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Paco's Tacos Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Paco's Tacos Cantina
8.2
Paco’s is a long-standing cantina famous for handmade tortillas, jumbo burritos, and strong margaritas, serving until about 10pm most nights.【3†turn3search3】 With over 3,400 aggregated reviews and a menu heavy on combo plates and soups, it’s a dependable sit-down choice for late-ish dinners and group outings.【3†turn3search23】【6†turn6search7】
Must-Try Dishes:
Supermex Burrito, Albondigas soup, Combination enchilada and taco plate
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hearty, old-school platters with handmade tortillas and big margaritas.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting relaxed, filling Mexican classics.
When to visit: Evenings for lingering dinners before the kitchen closes.
What to order: Supermex Burrito, albondigas soup, combo enchilada-taco plate.
Insider tip: Share chips and margaritas while you wait; portions arrive huge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot behind the cantina plus plentiful neighborhood street parking; usually easy before 7pm, slightly tighter on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, tees, and comfy layers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively chatter and margarita shakers, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak 6:30–8:30pm rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, and customizable combo plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—bean-and-veggie plates without cheese; confirm ingredients since tortillas are house-made.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available and many plates can be adapted; ask staff to guide safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something warm, casual, and filling. It’s more about comfort than romance, so expect a fun, low-pressure vibe rather than candlelit intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the evening. Arrive before peak dinner hours on weekends to avoid the longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The menu has plenty of mild options, the staff is used to families, and seating is spacious enough for strollers or boosters.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, classic Mexican-American comfort plates with large portions and friendly group energy—great for casual celebrations and family meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge regional Mexican cuisine, rooftop-bar aesthetics, or service past 10pm.
Paco's Tacos Cantina
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Paco’s is a colorful Westchester institution where fresh corn tortillas are pressed to order and classic combo plates come piled high. It’s equally suited to a family dinner or margarita-fueled group outing before or after a flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken or carne asada tacos on fresh tortillas, Supermex burrito, Chimichanga & chile relleno combo
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Housemade tortillas and big, old-school combo plates anchor this lively cantina.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting sit-down tacos near LAX.
When to visit: Early evening for easier parking and shorter waits.
What to order: Chicken tacos, carne asada burrito, chips with spicy salsa.
Insider tip: Ask for freshly made tortillas hot off the comal with your tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plentiful shared-lot parking in the small strip center; street parking on Manchester is usually available but fills up after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and colorful—jeans, tees, and comfy outfits totally fine.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat—conversation is doable, but expect some birthday shouts and blender noise.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on peak hours, especially around 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; you’ll be seated within a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese enchiladas, bean & cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—bean tacos without cheese, veggie fajitas, and chips & salsa; confirm lard-free beans with your server.
Gluten-free options: Good options thanks to the fresh corn tortillas; most tacos and plates can be made gluten-free, but the kitchen doesn’t operate a dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s great if you want something relaxed, fun, and not too formal. If you’re aiming for intimate or quiet, this isn’t the best pick—the energy skews festive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive a bit early on weekends to avoid the dinner rush, or put your name on the list and grab a drink at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—high chairs available, quick service, mild kid-friendly dishes, and a lively environment where noise isn’t an issue. Great for families with children ages 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, hand-pressed tortillas, big classic combo plates, and a celebratory atmosphere that works well for birthdays and group gatherings.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic regional tacos, a quiet date spot, or a fast takeout-only experience.