Taco Del Rio — Restaurant in La Puente

By far, the BEST tacos in Los Angeles County. Tasty and packed full of ingredients for an impossibly low price, if you're only going to visit one area taqueria, visit THIS ONE. The asada is always good. The carnitas are hit and miss, so ask to take a look at the meat before ordering, unless you just absolutely HAVE to have carnitas regardless of quality. Sometimes the carnitas can be greasy or fatty, but when it's good, it is very good. The sauce is nothing special, just off the shelf red and green sauce from some restaurant supply store. What makes the tacos so good is the quality and quantity, and the low prices.

Basically tacos and burritos come in two levels: regular and deluxe. Regular tacos come with meat, onions, cilantro, choice of red or green sauce, with plenty of Mexican cheese on two tortillas. They're "street tacos," but are bigger and better than the other street tacos out there. Burritos have basically the same ingredients wrapped in a large tortilla. Combo burritos add beans. A lot of people order the quesadillas, but I don't think they're anything special. If you do order them, order them with meat for just a tiny uplift in price for a much better quesadilla. Try the sopas. They're excellent. Deluxe adds guacamole and sour cream for more money, but I think they aren't the bargain the regular food is. Be careful when ordering. If you order, whether you speak Spanish or English, be careful when asking for "with everything, " or "con todo," because an unscrupulous taco-preparer will take that not as a license to put on the requisite onions, cilantro, sauce, & cheese, but to add the overpriced guacamole and sour cream. It seems the same staff, same cashier, same cooks, etc. have been working at this place for DECADES. At least they're the same one's I'm familiar with from the past 25 years of eating here. Usually there's a staff of at least 3 people working here, but sometimes there are as many as nine or ten employees crammed into this tiny taco hut.

This place is very popular and typically very busy with people lined up. The line generally moves pretty quickly, but in the worst of circumstances, it's taken me 45 minutes from the time I arrive to the time I get my food.

Also, check and make sure the amount you're charged matches what you've ordered, because I've caught them adding extra to my bill.

There are some tables and benches ringing the exterior of the restaurant, but there's only around half a dozen and they're usually occupied if it is anytime near meal time.

This restaurant is located in a small outdoor strip mall, and parking has never been much of an issue, even at the...

THE BEST TACO PLACE IN L.A.

I've been eating here for nearly 20 years. Can you believe it? The same guys working here then are still there. The tacos are big, packed full of meat, cheese, onions, cilantro, cabbage and salsa. The burritos are the same. They offer asada, carnitas, barbacoa, tongue, and chicken. I usually either get the carnitas or asada. Asada is definitely the most popular, and it isn't fatty or greasy like some places. The carnitas is more hit-or-miss and I'd ask to look at it before ordering. Sometimes it isn't popular and it'll sit there and get dry. Sometimes it can be greasy, so I check before I get, and when I do get not-old, not-greasy carnitas it is heaven in my mouth. There is the option to order food "regular" which is as I describe, or "extra" which includes guacamole and sour cream. I do not recommend the "extra." The good is wonderful as is, and the guacamole and sour cream tend to overpower the other flavors. Plus a burrito that is extra is almost inedible as it is so big around it barely can be contained in the tortilla and is more work to keep it together while eating it. Most people prefer the salsa rojo (red), which is very good red sauce. I prefer the salsa verde (green). It is more subtle, more tomatillo-ey, but still tasty. Either will work and the rojo isn't bitter of overly hot, and so works as a main choice with verde as a backup.

This place is almost always busy. Saturday evenings are the worse, where you'll sometimes wait over 30 minutes just to order. Once ordered, the food is pretty quick, but you'll be standing there for a while. It isn't totally bad, as you can make friends with others in line knowing you have something in common: you both love...

Q: Thinking about hitting Tasty Choice in La Puente? A: Stop thinking. Go.

This place isn’t fancy. It’s not trying to be. But if you want solid food that hits every time, welcome to your new go-to.

Carne Asada Burrito: Massive. Hot. Packed with juicy meat and flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of burrito that makes you sit back for a second like, “Yo.” They don’t hold back here… this thing fills you up and then some.

Carne Asada Tacos: Simple, but legit. Soft tortillas, fire-grilled steak, and a good hit of salsa. No frills, just solid tacos that taste like someone back there actually cares.

Cheeseburger Combo: Didn’t expect much from a burger at a taco spot, but this one’s a sleeper hit. Juicy patty, crispy fries, and way more food than you’ll expect for the price. It’s like they dare you to finish it all.

Local Vibes: This spot is the neighborhood. Locals pull up because it’s cheap, fast, and consistent. The staff moves quick, the line moves faster, and the food always lands.

Pro Tips • Cash only. Don’t get caught slipping. • The portions are wild, so come hungry or bring backup. • If you’re into tortas or carne asada fries, people swear by them too.

Final Word Tasty Choice isn’t trying to impress you, it just delivers. Big portions, bold flavors, zero nonsense. Whether you’re hungover, broke, or just hungry, this place has your back.

Would you like me to move onto...