Authentic Mexican restaurant with hole-in-the-wall charm and small outdoor tables that welcome dogs. Atmosphere feels affordable and casual, with a focus on soft, flavorful tamales and a variety of traditional dishes. Seating is limited but includes both indoor and outdoor options, creating a cozy, unpretentious vibe.
Green chicken tamales and mole tamales stand out with rich, authentic flavors. Varieties like pork with red sauce and chili and cheese offer excellent taste and good value.
Green salsa stands out with its spicy kick and warmth. Portions come with chips and salsa that complement breakfast well.
"These tamales are the yummiest I ever had."
"I found the Mexican tamales here to be authentic."
"The green salsa has a nice kick and great flavor."
Good to know
You have to purchase tamales in half dozen or more, with no option for partial flavors.
Tamales Alberto offers vegan options for their chilaquiles.
Parking can be a little tough, but there is open street parking available.
Simple, cozy interior creates a friendly, casual atmosphere that suits quick meals or relaxed dining. Regulars enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with standout dishes like tamales and chilaquiles. The spot feels like a neighborhood gem with a clean, comfortable vibe.
Tamales come fresh with a good chicken to masa ratio and savory, sweet, nutty chicken mole flavor. Options include banana leaf tamales and portions are generous and satisfying.
Green salsa covers the carne asada breakfast burrito, adding freshness to its simple, quality flavors. Mild salsa with cilantro and a spicy option both stand out for their strong taste.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.
Street parking is available off Wilton for easy access.
The menu includes many vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.
Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a cozy, historic vibe nestled in a bustling market setting. Staff wear white shirts and caps, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The space feels crammed and intimate, creating a lively yet comfortable dining experience.
Chicken and cheese tamales appear on combos and a la carte orders. Tamales come without meat in some options. Combos include tamales with taquitos, rice, and beans for a set price.
Green salsa stands out with its amazing flavor and pairs well with tostadas. Salsas on the table are consistently delicious and enhance the meal.
Good to know
The restaurant is located on Olvera Street, which is a narrow market street.
La Noche Buena Restaurant opens at 7am, perfect for early risers.
A plate of beans and rice with a choice of egg costs $9-$10 per person.
Outdoor patio surrounded by plants offers a cozy, intimate vibe with dog-friendly seating. Atmosphere feels relaxing and inspiring, perfect for quiet moments or casual gatherings. Small space with walk-up ordering creates a casual, tucked-away feel.
Tamales pack a lot of flavor and come in multiple varieties. They serve as a gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that stands out for being satisfying and well-made.
Tomatillo salsa stands out for its freshness and flavor. Small portions come with an upcharge, like a dollar for less than two tablespoons.
Good to know
The establishment is fully vegan with many plant-based dishes.
There are no customer restrooms available at Little Barn Coffee House.
They ask that people don’t stay longer than an hour.
Outdoor dining occupies a narrow, hidden space with a chill vibe and lovely atmosphere. The spot feels like a small taco oasis with deliciously spicy salsas at a compact salsa bar. Seating uses plasticware, and the setting offers free parking nearby.
Menu includes elevated Mexican street food with tamales among staples. The pepper and cheese tamale stands out as a notable option.
A small salsa bar offers spicy green and red salsas that are flavorful but not very hot. The salsas are tasty and well-liked, with a suggestion that a hotter option could enhance the experience.
Good to know
There is free parking at Ditroit Taqueria.
They have a parking lot right next to the restaurant, which provides peace of mind.
Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
A small Mexican restaurant with a back patio offering outdoor seating. The air carries a strong scent of fresh masa and simmering chiles, creating a rich, authentic atmosphere. Known for large, flavorful tamales made without lard, it draws a crowd despite limited parking and a takeout-focused setup.
Big and tasty tamales stand out here, especially the green chicken and sweet corn varieties. Prices stay fair, and many return regularly for these flavorful tamales.
Chicken tamales come with salsa verde that is flavorful and moist. Green salsa stands out as really good, complementing the tamales well.
Good to know
Parking is very limited, which can be a problem.
The tamales are $4 each and are pretty big and filling.
They don't take small orders over the phone.
Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a family atmosphere and wide variety of tamale flavors. Tamales are moist and delicious, often considered some of the best in the area. Parking is challenging due to a small lot and busy intersection location.
Tamales here are delicious and moist with generous portions of chicken or beef. They stay tasty for days and come with fast service and friendly staff who sometimes offer complimentary samples.
Salsa here offers a good amount of spice, especially the salsa verde which is worth asking for. Sometimes it comes reluctantly and in small amounts, but adding extra salsa makes dishes noticeably spicier.
Good to know
Parking is free but the lot is small.
The parking can be challenging.
Expect to spend around $40 for five tamales and drinks.
Historic Mexican restaurant with nostalgic decor and divided dining areas creates a cozy, old-timey vibe. Strong, flavorful margaritas and classic Hispanic dishes define the experience. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with a mix of quiet booths and lively spaces.
Green corn tamales stand out with a seasonal window from May through October. The sweet corn tamales and a corn-jalapeño tamale offer distinct flavors that many find impressive.
Salsa here is consistently on point, with the salsa verde standing out as excellent. Extra chips and salsa often come generously with the order.
Good to know
Parking costs $9, with valet service available.
Green corn tamales are available from May through October.
USC students get 50% off with a valid ID.
Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.
Handmade tamales here are very delicious and come in all types. Ingredients like masa, dried chilies, and leaves are available for making tamales at home.
Salsas strike a perfect balance of heat and kick with a touch of pain. They complement tacos topped with nopales, cilantro, and onion, adding spicy but perfect flavor to each bite.
Good to know
On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.
Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.
The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.
Spacious taco restaurant with a simple, peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff. Regulars enjoy authentic street tacos and green salsa, often praising carne asada burritos and mole tamales. The place suits quiet gatherings and offers consistent taste across visits.
Mole tamales stand out with exceptional flavor. Chicken and green chile tamales also show up well, alongside consistently delicious options like carne asada and red tamales.
Salsas here stand out with green salsa and red salsa that pack a punch. The salsa verde pairs especially well with carne asada dishes and vegetarian sopes.
Good to know
Parking is available in the rear with enough space for wheelchairs.
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.
The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for late-night dining.
Classic Mexican restaurant with cafeteria-style seating and plentiful indoor and outdoor tables. Atmosphere blends old school East Los Angeles charm with a family-friendly vibe despite occasional high noise levels. Food truck and outdoor vendors add to the lively, traditional setup.
Juicy pork tamales feature generous, tender meat paired with two salsas. They stand out as very juicy and preferred over tacos and burritos here.
Red salsa stands out with its heat and flavor. Both red and green salsas offer unique tastes that highlight the tacos well.
Good to know
King Taco # 2 is open until 3am, but expect long lines after 1am.
Parking is plentiful at King Taco # 2, making it easy to visit.
The location can get very busy during Dodgers game days, so plan accordingly.
Freshly baked bread and roasting meat create a welcoming aroma that fills the space. Mexican music adds a lively energy, encouraging movement and dance. The Dia de los Muertos theme and altar provide a distinctive cultural touch that enhances the inviting atmosphere.
Tamales here have light meat filling and sometimes lack strong flavors like pineapple or corn. Some tamales are undercooked, and the Oaxacan tamale is priced high without matching quality.
Only red salsa is available, and it is super spicy and authentic. Additional salsa is easy to get when requested.
Good to know
The tamales are not ready until 9am on weekends.
The parking lot is small and often crowded.
El Gallo Giro offers over 35 varieties of traditional breads.