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ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Tacos in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
Tacos Duran
8.0
A McGarry Street evening stand where every tortilla is pressed to order and meats cook grease-free on a clean plancha — a two-step process most taco spots skip entirely. The al pastor with pickled onions and the lengua draw a loyal late-night crowd to an otherwise quiet industrial stretch of Downtown LA. Expect no seating and no frills, just disciplined street-level craft at prices that make repeat visits easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos with Pickled Onions, Carne Asada Tacos, Chile Relleno Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Every tortilla is pressed by hand to order and the meat is cooked grease-free on a clean plancha, a combination that earns a perfect 5.0 Yelp rating across 46 reviews.
Who should go: Late-night taco hunters who value craft over ambiance
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 PM for shortest wait; closed weekends
What to order: Start with an al pastor taco topped with their pickled onions, then try the carne asada or chile relleno; load up on their homemade salsas at the condiment bar
Insider tip: Cash only — hit an ATM before you go, and don't skip the pickled onions on the al pastor
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on McGarry St in an industrial/commercial area — typically easy to find a spot since it's an evening-only street stand in a low-traffic zone
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple vegetarian options available — street stand lists many vegetarian items alongside meat offerings like asada, pastor, and lengua
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not in the traditional sense — this is a street taco stand on a sidewalk in an industrial part of Downtown LA, not a sit-down restaurant. But for the right couple, sharing incredible handmade tacos under the open sky is its own kind of magic. Best for adventurous daters who bond over hidden gems rather than tablecloths and candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted — this is a walk-up street stand. You order at the window and eat standing or find a spot nearby. Lines can form during peak late-night hours, but turnover is fast. Cash only, so come prepared.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it's a family-operated stand with a casual, open-air setup. The simple taco-focused menu works well for kids, and there's no formal dining atmosphere to worry about. Best for earlier in the evening since the stand opens at 6:30 PM. Note: this is a street-side location in an industrial area, so keep young children close.
Is it good for groups? It works for small groups who don't mind standing and eating street-side. There's no formal seating or large tables — you order at the stand and gather nearby. Great for a casual post-event taco run with friends, but not suited for organized group dining. No party size limits since there's no seating to reserve.
Is there outdoor seating? No formal outdoor seating — this is a street-side taco stand. All dining is essentially outdoors by default, standing or leaning. There are no dedicated tables, chairs, umbrellas, or covered areas. You eat where you stand, which is part of the charm.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings when you want handmade-to-order tortillas and cheap, grease-free tacos from a family-run stand — not a polished sit-down experience
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down restaurant with seating, restrooms, or weekend availability — this is an open-air street stand operating evenings only, Monday through Friday
Hours
Monday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Tuesday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Wednesday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Thursday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Friday6:30pm - 12am
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed