30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Paco's Tacos
7.9
A retro cantina anchored in Mar Vista since 1975, built around handmade flour tortillas and oversized combo plates that reward group ordering. The fish-tank-and-Christmas-lights dining room sets the tone—unhurried, unfussy, and sized for families who treat this as a weekly rotation spot rather than a special occasion. Portions run large enough that sharing a SuperMex burrito or splitting enchiladas is the move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo, Flour Tortillas, Albondigas Soup
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Mar Vista fixture since 1975, serving massive combo plates and handmade flour tortillas in a retro cantina with fish tanks and Christmas lights.
Who should go: Families and groups craving generous old-school Mexican
When to visit: Weekday lunch to skip weekend patio crowds
What to order: Start with queso fundido and a side of flour tortillas with butter, then commit to a combinación plate or burrito—portions are enormous, so share or plan leftovers.
Insider tip: Order the flour tortillas as a standalone side—they're made in-house and worth eating on their own with butter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind the restaurant plus street parking on Centinela—lot fills fast on weekends, so check side streets and mind posted signs
Weekend wait: Expect an hour or more for a table on weekend nights—place gets packed
Weekday lunch: Waits are usually kept manageable outside peak weekend hours
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date. The dining room is festive and lively — Christmas lights, fish tanks, Mexican murals — with a social, high-energy vibe. It gets crowded and loud, especially on weekends. Better suited for a casual, fun date where you're both relaxed and don't need quiet conversation. If you're looking for intimate and quiet, look elsewhere; if you want laid-back margaritas and great food with zero pretension, it works.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait. Paco's operates primarily first-come, first-served. During weeknight dinners, waits of 45 minutes or more are common even for a table for two. Weekend evenings can mean an hour-plus wait. Tables turn over relatively quickly once seated. Off-peak hours (early lunch, late afternoon) are your best bet for walking right in. There's a decorated waiting area, so the wait is comfortable.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a strong family spot. The casual, festive atmosphere means kids fit right in without anyone batting an eye. Birthday celebrations and family gatherings are common here. Portions are enormous and shareable, and the straightforward Mexican menu has plenty of options kids will eat. Specific kids menu and high chair availability not confirmed online — call ahead at (310) 391-9616 to verify.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the restaurant accommodates larger parties and the massive portions (including 14-inch burritos) are built for sharing. For groups of 6+, calling ahead is recommended as the restaurant gets crowded and doesn't have a formal reservation system. No private dining room has been confirmed. The lively, social atmosphere suits group celebrations well.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available. Specific details about whether it's covered, heated, or the number of tables are not confirmed online. Given the Southern California location, it's usable most of the year. Call the restaurant at (310) 391-9616 to ask about patio specifics before planning around it.
Best For
Better for: Big-appetite comfort food with the family—oversized burritos, handmade tortillas, and a festive room with Christmas lights and fish tanks that kids love
Skip if: You are counting calories or want a quiet, intimate dinner—portions are massive and the vibe is lively-social, not low-key
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday10:30am - 9pm
Wednesday10:30am - 9pm
Thursday10:30am - 9pm
Friday10:30am - 10pm
Saturday10:30am - 10pm
Sunday10:30am - 9pm