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Tacos Escondidos
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tacos Escondidos
8.1
Parked along Aviation Boulevard, Tacos Escondidos is a green food truck touted as “LAX BEST” by regulars, serving stewed-steak burritos, birria, and tacos to airport workers and nearby offices. Portions are substantial for the price, and the burritos balance slow-cooked meats with well-seasoned rice, beans, and salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Birria Burrito, Steak Lunch Burrito Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A daytime burrito-and-taco truck beloved by airport staff for flavorful, filling plates.
Who should go: People working near LAX needing a fast, satisfying lunch.
When to visit: Weekday midday before the peak lunch queue forms.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, birria burrito, side of chips and salsa.
Insider tip: Check hours before heading over; they’re weekday daytime only and often sell out of birria.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Aviation Blvd; usually easy on weekdays but watch for short-term limits near the truck.
Dress code: Totally casual — airport staff, contractors, and travelers in comfy clothes blend right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it’s outdoors by a busy street, but you can still chat easily.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the truck operates weekday daytime only.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on the rush; peak noon hours can form a small line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — bean-and-cheese options and veggie sides, but most dishes are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — you can request beans-only items without cheese, but no dedicated vegan dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options like corn tacos, but cross-contact is likely in a small truck kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates street-food charm. It’s a casual, no-frills food truck — great for an easygoing hang, not for a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s a walk-up food truck. Outdoor tables are first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick eats — outdoor seating and simple menus work well for kids, though the street-adjacent setting means it’s best for ages 5+ who can stay close.
Best For
Better for: Huge portions, fast service, and stewed meats that punch above the price—ideal for budget-friendly, satisfying meals near the airport.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, expanded vegetarian/vegan choices, or a quiet, leisurely meal.
Tacos Escondidos
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This green taco stand off Aviation is a weekday lunch magnet for airport staff and nearby workers, turning out birria, al pastor and carne asada tacos from a compact setup with shaded outdoor seating. Lines move quickly and prices stay impressively low for the quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A no-frills daytime taco stand praised for birria and al pastor near the runways.
Who should go: Workers and layover travelers wanting fast, flavorful tacos.
When to visit: Weekday lunch; avoid peak noon rush if you can.
What to order: Birria tacos, al pastor tacos, horchata on the side.
Insider tip: Grab your tacos then eat under the shade sail to escape midday sun.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Aviation; usually available but can turn over quickly during weekday lunch rush. No lot or valet.
Dress code: Totally casual—work uniforms, gym clothes, and travel wear all fit in fine.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor noise from traffic and low-flying planes, but easy enough to chat without shouting.
Weekend wait: Closed—this is a weekday daytime stand.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on the noon rush; line moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—typically beans-and-cheese or veggie tacos if available; check the daily offerings.
Vegan options: Very limited—may offer bean tacos without cheese, but options are not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are standard and naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual street-food vibes. It’s more practical and delicious than romantic, with outdoor seating and a quick-bite feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s a walk-up stand with first-come shaded outdoor seating—no reservations needed or offered.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals. No high chairs or play space, but outdoor seating makes it easy for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, cheap birria and al pastor near LAX, ideal for a quick turnaround or workers on break. Hard to beat for speed-to-flavor ratio.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, a full menu with strong vegetarian/vegan options, or a leisurely sit-down meal.
Tacos Escondidos
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Parked on Aviation Boulevard, Tacos Escondidos is a green food truck specializing in daytime tacos and burritos that draw nearby office workers and airport staff. There’s no formal drink program, but its affordable, generously filled tacos function as a de facto happy hour for the lunch crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Carne asada tacos, Steak burrito with salsa roja
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A hardworking Aviation Boulevard truck known as one of LAX’s go-to taco stops.
Who should go: Office workers, airport staff, and anyone craving quick daytime tacos.
When to visit: Weekday lunch window between 11am and 2pm for freshest turnover.
What to order: Birria tacos, carne asada tacos, steak burrito.
Insider tip: Lines move fast—order a mix of tacos to sample different meats, then eat at your car or nearby curbside ledge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Aviation Boulevard and adjacent side streets is usually available; expect a short walk during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, work clothes, gym clothes, or airport scrubs all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—it's an outdoor food truck on a busy street, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Tacos Escondidos operates primarily during daytime hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; often no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—typically bean-and-cheese burritos or cheese quesadillas; ask if they can do veggie-only tacos.
Vegan options: Sparse—options depend on the day; basic bean tacos without cheese may be possible, but not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area, so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your ideal first date is low-key, cheap, and focused on great tacos rather than ambiance. It’s casual, curbside, and functional rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations or formal seating. Expect to eat standing, at your car, or at a nearby curbside spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, no-frills meals—kids who like simple tacos will be fine. There are no restrooms, changing tables, or seating, so very young children may be trickier.
Best For
Better for: Super affordable, generously stuffed tacos served fast—ideal for lunch breaks, airport staff, and anyone chasing a reliable burrito or birria fix.
Skip if: You want sit-down comfort, alcohol, shaded patio seating, or a leisurely dinner—other taquerias or cantinas will be a better fit.