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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Master Critic Review
Ruben's Tacos
7.6
A bare-bones Venice Blvd taco stand that runs the classic street-style lineup—al pastor, carne asada, fish tacos—until 2 AM without the price creep that hits most Westside late-night spots. It fills the gap for Palms and Mar Vista residents who want honest tacos at truck pricing without driving east. Expect a no-frills sidewalk setup where the food does the talking and the tab stays under fifteen bucks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Burrito, Fish Taco
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Old-school late-night taco stand on Venice Blvd serving street-style tacos until 2 AM without the Westside markup
Who should go: Late-night taco seekers on the Westside
When to visit: Opens at 5 PM nightly; peak flavor after 10 PM
What to order: Start with an al pastor taco off the spit, then grab a carne asada burrito — load up on the free self-serve beans
Insider tip: Free self-serve beans are available on the side — don't skip them
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Venice Blvd is usually easy—if the spots by the truck are taken, the Smart & Final lot next door has overflow
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual, counter-service taco stand with a lively late-night crowd, not an intimate dining setting. The vibe is fun and unpretentious, but noise levels run moderate-to-loud and seating is basic. Better for a low-key hangout after you're already comfortable with someone than for a first-impression dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Ruben's is entirely walk-in, no reservations needed or accepted. It's a quick-service counter spot, so you order and grab a seat. Even during late-night rushes the turnover is fast. Expect minimal wait times; most people are in and out quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual atmosphere and simple menu (tacos, burritos, quesadillas) make it easy for kids. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, but the straightforward offerings and low price point ($1 tacos, $6 quesadillas) work well for young eaters. Best before the late-night crowd picks up — aim for early evening.
Is it good for groups? Yes for casual group outings — the low prices and shareable taco format make it natural for groups grabbing a quick bite. Seating is limited since it's a small spot, so very large parties may need to split across tables or eat standing. They also offer catering for events. For groups over 6, the catering route may be more comfortable than dining in.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available. It's a simple al fresco setup fitting the casual taco-stand format. Details on covered or heated seating are not confirmed — call (310) 343-9200 to verify specifics, especially in cooler months.
Best For
Hours
Monday5pm - 2am
Tuesday5pm - 2am
Wednesday5pm - 2am
Thursday5pm - 2am
Friday5pm - 2am
Saturday5pm - 2am
Sunday5pm - 2am