0 Followers
Tacolina
Master Critic Review
Tacolina
7.5
Baja California-inspired restaurant from Blue Plate Taco featuring farm-to-table ingredients in a lush garden setting. Chef Jonathan Juarez's menu includes organic chicken tacos, seasonal salads, and craft cocktails, though the stunning verdant patio outshines the food execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Taquitos, Grilled Chicken Tacos, Caesar Salad
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: One of LA's most beautiful outdoor dining patios
Who should go: Date night diners prioritizing ambiance over food
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm weekdays, brunch Saturday-Sunday
What to order: Chicken taquitos with chipotle aioli, margaritas
Insider tip: Visit hidden Jaguar Room speakeasy bar after dinner
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - moderately difficult. Sunset Blvd meters ($2/hr) or residential streets 2 blocks away. Arrive 15 min early for dinner
Dress code: Elevated casual - sundresses, button-downs, nice jeans welcome. The Instagram-worthy garden setting calls for photo-ready outfits
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - excellent for conversation. Open-air patio diffuses sound, can easily hear across table
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 min. Brunch weekends books up fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 options including grilled vegetable tacos, seasonal salads, and cheese quesadillas. Farm-to-table vegetables shine
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified options. Can request tacos without cheese/crema. Ask server for seasonal vegetable preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard for all tacos. Salads and several entrees naturally GF. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The romantic garden patio with string lights and greenery creates natural conversation flow. Moderate noise level means you'll actually hear each other. Cocktails during 4-6pm happy hour take pressure off, and the Jaguar Room speakeasy provides a built-in 'second location' to extend the date if it's going well
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky for dinner. Weekday lunches usually accommodate walk-ins within 15 min. For weekend dinner or brunch, expect 60-90 min waits or turn-away. The patio is the draw - indoor backup seating is minimal. Book via OpenTable or call ahead, especially for parties of 4+
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ during early dinner (5-6:30pm) - outdoor space gives kids room and quesadillas/simple tacos appeal to young palates. Under 8 gets tricky as it's a date night destination with no kids menu or high chairs. The romantic vibe makes it less ideal for families versus nearby brunch spots
Best For
Better for: Tacolina wins on ambiance and Instagram appeal - LA's most beautiful taco restaurant patio. Choose this over competitors when the setting matters more than food perfection, for dates/special occasions prioritizing romance, or when you want craft cocktails with your tacos. The hidden speakeasy bar is a unique Silver Lake experience
Skip if: You're seeking authentic Baja flavors or best-in-class taco execution - food is good but not transcendent at this price point ($$$). Choose Guisados or Colonia Taco Lounge if taste trumps atmosphere. Also skip if you need guaranteed indoor seating (limited backup) or have mobility issues (uneven garden terrain)