30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Cheap Eats in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Cheap Tacos in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Taco Plus
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
A Bundy Drive fixture since the 1980s running the same formula—oversized burritos wrapped tight, slow-cooked weekend menudo, and carne asada plates portioned for the price of a fast food combo. Regulars treat it like a commissary, looping through the small lot for the same three or four orders on repeat. Expect a parking lot taco stand that delivers on quantity and flavor without pretending to be anything else.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Pollo Asado Plate, Menudo
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school taco stand on Bundy serving oversized burritos and slow-cooked menudo at drive-through prices since the 1980s.
Who should go: Budget-conscious regulars craving authentic, no-frills Mexican takeout.
When to visit: Weekends for menudo; weekday lunch to skip the line.
What to order: Start with chips and salsa, get a carne asada burrito with extra salsa, add a side of beans.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot out front with limited spaces—street parking on Bundy as backup, may require a short walk
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Veggie tacos and vegetarian burritos on the menu; kitchen uses no lard, no MSG, and cholesterol-free canola oil
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual counter-service spot, not a sit-down restaurant. You order at the counter, grab your food, and find a seat. There's no table service, no mood lighting, and no intimate atmosphere. It's great for a low-key hangout where you both just want excellent tacos, but if you're looking to impress, this isn't the move.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always — Taco Plus is counter-service, so there are no reservations. You walk in, order at the counter, and sit down. Open daily 9am to 9pm with no wait beyond the food prep time. Peak lunch hours may mean fewer open seats, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual counter-service format is naturally kid-friendly. No pressure to keep kids quiet at a formal table, and the menu has plenty of straightforward options like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas that kids tend to love. Everything is made fresh with no MSG, lard, or microwaves, so parents get a cleaner ingredient list than most fast-casual spots. Easy parking lot out front makes loading and unloading simple.
Is it good for groups? Yes for casual groups — the counter-service format means no coordinating a reservation, and everyone orders what they want individually. Good for 4-6 people grabbing a quick meal together. For larger groups or events, they do offer catering packages. Not ideal if your group wants a long sit-down dinner experience, but perfect for a relaxed, affordable group meal.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available. The space is casual and uncovered, consistent with the no-frills counter-service style. Details on heating or coverage are not confirmed — call ahead at 310-207-7494 if weather is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Quick, cheap counter-service Mexican when you want solid tacos without the fuss—order at the window, grab a table, done
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dining experience with table service—this is a hole-in-the-wall with a few indoor tables and two outdoor seats on a busy road
Hours
Monday9am - 9pm
Tuesday9am - 9pm
Wednesday9am - 9pm
Thursday9am - 9pm
Friday9am - 9pm
Saturday9am - 9pm
Sunday9am - 9pm