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Pinches Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Pinches Tacos
7.7
Pinches Tacos on Sunset is a brightly painted, late-night counter serving classic street-style tacos to Sunset Strip crowds. It leans more fun and convenient than polished, but the range of meats and long hours make it a dependable option before or after shows nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Pastor taco, Lengua taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Colorful Sunset Strip standby for street-style tacos into the night.
Who should go: Night owls leaving shows or bars on Sunset
When to visit: Late nights after concerts, comedy, or bar-hopping
What to order: Carne asada, pastor, and lengua tacos with salsa
Insider tip: Expect lines after midnight; call ahead for larger orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset is limited, especially on weekends; your best bet is side-street metered spots or nearby paid lots.
Dress code: Casual — anything from post-concert outfits to jeans and a hoodie fits in.
Noise level: Loud during late-night rushes, with street noise from Sunset; expect limited conversation comfort.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on show schedules at nearby venues.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — simple options like bean, veggie, or cheese tacos depending on availability.
Vegan options: Limited — may offer veggie tacos without dairy; verify at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely due to shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you want is casual, quick, and low-pressure. It’s more a post-show snack spot than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; expect to grab an outdoor table or eat on the go during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick meals, but late-night crowds, loud street traffic, and limited seating make it better for older kids or daytime visits.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, quick orders, and a broad range of classic taco meats near major Sunset venues.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, creative chef-driven tacos, or a quieter environment for conversation.
Pinches Tacos
8.6
Pinches Tacos on the Sunset Strip is a long-running counter-service spot where grilled carne asada, al pastor, and house salsas anchor hefty burritos. High multi-platform review volume and years of late-night service make it one of the area’s most trusted Mexican stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Darkness Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume Sunset Strip standby for no-nonsense burritos and late-night Mexican.
Who should go: Night owls craving reliable burritos after shows or drinks.
When to visit: Late evenings before the bar rush or post-concert crowds.
What to order: Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Darkness Burrito.
Insider tip: Order extra salsa on the side; regulars mix the red and green.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset is limited at night; look for metered spots on side streets or use nearby paid lots.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are, from post-gym to post-concert.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during late-night hours due to Sunset Strip foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar and show traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean and cheese, veggie burritos, and customizable tacos.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — request no cheese/sour cream on veggie options.
Gluten-free options: Soft corn tortillas available for tacos; burritos are flour-only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, no-frills meetup. It’s more about quick, satisfying food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals; expect tight seating and late-night crowds, so daytime visits are best for families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos with generous portions and reliable flavors when most spots nearby are closed.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down experience, cocktail program, or quieter ambiance.
Pinches Tacos
8.3
Pinches Tacos on the Sunset Strip is a long-running counter-service taqueria where lengua, al pastor, and carne asada tacos fuel nights out before and after the clubs. The space is casual and colorful, but extended late-night hours and BYOB energy make it one of the strip’s most reliable taco stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua Street Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Gringo Taco with Asada
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Sunset Strip staple for late-night lengua, pastor, and BYOB taco runs.
Who should go: Friends pre-gaming or sobering up along the Strip.
When to visit: 11pm–1am on weekends when post-bar crowds roll through.
What to order: Lengua tacos, al pastor tacos, gringo taco.
Insider tip: Bring your own beer or wine and camp at a table between bar hops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered and side-street parking along Sunset and adjacent residential blocks; expect limited availability after 8pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are from nearby bars or clubs; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on bar spillover from the Strip; still manageable for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night rush, especially after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter ordering is quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including veggie tacos and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for customizations, though a few items can be made plant-based.
Gluten-free options: Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; cross-contact possible, so double-check with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More suited to casual hangs than romantic first dates; great if you’re aiming for low-pressure, late-night tacos before or after a show.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only and counter-service; tables turn quickly, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate earlier in the evening, but late-night hours skew toward bar crowds; best for older kids or daytime visits.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable late-night tacos with classic fillings and BYOB flexibility in a prime Strip location.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, a quieter atmosphere, or a more chef-driven taco experience.
