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Best Tacos in Los Angeles
Best Cheap Tacos in Los Angeles
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Los Angeles
Best Mexican in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Tere's Mexican Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
A high-volume Melrose Ave strip-mall grill that runs a deep roster of home-style Mexican plates—enchiladas and carne asada anchor the menu, with a mole that signals real kitchen effort behind the counter-service format. It pulls steady neighborhood repeat traffic on price-to-portion math that holds up across the board. Come for a fast, filling, wallet-friendly meal where the food does the talking and the frills stay out of the way.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas, Carne Asada, Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Mexican grill on Melrose where enchiladas and carne asada consistently draw repeat crowds at budget-friendly prices
Who should go: Families and budget-minded diners craving home-style Mexican
When to visit: Off-peak lunch hours to avoid the rush
What to order: Start with the chips and nachos to share, then enchiladas or carne asada as your main — add a horchata to drink
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small strip-mall storefront—expect a shared lot with limited spots; street parking on Melrose is metered and competitive during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Lunch crowd lines up at the counter—plan for a wait to order during the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegetarian versions across the menu: vegetarian burrito ($12.50), vegetarian enchiladas ($15.95), vegetarian tacos ($12.95), vegetarian nachos ($16.95), vegetarian quesadilla ($15.95), vegetarian tostada salad ($14.95), and vegetarian torta ($14.95)
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan section on the menu, but modifications are available—the vegetarian burrito can be ordered without sour cream to make it vegan, and the potato taquitos work as a vegan option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual, counter-service spot in a strip mall with a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall vibe. The atmosphere is friendly but not romantic, and they don't serve alcohol. Better for a laid-back lunch hangout than a first date. If you're both into authentic, affordable Mexican food and want zero pretense, it could work as a casual daytime meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - Tere's doesn't take reservations at all. It's entirely first-come, first-served with counter ordering. The space is small, so during peak lunch hours (12-1:30pm) you may have a short wait, but turnover is fast since it's a quick-service format. Off-peak, you'll grab a seat immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - this is a great family spot. The casual, relaxed atmosphere means kids won't be out of place, and the menu has plenty of simple, affordable options like bean and cheese burritos, quesadillas, and combo plates that work well for younger eaters. The homemade salsa bar lets kids (and adults) customize spice levels. Long-time neighborhood families have been regulars here since their kids were small.
Is it good for groups? Yes for small to medium groups - the restaurant is listed as group-friendly and seating is generally available without a long wait. However, the space is small, so very large parties (8+) may have trouble finding enough adjacent seating. Counter-service ordering makes splitting checks easy. For bigger groups, call ahead at (323) 468-9345 to ask about accommodations.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - there is a patio area available for outdoor dining. Details on whether it's covered or heated are not confirmed online, so call ahead if weather is a concern. It's a pleasant option on a nice LA day.
Best For
Better for: A fast, affordable, made-to-order Mexican meal in Hollywood—one of the neighborhood's most reliable cheap eats with handmade tortillas and Michoacan-style recipes since 2002
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dining experience with full table service—this is a counter-order spot with limited seating
Hours
Monday9am - 9pm
Tuesday9am - 9pm
Wednesday9am - 9pm
Thursday9am - 9pm
Friday9am - 9pm
Saturday9am - 9pm
SundayClosed