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Tacos El Unico
Master Critic Review
Tacos El Unico
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Tacos El Unico has been serving Bell since 1981 with a sprawling menu of tacos, fries, and Mexican-American comfort staples. Regulars lean on it for al pastor, carne asada fries, and late-night combo runs that still feel relatively affordable for the portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Unos Tacos Al Pastor, Carne Asada Fries, Mexican Burger Junior
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Long-running 1981 taqueria mixing classic tacos with burger-stand comfort.
Who should go: Families and late-night taco hunters on a budget.
When to visit: Evenings and late night for full menu and energy.
What to order: Unos Tacos Al Pastor, carne asada fries, Mexican Burger Junior.
Insider tip: Portions are big—share fries or a combo if you’re sampling widely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot shared with neighboring businesses plus ample street parking on Atlantic Avenue; generally easy except during late-night rushes.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; streetwear, jeans, and everyday attire all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter-service energy but still easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on drive-thru and walk-up traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; orders move quickly even when it’s busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and veggie-style tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — bean tacos or burritos without cheese are your main options; no dedicated vegan specialties.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are gluten-free, but the kitchen is shared and cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, old-school taqueria energy. It’s better for low-key hangs than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; no reservations needed. During peak hours you may need to wait briefly for a table to clear.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families eat here often, and the menu has plenty of kid-friendly items like quesadillas, fries, and small tacos.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, big portions for the price, and wide-menu flexibility that covers both taco classics and comfort-food sides.
Skip if: You want niche regional tacos, handmade tortillas, or a quieter sit-down environment — this is more of a fast-moving taqueria than a specialty-focused spot.