El Tarasco Reviews

Friendly, family, local hangout. Goes out of the way to please the customers. Very good Salsa and chips. The chile relleno, though flavorful, was unlike any I have ever had. It was an Anaheim pepper (no filling, no stem) ,over a fried egg, covered in cheese! I will go back, when in town, but will try the burritos or tamales instead.

Just happen to walk by and was hungry. I never write a review on mobile but this spot was worthy. Hole in the wall, diner-esq, locals spot, tiny patio and overall good spot. Decent margaritas, awesome salsa, good size portions, inexpensive and fabulous enchilada sauce. Don’t go expecting a five star atmosphere, go expecting a five star family owned restaurant that is totally worth the stop.

Visited this restaurant with another pilot. Was on the look out for good local place near the hotel. We both had the combo plate with cheese enchilada and beef tacos. Overall the food was good. Salsa was very good. Tacos were made with ground beef and were a bit greasy. Service was prompt and friendly.

Landed in LAX from Trans-atlantic - I was STARVING!!! Looking for mexican food - the GPS send me to "Baja fresh". :-) I feel so lucky to find "El Tarasco" instead :-) An authentic mexican place including the greasy menues and soccer channel broadcasting from the old motherland is displayed on huge screen :-) Since I have not been eating for 6 hours I ordered the biggest Burrito they have! wich was the TASTIEST I EVER ATE ! YOU IN L.A.? - GO THERE!

The food is great and comes quick. It was busy when we arrived and our food still came quickly. Very impressive.

After arriving in LA - and a 4+ hours trip, Mexican cuisine was welcomed. Nestled in a busy shopping center with other restaurants and plenty of parking.

Been eating here for years foods great bring friends and family all the time. So stop in and have a beer and great food.

Can't say anything bad about this joint. Had a one night layover at LAX after spending two weeks in Japan (which for as advanced as that country is, it baffles me that I couldn't find a decent taco there). Needing a taco fix, I googled "Mexican food near LAX" and this spot had some good reviews. A short Uber ride away from my hotel and blamo - Level Taco unlocked! The tamales were delicious, and whoever is hooking up their guacamole is doing it right. A little divey, but that added to the charm of the place. Definitely recommend!

The food at El tarasco has always been very tasty, but it used to be reasonably priced. Now the food is till good, but, too pricey

We just love El Tarasco. It is now a small chain and some are better than others. We love this one. Their food is great traditional Mexican food at at fair prices. The place is always clean and very comfortable. You can eat there or get it to go. We like eating there. The service is just the best. Parking is free. All of their food is great. We love the tacos, the soft tacos give so much meat and their burritos are just stuffed with meat. We also love their guacamole and chips. They have great salsas and they have bottled drinks. Everyone there seems happy and it is just a nice place to eat. They also have great beans and rice. There is just nothing you won't like there. They have a great selection. Have fun.

While staying at a hotel near LAX, we were craving Mexican food. We walked a few blocks to this cafe and enjoyed a delicious dinner here. We had the Jr. Super Deluxe burrito and the chicken tostadas...both excellent! Chips and salsa were good. The staff was friendly, the service fast, and the portions quite large. The place seemed popular with locals, always a good sign. FYI: The parking lot entrance, with a cute patio, is more inviting than the street entrance.

I am so glad that IHOP was crowded. I was walking back to my car when I saw this little restaurant. I came in through the back where there is a lovely little arbor set up next to the busy parking lot. This place has great food! I ordered huevos rancheros with salsa verde which I love. The red Salsa and chips are wonderful. Salsa is spicy and tasty and the chips are big Round tortilla size that you have to break apart. Eggs came piping hot. The server was a nice young lady. I asked for the check and to go bowl as I was waiting for a friend who had a doctor's appointment, she immediately accommodated me. A very friendly place, not very wide but long. They have an extensive menu. I noticed that the special was shrimp soup and tortillas..next time. Do not miss this place.

Great service, great food, reasonable price. Always a go to for a quick bite of Mexican food. Local to LAX if looking for something to eat on a layover and you have the time check it out.

Looks like a hole in the wall and missed it driving by. Found it across from the tjmax home goods. Great service, excellent food. Guacamole is plane and simple the way it's suppose to be. Big portions. I would come here again. Close to LAX, safe neighborhood.

Disgusting plastic taste from the beef Tacos. No idea why, but that's not normal. The chips were rock hard. I've never had such bad tasting Mexican food before. This was very surprising given how good the reviews are.

I've been going to El Tarasco (they have several restaurants) since 1969 when they opened their first shop at the end of Rosecrans in Manhattan Beach. I have never been disappointed in anything I ordered. Still love #4 dinner. They don't deep fry their chile rellano, it's done on the flat top. Much better.

