Yuca's
Categories: Mexican, Food Stands [Edit]
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz2056 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 662-1214
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Private Lot, Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
108 Reviews for Yuca's
Yuca's is more of an institution than anything else. Taste is only average and portion sizes are smaller than average (as compared to all of the amazing taco and burrito places in Los Angeles and greater Los Angeles).
..so I know you're not supposed to write a review without having eaten anything, but I was unable to eat here. They don't serve chicken! I don't eat beef or pork, and those were the only options. I don't know if they ran out of chicken, or if it's just not apart of the menu, but I've never been to a place that did not offer chicken. I didn't notice any veggie options either. I would have asked about it, but the woman taking the orders was kind of scary (soup Nazi style), so I didn't want to ruffle her feathers.
Why the 3 stars, you may ask. Even though I was denied, my sister and niece were able to eat there and they seemed to really enjoy it. I was especially surprised by my niece because she never finishes a meal and is even more picky than me. However, she ate every last bite of her taco, so I'd say that counts for something.
Hands down, the best pork burrito I've tried...anywhere! You have to try their specialty, the "cochinita pibil burrito". The meat is roasted slowly. The owner tells me this family recipe originated from the Yucatan. The beef tacos and beef burrito are good too but stick with the pork. Great authentic Mexico food and very inexpensive! This is what I love about LA. The food!
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The best tacos in this town can be missed by driving through Los Angeles. Stop and walk up Hillhurst to Yuca's Tacos. Quality Carne Asada and a line that goes out the door into the parking lot and sidewalk. There is a liquor store next door. HINT! With a few chairs and tables it makes for a great meal any time of the day.
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Aw, yeah! Yuca's... local family owned and operated business in Los Feliz Village.
I'm sitting at this computer, half way across the country, missing my little-big taco stand around the way.
There will be long lines. There will be short lines.
You'll encounter high school students, sullen scene-makers, quasi-celebrities, chic toddlers, city workers and locals who live in the neighborhood.
I have not tasted everything on their menu but I love their simple chili-cheeseburgers, tasty tamales (only offered on Saturday), carne asada burrito and taco. To drink, you can order a Minute Maid lemonade in a Styrofoam cup or head across the lot to Hillhurst Liquor and get something more substantial (whatever that may be).
Know what it is you are getting before your order is taken.
Listen for you name to be shouted out.
Grab some of those spicy, pickled carrots.
Leave a tip if you can.
Say thank you.
Then, get the hell out of dodge and find a place to rip that brown paper bag apart and stuff your pie-hole!
Did anyone mention Yuca's is not open on Sunday?
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I just moved to this area, and needed to fine my new spot to get taco's. I'd heard about this place, and of course checked out the other yelps and knew I had to go check it out. I had a carne asada taco and a carne asada burrito. I got there around 1130, no line, placed my order, and it was ready literally a minute later. Took it home, unwrapped it, and devoured it in about 5 minutes. Great taco, great burrito, but I wish there salsa was a bit saucier. Also it was a pretty small burrito for $4. All in all it was pretty good, I'm sure I'll be back, but I am gonna have to keep searching for my regular taco spot in this area.
ah.....Yuca's!
What you hear of the Yuca experience is what you're going to get. You'll somehow find parking on the lot itself or somewhere near, line up in front of that box, order a carne asada burrito, wait, have your name called in a Spanish way (Brian will turn to "Brallan") and you'll eat.
Almost everyone will tell you that much, but you must eat here I describe the burrito as a not very large flat burrito with just the right amount of salsa and juicy beef. I did not give this place a five because of its burrito size. It's small enough to make you think you paid way too much, but it fills you up enough to make that extra taco you bought (just in case) feel like a chore to finish...a very enjoyable chore.
I'm a taco addict..and quite the foodie..Furthermore, Yuca's was good but not memorable. We did inhale our burritos, but later we were like EH......
The service is VERY fast though!
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i can tell you one thing all my friends clown on me for being a talker, let me tell you i got the lady who owns yucas to be nice and friendly but the best part was i got 3 free tacos to try she was just the f____in greatest lady. What a taco it was!!!! THIS PLACE IS THE BEST IN LA
Who doesn't go here? This place is an LA institution. Everyone eating in a parking lot, getting there burritos from a restaurant that is the size of a photo booth. The El Yucateco habanero hot sauces, (red and green provided, they don't have the darker Mayan Death Sauce version which is twice as hot as the red) mixed with the distinct stew of meat and beans is a daily cleanser for all those whole enjoy it. There's something very addictive about it all, plus you get to have the little lady at the counter screaming your name, just don't forget to tip your cook. You gotta be in the know to know to do it, so now you know.
So I've driven past this place a million times and it's always been busy. I finally had the opportunity to stop in the other day to see what it's all about.
