On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
includes a Margarita or Sangira come and celebrate Valentines at Tarascos Call now for reservations
Loading...
OH....I hate the rain, this has nothing to do with my review just had to vent.
So who remembers Pup n Taco from the 70's?, this used to be one back in the day and since then it has been a revolving door for many restaurants but still keeping the same A frame building.
Well sounds like Claire H. was not thrilled with the Torta so I opted to stick with the Tacos, what a surprise. I ordered up 2-Carne Asada, 1-Al Pastor y 1-Carnitas http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Well Claire H. you should have ordered the Tacos because wow the Carnitas are good! and the Al Pastor is not bad http://www.yelp.com/bi... Mmmm look at that close up, can't you just taste it?!?, and the Carne Asada was so good http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*they do seem to have several Salsa's maybe they gave Claire the Gringa Salsa, not sure but the one I had was fine.....
I would say these are 4 - 4.5 - Star Tacos, but.....I like "El Sauz" a little better and they are not too far away. I'd definitely go back though.
Tacos in Glendale?! Oh, I see how it is. This must be Glendale's late-night, post drinking grub spot. There's one in every hood, I suppose. Now there's something to be thankful for!
Well, I was dead sober when I found myself rolling through Glendale and felt compelled to try this place, so rest assured, there will be no beer goggles interfering with my review.
I got a torta, for some reason with carnitas (I usually like them with milanesa.) That carnitas was solid. The bolillo roll was nice and toasty, but I sort of regretted having not gotten tacos so I could taste the carnitas a little more.
The hot sauce was tasty; perhaps a tad bit watery.
Overall, if I was peckish and in Glendale, I would stop here for a bite. I would also stop here after boozing. Really, this review is between 3 and 4 stars. My only issue... what the fuck is up with the kraft singles on everything?
I'm a sweaty dirty girl after two hours in the studio. While the responsible, health conscious self would come home and cook up some nice lean protein, sauteed greens and wash it all down with a gallon of LA's finest, that girl was not around today. I come home, look at the fridge, laugh, and promptly hop back in my ride for the old standby... El Tap!!!!
There's a multitude of reasons this place is so well loved... all of which are completely valid.
No one ever thinks taqueria mmmm healthy, but El Tap takes it to a whole new level. Asada tacos with cheese. Let's just take a coronary in a tortilla and wrap it in some additional crisco, shall we? How something so wrong can be so good is still a mystery to me.
The quesadillas are something to reckon with as well; meaty, cheesy with just enough pico de gallo to make you think you are getting a serving of vegis in with your meal.
Lastly, wash it all down with some of the best horchata this side of the border and you're set to do battle at the gym another day.
I love Tapatio!!! This is the best taco stand I have been to in Los Angeles. I personally prefer the Tacos w/ cheese, but I haven't been let down when I order other things on the menu. Always fast service and for a low price.
I highly recommend Tapatio - you will not be disappointed!
ONE WORD! TORTA!!!!!!! el tap after school, el tap at lunch, el tap for breakfast, el tap after clubs, el tap all day everyday! Leos is ok, el sauz SUCKS!http://www.yelp.com/bi... its all about el tap and anyone who seriously knows food, will say the same!
Thanks for reading!
The first time my friend told me about this place, I thought he was crazy. He said "it's a magical place that serves the best burrito evar."
I did not believe him because he did not put any exclamation on his sentence. It was very matter-of-fact.
When we tried the burrito, my face exploded off of my body.
We had a few drinks before hand... I lied just then... a lot of drinks... and when i woke up I did not have my typical hang-over.
We now call El Tapatio, "HOBO"... because it serves the "Hang Over Burrit-O."
The Hobo is the preventative step and (later discovered) cure for a hang over. But you have to order the following.
1 Burrito (asada or al pastor)
2 Tacos con queso (eaters choice)
and you must eat them... As long as you eat the burrito, you should feel pretty good the next day... but if you eat both the burrito and the tacos... you're golden.
At least, this works for my friend and I.
It's Christmas Eve... and I'm going there now... I'm pretty sure they had a sign outside that said they were open today.
Peace out!
(it's even good really good sober)
"El Tap! Ellllllllllllllllllllll Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaappp!"
Oh, the drunken cries of a hungry Teresa late at night.
OK, so since last time I've actually been here while sober, although the last time I went was after a jolly ol' inebriated night.
I'm beginning to have somewhat of a love affair with the tortas here. Sorry ladies, that's just the way it's going to be.
I should start off by saying that I have only ever had food here after 2:00am and a long night of… Read more »
If you grew up in Glendale or Los Feliz and did not end your alcohol filled evening at El Tap at least once, then you must have been living under a rock.
