Yuca’s Tacos, Los Feliz

2056 Hillhurst Ave · Los Angeles, CA 90027 · Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz

So apparently I’m way on the late train about Yuca’s Tacos in Los Feliz.

Hipster’s everywhere have already been in the know about this authentic little taco-mex shack since it opened shop in the Seventies.

Having won the James Beard Awards (the Oscars of the food world) in 2005, that has only helped to solidify Yuca’s status as a top-notch taco eatery.

Located off Hillhurst, and easy to miss, it’s over shadowed by the more traditional morning after, sit-down restaurants up the street like Home or the Alcove. Locals know what’s up though. This is as dive-y as they come. A small, family-owned Latin hut, Yuca’s sits on the front end of a parking lot adjacent to a liquor store. Hey at least there’s parking!

Driving around the neighborhood, hungry as can be, I finally heeded my boyfriend’s suggestion and went there for a fast and easy – not to mention CHEAP, lunch.

I ordered the carne asada burrito and sampled some bites from my boyfriend’s carne asada tacos. Both were delicious. The tacos are small but not as tiny as traditional street tacos usually are. I love that they double up the tortilla so that it doesn’t fall apart or spill out on to the plate.
I’ll have to come again to try their $3 hamburgers. Yes, that’s right, I said hamburger. And I hear they are pretty darn good for a taco place too.

These are not your standard Mexi-burritos, nor are they Chipolte sized. Instead, they are compact, full of delicious beans, tomatoes and onions and the steak is perfectly seasoned and flavored. The burrito comes on your plate flat as a pancake yet full of taste. The meat is really soft and buttery and reminds me of the way my boyfriend’s Salvadorean dad grills up his steaks. It’s really juicy. The tortilla tastes homemade (I think it is) and a bit dry and flour-y, but it works.

Yucas is mainly a grab and go type of place. You walk up to the counter and chat with “mama” who writes your order down on the paper plate. Then she adds up your order, old-school-math style. No calculators here! You then pick up your food, approx :30 seconds later, and walk off – to your car –  or back to your little hipster home, tacos in hand.

There are a few small tables, which if you can snag, are great for people watching. Though there are a few beverage options available, regulars instead head across the street to the liquor store to lube up.

This place hits the spot without breaking the bank. Forget the scenester café – instead beat that hangover with some simple tacos y comfort food. Yuca’s is officially on my list for great LA tacos. Muy Delicioso!

BYB Tip: Local’s love the cochinita pibil taco or as a torta.

Also, cash only!