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El Asadero Prime Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
El Asadero Prime Taqueria
8.3
El Asadero Prime Taqueria brings a slightly more polished taqueria feel to Eastern Avenue with a menu that stretches from street tacos to hulking burritos and party-sized options like a six-foot burrito. Diners call out fresh salsas, well-seasoned meats, and a cleaner, more modern space than many counter-only spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Street Tacos, 6-Foot Burrito, Carne Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Modern taqueria balancing street-style tacos with oversized burritos and party trays.
Who should go: Groups wanting upgraded tacos without leaving the neighborhood.
When to visit: Evenings for dine-in energy and fresher grilled meats.
What to order: Asada street tacos, 6-foot burrito, carne asada fries.
Insider tip: Call ahead for large burrito or party tray orders—they’re made to order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot plus side-street parking along Eastern Avenue; usually manageable but fills up during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual; streetwear, jeans, and everyday attire are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter-service energy but still easy enough to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on group size; larger burrito orders add extra prep time.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though takeout lines can move steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few workable options like veggie tacos and sides; not a dedicated menu but easy to customize.
Vegan options: Limited—request grilled veggies, beans, and salsas, but most mains rely on meat and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Good options if you stick to corn tortillas and avoid fried items that may share oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, fun, low-pressure date. The modern setting feels cleaner and more polished than typical taquerias, but it’s still counter-service, so expect a relaxed vibe rather than a romantic one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Show up and grab a table; peak dinner hours may require a short wait, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids 5+ who can manage counter-service dining. Menu is flexible enough for simple tacos, fries, or burritos, and the space is clean with easy seating.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting a cleaner, more modern taco spot with party-sized items and fresh salsas; also strong for big burrito lovers.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional street-style taquerias, ultra-budget pricing, or dedicated vegan/vegetarian menus.
El Asadero Prime Taqueria
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
El Asadero Prime Taqueria #2 is a counter-service spot where hefty carne asada and al pastor burritos are grilled to order and packed with charred meat, rice, and salsa. Locals use it as a go-to for customizable burritos that eat like full meals, whether you’re grabbing takeout or posting up at the small indoor tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Wet Chile Verde Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Griddle-hot burritos built to order with well-seasoned grilled meats.
Who should go: Burrito purists craving charred asada and generous fillings.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest counter turnaround.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, al pastor burrito, wet chile verde.
Insider tip: Ask for extra grilled onions and salsa on the side for dipping.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot plus easy street parking along Eastern Avenue; rarely fills except during peak dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — come as you are; counter-service vibe with no expectations.
Noise level: Moderate — lively kitchen sounds and order calling, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on burrito line and grill backlog.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond a short 3–5 minute order queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese, veggie burritos, and customizable fillings.
Vegan options: Limited — can build a vegan burrito with beans, rice, salsa, and veggies; no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Partially — burrito fillings are generally gluten-free, but flour tortillas are standard; ask for a bowl if avoiding gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual Mexican spots — the focus is on hearty burritos, not ambience. Better for low-key hangs than romantic evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service, first-come-first-served. Indoor tables turn over quickly, and most guests take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and mild options make it easy for younger kids; no high chairs or formal amenities.
Best For
Better for: Griddle-hot, generously filled burritos with charred meats that beat nearby spots on value and portion size.
Skip if: You want patio dining, a quieter restaurant experience, or a broader menu beyond classic burritos and plates.
El Asadero Prime Taqueria
8.2
Modern taqueria specializing in USDA prime cuts, premium tacos, and birria plates served from a polished counter-service space that runs late on weekends. It’s where you go in 90201 when you want tacos with better meat quality and loaded fries after hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asadero prime tacos, Birria quesatacos with consomé, Loaded fries
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Premium-meat tacos and birria with late weekend counter service.
Who should go: Taco fans wanting higher-end meat after typical dinner hours.
When to visit: Weekend nights before 11pm for peak late-night energy.
What to order: Prime asada tacos, birria quesatacos with consomé, loaded fries.
Insider tip: Order a mix of premium tacos to sample different cuts and styles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking in the small plaza plus surrounding street parking; the lot fills after 9pm on weekends, so expect a short walk.
Dress code: Casual; most guests come in streetwear or weekend-casual outfits.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively, especially on weekend nights with steady takeout traffic; conversational but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on the late-night rush, mainly for seating and pickup pacing.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter ordering and fast ticket times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—look for veggie tacos, cheese quesadacos, and sides.
Vegan options: Minimal—may offer bean-based or veggie-only tacos, but not a fully dedicated vegan setup.
Gluten-free options: Most corn tortillas are gluten-free, and many meats are naturally GF; birria plates without flour items work well.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, energetic, and modern; less ideal if you want a quiet or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service with open seating; arrive slightly earlier on weekend nights to secure a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick meals; the casual setup works for families, but peak late-night hours can feel too busy for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Higher-quality meats and a more modern, polished feel compared to most late-night taco spots in the area.
Skip if: You want traditional street-style tacos, ultra-low prices, or a quiet sit-down experience.