First off, you've gotta love a place that has a mixture of tables and chairs that look like they came from a garage sale (or two). Then there's the dining room where these tables are arranged, conveniently close to the parking lot (no, wait, the dining room IS the parking lot, and vice versa). Next, cochinita pibil-- not your typical taco stand fare. Finally, the amusement of watching four people work inside a little kitchen that's smaller than an OG style In N Out Burger.
This is a place to go when you're not taking yourself too seriously. The menu is small, nothing fancy, no salsa, no toppings, just your basic dive taco stand. Order a pibil taco or two (or three) sit back and enjoy the food. Also, come here if you feel nostalgic about eating in the driveway at a family gathering (not my family, however).
They also own the stand at Hollywood and Vermont if you want a place with a bigger menu.
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Suckered by Oprah & McSteamy, my friend and decided to give this place a try and hopefully happen to see McSteamy eating a burrito or something there... I mean how can Oprah steer us wrong and a chance to see McSteamy?? definitely seem, trip worthy!!
Upon arrival it was as we expected, a hole in the wall... actually no.. it was a shack, but from my experience some of the best food comes from the most run down looking places so really this place looks promising already.
We wanted to get the most out of our trip there so we ordered the Carnitas burrito to share, a carne asada & cochinita taco .... we figure this way we could try all the specialties. Ok the pork is good....but overall seriously unimpressive. The carne asada was terribly dry and REALLY? you're gonna gimme so little meat and charge me more than $2 a taco???
Would I come here again, probably not. Was I glad I came, yah, because now I'm not so curious about the place anymore. As for McSteamy... it's alrite, I'll just watch you on tv....
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Sooo good! At first I was little thrown when I asked if they had rice or sour cream and they said No! But, eventually I pulled it together and ordered a bunch of little things. There is a reason they do things their way...it's better!
What you can expect at this place is spicy, not-fatty, not-greasy meat, beans and salsa wrapped up in a grilled tortilla. So delicious and fairly spicy. Plus, they have pickled carrots and jalapenos aplenty. AND its only 4 dollars. Which is pretty good. People complain about the size, but its 4 hours since I've eaten there and I still feel completely sated. And I'm a little piggly wiggly face stuffer.
Yes. The burrito is flat, there are picnic tables with flimsy chairs and it might take minute. But it tastes good. That's the thing. If you want a pumpkin and raisin, cumin and brussel sprouts tamale, then go to whole foods. Or the vegan place across the street.
Absolutely the Best place in LA for burritos !
Take it from a former cabbie/ self taught chef, in Los angeles who"s sampled every greasy spoon , dive , hole in the wall from Ventura to Riverside county, since 1971! Looks are deceiving form the street , so don't judge a book by its cover, you wont be disappointed. Call me if you are not left wanting to sample more food. 818 590-5441 Ill Pay for your lunch-- Alfredo C.
www.davel.com
YUM!!!! not your typical taco stand in LA the menu is small but there is lots of good snacks to choose from. cheap, fresh, fast and tasty. i always stop by when i am in town!
I've only had a chance to be here twice because their hours are so screwy. I used to drive by here and there would be a line, but when I actually had time to stop they were closed. DAMNIT!!! Because they are soooooo good!
I recommend the cochinita pibil in the form of tortas. Really really good! Stick to the Mexican food though, the burgers aren't so remarkable.
And try to avoid looking at the mustache on the lady that takes your order. Yikes!
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Yuca's is okay.
People seem to be impressed by the "low" prices, but everything is soooo tiny. I don't mean anyone needs to gorge, but you can go down to any of several places in Echo Park and get a gigantic-ass burrito for about the same price as two of Yuca's tacos.
The flavors are pretty good, but I've never been wowed by the place. The tiny (5' x 5') stand is super-cute and obviously family-run (you'd have to be family to be working in such close quarters), so I like to patronize it. I wish I didn't have to wait so long for my order, however. :) The place always has people of all types hanging out, or standing in line, or on their way there.
Oh yes, one other thing: Yuca's keeps weird hours... so if a late-night Mexi-snack is what you're craving, you might as well skip this stand and drive a mile or so to the East on Sunset.
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Ok the only reason there are 4 stars is the seating accomodations and the long lines during lunch. Otherwise the food is amazing and inexpensive. Don't go there expecting some fatty, huge, refried mess you call a burrito. Granted the burritos aren't big but they are flat. It's what's in them. The Carne asada is actual quality steak that has been marinated and it's not being hidden by globs of guacamole or salsa. It is sooo good. i do wish that they had some good (optional) salsa available. Something like king taco verde sauce. Everything is good there, but I only get the carne asada burrito and if I'm really hungry the pibil taco. It's in a little tiny shack in a parking lot. It's family owned and they have been here for over 20 years.
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Pancake burrito anyone?
