El Tarasco Mexican Food — Restaurant in Los Angeles

It's a small place kind of hidden if you drive by you might miss it unless you look for the name and look for the little green flags I think outside if you park in it back it's probably a best place to park! So we went to go dine in the restaurants it wasn't very busy but of course those situation we have with the covid and the bad thing was they only had one person working in the front which he was doing a lot of takeouts so they did have some seating outside which took a while to get served only because he was very busy which I totally understood he did a very good job to make sure that we were taken care of when the time he had which I could tell it wasn't very much because every time you would try to walk away from the front booth people would come in to pick up your orders so the service was good no complaint there the gentleman who did services I can't remember his name sorry but he did a good job the food was mediocre I got the shrimp enchiladas rice and beans the shrimp looked somewhat burnt also some had their tails left on which was kind of hard to eat the enchilada that way the rice and beans were very bland and have very good flavor I'm surprised people went there to eat but again service was good but I know they weren't there for the service anyways that's why I'm giving them a three-star because of service it was just for the food...

I visited the restaurant twice. Once alone for lunch in the patio, and a second time for dinner with my wife. For lunch I had the Jr. Burrito and a Mexican beer. The server was quick to bring the cold beer with complimentary homemade chips and salsa. She also allowed me to smoke a cigarette at my table in the patio since I was the only person sitting outside. Overall it was a very Pleasant experience. The food was good, the beer was cold, the service was prompt, friendly and courteous. Mind you, on that visit I did not go inside since I’d entered from the parking lot. The second time, a few months later, I took my wife there for a late dinner, 9ish. We parked outside on Sepulveda, right in front of the door. As we entered the server made a motion from afar as to let us know to pick our own seats. All the green plastic upholstery on the benches in the booths were in horrid shape, all torn up, and just plain disgusting. We had the beef Fajitas, soft shell bbq pork tacos, green salad, a beer and a soda. Having already been disappointed with our initial entrance, the food continued to add to our malcontent. We didn’t finish our food, paid the bill, added the usual 20% for...

As someone originally from New York who’s traveled all over North America—including through Mexico itself—El Tarasco is, without question, my favorite Mexican spot in all of Los Angeles.

Their Super Deluxe Burrito (carne asada every time for me) is a Saturday ritual I genuinely look forward to all week. The burrito is massive, flavorful, and just perfect—especially when it comes with that ice-cold horchata they serve with the specials. And don’t sleep on their tamarind drink, either. Absolute gem.

From the moment you sit down, they hit you with warm, crispy chips and a salsa that’s spicy, tangy, and ridiculously addicting. I could make a meal out of just that. But why stop there?

Service is always fast and friendly—I’ve never waited more than a minute for a table—and they’ve usually got sports or some kind of game on, which gives the place a laid-back, local vibe I really appreciate.

Every bite tastes like someone back there actually cares. That’s rare these days.

Whether you’re new to town or think you’ve already found your favorite taco or burrito spot, give El Tarasco a shot. It might just ruin every other...