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Fri-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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As someone who grew up in Culver City, Tito's was always nice because it was local, but it is not 5 star cuisine and really shouldn't be treated any more than a dive.
First, I am a huge fan of the "Meat" burritos.. I remember once asking for a 'beef burrito", only to be met with "Que?!?". I changed my request to 'meat' only to question if it wasn't beef what is it? With that said, the burrito's have huge chunks of beef that are an adventure to eat.
The taco's are pretty much like the taco's your mom used to make. Tortilla + deep fryer = shell, stuffed with taco stuff.
All the other reviews about the watery tasteless salsa, and the runny guacamole are true, but it is what it is. The guac if fun being runny because you can dip an enitre taco into it. In fact it is poured out of a pitcher.
Don't get me wrong, Tito's is a pain in the ass, but its cheap and relatively good.
Parking is HORRIBLE... You may as well not even look. Have someone drive you there, and drive in a circle around the washington / sepulveda / sawtelle block a few times and pick you up.
Back when i was a kid they used to do this thing with silver dollars as change.. Cute, but where do you put a silver dollar? They do it still with the half dollars, which is still a pain in the butt but its a novelty.
Why 4 stars? If i wanted 'good' mexican food, there are plenty of places in LA, but bad mexican food (i sound insane here) seems to be an attraction also. Almost its own food group.
Wait for it, wait for it, wait for itttt...
FAIL.
Fail in every sense of business possible.
Fail for cash only and the fat cat ATM owner collecting that 2.50 surcharge to every patron who uses it. (It's 2009 Tito's, modernize yourself like the rest of the city)
Fail to a run-down, paint chipped, ugly building (If you are so "involved" with being a LA tradition at least take care of the place for chirsts sake)
Fail to the food quality (look, I don't care if the tacos are cheap, I came here for a good one, not a cheap one, and at 2.20 for one with cheese, you're twice as much as Taco Bell)
Fail to the staff (rushing me through an order only pisses me off more when you repeat it back to me in Spanglish and I'm not completely understanding what I ordered)
I left a second star on for you Tito's because whatever that nasty god forsaken cheese you put on your taco's is, tasted pretty good and helped get past the nasty flavor.
Just because Mexican food is inexpensively priced, doesn't make it a good place to go...The food needs to be good.
Having just moved to LA, I am on my search for good fast-food taquerias. From what I have heard, Tito's is a historic Mexican fast food institution around LA. And was I ever disappointed!
Here are 5 reasons why NOT to go to Tito's:
The menu is very limited, consisting of only a few items including burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and tostadas and limited ingredients to add to your meal which are not specified in the menu. Putting aside the menu, the food was tasteless. Even the salsa had no kick.
The service was very rushed. There was no effort to explain what could be added to the burrito which in part lead to the disappointing burrito consisting of two ingredients. Since they didn't have staple ingredients such as sour cream and ingredients they refuse to put inside their burritos such as guacamole, they need to say what is actually available. It felt like the server had an arrogant attitude: as though this is Titos, take it or leave it
The atmosphere is terrible. From the paint peeling off the walls, to the homeless guy waddling around, to the person sweeping under our feet as we were eating, it was a terrible experience.
Cash only... In today's age, you better be darn good to be cash only. Avoid the ATM on site which supposedly has a high service charge.
Parking is very limited.
For the first time in the history of my 250+ Yelp reviews, I have nothing positive to say. If only there were a rating lower than 1...
I've been here twice, and I won't be back. Their food is not good, regardless of how affordable it is, and pretty darn far from authentic (but I'm sure that's not what their aim is).
Food is definitely greasy and not prepared well. I'd much rather go to Taco Bell for lunch or dinner than Tito's. And there's never any parking around.
Subsequent to writing my original, apparently underwhelming review of this underwhelming joint, I've had the opportunity to chat with some fellow Yelpers about Tito's Tacos.
My sole Yelp friend, Candy Q., agrees that the chips' quality has declined from the old days, but correspondent Lisa G. maintains that the chips are the same as they were 30 years ago.
It's been 33 years (eek!) since I first patronized Tito's, and while everything might seem the same on the surface, I guarantee you that it is now different--particularly quality--across the board.
To the many reviewers who claim that the preparer gives you "loads of chips": You simply have no idea of how it used to be. Every single cubic inch of vacant space in your to-go box was crammed with the original chips--so thick that you could break your teeth biting into them.
In the last couple of years I patronized Tito's, I'd order two tacos with cheese, a beef and bean burrito, medium cup of guac and medium cup of red salsa. And no matter which of the preparers served me, they'd flip a half-hearted handful of chips in the box, requiring me to order an extra bag of chips for a buck.
Back in the old days, if the preparers did a great job and were generous with the chips, you'd tip them. For me, that era ended when I had to buy extra chips every time. And, as progress would have it, the dollar bag of chips got perpetually smaller, and the chips got thinner and blander.
I related to Candy Q. how I used to take the beef and bean burrito home in the old days, open it up and add cheese, chopped onions and spices, and then reheat it. If you try that nowadays, you'd better add more beef and beans while you're at it.
Being as objective as possible, I can see how Tito's food is perceived as fast, fun and tasty by its newby customers. It's still edible, and I wouldn't deprive myself if it were served at a party.
But geez-Louise, believe-you-me, the place is a (taco) shell of its former self.
The following could be review No. 829 for Tito's, so in lieu of stepping on the observations of… Read more »
So I don't like Tito's tacos. Tried em with and without cheese...not impressed.
However, I really dig Tito's burritos :) The bean and cheese burrito in particular. I've tried the burrito with the meat, rice, etc. as well, but what it all comes down to in the end is that the beans are stellar (lard-tastic) and the cheese combines to make goodness.
I usually get some of the liquid guac and salsa and combine it with the burritos for a little extra flavor, but they are good without too. The chips are decent, the burritos are definitely messy, the ordering experience is...unique, but the burritos (to me and my wife) are awesome.
I have a warm spot in my heart for these tacos. I especially like the salsa, its not super spicy but really good--so good I could drink it. The all beef burrito is really good. They give you a huge amount of chips, too!
Some things to keep in mind:
1. they can be a bit salty at times
2. be prepared to wait in a long line.
3. they are cash only so make sure you have cash(they do have an ATM next to their building)
Cheap tacos...
Classic!
Not impressed at all.
The "mush" that they stuff their taco shells with resembles a Jack In The Box taco, which are . They're really greasy, which if the actual taco was good wouldn't matter, but they're not good at all. At $1.70 a taco ($2.20 if you want them to "sprinkle" cheese on the fucking thing) I expect something tasty and worthy of a drive to Culver City. Sadly it doesn't live up to the hipster hype.
Being a local, I can't really hate on Tito's Tacos. For starters, it's within walking distance of where I live. It's a step up from Taco Bell if you want to get a more "real" taco. But it's true, the shells are tough sometimes, the meat is pretty mysterious, the guac a bit watery.
Who cares, I just want some tacos!!!
3.5 stars.
Disaster, Dichotomy, Depressing, Damn
I am not usually one to follow the crowd, but when it comes to food, a long line is usually a harbinger of good things to come.
Not at Tito's.
Why so many people line up for generic, greasy, and gross tacos that have no flavor astounds me. If a restaurant ever displayed signs of suffering from abusive spouse syndrome this one takes it. People must realize how bad the food is, yet they keep coming back.
Tito's was at the top of my "why haven't I ever eaten there" list and after ordering 3 tacos, a chicken tamale and a root beer I was able to cross it off.
The tacos have absolutely no flavor and talk about mystery meat, it's more of a paste and shares no resemblance no any meat you'd find in a decent taco.
The Salsa is pretty much just pureed tomatoes, I'd rather smother my tacos in V-8 juice.
No. gracias.
Wow, Tito's appears to be quite the divisive issue!