During the day El Tap is an empty hole-in-the-wall taco shack. At 2 A.M. it turns into the hottest spot east of Sunset. Most people just go for the tacos or burrito but if you want the real scoop, go for the Torta. Top it off with a scoop of salsa and a fistful of radishes and you are set.
Tips:
1. Try ordering in Spanish - you will get a lot better service
2. Don't take an hour to order - the drunk people behind may (will) kill you
3. The carrots are SPICY, yes I said carrots
4. If you are in high school and have to go back home to parents, eat the radishes. They are a great way to cover up that nasty alcohol stench oozing from your pores. Trust me on this one.
This place used to be the king of Mexican food in Glendale but it has lost its touch. Their carne asada is pretty hard to chew. I prefer the nearby El Sauz for my taco fix, or if you feel like going to Eagle Rock, Leo's Taco Truck is good too.
El Tap is not bad at all though and a lot of people prefer it, it just isn't as good as it once was
These guys catered a wedding I was at and they served the best tacos I've ever had. Or, I was really drunk.
Either way -- good stuff.
i usually love dirty taco stands with outdoor seating... but i was completely disappointed with my food. i had such high expectations (i dont know why).
scanning the menu, youll find your regular mexican fare, but i stopped at the nachos.
nachos equal "chips".
carne asada chips.
HOLYCRAP! carne asada chips?! in LA?!
of course thats what i ordered. but if you were paying attention youd know that i thought they sucked. just over $5 i get this teeny paper bowl of chips with what looks like minced meat, cheese, and pico de gallo. there was no exploding styrofoam container... not the right price for the size. then after taking a bite i find that theres also beans in my chips. what. the. fuck. ?! beans should never be anywhere n e a r my chips. i really really despise this simple mistake because now my meat and chips are drenched in bean juice and i cant taste anything else.
all the flaws came pouring out after that... the meat quality was poor, the red salsa tasted like vinegar, i felt stupid sitting at an actual dining table, there wasnt enough cheese, the cooks only gave us one water when there were clearly two people ordering, cash only, etc.
maybe, just maybe, the nachos were the worst choice out of all the other items to choose from. but it doesnt excuse the crappy carne asada i put in my mouth. id be willing to give them another shot because theyre open late. and the fact that they serve burgers and fries makes me wonder if i cant convince them to make a california burrito or asada fries for me one day. i look forward to that at least.
when i was living with my boyfriend up cypress we would occasionally eat here... this place is nice... almost looks like a burger joint... the prices seem reasonable and they food portions are pretty big. Y
ou need cash money if you want to eat here though. no credit cards are accepted.
The staff seems friendly. They have anything from traditional Mexican food dishes to burgers. I love the small carne asada tacos. yummy
1. Super Fast Service
2. Very Reasonable Prices
3. Carnitas in anything is Great
4. They're open very late (unlike everything else that closes at 11pm)
5. The Grilled Jalapenos are great for you Spice chasers & they're free :]
I've taken so many people here (sober) and never heard a complaint.
This isnt just a drunk spot...im glad to be able to get great food like this at such a late hour. Kudos El Tapatio #2 :)
First thing I noticed was the 1992 Oiler scribe on the window, so I knew this place ad to be sorta good.
A friend & her mother brought us here, she goes on yelp as Sabrina M, and let me tell you the carnitas are the bomb.
Your best bet is to speak spanish to the pysas working behind the counter, they might make your burrito extra fatter or just make fun of the way you speak spanish, if you succeed and speak it fluently then you are looking at a great meal my friend.
The whole place is cheap, not much variety though, sitting is outdoors, but the benefit is that they're open late. Been here a couple of times & yes they do have fast service.
Came here last night for the first time bcuz a friend had so much praises for it. Personally, I don't discriminate when it comes to food. I love food & always willing to try out new/diff venues. But I must say that I had better.
My bf ordered a burrito since that's his fave Mexican food to order. I had the beef tacos. We were the first to arrive so we beat the late night traffic, which was pouring in right after we got there. The food came fast. My bf & I were so hungry & were really looking forward to have some good ol' Mexican food. The tacos were ok. They weren't like "Whoa! Some good stuff!" but they were satisfied enough. I felt like something was missing in those tacos though. I know that not all Mexican foods are cooked the same way, but making a beef taco doesn't involve much of one's creativity side. You can never go wrong w/ ordering taco.
As for the burrito? It wasn't pretty. There were too much beans in it & not enough meat. My bf's all for the meat. If he wanted just beans, he could have ate a whole can of beans @ home. W/in the first 3 bites, he already got a few chunk of FATS. So not a good side!!! Who'd wanna eat fats? Seriously!?!?! To be honest, the burrito didn't even look that appetizing. Also, their horchata was just ok too... nothing to die for.
