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ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in Los Angeles
Best Late Night Mexican in Los Angeles
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Tacos El Chido
8.1
A late-night parking lot taco stand at La Brea and Santa Monica Blvd where tortillas get pressed by hand to order—the kind of detail that separates a good street taco from a great one. It runs a tight menu of al pastor, carne asada, mulitas, and tortas at street-stand prices, pulling a loyal after-hours crowd that treats the parking lot like a destination. Show up hungry past midnight; expect to eat standing up and leave satisfied.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Quesadillas
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Late-night street stand pressing handmade tortillas to order at the corner of La Brea and Santa Monica Blvd.
Who should go: Night owls craving authentic street tacos after hours
When to visit: Friday or Saturday after midnight for peak energy
What to order: Get al pastor and carne asada tacos on handmade tortillas, add a mulita, then hit the salsa bar hard with the green sauce.
Insider tip: The spicy green salsa at the salsa bar is the standout condiment—don't skip it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Parking lot taco stand—you pull right into the lot where it operates; easy in-and-out, no hunting for street spots
Weekend wait: Fast turnover—orders come out in minutes even when the line builds up; open until 3am Fri-Sat so late arrivals skip the rush
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're going for a casual, adventurous late-night vibe. This is an open-air taco stand in a parking lot at the La Brea and Santa Monica Blvd intersection — no dim lighting, no tablecloths, no intimate atmosphere. But if your idea of a great first date is sharing incredible al pastor tacos under the night sky at midnight, it's perfect. The freshly made tortillas and sizzling grill create an authentic, fun energy. Best as a spontaneous late-night stop, not a planned romantic evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren't taken here. This is a walk-up taco stand, first-come first-served. There are a few small tables and chairs set up near the stand, but most people order and eat standing or take their food to go. No wait list, no host — just walk up to the counter and order. Late-night weekend hours can get busy with lines, but turnover is fast since it's counter service.
Is it kid-friendly? It's casual enough that kids are fine, but it's not set up for families. There's no dedicated kids menu, no high chairs, and it's a parking lot stand — so no enclosed dining area. The simple taco menu and self-serve salsa bar work for older kids who aren't picky eaters. However, the spot really comes alive late at night, so it's better suited for adults. If you're bringing kids, go on the earlier side of their operating hours.
Is it good for groups? It works for small groups of 4-6 who don't mind standing or sharing limited seating. There are no large tables, no private dining, and no group reservation options — it's a street-style taco stand. The upside is that ordering is quick, the food comes out fast, and the casual vibe makes it easy for everyone to grab what they want. For groups larger than 6, seating will be a challenge. Best as a late-night group food run rather than a sit-down group dinner.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes, but it's all outdoor — this is a parking lot taco stand with a few small tables and chairs set up nearby. There's no indoor option at all. The seating is uncovered and unheated, so you're fully exposed to the elements. Most customers eat standing at the counter area or take their food to go. It's functional rather than comfortable, but that's part of the street taco charm.
Best For
Better for: Post-bar late-night taco runs, quick cheap eats under $20 for two, no-fuss street food with handmade tortillas pressed to order
Consider Alternatives If: You want sit-down dining with ambiance—this is an open-air parking lot stand with minimal seating; closed Sundays and doesn't open until 6:30pm so no lunch option
Hours
Monday6:30pm - 1am
Tuesday6:30pm - 1am
Wednesday6:30pm - 1am
Thursday6:30pm - 1am
Friday6:30pm - 3am
Saturday6:30pm - 3am
SundayClosed