Trejo's Tacos
Trejo's Tacos
1048 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019
www.trejostacos.com ($$)
Eat. Then Drink: A much hyped new addition to Mid-City. The food exceeds the hype! Bonus points for an amazing craft brew amber ale on the menu.
A few months ago, amid great hype and fanfare, Trejo's Tacos opened on La Brea Ave (just south of Wilshire). Having a Hollywood actor who is a local Angeleno with a big following meant long lines during the initial lunchtime only hours.
I waited until the hours expanded and the initial curiosity died down to visit Trejo's Tacos on two consecutive Saturdays. Rare in today's world, the hype was totally worth it! The menu isn't huge but it has something for everyone. Meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, gluten freebies, and health food fanatics can all find something to chow down on, while none of the food sacrifices on taste or quality.
The chicken is Jidori. The steak is tender and marinated perfectly. Huge well seasoned shrimps grace the tostada that by itself could be a meal. The signature Trejo's Amber Cerveza is brewed in Downtown LA and is amazing.
Some restaurants give lip service to vegetarians but often resort to frying everything. I sampled the roasted cauliflower taco which was nearly as flavorful as the steak one. I hope you like some kick in your food, because there is a generous use of jalapeno and Serrano on the menu.
No Chulula sauce on the tables here! Instead, there is a house made hot sauce (called Trejo's of course) that has a wonderful smoky spice without being overpowering.
Study the menu while you are in line - only one customer at a time is allowed in the cramped inside space to order at a time. But the wait staff will grab you a beer or beverage to enjoy in line as long as you hand them your credit card first! Same is true for when you decide you want another taco or horchata - just flag a staff member, hand them your card, and never leave your table.
The food is amazing. The service is very attentive and friendly. The patio is quite pleasant despite being right on La Brea. The perfect place to meet friends for a casual catch up.