Oh WOW, how I love this place! I've finally discovered a burrito so small that I can have a whole variety of them in one sitting, kinda like a stack of 4 pancakes, without the syrup.
Now I understand why there's always a line, it's so good, people keep going back!!! People stand in line the first time, order a burrito, stand in line again, order a second burrito, get back in line again, order a third burrito... well, you get the idea...
It's called sarcasm people, learn it, love it, enjoy it.
If you're looking for mediocre burrito and want a small portion, then head on over to Yuca.
I ordered the Conchinita Pibil burrito, ate it, still hungry, and ordered a carne asada taco... still hungry, left, picked up a sandwich at Cafe Los Feliz and then I'm happy. I wasn't even half full at Yuca, I really don't get why people are so ga-ga over this place...
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4 of us crazy girls trying to squeeze too many things in one lunch hour decided to eat at yuca's on the way back to work. we have never been but my coworker said she's been wanting to go check it out. omg! the carne asada was to die for. i love carne asadas and it's not easy finding a good one but this is the place. i hear the chonchita is great too but i didn't get to try. next time. there will definitely be a next time. mmmmmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
*edited**
i went back again and ordered the chonchita!! SOoOooo good!!
YUCA
Main Entry:
yuca
Pronunciation:
\yoo-ka\
Function: Some of the best mexican food I have ever eaten.
Etymology:
New Latin, from Spanish yuca, of unknown origin
Date:
1664
Definitions:
1 : A small hut, in a parking lot, on the outskirts of Hollywood.
See Also:
Yuca burritos: No, the burritos aren't as big as your head, nor do they have cheese or sour cream. If you want that, go to Chipotle.
Yuca side dishes: No, there is no salsa bar. If you want hot sauce, you can ask them to put it in there, but thats it. The carrots and jalapenos are amazing.
Yuca's rating: In spite of all this, the food here is absolutely incredible. The reason I only gave it 4 stars was I took half a star off for the lack of refried beans (they only have pinto) and I took half a star off because it isn't open for dinner. I would live at this place if they were, and it breaks my heart that they aren't. As much as I love Yuca's, due in part to the lack of refried beans but mostly due to not being open past 6, I can't bestow upon Yuca's the much coveted status of my local taqueria. However, if you are in the area and want mexican food for lunch, get thee to Yuca's and say hi to Mama Yuca for me (no idea if thats actually her name or not).
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Stopped in for lunch last week. Still messy still great. Wish they would put one on La Cienega in WEHO or better yet around the corner from my house. YUMMY
This has to be the best taco stand by far that I've been to. The meat is so juicy and rich in flavor. I've tried everything in the menu, (small menu) everything is delicious. They only sale tacos, burritos, tortas, tamales, and hamburgers. I recommend getting the shredded beef. Highly recommend joint. =)
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Superior. This is how you know (for those of you who have not yet been here):
a) From everyone else's reviews, this page has become about everyone's favorite thing to get on the menu...which is a good thing. The tummies are grumblin' just from the thought. This piece of evidence can stand alone.
b) For us non-fancy kids, the prices work and the food is delicious.
The last time I went to Yuca's I had a carnitas burrito. I ate it on the sidewalk-side of the booth and nodded my head with each bite whilst making yummy sounds. I totally became like the "hot chick" in those Carl's Jr. commercials, slurping and licking my fingers in the most satisfied way possible. Some passer by was on the phone and said "I think I just found where I'm going to get lunch." True story. You're welcome, Yuca's. You're welcome, passer-by.
Those who know, know. The good ones eat here.
Granted there is hardly a place to sit down here, but with a carne asada burrito that good and inexpensive, I'll stand up. I was a loyal customer since I discovered this place near my ancestral home of Atwater Village back in the 90s. Though I don't live around here anymore, I always make it a point to visit here at least once when I do visit. I've recommended this spot to friends visiting LA and have taken a few folks here and they were all satisfied. If you like Taco Hell kinda Mexican food, don't go here! If you want something more "home made" and just wonderfully good (I'm getting hungry thinking about it), this is the joint. A woman affectionately refered to as "Mama" usually takes your order. I miss her calling my name "Ahhhh-lexxxx!" when my order's ready.
The carne asada tacos are the best! Yum, yum, yum! And while you wait for your meal to be ready, run into the liquor store to grab a soda or water. Once I saw Adam Goldberg and Christina Ricci here. And Grey's Anatomy's McSteamy loves this place!
My stomach started grumbling just thinking about this place.
Mmm, try the Cochinita Pibil Torta.
I miss you Yuca's!!
Yes the hours are weird, yes there is always a line, true there is no where to sit, and yes there tacos are tiny! But there are three little words that make YUCA's worth it all ---- CARNE ASADA BURRITO! The best in town.
