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Taqueria Chihuahua
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taqueria Chihuahua
8.0
Family-owned since 1974 with deep Santa Monica roots, this second location opened in late 2024 serving traditional taqueria favorites with exceptional beans—both creamy refried pintos and earthy black beans. The generous portions and fresh ingredients showcase decades of refined recipes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Fajitas, Cheese Enchiladas, Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: 50-year family legacy with beans that define Mexican kitchen excellence
Who should go: Taqueria purists who judge restaurants by their beans
When to visit: Summer days on the beautiful patio
What to order: Anything with their signature beans, shrimp fajitas, birria specials
Insider tip: Try the beans with melted cheese—the foundation that proves their quality
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot on-site with ample spaces - parking is easy even during peak hours
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are, families in beach clothes welcome
Noise level: Moderate - family-friendly atmosphere where conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical - fast counter service keeps things moving
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - counter service means no wait for tables
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - beans are the star, plus cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, and quesadillas
Vegan options: Yes - black beans prepared without lard, rice, veggie tacos and burritos available
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available but shared prep areas, cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they're low-key - the patio creates romantic ambiance without pretense, and exceptional food quality impresses without breaking the bank. Skip if they expect white tablecloth treatment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter service with open seating. Grab your food and claim a patio table during nice weather, or eat inside anytime.
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for all ages - family-owned operation welcomes children warmly, portions are generous enough to share, and the casual counter-service format means no pressure on parents with restless kids.
Taqueria Chihuahua
7.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Brunch Bliss Spots
This newer taqueria opened as a second location from Marina del Rey, bringing traditional Mexican fare with particularly noteworthy beans and rice preparations. The extensive menu covers breakfast through dinner with generous portions, though execution can vary across the broad selection of offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bean and Cheese Burrito, Shrimp Tacos, Sopes
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Rich creamy beans that meet traditional Mexican kitchen standards
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking large portions
When to visit: Breakfast hours for morning specialties and fresh preparations
What to order: Any dish highlighting their signature beans and rice
Insider tip: Birria specials available on weekends at Culver City location
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on Sepulveda and side streets, usually easy to find
Dress code: Completely casual - gym clothes and t-shirts perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service setup keeps it conversational despite busy periods
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for food after ordering, no wait for counter seating
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min from order to food, quick turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including bean and cheese combinations, quesadillas, vegetarian burritos
Vegan options: Possible - rice and beans are excellent bases, request no cheese/sour cream on many items
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available but cross-contamination possible in shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter-service casual setting better suited for established relationships or group hangs. The quality is there but the ambiance is purely functional.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter-service with open seating. Show up, order, grab a table when ready.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, large portions for sharing, quesadillas and simple tacos appeal to young eaters. High chairs available.
How does it compare to the Marina del Rey location? The Culver City location is newer and offers weekend birria specials not always available at the original Marina spot. Otherwise, same menu and quality standards.
Is this authentic Mexican food? Yes - the beans and rice preparations show traditional Mexican kitchen technique. This isn't fusion or Tex-Mex, though menu breadth means some items execute better than others.
Best For
Better for: Those prioritizing excellent beans and rice with generous portions at budget prices - the fundamentals here outperform most taco chains and many sit-down spots at this price point
Skip if: You want consistent excellence across a broad menu, upscale ambiance, or specialized regional Mexican cuisine - the wide-ranging menu means hit-or-miss execution beyond their signature items