Food
7.9
Open 24 hours, Abuelita’s Birria stands out with slow-cooked birria tacos and swift, friendly service. Birria lovers come for the generous portions and the rich, deeply flavored consommé, setting it apart after hours in 90004. Service is straightforward, with a consistent crowd of loyal regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Birria Taco, Quesabirria, Consommé
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Birria tacos available 24/7 in a casual setting.
Who should go: Night owls and birria enthusiasts
When to visit: Late nights and early mornings
What to order: Birria taco, quesabirria, consommé
Insider tip: Order extra consommé for dipping tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be tough after 8pm; nearby paid lots offer hourly rates.
Dress code: Come casual—jeans, hoodies, and late-night comfort gear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy, though peak weekend nights can get lively near the counter.
Weekend wait: 20-35 min typical, even late; fast turnover, though.
Weekday lunch: No wait usually, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—cheese quesadillas and bean tacos are available but menu leans heavy on meat.
Vegan options: Very limited—beans and rice may qualify, but not a real vegan focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas used for tacos, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual, low-pressure dates and late-night cravings, but not ideal for romance or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always; walk-ins are standard, and even busy hours mean a swift, rotating crowd.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids and teens; open, casual, but limited seating space and no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: 24/7 birria availability, rich consommé, and unfussy comfort food make it a Koreatown standout for late-night eats.
Skip if: Skip if you want vegetarian choices, a quiet ambiance, or upscale dining—other Mexican spots nearby cater better to those needs.