(Make sure to get some of the carrots/jalapenos and some salt to go with it, and a drink from the shop next door. Sometimes we even bring our own hot sauce. They'll give you paper plates and you can sit in the car, or grab one of the tables if you pay enough attention.)
Great burritos ! Give them a try
Asada is the key for this joint. The tacos and burrito are well seasoned and reasonably priced. Walk across the street to the Coffee Bean and grab a post asada latte!
"When are you going to have sex with Lane?!" was the question I wanted to ask Zack aka actor Todd Lowe when I saw him in line at Yuca's. However I realized that to the non-Gilmore Girls fan (seasons 1-4 being the bests), it would have been a wildly inappropriate question. I always leave actors alone.
The little Yucatan Mexican food stand is a James Beard Foundation "American Classics" award winner. It's a winner for me because of their carne asada burrito. (The food is cooked with lard, a word of warning to the vegetarians out there).
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Mmmmmm, good burritos, unprententious and fantastic service. This is a taco stand, so you have to eat in a parking lot or take it to go, whatever, this is the real deal.
Woo hoo! My first LA yelp review!
...and what a way to start....
Was told about this little shack by a good friend that grew up in the area and made frequent stops on his way home from high school in the late afternoon. Stopped by with my buddy from Long Beach (he regularly makes the drive now) for a quick snack. A quick snack as in, three tacos and burrito. I know, Im a heifer. But I coundn't resist, and you wont be able to either!
Makes the drive people. The menu is simple, and so is the food. No frills. Just great taste. Then again, I am from Northern California - we apparently have no idea what Mexican is all about....
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Frigging YESSSSSSSS. Family, quality, cheap, awesome!
This place is awesome! I have had one sketchy taco, I couldn't tell what kind of dead animal was inside,but aside from this the food has been consistently great. I love the old lady outside who takes your order, she always remembers you and is pretty hysterical to watch. I always get the cochinita pibil tacos two of those hit the spot. In fact everything I've ordered hits the spot. The menu is so simple you can't go wrong with anything.
Oh my word that was a good burrito.
I dig the little shacks, y'all know that.
The line moved quick and the order came even quicker.
Eating Partner: Two carne asada burritos and two lemonades please.
Lady taking order: $11.50, name?
Eating Partner: Eating Partner.
two minutes later...
Lady taking order: EATING PARTNER!
QUICK QUICK QUICK!
There weren't any seats available so we just walked back eating our damn good burritos and sipping on some gooood lemonaaaade.
I'm so happy we've found a perfect hole-in-the-wall place that serves up some oh-so-yum carne asada burritos! They weren't too big and overly greasy like the kind you get from Alejandros/Albertos/Alfredos (although those are real good too if you're feeling like eating a monster of a burrito). Juicy carne asada meat, not too many beans, minimal tomatos, crunchy non-overwhelming onions and just a hint of cilantro! Everything was in perfect proportion. Sigh. I was real satisfied, yet slightly bummed, by the time we hit home and my burrito was all gone.
I just wish they were open past 6pm.
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Yuca sure aint Yucky!
I place Yuca in my top 5 taco stands in LA. Although I typically like smaller tacos, they still come through with tons of flavor as most Yucatan food does. Their carne asada burrito is grub as well, although I would ask for light on the beans.
During rush hour, your going to have to deal with a small line but it moves almost as fast as the lady working the window. Be prepared with your order, as you will definitely have hungry hippos pacing in line behind you.
Umm...I think that is about it. Yeah...
Oh, yeah, there is a parking lot connected to the stand, so ample parking. And a liquor store neighboring it, just incase you want to grab some refreshments not provided at the stand.
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Nelson B, is a total queen. This joint is the hotness, and I have the back fat rolls to prove it.
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I used to work in this neighborhood and my boss recommended this place for their pork tacos.
Look, taco stands are a dime a dozen in L.A. and unless you're a broke actor(ess), drunk, or so self-loatheing to subject your stomach to such questionable "food", I would tell to you avoid them like the plague.
I was about to turn around as I entered the nondescript parking lot, when I saw the long line of anxious people with crazed looks in their eyes. At first, I thought there was a shoot nearby, hence the long line but boy was I wrong! I summoned my courage and ordered the pork tacos and for $2 each I thought at worst, I can throw it out call it a loss and move on with my life. Well, that was $2, oh who am I kidding, that was $6 well spent. The tacos are a bit small so don't judge me for getting three! Whoa, I sounded like an insecure teen in a Lifetime special called "look ma, I may have body dysmorpha but I can live in a rented apartment all by myself!"
It's so moist!!! So well seasoned!!! So perfect!!!
It's what all "international" food should be without the water-down, over salted, sweetend, bastardized American versions of the original. I often think about the pork tacos since my move back to my bland city of Atlanta. Sorry Miss Piggy but sometimes, a girl's gotta follow her stomach more than her heart.
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