When I first had Tito's, I hated it. But I think we got off on the wrong foot. I was new to the westside, and one of my (Mexican) friends took me to this place that had the "best" tacos. I was expecting tacos like those from a taco trunk... soft corn tortilla, onions, cilantro, spicy salsa, a selection of meats, and radish & lime on the side. When I saw the menu, I was horrified. Cheddar cheese on a taco?? wtf. and the salsa tasted like blended tomatoes. If that was my only experience with Tito's, I'd have written a scathing review and that would have been the end of it.
But, fortunately, I ate the tacos a few more times over the years because others served them in their homes and I didn't want to be rude. Once I accepted Tito's for what it is, I really liked it. It is not authentic Mexican food, so don't expect authentic Mexican food. I guess I would say to expect a fast food 'version of' Mexican food. I love drenching the tacos in Tito's "guacamole," which is really a watery avocado sauce that has an appealing flavor, and their salsa, which is mild for my tastes but really fresh.
The meat and bean burrito is also really good. The meat is not carne asada. Rather it's chunk/shredded beef, like that in chile colorado. but it's good. And the flour tortilla is soft and delicious.
that's about all I order from Tito's, and I highly recommend both. see if they grow on you. and you won't be settling, you'll just be more open-minded. lol.
ps. I heard (***possibly a rumor***) that Tito's is not owned/operated by Mexicans. So don't expect authentic Mexican food! haha. no, really.
pss. Tito's is not representative of Mexican food in L.A. Enough with the regional chest thumping. Get out and about in L.A. more.
i really like taco bell. I really love del taco. In fact, del taco is way superior to taco bell because they use thinner shredded cheese. (but taco bell has the better chicken quesadilla)
Tito's is like half way between a fake taco and an 'real' taco. It's like they tried to make the taco bell taco authentic by subbing in a real fried tortilla and 'real' shredded beef. It's like replicating a Guess bag. Ew and why.
Frying a tortilla makes it unnaturally hard and I personally enjoy Taco Bell's flavorfull ground beef and the nice thin taco hardshell.
Not to mention Tito's hard shells makes your jaws work. No bueno.
If it was possible to leave ZERO stars or even NEAGTIVE stars...consider it done. There is so much hype about this place and it makes no sense. I came here with 5 other people to give it a try and see what the buzz was all about. I ordered beef tacos and chili con carne.
If you have ever had the fried tacos from Jack In The Box then you've had a SUPERIOR taco than Tito's tacos. They have similar style but the Tito Taco could not be more bland and lame. The chili was equally as disappointing. The only item I had that wasn't HORRIBLE was the salsa.
This place is just trendy. People think it's "cool" to eat here and say they have..,.THAT'S IT!!!
Don't believe me....think I'm exaggerating? PLEASE go try it for yourself and if you know anything/nothing about Mexican food...you'll see.
This place is awful! I don't understand the hype, lines, or other good reviews.
This stuff would be considered bad camp food. It is slop that is slapped on. I've had the beef burrito, which is shredded beef, not carne asada and the enchiladas, which require a knife to ge through since the middle is just a log of cheese, and nasty cheese. Of course they don't provide knives, or sour cream, or a handful of other staples by the way.
It is cash only and I feel like they should be paying me cash to eat their "food."
Honestly? HONESTLY??
Southern California, a place that has such a plethora of exceptional Mexican and Latin American food and so many people are still eating here? I understand that it's a long time resident of the L.A. area and that deserves the star and the one time visit...but I'll be honest...it barely deserves that. There must be other reasons why people continue to come here....I'll have to look into that.
The salsa is very tomato heavy and seems as though it was produced in a blender. There is no subtle kick, no mixture of tasty vegetables and spices. It tastes like someone put too many tomatoes in a blender, added a couple of other ingredients, and pushed FRAPPE. Have some dedication Tito's Tacos...some attention to detail...rather than mass production.
Ah HA! I just found out the reason for the deserving of a star. Mass production. They are quick. You pay your dollars and your tacos are on their way. But AYE, THERE'S THE RUB - the tacos and burritos that are given to you are relatively bland and there is no succulent salsa to save them! My short visit to Tito's Tacos has become my last visit. For quick tacos....you know where I'm going.
Oh King Taco, where art thou delicious lengua tacos!?
I can't understand why people rave about their drunken adventures at Taco Bell and then turn around and rail on Tito's Tacos. For five or six bucks you get lots of decent crispy tacos, chips, salsa, and a tummy ache four hours later.
What's not to love?
I really want to like Tito's. I really, really do.
I can also admit that - for the first year I lived here - their little ditty was stuck in my head. Nonstop. I woke up whistling it, then fell asleep mumbling it - much to the chagrin of the parade of strange bedfellows I beguiled in those days. (Ah, my 20's. I miss you so.)
I pretty much told everyone that "the only thing better than a ___fill_in_the_blank___, is two," and enunciated it in the cadence of the famous ditty. This practice summarily ended when I quite stupidly repeated the practice to an LAPD officer as he issued me a citation. I'm sure you can imagine he was none-too-impressed when I said, "The only thing better than a fix-it ticket - is two!" But I digress...
Finally, my friend took me to actually eat at Tito's. Would the reality live up to the hype?
Sadly, I was neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed. No, I was decidedly just whelmed (so much so that I don't care it's not a word.)
I make better tacos using Old El Paso seasoning mixes and a little 'guero' ingenuity. Or so I thought. The tacos I had were bland. Unremarkable. Edible, yeah. Not bad by any means. But worth all the hype? No.
Since everyone has a bad day, I promise to give Tito's another try, but I will no longer be singing their song until they redeem themselves (and never again, incidentally, to a cop issuing me a ticket.)
Tacos are cheap and yummy.
Enchiladas are cheap and not so yummy.
The salsa is quite delicious. And so is the watery guacamole.
Try the window inside for quicker service.
Park in the tiny lot or along the street.
PS. the 50 cents extra for cheese is so worth it!
I actually kept typing "Tit's Tacos" by mistake to review this place, and was knocked off my feet (at first) that no one had reviewed it. "The Pink Taco" kept turning up instead. Whoops, 831 reviews.
This place is a cultural landmark. It is thronging with people every time I have been. It is a mixed crowd, a lot of Spanish spoken, people from all walks of life. Some families, some teens, some 30-something's.
The salsa is delicious, and so is the rest of the food - chili con carne, tacos, burritos. It's served in a cardboard box with chips thrown on top, which is charming, in its own way. I don't get the negative reviews at all. Go here every chance I get.
The food: Please note that I LOVE Mexican food and finding small, fast and inexpensive places to feed my craving. I've heard a lot about Tito's Taco and every time I drive by (no matter the day or time) there is always a swarm of people out front. I decided to try it out for the first time this past Sunday for dinner. I ordered a burrito and my boyfriend ordered a burrito and taco. I liked that we got chips and salsa with the burritos which were very tasty, but as far as the burrito went I was only satisfied. I didn't find the food extra special or better than my other favorite locations. The salsa was okay... I've had better.
The location: There is a tiny parking lot that always seems full and some street metered parking under the freeway. When driving, be careful for the jaywalkers who also are having a Tito's craving.
The service: I really don't understand their service system. One person is assigned to take your order, prepare the food, collect your money, then give you your order (in that order). I feel that it makes the process so chaotic. Who took my order? Where did she go? Wait... why don't I pay now? You can definitely tell the newbie customers with the look of confusion on their face (yes... that was me on Sunday). I guess I just like the traditional way of ordering... order & pay in one line, then wait for your order number to be called in another line. On the bright side, they had a lot of people working and everyone was busy and made sure the line was moving fast.
Final thoughts: I think I might try this place out another night when I am in the area and craving quick Mexican food. I'll probably try out a different item... maybe the enchiladas? I just wasn't that impressed by my first encounter and obviously don't see what everyone is talking about.
I love Titos Tacos, and you'll love Titos TOO!
I wouldn't suggest that you go there thinking you'll have the BEST tacos on the planet! It's really all about the cheap authentic experience that gets your foot in the door, while the crunchy tacos (+cheese is a must!) and crazy delicious salsa that keeps you coming back! It's definitely a MUST for anyone living in LA.
