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El Flamin' Taco
Master Critic Review
El Flamin' Taco
8.4
Late-night food truck institution famous for al pastor carved to order with pineapple. Operating in this spot for years, they've built a loyal following for handmade tortillas, generous portions, and authentic marinated meats available when most places close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Burrito with Nopales, Torta Cubana
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Al pastor carved fresh from the trompo with perfectly charred edges
Who should go: Night owls seeking authentic street tacos after midnight
When to visit: Weekend nights 10pm-3am for peak trompo action
What to order: Al pastor with pineapple, add nopales to burritos free
Insider tip: Cash only - hit the ATM before arriving
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - spaces turn over frequently, meter-free after 8pm
Dress code: Whatever you're wearing - this is post-club food truck dining
Noise level: Outdoor street environment - loud music from truck, traffic noise
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line Fri-Sat midnight-2am, faster before/after
Weekday lunch: Not open - night operation only starting 8pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - nopales, beans, cheese quesadillas, grilled veggies
Vegan options: Limited - bean tacos, nopales without cheese, ask about lard in beans
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas only (naturally GF), avoid flour burrito option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if they appreciate authentic street food and don't mind standing roadside. Better as a second date 'let me show you my favorite spot' move after drinks nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's a food truck - no tables, no reservations. You order at the window and eat standing or take it to go. Bring your own chairs if planning to linger.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - operates late night (8pm-3am), no seating, street environment. Kids would love the tacos but bring them to one of their daytime locations instead.
How does the al pastor compare to sit-down restaurants? Often better - they carve from a proper trompo with pineapple on top, something most LA restaurants fake. The char and seasoning rivals spots charging 3x more.
Is it safe to eat here late at night? Yes - heavily trafficked corner with constant crowd of diners. The popularity itself creates safety. Standard urban awareness applies but this is a neighborhood fixture.
Best For
Better for: Late-night authentic tacos carved from trompo, budget eating under $10, casual post-bar food that's actually good quality
Skip if: You need seating/ambiance, want craft cocktails with dinner, dining before 8pm, or expect servers and table service