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Loqui
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Loqui
8.2
A compact counter-service taco shop with quietly excellent house-made flour tortillas and cleanly grilled proteins. The menu stays focused—tacos, bowls, and combo plates—making it an easy repeat for casual Arts District dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken taco on flour tortilla, Mushroom taco, Combo plate with guac
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Flour tortillas made in-house set the baseline.
Who should go: Casual taco seekers near ROW
When to visit: Early evening for a calm patio
What to order: Chicken taco, mushrooms, combo plate
Insider tip: Always choose flour—they’re the move here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA garage offers paid parking; short-term validation is sometimes available. Street parking is limited and competitive during peak Arts District evenings.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most diners come in streetwear or work-casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate; patio is breezier and quieter while the interior can get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak 6–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; line moves quickly due to counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom tacos, sides, and bowls make it easy to build a meal.
Vegan options: Limited—mushroom fillings and some sides work, but check details at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available; bowls offer an additional gluten-free friendly format.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-key and high-quality; the patio feels relaxed and the food comes out quickly, keeping things easy and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with open seating; arriving early evening helps secure a patio spot without hovering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menus, mild flavors, and quick service work well for families; outdoor seating gives extra space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: House-made flour tortillas and consistently clean, balanced fillings make it a standout for simple, high-quality tacos in the Arts District.
Skip if: You want a full-service Mexican meal with cocktails or large-format dishes—Loqui is streamlined and casual by design.
Loqui
8.3
Loqui’s Arts District outpost serves tacos and bowls with flour or corn tortillas griddled to order, plus a cactus-lined patio that stays buzzy until 11pm most nights. It’s a go-to when you want a sharper-feeling late-night Mexican option with good cocktails nearby, counter ordering, and food that lands somewhere between street-style and polished fast casual.cite7turn2search17turn2search26turn3search24turn3search32
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Shrimp bowl, Achiote Chicken tacos, Mushroom tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tacos and bowls with warm tortillas and a lively late-night patio.
Who should go: Arts District crews wanting casual tacos after bars.
When to visit: 10pm hour for a last round of tacos and bowls.
What to order: Spicy Shrimp bowl, Achiote Chicken tacos, chips and guac.
Insider tip: Grab a patio table, then order extra tortillas to turn bowls into DIY tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction Ave and neighboring blocks is limited after 7pm; look for paid lots on Hewitt and 3rd for the most reliable late-night option.
Dress code: Casual Arts District style—tees and jeans are standard, but many guests lean slightly trendy.
Noise level: Moderate; the patio has steady music and chatter, but indoor tables allow easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on bar traffic nearby, since it’s counter-service with open seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—typically under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including mushroom tacos, veggie bowls, and chips with guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—veggie bowl minus dairy and mushroom tacos can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas and bowls are gluten-free friendly, though there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-key and lively; the patio has energy without overwhelming noise, but counter-service keeps it casual rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Loqui is counter-order only, and seating is first-come. Patio turnover is steady even during the 10pm rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes earlier in the evening; open seating, simple tacos, and casual service work well for kids, though late-night crowds skew more adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos with fresher, more polished execution than most street-style stands, plus a comfortable patio for lingering.
Skip if: You want full bar service, big-group seating, or a more traditional sit-down Mexican dining experience—nearby options may suit those needs better.
Loqui
8.4
Loqui’s Arts District location runs tacos and bowls on housemade flour and corn tortillas to a cactus-lined patio that stays open until 11pm. It splits the difference between street-style and polished fast casual, with a crowd that blends brewery hoppers, gallery-goers, and late-working creatives.
Must-Try Dishes:
Achiote chicken taco, Spicy garlic shrimp taco, Achiote chicken bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Modern taqueria with excellent tortillas and a buzzy late patio.
Who should go: Groups hopping between Arts District bars and breweries.
When to visit: 10–11pm for post-bar tacos without brutal lines.
What to order: Achiote chicken taco, spicy garlic shrimp taco, chips and guac.
Insider tip: Grab a patio table first, then order at the counter in rounds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm around the Arts District; expect competition after 7pm. Metered spots are available on 3rd St. and Traction Ave., and there are paid lots within a 2–4 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and creative—jeans, tees, and light layers fit the Arts District vibe. No need to dress up, but many guests lean stylish without being formal.
Noise level: Moderate. The patio stays lively with bar-hop energy, but conversations are still manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on bar traffic nearby; lines move quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, though patio seats can fill during peak office breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like mushroom tacos, veggie bowls, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—tortillas are vegan-friendly, but fillings skew meat-focused. One or two veggie modifications possible.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and many bowls can be adapted, but the kitchen is not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want something casual, buzzy, and low-pressure. The patio atmosphere feels lively but still relaxed enough for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Loqui is counter-service with open seating. Arrive a few minutes early on weekends to snag a patio table before ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids who like tacos will do fine, but the late-night crowd is more adult-oriented. Early evenings are better for families.
Best For
Better for: High-quality tortillas, polished fast-casual execution, and a vibrant patio scene that’s ideal for pre- or post-bar tacos.
Skip if: You want very cheap street-style tacos, a quiet sit-down dinner, or extensive vegan options.
Loqui
8.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Trendy Table Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Loqui’s Arts District outpost turns housemade flour tortillas into hefty tacos and plates that feel equal parts fast-casual and destination taco shop. Lines of creatives, brewery hoppers, and locals cycle through for achiote chicken and shrimp tacos that stay consistent deep into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Achiote Chicken Taco, Spicy Garlic Shrimp Taco, Achiote Chicken Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Handmade flour tortillas and sizable tacos that balance polish with speed.
Who should go: Taco fans who want buzzy-but-casual sit-down meals
When to visit: Evenings 6–9pm for peak patio energy and flow
What to order: Achiote Chicken Taco, Spicy Garlic Shrimp Taco, combo plate
Insider tip: Always choose flour tortillas and add a side of tortillas to scoop up plate sauces.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 3rd, Traction, and surrounding Arts District blocks can be tight after 6pm; expect metered spots and occasional open spaces near breweries. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and polished-casual fit the room; tees and jeans are standard, but a light jacket or button-up blends with the Arts District crowd.
Noise level: Moderate—patio chatter and indoor music create a steady buzz, but conversations remain easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak 6:30–8:30pm windows, slightly longer on warm patio nights.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes or walk right up, though the line moves quickly even at its longest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom tacos, salads, and customizable plates allow for solid vegetarian ordering.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads can be modified, but tacos are not fully vegan without adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are available and most fillings are naturally gluten-free; cross-contact is low but not zero due to shared kitchen space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Strong for a casual, low-pressure first date—outdoor seating, good energy, and quick service keep things relaxed without feeling too informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Loqui is counter-service with open seating. At peak hours you may hover briefly for a patio table, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who enjoy tacos and simple menus. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are sharable and the outdoor seating helps with families.
Best For
Better for: Best for consistent tortillas, fast-casual convenience, and a patio hang near breweries without sacrificing quality.
Skip if: Skip if you need late-night service past 11pm, vegan-heavy options, or a quieter, sit-down dining environment.