I don't know if I'm really feeling the Tito's Tacos. I think the meat is what kills it... it's kinda nasty and disappointing.
This place gets 1 star for the chips and salsa and 1 star for the delicious cheese that they put on the tacos. That cheese is freaking awesome and tastes like I just grated it from a huge block of cheddar.
Other than that, not much else going for Tito's. I'm not really into waiting in line. I just feel like there are a million other similar Mexican places that have just as good of food but with less hassle and more selection. Once my friend took me to the place Cinco De Mayo right next door and they have a bomb California burrito that I would take over Tito's any day. Also El Tarasco is way better.
Tito's is an establishment unto itself. I remember coming here when I was little and being amazed at the lines of people walking away with boxes upon boxes of their famous taco. Now for those expecting a gourmet or authentic taco, Titos may not be the spot for you. It's greasy, deep fried, cheesy delicious taco, way better than any fast food stand could make. And they give you a boatload of chips and salsa.
You can not deny an L.A. tradition.
Had to kill time due to the Germans designing a crappy VW Beetle and breaking down on a road trip. We had to choose between two taco shops directly next door to each other, so we chose the one with the line.
TITO TACO- Big, hard, thick (that's what she said! BAH-ZING!) shell w/ shredded beef, lettuce and QUESO QUESO QUESO. All around, tacos were perfect minus the beef. The beef is your typical shredded lack of any flavor meat.
They give you a grip of the thick fresh tortilla chips (needs more salt) and a bucket of salsa. The salsa lacks any type of chunks and is bland. It basically adds wetness to anything you may think is dry.
They don't have sour cream at all, not even as an add on.
Guac- very tasty, but blended. No chunks at all.
I would definitely go here again if I ever drive a crappy VW Beetle and break down again in the city of Culver.
As long as you don't try to get "fancy" or "complicated", you will love this place! Sometimes the line wraps around the place outside, but the service is incredibly fast (again, don't try to mess up the system, just order verbatim off the menu). The tacos are tasty in a simple way, and hit the spot after a long day at the beach. I love the HUGE shreds of cheddar cheese and the chips and salsa. If you're lucky, u might stumble upon a celeb sighting! (once I saw Raven, from "That's so Raven").
Yeah... meh...
All hype and there is a strange sheep mentality when people see long lines. This place is virtually an LA landmark kind of but not really. The food is not so tasty and very mediocre. I've tried so hard to like this place because many people I know and love swear by it. But I must respectfully disagree. No matter how many people adore Tito's... I just can't justify a reason to fight my way thru hordes of hungry people for this food.
Quoting a Canadian national " LA is like Mexico... but a little bit little cleaner...."
There is much better Mexican and fake Mexican food out there. So stop telling people this is the best taco and that they HAVE to come here. Because they don't..
Ooooh long lines... must be good... LIES.
Not Recommended
As far removed from mexican food as Tito's is, I still love the place for its' uniqueness. You can always spot when someone is carrying around the brown box. I can list all the things sooooo inexcusably wrong with this place, but, my predecessors have already eloquently done so for me. I will, however, point out the oft cliched question, where are the pigeons out on the patio???
But, I digress. I lean toward the burritos more so than the tacos. I always get a large cup of the salsa, even if I order only a burrito or 1 taco. That thing must have crack in it. I can honestly say that I can eat that thing all day til I threw up. The quacamole is watered down and I don't believe there's any avocado in it. Its still got a good taste though.
Don't be fooled by the long lines. The little ladies behind the counter turn out goods faster than you can run to the bathroom after eating here. Good times!
If your from LA, and you haven't been to Tito's somethings wrong with you. For the locals, we all know it can get pretty packed and waiting lines go down to the street.
Casual setting, nothing fancy, a basic menu to choose from.
What I order is usually the bean and cheese burrito, couple tacos and a regular burrito. Prices are cheap, and the food is really delicious.
Just thinking about Titos, makes me wish I was back home. I MISS U CALI!
