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HomeState
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
HomeState
8.0
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This Texas-inspired breakfast spot brings queso-topped breakfast tacos and kolaches to Los Feliz with genuine Hill Country hospitality. The colorful tacos filled with scrambled eggs, brisket, and fresh pico photograph beautifully against the casual counter-service setting. Lines form early for the authentic breakfast tacos that taste like Austin transplanted to Hollywood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Tacos, Queso, Kolaches
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Authentic Texas breakfast tacos rarely found on West Coast
Who should go: Taco lovers and Texas expats craving genuine breakfast culture
When to visit: Weekday mornings before 9am beat the Hollywood brunch rush
What to order: Build your own breakfast taco, add queso, kolache sampler
Insider tip: Order the brisket add-on for any taco for true Texas authenticity
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont/Hillhurst - moderately difficult. Arrive early or use public lot on Vermont ($8 flat rate). Weekday mornings easier than weekends.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, workout clothes, coffee run attire all standard. This is a counter-service taco spot.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch - expect energetic breakfast crowd chatter. Casual conversation works fine but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner - breakfast/lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait typical between 11am-1pm, order-at-counter so line moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including potato & egg tacos, black bean versions, veggie kolaches. Easy to build custom tacos.
Vegan options: Limited but possible - can build tacos with potatoes, black beans, pico, avocado (skip cheese/queso). Best to confirm tortilla preparation.
Gluten-free options: No - tacos served on flour tortillas, no GF alternative available. Not recommended for celiac diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd-3rd dates. Counter-service ordering and communal vibes work for low-pressure morning meetups, but weekend waits and cafeteria-style seating aren't ideal for getting-to-know-you conversations. Perfect for 'let's grab tacos' energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come counter service with limited indoor/outdoor seating. Weekday mornings before 9am you'll get a spot easily. Weekends expect 15-30 min waits between 9am-12pm. Many people order to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, simple menu kids love (scrambled egg tacos, kolaches). High chairs available. The line-and-wait format can test toddler patience on busy weekends though.
How much should I budget per person? $12-18 per person for 2-3 tacos, a kolache, and coffee. One of LA's best breakfast values - you'll leave full without breaking $20.
Is this actually authentic Texas breakfast? Yes - founded by Texas natives who nailed the details. The breakfast taco proportions, queso quality, and kolache execution match Austin standards. Texan transplants consistently validate the authenticity.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Texas-style breakfast tacos at unbeatable prices, quick weekday breakfast that's actually special, Instagram-worthy food that tastes as good as it looks, satisfying brunch without the $25/plate markup
Skip if: You want table service or a leisurely seated brunch experience, need gluten-free options, prefer California-style Mexican breakfast (go to Homeboy Industries or Guisados instead), or want boozy brunch cocktails
HomeState
8.2
Texas kitchen bringing authentic breakfast tacos on fresh flour tortillas to Los Feliz. The migas and queso deliver genuine Tex-Mex flavors with high-quality ingredients like shredded brisket, bacon, and perfectly spiced chorizo in efficient counter-service format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Tacos, Queso, Brisket Taco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Best Tex-Mex breakfast tacos on the West Coast with exceptional flour tortillas
Who should go: Taco lovers and Texas expats craving authentic flavors
When to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
What to order: Any breakfast taco, queso, brisket taco
Insider tip: The spicy salsa packs serious heat—request it on the side
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont and side streets - generally available but can fill up during peak brunch hours. Small lot behind building has 6-8 spaces.
Dress code: Super casual - athletic wear, t-shirts, whatever you're comfortable in
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service setup means you can chat easily at tables, some bustle during rush
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner - breakfast/lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait during lunch rush (12-1pm), otherwise walk right in
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including potato and egg tacos, black bean tacos, and veggie migas
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can modify tacos to skip cheese and dairy, ask for specifications
Gluten-free options: No - flour tortillas are the star here and corn tortillas aren't offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual second or third date - it's counter-service with communal vibes, not romantic, but perfect for low-pressure hangouts where great food breaks the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's order-at-counter, grab-a-table style. Weekday mornings are easy; expect 10-20 minute waits on weekend mornings (9am-12pm).
