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ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Tacos in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Chiquis Taco Truck
7.8
A late-night taco truck parked at the gas station lot at Santa Monica and Vine, running a real al pastor spit until the crowd dies down and backing it with a self-serve salsa bar that lets you dial in your own heat. It pulls night owls and budget-minded regulars who want spit-carved pastor and charred asada without sitting down or spending more than a few dollars. Expect a parking lot, a line, and tacos that justify both.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al Pastor, Tacos de Asada, Tortas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Late-night taco truck on Santa Monica Blvd where the al pastor spit runs until the crowd thins out, backed by a self-serve salsa bar with serious range.
Who should go: Night owls and budget-conscious taco purists.
When to visit: Late night when the al pastor spit is freshly carved.
What to order: Lead with al pastor — it's the move here by a wide margin. Add an asada taco for contrast, load up at the self-serve salsa bar, and if you're still hungry, a torta closes it out.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking — the truck sets up in a gas station parking lot at Santa Monica and Vine, so you pull right in
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a taco truck parked in a gas station lot in Hollywood. The vibe is casual late-night street food, not romance. There's no intimate lighting or private seating - you're eating at communal tables under tents. Great for a fun, low-pressure hangout after a night out, but not the move for a first impression dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - walk-up only, no reservations. Order at the window and grab one of the outdoor tables they set up. The truck draws a steady local crowd, especially late night (open roughly 6 PM to 3 AM), so expect a short wait during peak hours on weekends. Weeknights are generally quicker.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. There's no kids menu, no high chairs, and the truck operates primarily as a late-night spot (6 PM - 3 AM) in a gas station parking lot in Hollywood. No reviewers mention bringing children. If you do bring kids, earlier in the evening would be the only practical window, but this is really geared toward the late-night crowd.
Is it good for groups? Reasonably - the truck sets up multiple tables with tents out front, which is rare for a taco truck. Small to medium groups can grab a table and share plates like the asada fries. For very large groups or events, they offer catering services with customizable menus. No confirmed max party size at the truck itself - space is limited by the gas station lot.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - all seating is outdoors since this is a truck. They set up tents and tables in front of the truck along with an extensive salsa bar featuring 5+ salsas, pickled veggies, cilantro, onions, radishes, and sautéed chiles. Covered by tents but heating not confirmed - comfortable most of the year in LA.
Best For
Better for: Post-bar late-night fuel — open until 3 AM with big portions at budget prices, ideal when you need real food after a night out in Hollywood
Hours
Monday7pm - 12am
Tuesday7pm - 12am
Wednesday7pm - 12am
Thursday7pm - 12am
Friday7pm - 12am
Saturday7pm - 12am
Sunday7pm - 12am