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Guisados
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Guisados
8.5
Homestyle Mexican braises and stews served on handmade tortillas, with recipes passed down through generations. Their sampler plate lets you try six different guisados, each one a slow-cooked masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Tinga de Pollo, Chiles Toreados
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Traditional Mexican home-cooking in taco form
Who should go: Anyone craving authentic comfort food
When to visit: Weekday lunch for no wait
What to order: Sampler plate, mole poblano, agua fresca
Insider tip: Located in back alley parking lot between Linden & McCarthy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building, enter via alley between Linden & McCarthy - fills up during peak hours
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, flip-flops and gym clothes welcome
Noise level: Lively but manageable - counter service with communal seating vibe
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line typical, moves quickly
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon, 10-15 min after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several veggie guisados including hongos, calabacitas, frijoles
Vegan options: Limited - veggie options can be made vegan without cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas only, but watch for flour in some stews
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third date - it's counter service with paper plates, but the food sparks great conversation about authentic Mexican cuisine
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's order at counter and grab any open seat. Come before noon or after 2pm to avoid lunch rush
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the quesadillas, casual atmosphere means no stress about noise, and portions are shareable
Best For
Better for: Authentic homestyle Mexican stews you won't find at typical taco spots - this is grandma's cooking, not street tacos
Skip if: You want crispy hard-shell tacos or tex-mex flavors - everything here is braised, saucy, and traditionally Mexican
Guisados
8.9
Born in Boyle Heights in 2010, this taco specialist serves homestyle braises on handmade corn tortillas made fresh from masa multiple times daily. Located in a parking lot with covered outdoor seating, it's a hidden gem offering authentic street-style tacos at exceptional prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Tinga de Pollo, Sampler Platter with Six Mini Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas from fresh-ground masa delivered from Boyle Heights
Who should go: Taco purists seeking authentic street food
When to visit: Weekday breakfast tacos 9am-noon
What to order: Sampler plate, cochinita pibil, mole poblano
Insider tip: Located in back alley south of Wilshire
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot shared with neighboring businesses, fills up lunch rush 12-2pm
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual outdoor spot
Noise level: Lively outdoor atmosphere - easy conversation at tables
Weekend wait: 15-20 min peak times, order at counter system
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during lunch rush, quick turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent bean & cheese options, rajas, hongos tacos
Vegan options: Yes - can make most vegetarian tacos vegan without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, most fillings safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime dates - low-key vibe takes pressure off, authentic food is a conversation starter, and sub-$20 per person won't break the bank
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - order at counter and grab any open table. Turnover is quick even when busy
Is it kid-friendly? Very - outdoor casual setting where kids can move around, simple menu with mild options, and fast service keeps them happy
Best For
Better for: Most authentic street tacos in Beverly Hills - fresh masa tortillas beat any upscale Mexican restaurant for traditional flavor
Skip if: You want full-service dining with margaritas - this is counter service with limited drinks, all about the tacos