0 Followers
El Ruso
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
El Ruso
8.9
Featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles and Food & Wine's Best New Restaurant 2020, this Sonoran-style truck crafts handmade flour tortillas from Tijuana-sourced flour. The mesquite-grilled carne asada and massive sobaqueras burritos showcase owner Walter Soto's commitment to authentic border flavors with meats that develop serious char.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muñeco Combo Taco, Chile Colorado Burrito, Carne Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Handmade Sonoran tortillas from Tijuana flour with perfectly grilled meats
Who should go: Taco purists, Netflix food show fans, Sonoran-style seekers
When to visit: Friday-Saturday evenings for full menu including birria
What to order: Muñeco combo, chile colorado, sobaquera burrito if available
Insider tip: Weekend-only specials include birria and bone-in short rib
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy on side streets, but arrive early on weekends as Echo Park fills up after 9pm
Dress code: Super casual - jeans, t-shirts, streetwear totally fine. It's a taco truck.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor setting - easy conversation at picnic tables, some street noise
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait in line during peak hours (9pm-midnight Friday/Saturday)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typically, faster midweek
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cheese quesadillas and bean options available, but meat-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - flour tortillas contain lard, minimal vegan protein options
Gluten-free options: No - specializes in handmade flour tortillas, corn tortillas not offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for adventurous eaters who value authenticity over ambiance. Casual outdoor setting keeps pressure low, and sharing a muñeco combo is a natural conversation starter. Skip if you need quiet intimacy or your date has dietary restrictions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's a taco truck with picnic table seating. Just show up, order at the window, and grab a table when one opens. Expect to stand in line 20-30 minutes on weekend nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual outdoor setting works for families, and kids usually love the quesadillas and simple tacos. Late hours (open past midnight) mean you'll see more adults after 10pm. Best for families before 9pm.
El Ruso
8.8
Sonoran-style taco truck featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles serves handmade flour tortillas with mesquite-grilled meats. Founded by Tijuana native Walter Soto, this award-winning operation earned Food & Wine's Best New Restaurant 2020 recognition for hefty portions and authentic chile colorado.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile Colorado Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Chile Relleno Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Netflix-featured Sonoran tacos with fresh-made flour tortillas
Who should go: Serious taco enthusiasts and food TV fans
When to visit: Wednesday-Monday 11:30am-8pm, arrive early weekends
What to order: Chile colorado, muñeco taco, weekend birria specials
Insider tip: Park at Walgreens lot and order the spicy red salsa
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Park at adjacent Walgreens lot (free), street parking available but limited. Small gravel lot near truck fits 4-5 cars
Dress code: Casual taco truck - come as you are, locals in everything from gym clothes to street style
Noise level: Outdoor casual - easy conversation at picnic tables, traffic noise minimal on side street
Weekend wait: 15-25 min order wait during peak (6-7pm Friday-Sunday), lines form but move steadily
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical, minimal wait before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - bean and cheese options, grilled veggie taco available on request
Vegan options: Very limited - flour tortillas contain lard, corn tortillas available but minimal filling options
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available as substitute, all meats naturally GF but ask about cross-contamination on shared grill
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, food-focused dates - shows you know hidden gems and the outdoor picnic table vibe is charming. Skip if you need a quiet romantic setting or your date prefers upscale dining
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's a taco truck with outdoor seating. Arrive before 6pm weekends to avoid peak lines, or expect 20-minute waits during rush
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual outdoor setup, quick service, and portions are filling enough to split. No high chairs but picnic tables work for all ages. Kids love the giant muñeco taco
How much should I budget per person? $15-25 per person - tacos run $4-6 each, most people order 2-3 plus a drink. Weekend birria special is $16 and feeds one hungry person
What if I've never had Sonoran-style tacos? Start with the chile colorado - it's their signature and shows what makes Sonoran style special (thick handmade flour tortillas, mesquite-grilled meat). It's richer and heartier than typical LA street tacos
Best For
Better for: Authentic Sonoran-style execution with Netflix-level quality, generous portions that justify $$, unique flour tortilla experience most LA taco spots don't offer, legitimacy for serious taco conversations
Skip if: You want immediate service (lines are real), need indoor seating or full bar, prefer lighter Baja-style fish tacos, or want extensive vegetarian options - hit Sonoratown or Guisados instead