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Guisados
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Guisados
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
A dependable DTLA outpost of the stewed-taco specialist, where slow-cooked fillings taste layered and intentional rather than greasy. Tortillas are sturdy, salsa is bright, and the menu has enough range to keep repeat lunches interesting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil taco, Mole poblano taco, Chiles toreados
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Stewed-filling tacos with real depth and balance.
Who should go: Taco fans who like variety
When to visit: Lunch for fastest service
What to order: Cochinita, mole, sampler trio
Insider tip: Grab a side of chiles toreados for extra pop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on adjacent blocks is usually available but metered; nearby paid garages along Spring/Main offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — standard DTLA daytime wear is totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; still easy to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on event traffic downtown; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, even during the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple stewed veggie tacos and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of fillings qualify, but selection varies.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated GF prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid for a casual, low-pressure meet-up — quick service and shareable tacos make it relaxed, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with steady turnover; finding a seat is usually manageable.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — fast service and mild options suit families; seating is simple but workable for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: A broad range of stewed fillings with real depth, ideal for repeat lunches and sampler-style eating.
Skip if: You want a full-service sit-down meal or elaborate tacos with heavy toppings; this is pared-back and stew-forward.
Guisados
8.6
Guisados’ Downtown location is known for slow-braised taco fillings, but the same stews and breakfast combos also show up wrapped into hearty burritos. The tortillas are freshly made, the fillings lean soulful rather than flashy, and the room works for everything from solo lunches to small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Papas Breakfast Burrito, Chuleta Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Braised-stew fillings and housemade tortillas turn simple burritos into comfort food.
Who should go: Downtown regulars wanting richer, stew-driven breakfast or lunch burritos.
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch before the main taco rush.
What to order: Chorizo breakfast burrito, papas breakfast burrito, horchata.
Insider tip: Pair a breakfast burrito with a single taco to sample more fillings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Spring Street and nearby cross streets; availability varies by time of day but is generally easier before noon.
Dress code: Casual; most guests come in everyday wear, from office-casual to weekend relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours with steady counter-service traffic, but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on event traffic downtown; counter-service moves quickly even when lines appear.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief 5-minute queue during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple stewed-vegetable fillings and breakfast options work well in burrito format.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of naturally vegan fillings exist, but customization may be required.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal — tortillas contain gluten and there are no gluten-free tortilla substitutes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, low-pressure meetup; counter service and quick bites make it more about the food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s entirely walk-in with fast turnover; snag a spot indoors or at one of the small tables out front.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bold flavors; the seating is simple and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu, but service is quick and informal.
Best For
Better for: Deeply flavorful, slow-braised fillings and housemade tortillas that create richer, more soulful burritos than most quick-service spots downtown.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options or prefer burritos that lean heavy on grilled meats rather than stew-style fillings.
Guisados
8.3
Guisados DTLA brings Boyle Heights–born braised tacos to the Historic Core, serving handmade corn tortillas piled with long-simmered guisados late into the night on weekends. Office workers, concertgoers, and service-industry regulars line up for cochinita pibil, chicharrón, and horchata between bar stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil taco, Chicharrón taco in chile verde, Chiles toreado taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Homestyle braised tacos on fresh tortillas served late on weekends.
Who should go: Taco lovers chasing serious flavor after downtown events.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday late nights after bars or concerts.
What to order: Cochinita pibil, chicharrón, a fiery chiles toreado taco.
Insider tip: Build a mixed plate of tacos to sample multiple braises in one go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and Spring is the main option; spots open up more frequently after 9pm but can still be competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — most guests come in streetwear or post-event outfits; anything comfortable is appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially late at night when the line wraps outside; still manageable for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on bar and concert traffic; peak late-night surges may push waits closer to 25–30 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options including calabacitas and hongos, plus vegetarian-friendly sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-based fillings can work if ordered without dairy toppings.
Gluten-free options: Yes — all tortillas are handmade corn and naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual and fast; the counter setup, quick service, and late-night crowd make it better for relaxed hangs than romantic first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with no reservations required. Seating is first-come and typically turns over quickly, even during busy late-night stretches.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes — the space is casual and approachable. Late at night, the crowd skews adult and energetic, so families may prefer earlier visits.
Best For
Better for: Deeply flavorful braised fillings, handmade tortillas, and consistent late-night hours that outshine many nearby taco spots.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, large seating areas, or quieter dining; consider alternatives if you prefer grilled tacos over slow-simmered stews.
