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ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Tacos in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
Tacos Duran
8.1
A downtown LA street stand pressing handmade tortillas to order on a grease-free griddle since 2011, building a quiet following among late-night regulars who know the carne asada and al pastor hold up past midnight. The format is pure sidewalk efficiency—order, wait, eat—with free lot parking that removes the usual DTLA hassle. It works best as a post-bar destination where the tortillas are still warm and the prices stay under cash-only territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos with Pickled Onions, Mulitas
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Late-night street stand pressing handmade tortillas to order on a grease-free griddle since 2011
Who should go: Night owls craving authentic street tacos downtown
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 PM for shortest wait times
What to order: Start with a carne asada taco to test the handmade tortillas, then add a mulita and a torta for variety
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot on-site with plenty of space—no meters, no stress
Dress code: Outdoor street stand—come as you are, zero dress code
Noise level: Moderate—outdoor stand with ambient street sounds, easy to talk
Weekend wait: Closed Saturday and Sunday; Friday nights open until midnight with short lines typical
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—opens at 6:30 PM evenings only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple vegetarian options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a street taco stand in an industrial area of Downtown LA, not a sit-down restaurant. There's no table service, no ambiance lighting, and no dedicated seating for a romantic dinner. That said, if your idea of a great date is sharing incredible street tacos under the night sky, it's a memorable and low-pressure option. Best for adventurous couples who value food over atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations don't apply here - this is a walk-up street stand. You order at the stand and eat on the spot. There may be a short wait during peak late-night hours, but turnover is fast. Open Monday through Thursday 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM and Friday until midnight. Closed weekends. Cash only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the stand is listed as family-friendly and the casual, open-air format means kids won't be disruptive. The menu is simple and approachable with tacos, tortas, and grilled meats that most kids will enjoy. No formal kids menu, but the affordable prices and quick service make it easy with little ones. Best to go on the earlier side since it's an evening-only operation in an industrial neighborhood.
Is it good for groups? Yes for casual groups - it's a street stand so there are no table size limits or booking requirements. Everyone orders individually at the window, and the low prices make it easy on the wallet. However, there's no dedicated group seating area, so a large party will be standing or finding spots nearby to eat. Ideal for a spontaneous group taco run, not a planned group dinner.
Is there outdoor seating? This is entirely outdoors - it's a street stand, not an enclosed restaurant. There is no formal patio or covered seating area. You eat standing or find a spot nearby. No heating, no cover from weather. Perfectly fine on a dry LA evening, but not a polished outdoor dining setup.
Best For
Better for: Late-night street taco runs with handmade-to-order tortillas and grease-free cooking—a cash-only family-run stand that punches way above its weight
Consider Alternatives If: You need weekend plans (closed Sat–Sun), indoor seating, or don't carry cash
Hours
Monday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Tuesday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Wednesday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Thursday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Friday6:30pm - 12am
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed