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ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in Silver Lake
Best Late Night Tacos in Silver Lake
Best Tacos in Silver Lake
Master Critic Review
El Flamin Taco
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Bright red food truck with neon signage serving al pastor from a flaming trompo alongside extensive meat and vegetarian options. Open late for the Echo Park crowd, with fresh toppings including pico de gallo, pickled onions, and multiple house-made salsas that complement their tender, well-seasoned proteins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Chicharron Taco, California Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Spinning al pastor trompo and extensive vegetarian menu for diverse crowds
Who should go: Late-night diners and vegetarians seeking authentic street tacos
When to visit: Evening after 7pm through early morning hours
What to order: Al pastor from the trompo, flor de calabaza, chicharron tacos
Insider tip: The neon 'Open' sign visible from blocks away guides you in
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Blvd or residential side streets - typically spots available within a block. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Ultra casual - anything goes. Most people in jeans, hoodies, or whatever they wore all day.
Noise level: Loud street environment - traffic noise and music from the truck. Not ideal for deep conversation.
Weekend wait: 10-15 min wait in line, typical for popular taco trucks on Friday/Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait, quick turnover for lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including flor de calabaza, nopales, beans, and veggie-loaded combinations
Vegan options: Yes - most vegetarian tacos can be made vegan by requesting no cheese or crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard - naturally gluten-free. No separate prep area but minimal cross-contamination risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both have a sense of humor and adventure. It's street food eaten standing up in a parking lot - great for casual, low-pressure vibes but not romantic in the traditional sense. Better for second or third dates when you're more comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? This is a food truck - there are no tables or reservations. You order at the window, wait for your number to be called, then eat standing at the sidewalk counter or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who can handle some spice and standing/eating informally. The late-night scene (after 10pm) skews adult with bar crowds, so earlier evening hours (7-9pm) are better for families.
Best For
Better for: El Flamin excels at late-night cravings with their extended hours and al pastor spectacle. The vegetarian selection outshines most taco trucks, and the price-to-quality ratio is exceptional. Choose this over sit-down taquerias when you want authentic street food without the markup or when you need something substantial after midnight.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal with table service, need a quiet environment for conversation, or prefer a more polished dining experience. Also skip if the weather is bad - there's minimal covered seating. For special occasions or impressing out-of-town guests who expect ambiance, choose a brick-and-mortar restaurant instead.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 1am
Wednesday5pm - 1am
Thursday5pm - 1am
Friday5pm - 2am
Saturday5pm - 2am
Sunday5pm - 1am