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, and simple tacos kids love. High chairs available. Gets loud during brunch rush but nobody minds.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Texas-style breakfast tacos with exceptional tortillas and quality ingredients at budget prices - beats trendy brunch spots for genuine flavor and value
Skip if: You want sit-down table service, a boozy brunch experience, or need gluten-free options - this is grab-and-go taco excellence, not a leisurely brunch scene
HomeState
8.1
Texas kitchen bringing authentic breakfast tacos and Tex-Mex to East Hollywood since 2013. House-made flour tortillas filled with quality proteins like slow-smoked brisket define this Latinx-owned and women-operated neighborhood favorite that delivers genuine Austin-style breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pecos Breakfast Taco (Brisket), Classic Trinity Taco, Fresh Queso
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Genuinely authentic Texas breakfast tacos with housemade tortillas in LA
Who should go: Texas transplants and breakfast taco devotees seeking the real deal
When to visit: Weekday mornings before 10am, open 7am-10pm daily
What to order: Pecos taco with brisket, queso to share, migas for traditional
Insider tip: Featured on BuzzFeed's Worth It for the breakfast taco trifecta
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Blvd and side streets - typically easy to find spots. Free 2-hour metered parking, meters enforced until 8pm weekdays
Dress code: Extremely casual - workout clothes and flip-flops common. This is a counter-service taco spot
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversations easy but expect bustling breakfast energy during peak hours
Weekend wait: 10-15 min wait for food after ordering, no reservations needed (counter service)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typical, minimal line except breakfast rush 8-9am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including black bean tacos, veggie migas, and cheese-focused tacos
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can customize tacos without cheese/eggs, black beans available
Gluten-free options: No - flour tortillas are the signature, corn tortillas not offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual morning dates or relaxed brunch vibes - counter service keeps it low-pressure. Skip for formal dinner dates. The outdoor patio adds charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's fast-casual counter service. Order at the counter, grab a table (first-come). Weekday mornings and early afternoons are easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, high chairs available, simple taco options kids love. Outdoor patio gives space for active kids. All ages welcome.
How long does a meal here take? Quick service - order to eating in 15-20 minutes typically. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or relaxed 30-45 minute sit-down meal on the patio.
Is it good for groups? Yes for groups up to 6-8 - communal tables available, easy to push tables together. Larger groups may struggle during busy times. Order-at-counter style keeps groups moving efficiently.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Austin-style breakfast tacos that actually taste like Texas - housemade flour tortillas and slow-smoked brisket beat LA's typical Cali-Mex versions. Best for quick, quality breakfast under $15 in a neighborhood setting
Skip if: You want corn tortillas (they only do flour), need full table service, or prefer upscale brunch ambiance. Choose Sqirl or All Day Baby for trendier East Hollywood brunch scenes
HomeState
8.3
Austin-born Tex-Mex concept serving breakfast tacos on housemade flour tortillas with applewood-smoked bacon and farmers market eggs. Founded by Briana Valdez in 2013, this Los Feliz fixture draws lines for its loaded queso, migas with brisket, and signature Neches taco with eggs, beans, and sharp cheddar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trinity (eggs, bacon, cheddar, potato), Pecos (egg and shredded brisket), Loaded Queso with brisket
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Texas-style breakfast tacos with housemade flour tortillas and genuine Austin flavor
Who should go: Brunch crowds, breakfast taco enthusiasts, casual groups
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid weekend lines, 7am-10pm daily
What to order: Trinity, Pecos, loaded queso with housemade tortilla chips
Insider tip: Multiple locations now, but the Hollywood Blvd original has the best patio vibes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on side streets (easier than main Vermont strip), small lot behind building. Mornings are easiest, weekends get tight after 10am.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, workout gear, whatever. This is a breakfast taco counter, not a sit-down scene.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - counter ordering, bustling brunch energy, but outdoor tables are quieter for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min order wait during weekend brunch rush (9am-1pm), but it's counter service so you're not waiting for tables
Weekday lunch: 10 min or less - quick counter service, grab and go
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including Black Eye (black beans, egg, cheese), Good Morning (potato, egg, cheese), and veggie-loaded queso
Vegan options: Limited - can build your own with beans, potatoes, avocado. No vegan cheese or egg substitutes, but staff will accommodate.
Gluten-free options: No - flour tortillas are the signature here and not available GF. Queso with chips is your best bet.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd date territory - it's counter-service casual with communal vibes, not romantic. Great for a low-pressure breakfast date where you can actually talk and bail easily if needed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service with first-come seating. Weekday mornings are wide open, but expect to hover for outdoor tables on weekend mornings between 9am-noon.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - casual counter service, high chairs available, simple menu kids actually like (cheese quesadillas, basic egg tacos). Outdoor patio gives them space to move. Neighborhood families flood this place on weekends.
How spicy is the food? Mild by default with salsa bar for customization. Even the 'hot' salsa is approachable. Austin-style means flavorful, not fiery - built for morning consumption.
Can I work here on my laptop? Not really - limited seating that turns over quickly during busy hours, no dedicated work setup. Hit nearby cafes if you need a workspace after your taco fix.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Austin breakfast taco experience with high-quality ingredients (applewood bacon, farmers market eggs, housemade tortillas). The loaded queso is legitimately better than most Tex-Mex sit-down spots, and the speed-to-quality ratio can't be beat for breakfast.
Skip if: You want a leisurely sit-down brunch with full table service, need gluten-free options, or hate waiting in lines on weekends. Also skip if you're expecting California-style lighter fare - this is hearty, stick-to-your-ribs Texas breakfast.