Pinches Tacos
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Girls Night Out Approved
Late Night Legends
Pinches Tacos on the Sunset Strip is a colorful counter-service taqueria serving lengua, al pastor, and griddled tacos at prices that work for pre- and post-show stops. The small patio, BYOB energy, and late hours make it a practical, low-cost option near the clubs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Gringo Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sunset Strip taco counter pairing classic fillings with late-night hours.
Who should go: Friends pre-gaming or sobering up near the Strip
When to visit: 11pm–1am on weekends between shows and bar stops
What to order: Lengua Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Gringo Taco
Insider tip: Grab a patio table to avoid the bar crush and eat street-side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meters on Sunset and side streets fill quickly after 7pm, but you can often find a spot a block or two uphill.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual; typical Strip nightlife attire is welcome but not required.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially late weekends when post-show crowds roll through.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar traffic; lines move quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food comes out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — potato, rajas, and veggie taco options available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of items can be made vegan by removing cheese and crema; ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual and quick; it’s better suited for pre-show hangs or low-stakes meetups rather than a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served. Patio tables turn fairly quickly even during late-night rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening; simple tacos work well for kids. Late-night crowds and noise make it less ideal after 10pm.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive tacos near Strip venues — ideal for fueling up before or after concerts and comedy shows.
Skip if: You want polished plating, sit-down service, or quieter conversation; choose a full-service Mexican spot instead.
Pinches Tacos
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Pinches Tacos is a casual Sunset Blvd taqueria known for handmade tortillas, late hours, and a long list of classic and specialty tacos. It’s the neighborhood workhorse where you can grab carne asada, al pastor, and burritos before a show or on the stumble home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, California Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A counter-service taco shop with house tortillas and late-night hours.
Who should go: Taco fans needing quick, affordable food before or after going out.
When to visit: Late evenings when the patio and takeout window are buzzing.
What to order: Carne Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco, California Burrito.
Insider tip: If the line is long, the move is ordering a mix of tacos to-go and eating on the patio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset and the surrounding hills is limited; expect to circle during peak hours. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are; gym clothes, jeans, and post-show outfits all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud, especially late at night with foot traffic from the Strip.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on showtimes and bar traffic nearby.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter-service pacing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie tacos and sides like beans, rice, and nopales.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — request no cheese or crema on veggie tacos.
Gluten-free options: Most tacos on corn tortillas are gluten-free; burritos and quesadillas are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want low-pressure and casual — it’s more of a quick taco stop than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only; tables are first-come, first-served and turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos; limited seating and late-night crowds make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos, quick meals, and handmade tortillas when you’re in the neighborhood or headed to a show.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner, cocktails, or an ambience-driven Mexican experience — choose a bigger restaurant instead.
Pinches Tacos
8.2
Pinches Tacos on Sunset is a tiny counter-service taqueria turning out griddled tortillas piled with asada, al pastor, pescado, and lengua. It doubles as an easy happy hour stop for a plate of tacos and a quick beer before shows or clubs nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Pescado Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sunset Strip walk-up spot where griddled tacos fuel pregame nights.
Who should go: Friends pregaming on Sunset who still care about taco quality.
When to visit: Catch late-afternoon happy hour before the pre-club crowds.
What to order: Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Pescado Taco.
Insider tip: Order a couple tacos at the counter, then snag street-facing stools.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Sunset and adjoining residential streets; expect limited availability after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; workout gear, jeans, and streetwear all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate from street traffic; easy enough for conversation at the counter or stools.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar/club traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and veggie tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two tacos can be modified, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but the small kitchen has shared surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re aiming for ultra-casual; it’s more of a quick taco stop than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it’s counter-service only, and stools are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for quick bites with older kids, but the street-facing setup and late-night crowd aren’t ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos before shows or bars—quicker and cheaper than nearby sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want a fuller sit-down meal, stronger drink program, or broader menu—opt for Formosa or Laurel Hardware instead.