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My Taco
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
My Taco
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Opened in 1994 by the Garduño family, My Taco is a counter-service taqueria famous for its lamb barbacoa and hearty Mexico City–style plates. With long hours, fast service, and wallet-friendly pricing, it’s a natural after-work taco and aguas frescas stop before a night out on York.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de barbacoa de borrego, Chicken fajitas plate, Torta My Taco with milanesa and ham
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Family-run barbacoa specialist with nearly three decades of history.
Who should go: Taco obsessives chasing slow-cooked lamb and big plates.
When to visit: Early evening for quick counter service before York bars.
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, fajitas plate, Torta My Taco.
Insider tip: Order barbacoa by the pound to build DIY taco spreads at home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on York Blvd and surrounding residential streets; usually easy before 6pm, slightly tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, jeans, work clothes all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter and griddle sounds, but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, mostly for food prep since it's counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid choices like bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and quesadillas.
Vegan options: Limited—bean tacos (ask for no cheese) and chips with salsa; most mains are meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available and many plates work gluten-free; avoid flour tortilla items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something low-key and unfussy—great for casual hangouts, not ideal for a romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-up counter service. Grab any open table or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—quick service, simple plates, and plenty of kid-approved items like quesadillas and rice & beans. Not much space for strollers indoors, but manageable.
Best For
Better for: Standout lamb barbacoa, hearty Mexico City–style plates, fast counter service, and extremely wallet-friendly pricing.
Skip if: You want cocktails, a sit-down experience, or a wide range of vegan options—try a more modern full-service Mexican spot instead.
My Taco
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Opened in 1994 by the Garduño family, My Taco is a strip-mall taqueria famed for lamb barbacoa handed down from the owner’s father and for over-the-top carne asada fries. It’s a Highland Park staple where locals mix classic tacos with serious gut-buster plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa de borrego tacos, Carne asada fries, Tacos de papa
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Decades-old family taqueria famous for lamb barbacoa and fries.
Who should go: Hungry carnivores and locals craving serious barbacoa and fries.
When to visit: Weekend lunch before the barbacoa and salsa bar get slammed.
What to order: Barbacoa de borrego tacos, carne asada fries, tacos de papa.
Insider tip: Split the carne asada fries; portions are huge even for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared strip-mall lot with limited spaces; usually manageable on weekdays but fills up fast on weekends. Ample street parking on Figueroa and side streets, generally easier earlier in the day.
Dress code: Totally casual — shorts, hoodies, post-gym attire all welcome.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it’s a bustling taqueria, but you can still carry a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for food after ordering; seating can be tight during peak hours but there’s no formal waitlist.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food comes out quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent options — tacos de papa, bean-and-cheese burritos, and customizable quesadillas.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — bean tacos/burritos without cheese, plus chips and salsas.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free and most meats qualify; cross-contamination possible due to shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, no-frills vibe. The focus is hearty tacos, big portions, and plastic tables — fun and delicious, but not a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. It’s counter-service, so just grab a table when you arrive. Go earlier on weekends for the easiest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed, affordable, and fast. Good for kids who like simple tacos, rice, or fries. No high chairs or play area, but very welcoming for families.
Best For
Better for: Lamb barbacoa and massive carne asada fries — few places in Highland Park match the depth of flavor or the value for money.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down experience with ambiance, cocktails, or extensive vegetarian/vegan offerings.