Came here with my family to have an authentic Mexican lunch but everything we ordered was terrible. The chilaquiles were made from the same salsa as the chips they give at first so they were basically tortilla chips drenched in chunky salsa meant for chips... we're from Mexico and that's clearly not how that is supposed to be. The natural juices were tasteless and bad. Also ordered steak tacos and the tortilla itself wasn't fresh... just cold packaged tortilla you get from Walmart. The tacos were mediocre and the worst part was that they were $4.50 EACH. NOW THATS RIDICULOUS!!! In their defense it did say $4.50 on the menu but we assumed it was for the order of 3 which that's what it usually is. Better and cheaper tacos at King Taco and that's a chain restaurant! Never have I seen such expense and bad tacos.

We have been to several of the El Tarasco's in the South Bay. This restaurant is by far the best of the best of the El Tarasco's from the manager to the food. The tortilla chips and salsa were so fresh. We had the Carnitos tacquitos served on lettuce, fresh pico de gallo, and guacamole. We think the gentleman who waited on us is the manager, well, he's been there 11 years - he was very attentive to ensure we had a pleasant experience. The restaurant is older, but very clean. It is too bad the other El Tarasco restaurants don't serve the fresh, outstanding dishes like this property. We will definitely be back!

Food smell like was cook three days ago, Mexican rice test like Chines rice. Only one waiter, who is cashier/bar tender/table cleaner/ everything. have to wait to get service. As soon as you ask for the check, he will be there in 2 second to collect money. Tacos was very smelly and had a rotten smell to eat. Please save your time and money.

El Tarasco has the usual combination of tacos, enchiladas, tamales. There's nothing unique about the items on the menu. But, the portions are decent and the food is tasty. I understand from several friends that the location in El Segundo is better. You can't get a margarita (with tequila) here - but you can get various Mexican beers.

Came across this restaurant while driving by area to refill gas for rental car. In the mood for Mexican meal, El Tarasco ddi not disappoint. I had the beef burrito and tamale, wife had chicken taco/tamale combo plate. Very tasty. Chips and fresh salsa to start. Beer and wine reasonably priced. Lots of parking behind. Meal hit the spot. Nice staff as well. Clean. Would be a repeat place if we lived nearby.

the food is good, value is ok. Service is excellent. Can be busy but always seem to find a table. Visit regularly.

We're in LA visiting, we are staying at the Hilton LAX, and looking for good Mexican food. This place had 4.8 stars and was only 2 miles away. Food was awesome, super fast service we got our food in less than 10 minutes. My wife got the veggie burrito and I got the Tuesday Taco special, food was awesome! Authentic Mexican food. A real gem.

Don't judge this place by its appearance. It is not fancy and some of the booths have holes but it seemed clean and the food is very good. The service was friendly and fast. Portions are large. I ordered all ala cart items and over ordered too much food. The salsa and chips they bring are filling in their own right since the chips are more like flatten taco shells. The salsa is very good. The guacamole is ok but too smooth for my taste. (I prefer chunky avacado ). The menu has many selections. The sauce on the tamales had just the right amount of peppery spice. I ordered the fish taco but it was not something I would get again. Not fried but served in flour tortilla with lettuce and not cabbage. Chile relleno was very eggy and cheesy. All in all a good experience. Order for eating in it dining out. Close to LAX and several shopping opportunities.

When visiting LA recently my uncle suggested doing an early lunch before we headed to the airport and we decided to meet at El Tarasco. It's a place he likes a lot and goes to on a semi-regular basis. We'd never been prior. The place was fair. The food was ok, but not great. The service was good, but not amazing. The food was brought out fast though. There was plenty of parking in back and there was a nice air flow through the restaurant keeping the place cool. It was ok but I wouldn't seek it out to go to again.

The prices were amazingly good! I've read that it was a good place to grab something but didn't expect it was so cheap and SO GOOD. Tried the carnitas tacos and "el tarasco" taco. Would definitely go back!!

This place came highly recommended to us but coming from Texas it fell short for us. The chips were huge chalupas you had to break apart to eat and the burrito and enchiladas were very bland. The service was very friendly though.

My sister lives close to this place and the food is really good. We don't go to eat there however, it's not much to look at...but go for the food. Because my family lives close by, we buy it to go...and it's worth it. Yep, it's basic Mexican...but the flavors are what I grew up with so to me, it's authentic. This time I got a Tamale and a Chili Relleno on the side because I've always wanted to taste theirs. Pretty good, the tamale was moist as it should be and an authentic egg batter on the Relleno. I would have preferred the Chili Relleno a little more smoky flavored which comes from charring the Chili over an open flame for a minute...I'm not sure that they prepared it that way...but it was tasty none the less.

