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El Abajeño
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
El Abajeño
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Since 1969, this cafeteria-style counter-service restaurant has been dishing out massive portions of authentic Mexican comfort food to multiple generations. The carnitas taquitos are local legend—two soft corn tortillas loaded with tender pork, cheese, and avocado.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taquito, Super Tostada, Chile Relleno Plate
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Three generations return for the legendary half-pound carnitas taquito
Who should go: Budget-conscious families wanting generous authentic portions
When to visit: Early lunch before 12pm to beat crowds
What to order: Carnitas taquito with red sauce, carne asada burrito
Insider tip: Split the carnitas taquito in half—it's enough for two meals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building, street parking available on Slauson - never an issue
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes, work uniforms perfectly fine
Noise level: Lively cafeteria buzz - fine for casual conversation, not romantic
Weekend wait: 10-15 min to order during peak 6-7pm, moves quickly
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait at counter, busiest 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese burritos, cheese enchiladas, veggie tacos available
Vegan options: Limited - can do bean tacos/burritos without cheese, rice and beans as sides
Gluten-free options: Naturally GF corn tortillas, but shared fryer for chips - ask about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for first dates - cafeteria trays and fluorescent lighting aren't romantic. Perfect for casual 3rd+ dates when you're comfortable and want great food cheap.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service. Order at front, grab a table yourself. Even during rush there are usually open seats within 5 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - high chairs available, kids love the cafeteria-style setup, and portions are easily shareable. Loud environment means noisy kids blend right in.
How long does a meal here take? 30-40 minutes total - order in 10 minutes, food out in 5-10, eat and go. Perfect for quick lunch breaks.
Do they deliver or have takeout? Yes to takeout - order at counter, food travels well. The carnitas taquito holds up better than most for 15-20 minute drives home.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value on authentic carnitas and massive portions - you're getting 2x the food for half the price vs. fast-casual chains like Chipotle. The 55+ year legacy and unchanged recipes beat trendy spots on authenticity.
Skip if: You want ambiance, craft cocktails, or a date-night vibe - this is pure cafeteria functionality. Also skip if you need quick service under 15 minutes during lunch rush, or want modern health-focused options like cauliflower rice or impossible meat.
El Abajeño
8.4
Counter-service spot from El Grullo, Jalisco bringing decades of neighborhood loyalty with crispy chicken tacos and carnitas taquitos. Bright, mosaic-decorated interior serves assembly-line style where meals are ready by the time you reach the cashier, with homemade salsas at the cart.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Chicken Tacos, Carnitas Taquitos, Huevos a La Mexicana
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Multi-generational family business serving El Grullo Jalisco recipes
Who should go: Budget-conscious families wanting fast authentic meals
When to visit: Weekend breakfast for traditional Mexican morning dishes
What to order: Crispy chicken tacos, carnitas taquitos, try all the salsas
Insider tip: Easy parking next door and surprisingly quiet despite busy intersection
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Easy - dedicated lot next door, rarely full even during peak hours
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and flip-flops perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service setup means less table chatter, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min max - assembly line moves fast, food ready by cashier
Weekday lunch: Virtually no wait - in and out in under 15 minutes total
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, rice and beans as sides, veggie-friendly salsas
Vegan options: Possible but limited - bean tacos without cheese, rice, request no crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available - carnitas, chicken work, but cross-contamination possible in fast-casual setup
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual early-stage date or post-activity stop - counter service and plastic baskets lean friendly rather than romantic, but authentic vibe and great food make it memorable if your date appreciates real neighborhood spots
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - pure counter service with open seating, just walk in and order
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - all ages welcome, fast service keeps toddlers from getting restless, simple menu items kids love, casual atmosphere means noise is totally fine, highchairs available
El Abajeño
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
A Culver City institution for over 50 years, this counter-service spot serves homestyle Mexican dishes with generous portions that often feed multiple people. The carnitas taquitos remain the signature draw, while the extensive menu covers everything from breakfast plates to seafood soups with recipes passed down through generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taquitos, Super Tostada, Chile Colorado
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Over 50 years serving authentic recipes with massive portions at budget prices
Who should go: Value seekers and multi-generational families
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid lines and ensure full menu
What to order: Carnitas taquitos, chile colorado, super tostada with lengua
Insider tip: Single entrees often serve two people with generous portions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building plus street parking - never an issue
Dress code: Come as you are - this is ultra-casual counter service
Noise level: Lively but manageable - families and groups create buzz but you can still chat
Weekend wait: 15-20 min during peak hours (6-8pm Friday/Saturday)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min max - moves quickly despite steady traffic
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese combinations, cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos available
Vegan options: Limited - request beans without lard, rice, and veggie-only items (confirm prep)
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available but shared fryer - not celiac-safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the cafeteria-style counter service and fluorescent lighting don't create romantic vibes. Better for casual hangouts or established couples who want great food without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter service with open seating. Order at the register, grab a table, and they bring food out. Even during rushes you'll be eating within 30 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - this is family central with high chairs, patient staff, and a menu that pleases picky eaters. The casual vibe means nobody minds noise, and generous portions mean you can share.
How long does a meal take here? 45-60 minutes total including ordering and eating - food hits the table within 15-20 minutes of ordering, making this genuinely quick for the quality and portion size.
Is it good for takeout? Yes - portions travel exceptionally well and stay hot. The massive servings actually work better for takeout since you can stretch them across multiple meals at home.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value-to-portion ratio and old-school authenticity - you get grandma-recipe Mexican food at taco truck prices with restaurant-quality execution. The 50-year track record means consistency is ironclad.
Skip if: You want modern Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, or date-night ambiance. Also skip if you're dining solo and can't handle leftovers - the portions are genuinely oversized for single diners.