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La Purepecha
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
La Purepecha
8.8
Named after Michoacán's indigenous societies, this year-old taquería offers handmade corn tortillas with exceptional meat-to-tortilla ratios. Tuesday's $1.99 tacos draw crowds for authentic carnitas, adobada, and their memorable grilled fish tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taconazos, Grilled Fish Taco, Adobada Taco
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas with cheese-melted taconazos option
Who should go: Authenticity seekers and taco purists
When to visit: Taco Tuesday for $1.99 deals
What to order: Carnitas taconazos, fish taco, consomé
Insider tip: Ask for taconazos style with melted cheese inside
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered until 6pm. Gets tight during Taco Tuesday rush - arrive before 6:30pm or walk from nearby lots
Dress code: Come as you are - locals in everything from beach gear to work clothes
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for seating, order at counter
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line for ordering, grab-and-go friendly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - beans, cheese quesadillas, nopales (cactus) tacos available
Vegan options: Very limited - nopales tacos can be made without cheese, beans without lard on request
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? Perfect for casual first dates - low-key atmosphere takes pressure off, and sharing different tacos is a natural conversation starter. Skip Taco Tuesday if you want to actually hear each other
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's order at counter, first-come seating. Best strategy is avoiding 7-8pm Tuesday rush or taking it to-go to the beach
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere where kids can be themselves, simple quesadillas and bean tacos available, quick service means less waiting
Best For
Better for: More authentic than Tocaya or Tallula's - handmade tortillas and traditional Michoacán recipes you won't find at trendy spots. Best meat-to-tortilla ratio in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy presentation or craft cocktails - head to Mercado instead. Also skip if you need extensive vegan options or table service
La Purepecha
7.6
This no-frills taqueria excels at handmade corn tortillas sturdy enough to hold generous portions of grilled asada and fresh guacamole. Their signature taconazo style adds molten griddled cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taconazo-Style Tacos, Machaca Burrito, Asada Mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas and cheese-crusted taconazo style
Who should go: Taco purists seeking authentic street style
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shortest lines
What to order: Any taco taconazo-style, machaca burrito, horchata
Insider tip: Extra $1 for taconazo style worth every penny
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, usually available but can fill up late nights
Dress code: Come as you are - this is a casual taqueria
Noise level: Lively but manageable - counter service with some outdoor seating
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for order, late night can be 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typical, grab-and-go friendly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese options, grilled veggie tacos
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify orders without cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, avoid flour tortilla items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates - it's counter service with limited seating, but the authentic vibe and amazing tacos make it memorable for the right person
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's order at the counter with first-come seating or takeout
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - quick service, simple menu, and mild options available. No high chairs but casual atmosphere works for families
Best For
Better for: Authentic street taco experience with better tortillas than most - their handmade bases and taconazo cheese crust technique beats chain taquerias
Skip if: You want table service, extensive cocktails, or upscale ambiance - hit up a full-service Mexican restaurant instead
La Purepecha
7.8
Downtown's beloved Michoacán-style taqueria where thick handmade tortillas and a legendary $1.99 Taco Tuesday keep families coming back. The no-frills interior focuses attention on succulent carnitas and perfectly charred pollo asado that rival any upscale competitor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Grilled Fish Tacos, Tacos Dorados
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas with serrated edges made fresh daily
Who should go: Budget-conscious families and taco aficionados
When to visit: Tuesday for $1.99 taco special all day
What to order: Carnitas tacos, fish taco, jamaica agua fresca
Insider tip: Add cheese for taconazos style upgrade
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered until 8pm, very competitive during lunch rush
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, flip-flops to work clothes all welcome
Noise level: Loud and lively - expect mariachi music and bustling taqueria energy
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for table, counter seating usually available
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line at peak noon-1pm, quick after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese, nopales, rajas tacos, plus sides
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify bean tacos without cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are safe, but shared prep surfaces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if they appreciate authentic tacos over ambiance - it's fluorescent lights and plastic chairs but incredible food
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's order at counter then grab any open table
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for kids - casual atmosphere, quick service, mild options available, high chairs on hand
Best For
Better for: Authentic Michoacán-style carnitas that beat any trendy taco spot, unbeatable value especially on Tuesdays
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy plating or craft cocktails - this is about the tacos, period
La Purepecha
8.7
Named after Michoacan's indigenous societies, this counter-service spot serves the city's best handmade tortillas with thick, soft edges that perfectly cradle succulent carnitas and adobada. The taconazos upgrade adds griddled cheese beneath your protein, while Tuesday's $1.99 taco special draws consistent crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taconazos, Fish Tacos, Chilaquiles Plate
Scores:
Value: 9.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas with signature serrated edges
Who should go: Taco purists and Taco Tuesday enthusiasts
When to visit: Tuesdays for $1.99 taco special
What to order: Carnitas taconazos, adobada, fish tacos
Insider tip: Upgrade any taco to a taconazo for griddled cheese
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with meters until 6pm ($2/hr), limited spots - arrive early or use public lot on 4th Street ($5 flat after 6pm)
Dress code: Come as you are - completely casual counter service
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect background chatter but conversations are manageable
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line during peak hours (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line, moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese, nopales (cactus), and rajas con queso tacos available
Vegan options: Very limited - can do bean tacos without cheese, ask for corn tortillas
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but cross-contamination possible from shared griddle
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - it's counter service with limited seating and you'll be eating with your hands
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter service with first-come seating at communal tables
Is it kid-friendly? Very - quick service, simple menu, and quesadillas available for picky eaters. No high chairs but casual atmosphere perfect for families
Best For
Better for: Authentic Michoacan-style carnitas and handmade tortillas that beat any chain or truck - the thick, serrated-edge tortillas are unmatched locally
Skip if: You want table service, margaritas, or Instagram-worthy ambiance - head to Tallula's or Forma instead for elevated Mexican dining
La Purepecha
8.4
Family-run Michoacan taqueria making handmade tortillas with serrated edges from scratch daily. Carnitas and fish tacos shine, especially during the $1.99 Taco Tuesday special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Fish Tacos, Taconazos with Melted Cheese
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas with righteous meat-to-tortilla ratios
Who should go: Budget taco purists seeking authenticity
When to visit: Taco Tuesdays for $1.99 deals
What to order: Carnitas, adobada, grilled fish tacos
Insider tip: Ask for taconazos to add melted cheese layer