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Guisados
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Guisados
8.4
The late-night champion of authentic tacos de guisados, serving homestyle braises on handmade tortillas until 3am on weekends. Their steak picado and mole poblano tacos showcase traditional Mexican home cooking elevated by meticulous technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Picado Taco, Mole Poblano Taco, Chicharrón Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: LA's first and best tacos de guisados with weekend 3am closing
Who should go: Night owls craving authentic Mexican comfort food
When to visit: Weekends after midnight for the real experience
What to order: Mole poblano, steak picado, and fresh horchata
Insider tip: Ask for their daily special guisado not on menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - gets challenging after 10pm but easier after 2am when bars close
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are, perfect in whatever you wore out
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can easily chat while eating
Weekend wait: 10-15 min max - fast-casual style keeps lines moving
Weekday lunch: Walk right in typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent bean and cheese guisados, plus seasonal veggie options
Vegan options: Limited but doable - bean guisados without cheese, ask about cooking methods
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas are naturally GF, most guisados work
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for late-night casual dates - authentic, intimate counter seating, and the 2am crowd creates a fun 'discovered this together' vibe
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it's walk-in only with fast-casual ordering - longest wait is usually 15 minutes on busy weekend nights
Is it kid-friendly? Great for kids during dinner hours (before 9pm) - simple, authentic flavors and quick service, but definitely adult-focused after 11pm
Best For
Better for: Late-night authentic Mexican when you want real flavors over Americanized options - beats typical 24-hour spots by miles
Skip if: You want upscale Mexican dining, table service, or need to eat before 6pm (they shine after dark)
Guisados
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
LA's pioneer of tacos de guisados serves authentic homestyle braises on handmade tortillas in a casual counter-service format. Known for their signature chicken mole and tender barbacoa, each taco showcases traditional Mexican cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Mole Tacos, Beef Barbacoa, Vegetarian Mushroom Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Homestyle Mexican braises on fresh handmade tortillas using original family recipes
Who should go: Families seeking authentic Mexican comfort food
When to visit: Lunch through late night weekends
What to order: Chicken mole, barbacoa, and mushroom tacos
Insider tip: All tacos are gluten-free except occasional specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging evenings/weekends, easier during lunch hours
Dress code: Completely casual - athletic wear and flip-flops perfectly fine
Noise level: Lively but conversational - family-friendly bustle without being overwhelming
Weekend wait: 10-15 min to order, food ready in 5-8 min
Weekday lunch: Walk right up, minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - mushroom, cheese, potato, and bean options
Vegan options: Limited - mushroom and bean tacos can be made vegan
Gluten-free options: Yes - all tacos naturally gluten-free except occasional specials
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - authentic, affordable, and relaxed vibe takes pressure off while showcasing local food culture
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter-service only, no reservations needed - just walk up, order, and grab a table when available
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - simple tacos kids love, quick service, casual atmosphere, and high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Authentic homestyle Mexican over chain restaurants - real family recipes, handmade tortillas, and traditional braising techniques
Skip if: You want full table service, upscale ambiance, or extensive non-taco menu options
Guisados
8.4
Born and braised in Boyle Heights since 2010, Guisados specializes in homestyle Mexican braises served on fresh handmade corn tortillas. The counter-service spot offers comfort food favorites like cochinita pibil and steak picado at just $2.75-$4.25 per taco, making authentic flavors accessible to all.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil, Steak Picado, Chicharron Prensado
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Homestyle braises on handmade tortillas at unbeatable prices
Who should go: Budget-conscious taco purists seeking authentic flavors
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter lines
What to order: Sampler with 6 mini tacos, cochinita pibil, horchata
Insider tip: Order the sampler to try multiple braises
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, can be tough during peak hours - budget extra time or consider rideshare
Dress code: Come as you are - it's counter service, totally casual
Noise level: Lively and bustling - easy conversation at communal tables
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line during peak, moves fairly quickly
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line typical, grab-and-go friendly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including hongos (mushrooms), frijoles, and cheese tacos
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos without cheese, beans are vegan
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but check on cross-contamination for celiac
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works great for casual first dates - low commitment, conversation-friendly communal seating, and impressive authentic food without the price tag
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with communal seating, just join the line and grab any open spot
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, and simple menu with mild options available. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic homestyle braises you won't find at typical taco trucks - think of it as Mexican comfort food vs. street tacos
Skip if: You want full table service, craft cocktails, or crispy hard-shell American-style tacos
Guisados
8.5
Born and braised in Boyle Heights since 2010, this taqueria champions homestyle Mexican stews on handmade corn tortillas. Each guisado simmers for hours, creating complex flavors that have earned them a devoted following across Los Angeles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Taco, Chicken Mole Taco, Chiles Torreados
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Authentic braised meats on fresh handmade tortillas daily
Who should go: Taco purists seeking homestyle Mexican comfort
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Six-taco sampler, cochinita pibil, horchata
Insider tip: Friday and Saturday open until 3am for late-night cravings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, challenging during peak hours - budget 10-15 minutes
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, flip-flops welcome
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect to lean in for conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min standing room, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during rush, immediate seating off-peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese, bean, and veggie options like rajas con queso
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify bean tacos without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas are gluten-free, ask about stew ingredients
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual dates who value good food over ambiance - it's counter service with communal seating, so keep it low-key
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's order at counter, grab any open seat. Come before noon or after 2pm for best luck
Is it kid-friendly? Very family-friendly with high chairs available - kids love the simple quesadillas and bean tacos
Best For
Better for: Authentic home-style braises you won't find at typical taquerias - these stews simmer for hours vs quick grilled meats
Skip if: You want crispy tacos or carne asada - head to Leo's Tacos instead for traditional street-style options