Guisados
8.6
Guisados DTLA brings homestyle braised taco fillings on fresh handmade corn tortillas to a Spring Street space that runs late on weekends for Downtown night owls. Lines of office workers, bar-hoppers, and service-industry regulars cycle through for mix-and-match plates, aguas frescas, and late-night samplers that are as consistent as they are comforting.cite7turn7search0turn7search6turn7search1turn7search8turn7search3
Must-Try Dishes:
Sampler OG (six mini tacos), Bistek en Salsa Roja taco, Cochinita Pibil taco
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Slow-braised taco fillings on handmade tortillas served late into the night.
Who should go: Taco fans wanting reliable late-night Mexican in Downtown.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday after 10pm for peak late-night energy.
What to order: Sampler OG, Bistek en Salsa Roja, Cochinita Pibil.
Insider tip: Order a sampler plate first, then double back on your favorite braise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring Street and nearby blocks is available but limited late at night; several paid lots on 4th–7th Streets offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; streetwear, jeans, and post-bar attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate; lively energy from the street and line but still easy to hold a conversation at the counter or tables.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on bar traffic and event nights; the line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—usually under 5 minutes unless a nearby office crowd hits at once.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several fillings like calabacitas, hongos, and quesadillas make it easy to build a plate.
Vegan options: Partial—calabacitas and some bean-based options work, but the menu skews more toward braised meats.
Gluten-free options: Strong—handmade corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, and most fillings avoid gluten by default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? If your vibe is casual, flavorful, and low-pressure, yes. It’s not romantic, but it’s fun, fast, and great for a grab-and-go late-night bite before or after drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Guisados doesn't take reservations, but turnover is fast. Even at peak hours, you’ll usually find a seat shortly after ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes—kids who enjoy mild tacos will be fine. Late-night crowds skew adult and can be louder, so earlier visits are better for families.
Best For
Better for: Consistent braised fillings on handmade tortillas, fast service, and reliable late-night hours make it stronger than trendier spots that close early or vary in quality.
Skip if: You’re looking for margaritas, full-service dining, or a quieter sit-down Mexican meal—this is more of a counter-service, quick-bite experience.
Guisados
8.7
The Downtown outpost of Guisados brings the original Boyle Heights concept to a Spring Street arcade, serving homestyle braised taco fillings on fresh, made-to-order corn tortillas late into the night. Office workers, concertgoers, and service-industry regulars rely on it for mix-and-match plates, horchata, and a reliable post-shift taco fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mini taco sampler, Cochinita pibil taco, Tinga de pollo taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Slow-braised guisados on thick handmade tortillas served late.
Who should go: Taco fans who want braises over basic street meats.
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm before the late rush hits.
What to order: Mini sampler, cochinita pibil, chiles toreado taco.
Insider tip: Order the sampler first to find your favorites, then double up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring and adjacent blocks is limited and often metered; nearby paid garages on 4th, 5th, or Hill offer the most reliable option after peak hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; most guests are in everyday streetwear or post-work attire.
Noise level: Moderate — the small space and steady foot traffic create a lively hum, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on bar traffic and events in the Historic Core.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service moves quickly with counter ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several guisado fillings like calabacitas and quesadillas offer solid vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based fillings work if ordered without dairy, but choices are narrower.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, and fillings generally follow suit, though cross-contact is possible due to the compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual dates where you want great food without formality. It’s counter-service and compact, so it works better for low-pressure meetups than romantic atmospheres.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served. Most guests eat quickly, so turnover is steady even during late-night rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy tacos; space is tight and seating is limited, so it may be less ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Consistent late-night homestyle braises, handmade tortillas, and quick service at lower prices than nearby sit-down Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want a full-service dining room, cocktails, or more elaborate Tex-Mex; in those cases, nearby Bar Amá or other sit-down restaurants are a better fit.
Guisados
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The Downtown location of Guisados brings homestyle braised fillings on thick, fresh-pressed corn tortillas to a Spring Street arcade. It’s the move when you want mix-and-match taco plates that feel slow-cooked but still land on the table quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Chiles Toreados Taco, Mini Taco Sampler
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Slow-braised guisados on handmade tortillas with serious variety.