You hear a lot of hype about a lot of places, but this is one that does not live up to its reputation. The hard-shelled tacos are good, but so are Taco Bell's. The guacamole is good. The burritos however, are just bad.
Granted, if you're drunk and hungry, as people often are, the greasy food here will definitely satisfy.
I was really expecting a lot more out of this place.
There is so my hype, thats all it is, just hype. I would not make the drive out here, its not even worth the wait. The crowd outside is ridiculous! The tacos are good, very crunchy, just like the chips. However, nothing really wowed me about them, and the cheese costs extra $0.50, for EACH taco... what a rip off. There are many local taco places you can find the same or better quality w/o having to drive here or wait in a super long line. Probably cheaper too. I'll just stick to Chano's down the street from my house...
There must be crack in the tacos because when I come I want like 10 tacos for myself. Deep fried and deadly but sooo good in my mouth. I love their fresh chips that they give you for whatever it is that you order but the salsa is rather weak. Kinda bland and could be so much better but it's so cheap, what do you want? Each taco is like a buck something and stuffed with cheese.
The downers, well parking sucks and the line is crazy. Each time we come we have to wait like 30 minutes to get to the front of the line. The tamales, burritos, rice and beans are weak. I would not come here for that, I would come just for the tacos.
I've always had a suspicion that they were filling the burritos with dog food.
I've never known a Mexican to say this place is good.
Let's start with the pros:
*fast service
*crispiest tortilla I've had
*cheap
Now the cons:
*greasy tacos
*bland
*having to wait in line
Overall, this place is so over-hyped. I'm still trying to figure out its success. I think it's the catchy name: Tito's Tacos, and their very crunchy tortilla, and decent sized portions. They give plenty of chips and salsa. And you know L.A. folks...they love to eat and they LOVE big portions and greasy food.
What else can I say than it would be my last meal on earth! I LOVE Tito's. The tacos and the salsa are my favorite! The tacos are made with a hard shell and shredded beef and have lettuce and cheese, or you can ask they not add cheese. The secret is to add the chunky salsa to the taco. They also have tostadas, burritos tamales and other traditioal Mexican dishes. But everyone I know who goes there, primarily goes for the Tacos. The chips and salsa are awesome as well. I always order extra chips and salsa to take home with me. I grew up on Tito's. I've been going there since before I could speak! I used to live nearby but now I live in the Valley. But let me tell you that I do make the drive on the 405 to get me some Tito's! Mmmmm.....
I just had my second go at Tito's after a 9 year hiatus and now I know why I've never gone back since:
The food sucks.
The burritos are exactly what you'd find on sale for 10/$10 at Ralphs in the frozen food section, except it's fresh and you waited 45 mins to get it. For all of you who love this place and claim to love Mexican food, shame on you.
These things taste okay, but they are not tacos. Jack and the box also has tasty things in a tortilla shell, but those are not tacos either. Nothing about this place is "authentic Mexican."
I think they make the salsa by opening a can of crushed tomatoes, straining the liquid into a Styrofoam cup and handing that cup to you. Its nothing more then red, tomato flavored water.
If you like this place, please don't let me stop you from enjoying what you call a Taco. But if you decide you want to experience the best Mexican food outside of Mexico, i suggest El Taurino. Try it and you might have different feelings about Titos.
I spite Tito's Tacos,
You spite Tito's too.
These are awful tacos.
Find a taco truck near you.
Give lots of chips to hide the burritos,
tacos, enchiladas too...
the only thing that's worse than a Tito's Taco,
is the queue*
I say the best rating that this place deserves,
is two.
* queue (kyoo)
n. A line of waiting people or vehicles. Rhythms with too.
They have good enchiladas and guacamole. Yeah, yeah it's not "real Mexican" food but who cares. Taco Bell is awesome and no one's complaining about that.
The only gripe I have about this place are the lines. They're seriously ridiculous. The only reason I go is because it's kinda close to where I live, they're open pretty late, and it's cheap (surprise, surprise).
Neighborhood: Culver City
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Culver City
Category: American (Traditional)
Culver City, CA
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Pico Union
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Culver City
Category: Mexican
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