Top of Los Angeles

Los Angeles / Guides / Mexican
Mexican · Central LA

Taqui Taqui

Quick, flavorful lunch or casual dinner.

Permanently closed Local FavoriteCasual VibesQuick Bite
6.9/10
Great Scored by Xochitl Ramos · How we score
№ 01 · The Brief

The Pico Corridor's Fast, No-Frills Taco Move

Tucked into a modest storefront on West Pico Boulevard, Taqui Taqui has quickly become one of the most talked-about taquerias in the Mid-City area. This small, unassuming spot draws a steady stream of diners drawn by its near-perfect rating and reputation for serving some of the most authentic and carefully prepared Mexican street food in the neighborhood. It's the kind of place that proves great cooking doesn't need a big space or a big price tag to make a big impression.

The menu centers on classic taqueria staples executed with precision and care. Handmade tortillas form the base for tacos filled with slow-cooked meats, while the salsas, made fresh and offered in a range of heat levels, elevate every bite. Diners rave about the al pastor, carved straight from the trompo, as well as the carne asada and the more adventurous options like lengua or tripas for those willing to explore traditional Mexican flavors. Quesadillas stuffed with melted cheese and tender fillings round out a menu that rewards both first-timers and regulars looking for their go-to order.

Inside, Taqui Taqui keeps things simple and unpretentious. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with a handful of tables and counter seating that encourage a quick, satisfying meal rather than a lingering affair. Bright lighting, straightforward decor, and the sizzle of the grill in the background create an energetic, no-frills environment that feels true to its street-food roots. It's the kind of setting where the focus stays squarely on the food.

Whether stopping in for a fast lunch, grabbing dinner after work, or seeking an late-night bite that doesn't skimp on flavor, Taqui Taqui delivers a consistently excellent experience. It's an easy recommendation for solo diners, small groups, or anyone craving genuine Mexican flavors without pretense. For those exploring the Pico Boulevard corridor or searching for a reliable neighborhood favorite, this taqueria is well worth the stop.

№ 02 · What to Order

The order, from the record

№ 03 · Insider Tip
!

Go during off-peak hours to avoid the lunch rush and snag a seat right away. Don't skip the salsa bar, ask which one is the spiciest if you like heat.

Xochitl Ramos · Top of Los Angeles
№ 04 · The Verdict

What earns the 6.9

01
Al pastor off the trompo

The pastor carved straight from the trompo is the order that anchors this menu, backed by carne asada and quesadillas that hold up just as well.

02
Handmade tortillas, real range

Tortillas made in house and a lengua or tripas option for the curious show a kitchen willing to go past the basic taco lineup.

03
Counter speed on Pico

Counter seating and a no-frills setup on West Pico Boulevard keep the whole operation built for a fast lunch or a quick dinner run, not a lingering sit-down.

How we score

The Insider Score is our own 10-point editorial rating, set by the writer who covers the room. It is never an average of other sites’ stars, and it is never for sale. It weighs three things:

01Track record

How highly a kitchen rates, across how many diners, over how long.

02Consistency

Whether recent diners still agree with the long-term verdict.

03Distinction

What the kitchen does that its category does not.

Taqui Taqui earns a 6.9, great on our scale for Mexican in Los Angeles.
Xochitl Ramos
Xochitl Ramos
Staff Writer

Xochitl Ramos writes the guides for Top of Los Angeles: tacos, birria, mariscos, and the Mexican and Central American kitchens from East LA to Boyle Heights, plus the value and late-night rooms. An East LA native.

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