While i was getting reqdy to drive back to Las vegas from LA... we wanted pancakes.. it was around 11 am on a sunday.. rainy and cold day.. anywho.. we decided to go to ihop for some breakfast (pancakes) but when we got there and ask for a table they told us that they had a long waiting list (1 1/2 wait) we were so hungry that we decided to go somewhere else.. walking to the parking lot we saw this little mexican restaurant. Omg!!We were hungry so i suggested why not having a mexican breakfast.. we got a table right away and we order some chilaquiles... OMG!!! Best chilaquiles ever... they were so good that i was in shock. ( cause all the food we eat before in LA was not so good). Service was ok... therewere 2 guys serving but they need to improve their customer service. ( i know this because i been a restaurant manager for years). Soo over all a good place to eat. Can't wait to go back to LA 😋🤓😎

Been coming here for years now and the food still hits the spot. Love the salsa and whenever I get the chance to stop by I buy their salsa and take it home. I love their chicken enchiladas. My wife likes to get their flour taquitos. They also have happy hour Monday through Friday from 3pm-6pm. They have daily special and now they have Taco Tuesday for $.99. They also do catering if you want to have a fiesta.

El Tarasco Mexican Food is a GEM! The restaurant isn't much to look at but its a family owned, locals hole-in-the-wall which is EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT. My friend and I popped in for dinner on a recommendation... My buddy NAILED IT. First thing you'll get are homemade chips and salsa. Not your typical chips... handmade. More like corn 'discs'. They're oversized. You'll get about 8 or so. They're OUTSTANDING. The salsa was EXCELLENT - flavor, heat... Perfect. On my friends recommendation, I ordered the Carnitas dinner w/rice, refried beans, guac and some soft tacos. These were the best Carnitas I've had since a vacation to the Yucatan Peninsula many years ago. Perfectly seasoned and flavorful... DELICIOUS. I walked 30 minutes to get to the restaurant from an LAX hotel and it was worth every single step. The staff are friendly, warm and welcoming. When visiting LA, put El Tarasco on S Sepulveda in Westchester on your list... You won't be disappointed!

Michoacan (pronounced Mitch-Oh-ah-Can) State, South of Guadalajara, West of Mexico City, Family owned Restaurant opened and set up in 1969 in the then failed Galley Cafè on Rosecrans overlooking the Manhattan Beach Bay by a good looking, talented young couple, Moisës and Celia, now deceased, who spoke no English at all at the time, but whose cooking skills lined up customers around the block on Highland past Cisco's Night Club until 2 AM every Weekend not closing until 3 or 4 AM, 2 hours after actual closing time! The oldest, a boy-10 years old, who spoke English from LASD School, took orders; the youngest (a Kindergarten age Daughter), set the counter, whenever they were available. Both NOW own the Resultant's multi-million dollar Tarasco Franchise of 11 or 12 Restaurants, of which the LAX Tarasco is an excellent One, with their siblings and the grandchildren. It Pays to help and learn from one's own Parents! The Secrets of their Cooking are: 1.) the Ingredients -:- The Sauce and the Cheese; 2.) Extreme Cleanliness, which could be seen easily from the Counter of the original restaurant as it formed the North wall itself of the kitchen; and, most essential of all to good Flavor: 3.) TEMPERATURE; the food was oven cooked to well above 212º F for five to ten minutes, and served that way in your dish--Boiling, the edges of the food in the plain white, oval Dish browned by the Heat! Watch out! It is this Last vanishing Lost Point that you need to INSIST upon to get your 5 * Star Rated Food served: Cooked to 212º F--and served that way--Boiling! This is the same for ALL Mexican style Restaurants, Do not ignore this all important fact, Otherwise, you see, even the best designed food will be merely tepid in Flavor. because most Mexican-American Cooks cook their food only enough to warm it, but that is not enough Heat to thoroughly Melt the cheese in order to bring out the hidden flavor of the sauce by Blooming the Spices and the Cheese together. However, when you and they do this, Then: Voilâ ! Moisës and Celia knew this Secret instinctively, but that is because they were Artisans, not just cooks, and so they raised-up their simple Galley Cafè Counter into this Multi-Million dollar Family Owned FRANCHISE enjoyed by Americans first and Hispanics alike. Do not forget our little secret! It is also known to ALL traditional Italians and Chinese alike, In the LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME.

