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ZipPicks Awards

Best Late Night Tacos in Downtown LA

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Tacos Rojos 8.3
Downtown LA
Tucked just off Flower Street, Tacos Rojos specializes in rich, crimson birria tacos served from a casual late-night stand that draws post-game crowds and downtown workers. The focus is on deeply flavored beef, tortillas kissed with chile-stained fat, and hot consomé that keeps lines forming until closing.
Must-Try Dishes: Birria tacos, Quesabirria tacos, Birria consomé
Scores:
Value: 8.5 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Red-stained birria tacos and consomé a short walk from L.A. Live.
Who should go: Fans leaving games who want serious birria fast.
When to visit: 7–11pm, especially post-event when the griddle is nonstop.
What to order: Birria tacos plate, quesabirria tacos, extra consomé for dipping.
Insider tip: Lines move quickly but seating is limited—plan to eat standing or in your car.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Flower and side streets is usually available but can be tight during events at L.A. Live; expect to circle a bit. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodies, jerseys, and post-game fits are the norm.
Noise level: Lively street noise with griddle sizzle; conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, longer (up to 30+) if a game or concert just let out.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunchtime; opens evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasionally basic cheese quesadillas, but the menu is heavily birria-focused.
Vegan options: Not suitable—most items center on beef and tortillas brushed with beef fat.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely on a shared griddle.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves street food and late-night energy—it's standing-room, messy, and delicious, but not ideal for a polished first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or formal tables. Expect to eat standing or from your car; arriving right before or after peak post-event crowds helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly in terms of food simplicity, but the late-night hours, street setting, and limited seating make it better for older kids or quick takeout.
Best For
Better for: Deep, chile-rich birria flavor and fast turnaround, especially post-event. Ideal for late-night taco runs where flavor matters more than ambience.
Consider Alternatives If: You want sit-down comfort, plant-based options, or a quiet place to chat—other taquerías with seating and broader menus will suit you better.

Hours

Monday8am - 1am
Tuesday5pm - 1am
Wednesday8am - 1am
Thursday8am - 1am
Friday8am - 3am
Saturday8am - 3am
Sunday8am - 2am