I doubt that my bf & I will come back here. We'll stick to our regular Mexican food run @ Gina's Tacos. Btw, if you thought this place was "da bomb" or giving it 3 or more stars, then you'd LOVE LOVE LOVE Gina's Tacos. So so so much better!!! Feel free to read my review on Gina's Tacos. Y'all must go there!!!
Man, ya'll are harsh! Maybe it's because I'm an East Coaster, but for me, El Tapatio was good.
It was early and we were going to go out for breakfast, but I was dawdling, so we ended up here for early lunch. We ordered tacos - chorizo and egg, carne asada, lengua and lomo - and an al pastor quesadilla.
The egg and chorizo was ordered as a nod to breakfast, but also because I love chorizo. Unfortunately, this chorizo was bland. There was no spice in my beloved chorizo. How sad! Add to it the unseasoned egg and blech. Extra green sauce was definitely used on this one...
The lomo and carne asada were good, but the kicker?
The LENGUA! I don't know how they cook their lengua, but this was the best I've ever tasted. It was tender and meaty. I'm so glad we saved it for last.
The al pastor quesadilla was good too. It was a huge quesadilla that had a golden exterior. There was an ample amount of meat and cheese. Delicious!
The star loser? The pico de gallo. Dry, bland, lame.
The horchata was nice, creamy with just the right amount of cinnamon. The jamaica was refreshing, but there was an aftertaste that reminded me a bit of a Chinese preserved plum.
So, maybe it was because we were hungry by the time we got here. Maybe it's because I'm from the land of bad Mexican food (according to most West Coasters...). But, for whatever reason, I liked it, so whatevs to the ones who don't.
I lived around the corner from this establishment for over a year and it was always a solid spot for quick food. I've enjoyed their burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas. But, my favorite menu item are their tortas. The bread they use is excellent. I prefer carne asada for most of their menu items, but their carnitas is nice too and the pollo is good as well.
Plus, they're open till 3 am on Friday and Saturday, so when I get home drunk from the bars, I can stumble over there for a delicious late night snack.
I used to come here quite a bit but I changed my diet years ago, though I do come here on occasion. Great for a quick bite before watching the Laker game. Carne asada tacos, nachos and a side of horchata is a must.
Prices have gone up though in the last 10 years. I remember when a taco was 60 cents.
best taco restaurant hands down
EL TAP used to be the Shizzzzle. about 2-3 years ago.
NOW IT IS SO WACK. I mean, before it was soooooo good, then they started using RIce in the burritos and made it gay.
IT is greeeeeeasy, but back then it was gooooooOOd greasy, not it's just blanch greasy.........
Years ago, i'd give it 4-5 stars, but now.....wow...it went down to 2 stars.....
i was coming to these guys when they had their truck on san fernando by the mexican bar. little has changed, and that's why i've kept coming back for over 20 years. This is my TACO TRUCK.
It really doesn't get much simpler than saying that this place is awesome. Okay, so I've only really had the burritos here, but they're good enough to keep me coming back over and over again. When I first experienced Tapatio, it was from my co-worker Jose (I bet you can guess where he's originally from...) who is apparently friends with some of the staff here. Jose asked me if I wanted a burrito because he was running to go get some food. I explained that I didn't have any money and he said not to worry, this one would be gratis. Now who can turn down a free burrito?
When Jose returned he handed me what appeared to be a newborn infant with its arms tied to its sides and wrapped in tinfoil. Man, was this sucker hot too. Despite having ordered a burrito, I guess if this baby was cooked well enough, I could pretty much go for anything.
Okay, so that was pretty tasteless, but the burrito was huge - maybe not as big as a newborn infant... but maybe a premature one. Sorry, I'm on a roll here. Like I said, it was still nice and warm and I couldn't wait to tear into this sucker.
This carne asada burrito was what dreams are made of. I didn't have any problems with the meat being too fatty, the other fillings inside the burrito were ample, and that delicate balance was struck to make one of the best burritos I've ever stuffed down my gullet. This thing was big enough for two servings, actually, but I always manage to make enough room whenever I order one up... it's simply that good.
One thing did strike me as kind of weird was the cheese they put in their burrito. It was like some kind of government Velveeta cheese. But, as anyone knows... cheese is always good even if it's government Velveeta cheese. It just struck me as kind of odd. After my initial visit, I often find myself asking them to go light on the cheese as they really put a lot on those suckers - but sometimes you're in the mood for it so it isn't all that bad. If I recall correctly, one of these lovely examples of Mexican dining can be yours for around $5. How they turn a profit on these things with as much food as is in there, I dunno... but that's not for me to worry about.
