30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
Mejores Tacos
7.9
A no-frills Olympic Blvd taco stand where every tortilla is pressed and griddled to order in front of you—a hands-on technique that separates it from the pre-wrapped competition nearby. The al pastor and carne asada draw taco purists who prioritize what's on the tortilla over where they're standing to eat it. Counter-service pacing, street-level pricing, and a tight menu that doesn't try to be anything beyond what it does well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Handmade Tortillas
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Street-style taco stand on Olympic where every tortilla is pressed and griddled to order
Who should go: Taco purists chasing authentic street-style in DTLA
When to visit: Weekday lunch to skip weekend lines
What to order: Start with al pastor and carne asada; add a side of handmade tortillas to compare
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Noise level: Lively and bustling — a high-energy counter-service spot where conversation takes a back seat to ordering and eating
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual, no-frills street taco counter, not a date-night spot. The atmosphere is functional and utilitarian, designed for quick ordering and fast turnover. There's no intimate lighting, no table service, and noise from the open kitchen and street traffic makes quiet conversation difficult. Great for a low-pressure grab-and-go meal together, but not where you'd take someone to impress them.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-in-only, counter-service taqueria. No reservations are taken or needed. You order at the counter, grab a seat if one's open, and eat. During peak lunch hours expect a short line, but turnover is fast since most people are in and out in 15–20 minutes. Off-peak, you'll have no wait at all.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for easygoing families — the casual counter-service format means no one will notice a noisy toddler, and simple tacos and horchata are crowd-pleasers for kids. However, there's no dedicated kids menu, and high chairs or booster seats are not confirmed — call ahead if you need one. Best for kids old enough to eat a taco without much fuss.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4–5, but not ideal for larger parties. Seating is limited and designed for quick turnover, not lingering. There are no private rooms or large communal tables. For groups over 5, you'll likely struggle to sit together. No advance booking available — it's first-come, first-served counter service.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed — specific outdoor seating details could not be verified online. Street-front taco spots in this stretch of East Olympic often have a few open-air tables or a sidewalk counter, but whether Mejores Tacos offers dedicated patio or covered outdoor seating is not documented. Call the restaurant to confirm before counting on eating outside.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs on a budget — open until midnight weekdays and 1am weekends, with counter service built for speed, not ambiance
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dinner vibe or a quiet conversation — this is a no-frills, walk-up taqueria with limited seating and no reservations
Hours
Monday5pm - 12am
Tuesday5pm - 12am
Wednesday5pm - 12am
Thursday5pm - 12am
Friday5pm - 1am
Saturday5pm - 1am
Sunday5pm - 1am