Who should go: Downtown workers and taco nerds craving braised fillings
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for easier seating and shorter lines
What to order: Mini sampler, Cochinita Pibil, chiles toreado or tinga taco
Insider tip: Start with the mini sampler to dial in favorites, then double down on a full-size plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring and 7th is hit-or-miss; meters open up after 7pm. The Pershing Square Garage (a 5–7 minute walk) is the most reliable paid option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — most people come in work attire, jeans, or simple streetwear.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation, but the arcade echoes during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak Downtown foot traffic, longer if there’s an event nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes; rushes come in waves tied to office breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple guisados like calabacitas, hongos, and quesos are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of fillings can be customized, but offerings are not fully vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Strong — almost all tacos use corn tortillas made in-house, and fillings are naturally gluten-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a casual, low-pressure meet-up. The counter-service setup and quick turnover make it relaxed, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s entirely walk-in. Seating turnover is fast, especially after 7pm when the office crowd clears.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos or mild braises. Younger kids may find the fillings too spicy or messy, and seating is limited.
Best For
Better for: Braised, homestyle fillings with depth and tortillas pressed to order — ideal for sampler-style eating.
Skip if: You want street-style grilled meats, a full-service experience, or a quieter, sit-down dinner environment.
Guisados
8.3
The downtown branch of Guisados serves braised-meat tacos on thick, handmade corn tortillas that many gluten-free diners rely on when they want classic LA taco flavors in the Historic Core. It’s a quick, walk-up operation with a rotating line, aguas frescas, and a taco sampler that lets you explore the stew-filled menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Sampler on Handmade Corn Tortillas, Chicharrón Taco, Tinga or Cochinita Pibil Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A downtown taquería known for long-simmered guisado tacos on corn tortillas.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners who want classic LA-style stewed tacos.
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening before the heaviest lines.
What to order: Taco sampler, chicharrón taco, tinga or cochinita pibil on corn tortillas.
Insider tip: Ask staff which fillings are safest for your gluten needs and stick to corn tortillas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Spring Street and nearby blocks; meters can be tight during peak office hours. Several paid lots within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; office attire and everyday streetwear both fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours due to the compact space and steady line.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on downtown foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes, usually quick turnover unless a nearby office rush hits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available — a few fillings like calabacitas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited — check daily options; some vegetable guisados may be adaptable.
Gluten-free options: Strong — nearly all tacos are served on handmade corn tortillas, which many gluten-free diners rely on; confirm individual fillings with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want casual, no-frills tacos. It's delicious but very informal, with counter service and limited seating — better for a low-pressure meetup than a romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the space is walk-up only with quick turnover. You may hover briefly for seats during rushes, but tables open frequently.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids who enjoy tacos. Space is small and seating limited, so strollers and very young children may find it tight.
Best For
Better for: Rich, slow-cooked taco fillings served on thick corn tortillas — ideal for gluten-free diners and those wanting traditional stewed flavors.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, big group seating, or broader vegetarian/vegan options; try a full-service restaurant instead.
Guisados
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
The Spring Street outpost of Guisados serves braised-meat tacos on thick handmade corn tortillas in a casual room where families can mix and match plates. With hundreds of recent reviews praising its long-simmered guisados and affordable pricing, it’s a go-to for downtown families who want real flavor without a long sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Sampler Plate, Tinga Taco, Chicharrón Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Slow-braised taco fillings and handmade tortillas make quick family meals feel like a feast.
Who should go: Families who love bold Mexican flavors and casual counter service.
When to visit: Early dinner or weekend lunch before the line wraps outside.
What to order: Taco sampler plate, Tinga taco, Chicharrón taco.
Insider tip: Order a sampler for the adults and let kids steal bites to find favorites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring Street and nearby blocks is metered and can be competitive during peak meal times; paid lots around the Historic Core are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are, from shorts and tees to office-casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a lively counter-service room where families can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on downtown foot traffic, usually faster than most sit-down spots nearby.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal; 0–10 minutes unless there’s a rush from nearby offices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—several stews and fillings are vegetarian, including calabacitas and some specials.
Vegan options: Very limited; vegan diners can usually find one or two options depending on the day’s offerings.
Gluten-free options: Strong—tacos are served on thick corn tortillas made in-house, which many gluten-free diners rely on.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something low-key and fast. It’s counter service with communal energy—not ideal for a lingering, romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first come, first served, and turnover is fast enough that families can typically find spots within a few minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The quick format, mild options, and small tables work well for families with kids, especially ages 4 and up who can handle handheld tacos.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable downtown Mexican meals with real braised flavors and consistent tortilla quality.
Skip if: You want a full-service restaurant, expansive vegan options, or a quiet, linger-worthy dining room.