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Monster Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Monster Tacos
7.7
A Glassell Park taqueria leaning into big, loaded builds and a broad menu that runs from street tacos to heartier plates. Best when you want generous portions and a dependable late-day stop without chasing hype.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Carne asada fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Big-portion tacos and birria-forward comfort menu.
Who should go: Groups or hungry solo diners.
When to visit: Evenings when you want a hearty meal.
What to order: Birria tacos, pastor, asada fries.
Insider tip: Dip birria tacos lightly to keep tortillas intact.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Eagle Rock Blvd and nearby residential streets; typically easy before 7pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—tees, hoodies, and everyday wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—steady taqueria energy with music and kitchen noise, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume; dine-in orders may move slower when birria demand spikes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with orders coming out quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be made vegan by removing cheese and crema, but options are modest.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most street tacos use corn tortillas; avoid fried items that may share oil with breaded proteins.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, casual meetup—portions are big and the vibe leans practical rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Seating is first-come, first-served and typically available outside of peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual seating, fast service, and simple tacos make it easy for families. Best for kids 6+ who can manage counter-style ordering.
Best For
Better for: Hearty portions, birria-focused comfort plates, and reliable late-evening meals compared to lighter, trendier taco spots.
Skip if: You want chef-y toppings, handmade tortillas, or specialty salsas—go to a more craft-focused taqueria for that.
Monster Tacos
7.5
A late-day taqueria with big portions and a menu tuned for craving-driven orders, from street tacos to heavier birria and fries builds. Best when you want something filling and fast in the Eagle Rock Blvd strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Asada fries, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Generous, birria-forward tacos built for late-night cravings.
Who should go: Hungry diners wanting big portions fast.
When to visit: Evenings and late night.
What to order: Birria tacos, asada fries, pastor tacos.
Insider tip: Dip birria lightly first—tortillas hold better.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Eagle Rock Blvd is usually available, but can get tight after 8pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Super casual—hoodies, tees, and late-night comfort wear are all totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate—mostly kitchen sounds and takeout flow, but you can still hold a basic conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like bean-and-cheese burritos or veggie tacos, but selection is limited.
Vegan options: Very limited—bean-based items can be made vegan if you skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there’s no dedicated GF prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is casual and you’re both into laid-back, late-night taco runs. It’s more functional than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here. Seating is limited, so be ready to share a table or eat quickly during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like simple tacos and fries. Limited seating and late-night crowds make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night birria cravings, large portions, and fast counter-style meals.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, quieter ambiance, or a strong vegetarian/vegan menu.