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Tere's Mexican Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tere's Mexican Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run Michoacán-style counter spot opened in 2017 serving homestyle Mexican comfort food with handmade tortillas. Known for generous portions, authentic preparations, and weekday specials including Taco Tuesday deals that draw regulars for beer and wine happy hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puerco con Chile Verde, Green Chilaquiles, Machaca Burrito
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Homemade tortillas and authentic Michoacán family recipes from 2002 original location
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking authentic homestyle Mexican
When to visit: Taco Tuesday 3-9pm or happy hour for beer/wine specials
What to order: Chile verde plate, spicy green chilaquiles, machaca con huevos
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa verde - it packs serious heat
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Ventura Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find. Small strip mall lot available.
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and flip-flops are the norm
Noise level: Low to moderate - counter service setup keeps it quieter than most Mexican spots
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, no seating wait (counter service)
Weekday lunch: Minimal - typically walk right up and order
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, veggie burritos, cheese enchiladas available
Vegan options: Limited - can request bean dishes without cheese, tortillas are vegan
Gluten-free options: Challenging - corn tortillas available but shared prep area, no dedicated GF protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for first dates. Counter service with plastic trays and communal seating doesn't create romantic ambiance. Better for casual group hangs or quick bites with someone you already know.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service. Order at the register, grab a table while you wait. Even on busy Taco Tuesday, you'll get a table within 5 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. Casual atmosphere, quick service, huge portions they can share, and prices that won't sting if they don't finish. High chairs available. Perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Tere's wins on authenticity and value - homemade tortillas and Michoacán family recipes at prices 30-40% below sit-down competitors. The chile verde and machaca con huevos are legitimately homestyle, not Tex-Mex. Taco Tuesday deals crush chain restaurants.
Skip if: You want full table service, craft cocktails, or upscale ambiance. For date nights or business meals, go to Loteria Grill or Casita del Campo. If you need margaritas and a buzzy scene, try Tavern on Tujunga instead.
Tere's Mexican Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Michoacán-inspired family recipes delivered through fresh, made-to-order dishes since 2017. Counter-service spot draws crowds for machaca burritos and wet burrito Wednesdays, with locals praising the generous portions and homemade horchata that rivals what you'd find south of the border.
Must-Try Dishes:
Machaca Burrito, Wet Burrito with Verde Sauce, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Traditional Michoacán recipes with daily specials like Taco Tuesday and Wet Burrito Wednesday
Who should go: Families and locals seeking authentic Mexican comfort food
When to visit: Wednesday for wet burrito special or weekend mornings
What to order: Machaca burrito with eggs, wet burrito with verde, chilaquiles
Insider tip: Get the horchata made with rice milk, whole milk, and condensed milk
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on Ventura Blvd and side streets - usually easy to find spots
Dress code: Ultra-casual - gym clothes and flip-flops are the norm
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service setup keeps it conversational
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for food prep, no seating wait (counter-service)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typical turnaround
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, veggie burritos, quesadillas available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify bean burritos without cheese, check on tortillas and rice preparation
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available but shared prep surfaces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual second or third date - counter-service format is low-pressure but lacks ambiance for a first impression
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - order at counter, grab a table. Wednesday wet burrito special draws bigger crowds so arrive before noon
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, and generous portions that kids can share. High chairs available
How does it compare to Chipotle? More authentic family recipes versus assembly-line customization - smaller menu but deeper flavors from traditional Michoacán cooking
Is the horchata really that good? Yes - made with rice milk, whole milk, and condensed milk using a family recipe. Locals specifically come back for it
Best For
Better for: Traditional family recipes and homestyle Mexican comfort food - wet burritos and machaca done the Michoacán way, not the fast-casual interpretation. Go here when you want grandma's cooking, not a burrito bowl assembly line
Skip if: You want sit-down service with ambiance, extensive menu variety, or craft cocktails. This is counter-service comfort food, not a dining experience - choose Casa Vega or Joselito's if you need full-service atmosphere