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Benito's Taco Shop
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Benito's Taco Shop
8.8
Benito’s Taco Shop is a classic Beverly Grove counter-service institution, turning out rolled tacos, burritos, and late-night combo plates to a massive, devoted following. It’s where locals go for reliably hot, comforting Mexican-American staples at almost any hour without spending much.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rolled tacos with guacamole, California burrito, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume, late-night shop serving classic burritos, taquitos, and tacos.
Who should go: Hungry locals craving big portions and classic LA-style burritos.
When to visit: Late nights or post-bar hours for peak atmosphere and energy.
What to order: Rolled tacos, California burrito, carne asada fries.
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa and guacamole; portions handle the heat easily.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Beverly and nearby residential blocks; generally easy on weeknights, tighter late-night on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual — walk-in attire is expected, from gym clothes to late-night bar crowds.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak late-night hours; quieter during daytime and early evenings.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on post-bar rush; usually fast-moving due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with orders coming out quickly even during mild lunch surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean burritos, cheese quesadillas, rice-and-bean plates, and some customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited — bean-and-rice combinations can be ordered without cheese or sour cream; verify ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Some options exist (e.g., corn tortillas on tacos and rolled tacos), but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, no-frills taco shops. It’s great for laid-back, spontaneous hangs but not ideal for a romantic or polished setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with quick turnover. Seating is limited but usually frees up fast, especially outside peak late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family stops; simple menus, fast service, and low prices work well. No high chairs or structured kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Huge portions, reliable late-night hours, and classic SoCal burrito-and-rolled-taco comfort that beats more polished competitors on speed and value.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal, craft cocktails, polished ambiance, or elevated regional cooking; this is very much a counter-service comfort spot.
Benito's Taco Shop
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Benito's is a classic San Diego–style burrito shop that anchors the Beverly/Fairfax stretch with hefty, no-nonsense burritos served late into the night. Regulars come for the California and carne asada burritos, generous portions, and prices that stay friendly even when you load up on extras.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burrito, Bean & Cheese Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school, San Diego–style burritos with big portions at fair prices.
Who should go: Late-night burrito fans and hungry locals
When to visit: Late night or casual weeknights for quick cravings
What to order: California Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, Bean & Cheese Burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa and grab chips to stretch one burrito into two meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Beverly Blvd and nearby residential streets; usually manageable but can be tight during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are, from gym clothes to jeans.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a quick-serve shop, so you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on late-night rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though orders may take a few minutes during peak lunchtime.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options like bean & cheese burritos, veggie burritos, and customizable orders.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—bean burrito without cheese, fries, chips, and salsas.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep, but you can opt for bowls or plates without tortillas to reduce cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your ideal first date involves casual, no-frills comfort food. Great for low-pressure hangs, not for impressing someone with ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is limited but turnover is quick; most people grab and go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family stops—simple menu, mild options, and fast service. Not ideal for long meals, strollers, or big groups.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, affordable burritos with San Diego roots, late-night cravings, and generous portions that beat trendier but pricier competitors.
Skip if: You want patio seating, craft cocktails, health-focused options, or a more polished dining experience.
Benito's Taco Shop
8.2
Benito’s Taco Shop is an old-school counter-service spot that’s been slinging San Diego–style burritos and rolled tacos since the late ’90s. Locals come for late-night bean-and-cheese, carne asada fries, and guacamole-smothered taquitos that deliver serious value for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rolled tacos with guacamole and cheese, California Burrito, Carne asada fries
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running Beverly Blvd institution focused on rolled tacos, oversized burritos, and no-frills late-night comfort food.
Who should go: Night owls and burrito purists craving classic combos.
When to visit: Late evenings on weekends for true late-night taco-shop energy.
What to order: Rolled tacos with guac and cheese, California burrito, carne asada fries.
Insider tip: Split an order of rolled tacos and a burrito—chips and salsa are generous, so it easily feeds two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Beverly Blvd and nearby residential streets; can be tight during peak late-night hours but generally manageable before 8pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, gym clothes, and late-night sweats are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate—it's counter-service with some kitchen noise, but conversations are easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on late-night rush; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders come out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options—bean & cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, rice/bean plates, and customizable meat-free items.
Vegan options: Limited—bean burritos without cheese and some sides work, but most items rely on dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items like fries and certain plates, but no dedicated prep area—those with strong sensitivities should use caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves low-key, no-frills spots. It's fluorescent lighting, counter seating, and giant burritos—not romantic, but great for a relaxed, fun hang.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in. Seating is limited but people come and go quickly, especially late at night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals—simple combos and mild flavors work well for kids. No high chairs or kids’ menu, but the environment is easygoing.
Best For
Better for: Massive burritos, late-night cravings, and classic San Diego–style rolled tacos at budget-friendly prices.
Skip if: You're looking for a sit-down meal, craft cocktails, or a trendy dining experience—this is a classic counter-service joint.
Benito's Taco Shop
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Benito's is an old-school San Diego–style taco shop known for rolled tacos, massive burritos, and late-night hours. It’s more about hearty portions and nostalgia than decor, drawing a steady stream of locals and industry folks from nearby studios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rolled Tacos with Guacamole & Cheese, California Burrito, Carne Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic 24/7-style taco shop turning out oversized burritos and rolled tacos.
Who should go: Hungry night owls and carb-loving burrito fans.
When to visit: Late nights after drinks or casual weekend lunches.
What to order: Rolled Tacos, California Burrito, Carne Asada Fries.
Insider tip: Pair rolled tacos with a side of salsa to keep them crisp longer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot with a few spots; availability varies. Street parking is generally easy within a block or two, especially at night.
Dress code: Completely casual — hoodies, gym clothes, late-night sweats all welcome.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout traffic; conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes, mostly for food since seating is limited.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; brief line during peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean and cheese burritos, potato tacos, and customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited — bean burrito without cheese, veggie tacos if you skip dairy; no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are gluten-free, but the kitchen is not cross-contamination safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates low-key, no-frills eats. It’s more about hearty burritos than ambiance, so go elsewhere if you’re trying to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. It’s counter-service, and grabbing a table is usually easy except during late-night rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family stops — simple menu, fast service, and no fuss. Best for ages 4+ since seating is limited and it’s more grab-and-go than linger-and-relax.
Best For
Better for: Oversized San Diego–style burritos, rolled tacos, and late-night reliability at a solid price point.
Skip if: You want craft tortillas, chef-driven salsas, or a dine-in experience with ambiance and cocktails.