There is a vertical spit of al pastor rotating behind the counter of this La Brea taco truck, and it functions as a kind of beacon for anyone in Los Angeles who understands that the best food in this city often comes through a window. The pork is shaved to order, layered onto doubled corn tortillas with a sliver of caramelized pineapple, then dressed with cilantro and onion and a squeeze of lime that ties the whole construction together. The line forms around midnight and does not relent until closing, a congregation of bar refugees, night-shift workers, and cooks who just finished their own services. Everything costs almost nothing and tastes like everything a taco should be.
Location
Mid-City, Los Angeles
Insider Intel
Al pastor tacos, as many as seems reasonable then add two more. The vampiros if you want them crispy. Horchata to balance the spice. Cash moves faster but they take cards.
Late night between midnight and 2am when the energy is perfect. Weekend evenings around 8pm if you want to eat before drinking. Always busy but the line moves.
Cash preferred. Street parking only. Stand-up eating, no seating. Have napkins ready. This is exactly what LA taco culture should be.