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El Parian Restaurant
Master Critic Review
El Parian Restaurant
8.7
A Pico-Union landmark since the mid-1990s, El Parian is best known for its Jalisco-style birria and handmade tortillas, but its carne asada and carnitas burritos pack the same deep, slow-cooked flavor. The room is simple and loud, yet locals keep coming back for generous portions, cash-only prices, and food that feels straight out of a family kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Tacos de Birria
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Decades-old birria and burritos with handmade tortillas in a true neighborhood institution.
Who should go: Birria lovers and old-school Mexican food fans
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dinner before the rush
What to order: Carne asada burrito, tacos de birria, birria by the pound
Insider tip: Ask for extra handmade tortillas and use the rich birria consomé as a dipping sauce for your burrito.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots along Pico Blvd and adjacent residential streets are usually available but can fill up fast during peak hours.
Dress code: Very casual — T-shirts, jeans, and come-as-you-are attire fit right in.
Noise level: Loud and bustling, especially during meal rushes; expect lively chatter and kitchen noise.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though lines can form around 12–12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — rice, beans, tortillas, and a few customizable items, but the menu is heavily meat-forward.
Vegan options: Minimal options — beans are typically prepared with lard, so check before ordering. Tortillas and basic sides may be your safest bet.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is likely due to the small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, no-frills dining. The food is exceptional, but the space is loud and purely functional — more comfort-food hangout than romantic night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant is walk-in only and moves tables quickly. Arrive a bit early on weekends to avoid the short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common here. The menu is simple, portions are generous, and noise levels mean no one minds energetic kids.
Best For
Better for: Deep, slow-cooked Jalisco-style birria and hearty burritos at unbeatable prices, plus handmade tortillas that elevate every order.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale setting, extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or prefer lighter, modern-style Mexican food.