I almost forgot to mention... Jarritos. I really don't need so say more than that. Jarritos. Yes.
Heck, I think I'm going to be out in Glendale working this weekend, actually. Writing this review has got me craving a burrito and I think I've settled up my lunch option once that time rolls around at work. If you see me, we can toast our burritos and clink our Jarritos bottles together in celebration of all that is Taqueria El Tapatio.
Recommendations: quesadilla, tacos
This place has very interesting tacos with cheese in between two tortillas. I also love their quesadillas because there are veggies in them and I love veggie quesadillas.
I'm definitely coming here again.
They only take cash. Sometimes I'll drive by and want to go, but don't have cash. I think that is the only reason I don't give them a 5. Its opened late. Every-time I go I try something different and its always good.
Honestly I live a block away from this place so I've eaten here a lot. I gave 3 stars because it's good half the time and bad half the time. My sister says the same thing. When I started going here I got lucky and it was really good! The tacos are pretty authentic because they use corn tortillas, pico de gallo and cilantro etc. But once I ordered a carnitas burrito (which are usually really good) and it was the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted in my life! There were globs of fat just chilling there and i tried to eat around them but I just kept finding more globules. After the fiasco my hand was literally soaked in grease. Best advice about el tap: go at your own risk!
edit: It took a while for me to get over that experience but I went back today out of desperation (I was soo hungry, there was no food in the house, and it's down the street). Plus my sister told me their tortas are good so I decided to give el tap another chance. I got the carne asada torta and it was realllly good! The meat was juicy, the bread was great, and surprisingly I liked it with the american cheese and mayo (both of which I usually can't stand). P.S. their horchata is amazing as well!
update: tacos al pastor are bomb, too!
People talk a lot of shit about this place but its good to me. ESPECIALLY a carne taco with cheese in between the mini tortillas.. Yum! pretty much the only thing i get there... and their jalapenos are dope.. and on some nights when ive stayed home all night to study, its a good place to go to see the remains that dump out of the club at 2 am.. People there arent the most cordial so you cant be faint of heart to be amongst the crowd.
um, no. Imitation cheese product does not ever make it into my tacos. The one time I came here, I thought... why? This place is a total and utter suck-fest.
The portions are small for me, but normal for Glendale i guess.
i actually enjoy the burrittos with the American cheese, but even better is when you order the tacos with cheese. they actually put cheese in the middle of the two tortillas.....wow.....!!! seriously its great. the nachos are good too. Maybe because i love fresh cheese versus poured cheese. I dunno i like.
this place is great late night Monday-Wednesday nights, but if you choose to come the other nights, youre bound to see fighting and that might ruin your appetite depending on what youre eating... gahahahahaha.
keep it cheesy.... peace.
The food here is great. I really like the carne asada meat they use here. As for the pastor or chicken, they are not that appetizing. My favorites here are the carne asada quesadilla and tacos. I'm not a big burrito fan, but that tastes good as well. I wish the horchata and champorado were more to my liking, but you might find them tasty enough. I also like the jalapenos that have been soaking in who knows what. And since they are open late, I can have a bite to eat if I'm ever in Glendale (which hopefully isn't too often).
I've been here a bunch of times (it's my usual stop off when I come home from being out of town and am too lazy to cook on my way home from the airport) but today was different. It wasn't any less delicious, as great as always.
But the menu board was all new with new prices too. A burrito and two tacos used to set me back $5 and some change. Today it was $7 and some change.
Here's the important thing: I DON'T CARE!!! It's that good. Also, now they put rice in their burritos, something they didn't do before. No complaints on this front, just makes the burrito more filling without taking away from the delicious flavor.
Tip: CASH ONLY.
Drunk.Delicious.Food.
Tip-tap, El Tap, Tippity tap-taptap. I've been coming here for as long as I can remember and my friends and I have accumulated a million nicknames for this place. There is almost always a guarenteed line at 2 o'clock on any given Firday or Saturday.
One too many nights have ended with a drunken meal at this incredible place, for me. There is just something about knowing that your food is made with lard that puts a smile on my face.
This place is at its best when there is at MOST a B rating in their window (which they try to conveniently hide).
You can see the cooks from where you order, and for all I know, though the restaurant is open 18 hours, these people have never changed.
The food is amazing, though lately I have come to realize that their portions have gotten smaller. I don't know if they actually have. It reminds me of when I visited my elementary school and saw how tall the drinking fountains really were; they seemed so F*cking high when I saw little.
