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ZipPicks Awards
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Best Cheap Tacos in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Taqueria Carrasco
7.7
A two-man Oaxacan street stand grilling cecina and chorizo over a hot griddle on Santa Monica Boulevard until 2 a.m., serving the kind of regional tacos and tortas con quesillo that are hard to find on the Westside. It fills a late-night gap in Sawtelle for anyone who wants real griddle-worked street food without driving to East LA or South Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de Cecina, Tacos de Chorizo, Quesadillas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Late-night Oaxacan street taqueria run by a two-man crew grilling cecina and chorizo over a hot griddle on Santa Monica Boulevard until 2 a.m.
Who should go: Night owls craving real Oaxacan street tacos in West LA
When to visit: Late night after 10 p.m. for peak griddle action
What to order: Start with a cecina taco and a chorizo taco to taste both signature meats, then grab a torta with quesillo if you're still hungry — ask for both the avocado salsa and the salsa roja on everything
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa roja and the creamy avocado salsa on the side — they make both in-house and they elevate every item on the menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street stand at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Armacost Ave—street parking only, typically easy to find on this stretch late at night
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a late-night street taco stand on a sidewalk corner, not a sit-down restaurant. There's no table service, ambiance, or intimate seating. It's the kind of place you hit after a date, not where you take one. Great for a casual post-bar taco run with someone you're already comfortable with.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations don't apply here — this is a walk-up street stand operating from 7:30 PM to 2:00 AM nightly. You order at the stand and eat on the spot. No wait times or booking needed; just show up. Peak late-night hours (11 PM–1 AM) may have a short line.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the stand only operates from 7:30 PM to 2:00 AM, which is past bedtime for most kids. There are no high chairs, kids menu, or family amenities. It's a sidewalk stand on a busy boulevard with no enclosed seating area. Teens who are night owls could enjoy it, but it's not a family dinner destination.
Is it good for groups? It works for small, casual groups grabbing late-night tacos — there's no party size limit since it's a street stand. However, there are no tables or dedicated group seating. Your group will be standing on the sidewalk eating tacos. Great for a spontaneous post-outing taco stop with friends, not for a planned group dinner.
Is there outdoor seating? This is entirely outdoors — it's a street taco stand on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Armacost Ave. However, there is no formal patio, tables, or chairs. You stand and eat at or near the stand. No cover or heating. Seating details not confirmed online — call (323) 674-4801 to ask if they've added any sidewalk seating.
Best For
Better for: Late-night street tacos on the Westside—a two-man operation slinging Oaxacan-style cecina and cinnamon-kissed chorizo off a steaming griddle until 2 AM
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down meal or indoor seating—this is an open-air street stand with no tables
Hours
Monday7:30pm - 2am
Tuesday7:30pm - 2am
Wednesday7:30pm - 2am
Thursday7:30pm - 2am
Friday7:30pm - 2am
Saturday7:30pm - 2am
Sunday7:30pm - 2am