I find that all the El Tarascos restaurants are a little different. Some good, some not as much. The Westchester restaurant is one of the BEST. While the atmosphere may be only so-so (torn booth seats, a metal chairs, etc), the food more than makes up for that. In fact, sitting in the little outside courtyard is nice atmospherically too! The guacamole is made fresh and so simple and good. All the food is excellent, and the daily specials make it an even bigger bargain. They have all the standards, and a few of the more unusual entrees and combos, as well as beer on tap, wine, and desserts. My favorite is Tostada Wednesday - This a BIG meal for under $10. I also like the a la carte carne asada taco. There is so much meat one taco is a full meal at under $4. And, it is SO GOOD! We eat here very often, and have brought out-of-town friends for an authentic food experience that doesn't break the bank.

I have been coming to el tarasco for over 30 years. Their food is close to authentic, and it has been my favorite Mexican food. Only some serve beer, and maybe wine. They have similar menus, but are independently owned. Food is always good.

We were in the area for the afternoon and chose this restaurant because of the good reviews. It was excellent. The food was fresh and the portions were huge. The food was quickly served and they staff was very friendly. They did take the extra steps to make sure that we were happy. If we lived in the area, we would return. When we return to the Los Angles airport area, we will definitely return. Highly recommended.

Good eats! Would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. The staff was also very helpful and attentive.

Good cheap Mexican food. Love the taquitos and guacamole. One of those type of places that works great when you are leaving a bar at 1am and need some good food.

Stopped here as part of a walking food tour of Venice Beach, food was quick, tasty & staff were friendly! Its only half a block from the beach, how could you go wrong!!

This is the 2nd time we've eaten here after landing in L.A. We both had the Chile Relleno plate with Rice and Beans and then we had a side of Guacamole and flan for dessert. The Rellenos come two on a plate and were delicious but the Flan is the star with 3 flavors. Butterscotch, Coconut and don't remember the 3rd. I haven't tried it. Other two are fabulous.

I haven't been here since we moved out of town, but it was even better than I remembered. The potato tacos are fantastic!!!!!!!!

This place was recommended by our front desk person. Within walking distance from the marriot with other places to visit, eat and shop (CVS, Ralphs, In and out Burger, etc). Excellent food basic and good. No frills, good beer, chips salsa.. very good and reasonable.

I've been to this place so many times that I can count. It is a very informal place, the tables are not fancy, mas if you want real Mexican food you have to stop and try their food. Their fajitas are great. Carnitas very well done as well as tacos, salads and the beer are cheap and served in huge mugs for little price. For lunch or dinner you can have the same food and they have also specials daily. The service is good and their prices are not bad at all. Give a try.

Great little place, easily missed on Sepulveda, close to LAX's hotels and reasonably priced menu with lots of choices. Soft drinks, beers, iced tea. Try the Chicken enchilada special on Friday evening...$8.99 with a medium soft drink...great food. A little stuffy inside, but try the patio in the back!

Whenever we're near LAX we like to stop here for a yummy breakfast burrito. It's not easy to find off the street but just pay close attention & parking is in the back. Would recommend for Mexican food!

I ate here a few months ago and really didn't enjoy my tacos and taquitos. I'm not sure what it is but the food was tasteless and bland. It has been so Americanized that there's no Mexican flavor left. I won't go back.

And I've been to many. My husband and I stopped by this place right before leaving LA and were greeted by a great staff and the most delicious food ever. It is quite small and it was decently busy for a Friday night at 10pm. Everything tastes fresh and we were well taken care of.

We took a short Lyft over from the Airport Marriott and were grateful to see Trader Joe's across the street so I could buy breakfast food. All that is beside the point. This is a long thin restaurant. Fairly busy on a Sunday night. The service was good and the food was good, not exceptional, at least not my dish. I got the vegetable burrito which was tasty but had too much rice in proportion to the veggies. My friend got the #15 Steak green chili and loved it. Neither of us finished our dinners - way too much food. Maybe because the chips and salsa were abundant and we ate them and some of a refill while we waited for our dinners. Would I return? Maybe, but probably not, considering that there are plenty of other options. If you found this review helpful, please press thank below.

Casual atmosphere. Food came out less than 10 minutes after we placed our order. Recommend anything with steak or carne asada. Walked a mile from the hotel, and would do it again. Reasonably priced.

Great and delicious food! Open late. Really good! 💙 we had tacos, burrito and a huge guacamole with giants chips. I'll go back if I'm in this area again.

Spent overnight between East Coast and Japan at an LAX hotel. We are originally from So. Cal. and we were out to get some REAL Mexican food, or at least Cal/Mex food. We just can't get anything like in South Carolina!. So, we looked up El Tarasco. A nice story about an immigrant success. We were very disapoointed. The taco "meat" was a half step above the meat paste that Taco Bell passes off to unsuspecting customers. Awful! The refried beans were okay, but the restaurant is way overpriced for the "food" they serve.