Anyway, I love their Carne Asada Burrito W/ everything (meat, bean, cheese, onions, and cilantro). I love their Quesadillas, tacos, tortas, hell even their american food is good, french fries and the like. The best bargain on the menu are their nachos.
This is still the only restaurant that I have gone to 3 times in one day, none of which was with the same people or from my own discretion. I just that every friend I hung out with that day was craving El Tap. And I certainly had no complaints on glorious day. But I seriously think my body couldn't handle ever again.
I love Tacos.
I was talking with a friend the other day about desert. She loves desert. She would rather have desert in place of a meal. I, on the other hand do not have a sweet tooth, I don't crave sweets nor do I look forward to the end of a meal for desert. Cake, Ice Cream or Pie? None for me, I'd rather have a taco.
So I am not always in the position to drive out to the Eastside for a taco. I was in heaven when I was working out of Lincoln Heights, but alas, I'm further in downtown now and can't make it out there for lunch. But when I get a craving and don't want to drive out of the neighborhood, El Tap does the job and I think holds in own.
I'm a traditionalist, I like the basics. Two little corn tortilla's piled with carne asada, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. I like them a bit spicy, and I like spicy salsa at El Tap, but I will still dribble some Tapatio.
What I appreciate about El Tap is the quality of the meat. Nothing grosses me out more then when I bite into a taco and get a chunk of fat or gristle which happens more often then not, however this HAS NOT happened at El Tap.
I would say I'm a fairly regular patron and I have yet to see a change in the quality of their meat. Not to mention I appreciate that I can enjoy them just as much sober as I do when I'm drunk.
Tacos are tasty when drunk
Look for the A-frame taco house and you'll find good tacos at reasonable prices. I'm not much into cheese with my carnitas or carne asada tacos, but something about that oh-so melted cheese between warm tortillas is irresistible here. I also dig the chorizo & egg burritos. If you like super-casual Mexican food, this is the place for you.
Oh goodness.
I usually come here late night, when I'm starving and craving some cheese and meat.
SO I come here and get the Tacos con Queso. Usually with carne asada. It's the cheese that will get you. It's great.
Cheap as well, and perfect for a late night meal.
I used to live around the corner from this spot and loved the carne asada burritos so much that I had one almost every night (late night) after partying (when i used to party almost every night) until all my pants were too tight for me to button cause I had gained too much weight! funny...
I give em 3 stars cause I haven't craved em in a while and their prices have gone up... then I went to 4 cause my mouth started to water and their open pretty much 24 hours since they ALWAYS seemed to be open... and went back to 3 cause it's not the cleanest eating spot ever... but if you'da asked me a few years ago, it definitely would've been a 5.
I'm Mexican. In fact, my family is mostly Tapatia. I officially endorse El Tapatio as my first choice for good Mexican food in Glendale.
Taquerias in the US tend to concentrate on burritos and tacos and neglect many other choices that are popular in Mexico, much to my chagrin. My favorite quick Mexican "dish" right behind the taco is the torta. Made properly it it far more delicious than a burrito, IMO.
If you've never had a torta, try one at El Tapatio: the bolillo is lightly grilled to perfection and the sandwich seems to melt in your mouth.
Bonus: open late and they offer Mexican pop.
this place rocks. it's all about the carne asada (do they even serve another meat here?). great late nite food. very reasonable prices. I love the carne tacos with cheese - they put a layer of cheese between the two tacos. Man, I'm getting hungry. Don't come with high expectations, this is no-frill dining at its best. And don't bring your non-meatatarian friends. Great place for spotting armenian gangstas. LOL
Ahh El Tapatio. Unfortunately Yelpers are saying they've changed their burritos lately but still I wouldn't give up on them, even though I haven't been there in a while. Try their Carnitas Burrito! I used to live near there and couldn't get enough of their Carnitas Burrito. Not many burritos have cheese in them. Have it with (of course) the Tapatio sauce. If Carnitas isn't your style OK maybe try some other meat. Only if that passes muster, then try something else.
its open late so midnight munchers head here!
Im mexican and love mexican food but their meat is pretty dry and bland! ive had better, but they have great carne asada nachos...YUM!! its pretty cheap too
Celebrate Day of the Dead
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Best Happy Hour in Silverlake
Los Angeles, CA
Neighborhood: Glendale
Category: Meat Shops
Glendale, CA
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Burbank
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Glendale
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Glendale
Category: Mexican
Carne Asada is NOT a crime so I'm here to conquer…
if you dig deep enough, you'll find these culinary…
Okay, so it's not just nightlife, but instead a…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
I have an odd fondness for 1960s A-frame…
