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Master Critic Review
Tacos Tamix (Santa Monica Blvd Outpost)
7.8
A Mixe-run taco truck slicing trompo al pastor off a vertical spit curbside on Santa Monica Blvd, serving until the early morning hours when most options have closed. The al pastor here is carved to order from a bright red trompo—straightforward street-style tacos, burritos, and mulitas built around well-rendered pork with honest portions at food-truck prices. Pull into the commercial lot, order at the window, and eat standing up or in your car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Al Pastor, Al Pastor Burrito, Cabeza Burrito with Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Mixe-run taco truck slicing trompo al pastor off a bright red spit curbside on Santa Monica Blvd until the early morning hours
Who should go: Late-night taco seekers wanting real trompo al pastor
When to visit: After 10 PM when the trompo is spinning at full speed
What to order: Start with two al pastor tacos to test the trompo, then commit to a cabeza burrito with cheese — portions are street-sized so order multiples
Insider tip: Order the alambre de pastor for takeout — the bacon fat and melted cheese keep the al pastor juicy on the ride home
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Food truck parked in a commercial lot on Santa Monica Blvd—pull into the lot and park adjacent. Side street parking also available off Santa Monica Blvd, easy to find late evenings.
Weekend wait: Short line after 9 PM when peak freshness hits, but turnover is fast—most people eat curbside and go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Veggi Burrito available ($10 cash / $11.35 card). Only listed meatless entree on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not for a traditional first date — this is a taco truck parked on Santa Monica Blvd with makeshift seating under a tent, fluorescent lighting, and a parking lot vibe. That said, for an adventurous, low-pressure late-night date where the food does the talking, it's a memorable move. The $2 al pastor tacos sliced off the trompo are the kind of thing you bond over. Best for a second or third date when you're past the white-tablecloth stage.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always — this is a walk-up taco truck, no reservations taken or needed. You order at the window and grab a spot at the folding tables. Wait times are for your food, not for a table. Late-night weekends draw the biggest crowds, but turnover is fast since most people eat and go within 15-20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours — the casual open-air setup and cheap prices make it easy with kids. Simple tacos and burritos work for less adventurous eaters. However, this spot skews heavily late-night, and the weekend crowd after midnight is an adult scene. Aim for an early evening visit if you're bringing young children.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the open-air folding table setup under the tent actually works well for groups since you're not constrained by fixed table sizes. A group of 6-8 can easily pull up chairs and spread out. No need to book ahead. Ordering is individual at the window, which makes splitting the bill a non-issue. Large groups are common here, especially on late-night weekend runs.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — all seating is outdoors. This is a taco truck operation with a tent-covered makeshift dining area featuring folding tables and chairs set up on the sidewalk or adjacent lot. There's no indoor option. The tent provides overhead cover but it's open-air on the sides, so you're exposed to the elements. Comfortable most of the year given LA weather, but bring a layer for late-night visits in winter months.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings after 9 PM when nothing else is open in Westwood—fast, $2 street tacos and fat burritos eaten curbside off the trompo.
Consider Alternatives If: You want daytime lunch (this outpost opens evenings only), sit-down dining, or a meat-free meal beyond a single veggie burrito.