This place is just great! Its ambiance is very traditional and they have special flavors that you'll end up craving. Their barbacoa is wonderful, really juicy, and I love that they garnish with pickled red onion. I also tried their Tinga Masala, yes that's chicken tinga cooked in curry! It wowed me, it tasted so good! Their tortillas are hechas a mano, handmade corn tortillas which made it even better. Definitely going back, gonna try their burritos next time! I'm just shocked I overlooked this spot, I live really close and they just opened a coffee stand in the same spot which I also recommend! All the staff are friendly and lively, they were very nice to chat to! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Barbacoa Tacos with red salsa. - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

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Pastor burrito was amazing!! A little spicy, but that's pastor for you! You could also taste a hint of pineapple! @HelpingHand Coffee - WOW! I ordered a hot Oreo cookie latte with oatmilk! SO SO GOOD! I recommend it :) Everything came out quickly!! It is cozy! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - pastor burrito - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

This place is so cute! I tried their bowl and added all pastor and it was very good. Also ordered their cucumber-lime Agua Frescas and it was huge!! They brought over complimentary chips and salsa and that was very good as well. The chips were thick and the salsa was spicy but manageable. We dined outside on the patio and the service was excellent and fast. I definitely will be back when in the Lynwood area. read more

Great to be back! It's been a while since I've had a chance set foot at Balam. Though some changes have occurred, the great quality of food and service remains! It's still a wonderful gem of a restaurant that's serving up well crafted and tasty tacos...plus other goodies! The Tropical T taco was the star of the show! A pair of plump coconut fried shrimp served on a bed of pickled jicama and topped with a mango salsa that will have you dreaming about it for days. The Tinga, barbacoa and Korean bbq taco are still solid choices. New to me are some vegan options, so that's cool if that's how you roll. The service is still top notch. Punctual and friendly. As for the ambiance..it's only gotten better. Seems to be more colorful and inviting to guests. Finally...even tho everything I ate was perfect I would love to see the mole taco come back! Personally it was the main reason for me to take my daughter so she could try it. Bummer. I hope it comes back, maybe seasonally? Fingers crossed. Well if you're in need of a new place to satisfy your Mexican food cravings then Balam should be at the top of your list! PS They have added a coffee/espresso bar for you early risers that need a caffeine fix! read more

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My mind was blown by the quality of the food, it was a truly gastronomic experience. The chef has masterful combinations I would expect at a more snobbish establishment. The humble appearance of the restaurant is really deceiving. read more

Cozy taqueria or cafe located in a standalone building on a lot right off the freeway in the city of Lynwood. They have unique tacos on the menu that use elements of fusion, but are not so avant garde that they are considered untraditional. In other words, the food here contains traditional flavors with a few tweaks to give a modern appeal. I came here specifically to get a gobernador taco, but I was coming in later in the day so they either sold out or weren't available at the time. No biggie! So many other items on the menu sounded so delicious. I ended up ordering a Korean asada taco and a k'eek'en taco. Both tacos were bursting with flavor in every bite and they were a pretty good size. They were also on some really soft, fluffy fresh corn tortillas. When they brought out the tacos, they gave me a squeeze bottle of both of the salsas - both of which were also super flavorful. This place is really reasonable in pricing so I had a beer to wash everything down. Everyone who I interacted with who worked here was super nice and I truly felt like I was treated like a long time friend or family. Also, excuse my ignorance, but the decor of the outdoor eating area brought me back to my short trip in Tulum (but decor could be way different regionally). Just a really great restaurant all around. I wish I lived closer to this place. But I will be back to try to get the taco that I originally wanted or try some other menu items that sounded amazing. read more

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i literally found this place out of the blue when i was getting ready to leave Lynwood & head back home. visit date 08.26. i was in the Lynwood area due to work & I didn't want to leave & be stuck in traffic hungry. im so happy i came across this place due to yelp recommendations. they have their own parking lot so parking was easy breezy. when i walk in the restaurant, i was immediately greeted by a gentleman who was so friendly! lovely to chit chat with. their menu is nice and simple which I like. too much on the menu is a bit overwhelming in my opinion. i ordered 2 tacos & they were absolutely delicious. service was super quick. the lovely Hispanic lady made my tacos with love! the cucumber agua Fresca was refreshing. most definitely will be coming back here whenever im in the Lynwood area again! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Back at it again. Ive tried almost every taco on the menu, always fire. Veggie options are great too, Mushroom taco is super flavorful. Staff is always friendly, area is sketchy af but worth the drive. read more

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Balam and Helping Hands Coffee in Lynwood CA What a gem of a place! First off, @HelpingHandsCoffee is incredible!!! We had their Abuelita Mocha with vanilla foam and their Oreo cookie latte with banana foam!!!! What a combo!! Everything is house made and organic. No artificial flavors or sweeteners! Coffee : 10/10 Now, the food! Balam knocked it out of the park. We ordered their breakfast burrito with Korean asada (you read that right!), tater tots, pasilla, eggs, and cheese! Delicious! We also had their tinga masala taco (), cochinita pibil taco (), and a quesabirria (that my toddler killed) I mean, wow!! Food 10/10!! Staff is beyond nice and friendly. Very welcoming and attentive! Very rarely do you find good coffee AND good food all in one. This is now on our top 5 spots and will be back to try other items...very very soon! A must try!! read more

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One of the best tacos I've had recently over the years !! Chendo was very attentive and had great customer service. He was opening up the door for everyone come in and out The fish tacos were my favorite !! read more

This place is bomb! Customer service is exceptional, the staff is very polite and kind. Ordered the pozole and some tacos. AMAZING! they make the tortillas fresh by hand! That's how you know it's legit! So flavorful and fresh. Pozole was off the hook too. Bursting with flavor! They also make some bomb matcha and miches!! They have a cool patio and some indoor seating as well! Definitely come and check them out!! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Barbacoa Taco - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Wow! Truly blown away on how delicious we found the tacos ,Everyone was super friendly and the matcha from helping hands was delicious.Authentic Mexican tacos with each having a twist.Satisfied customers, we will be back very soon! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Cochinita pipil, La Paz - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Delicious food. Clean place. Good variety on the menu. Good service. The water came out in a swing bottle and my mug was chilled read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - burrito rajas - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Satisfied customer. Food was good, service was great and prices were decent. Parking is very limited.

Stuck in traffic coming back from LAX and needed to eat. The food is amazing and such great service. Can't wait to come back. We had such a good time sitting outside read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Pastor and Korean tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Tacos are not the same as they were a few years ago. The last 2 times I have ordered from here my orders have been wrong. If you order pickup I suggest checking your order instore before you leave because its probably wrong. Dont make the mistake of giving them the benefit of the doubt. The taste is not the same anymore the asada is chewy and the portions are not what they have pictured. For $4.50 each taco it is not worth it anymore. read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Koren asada with jicama tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

A must!! Drove from DTLA. Came to try some tacos. Fave was the governor taco and the tropical one. Friend had green pozol read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Beer and tacos - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Balam is a hidden gem! It looks unsuspecting but they serve phenomenal food. I've been grabbing lunch here for a few years now and it has consistently delivered. In short, it is Mexican with a modern twist. The ingredients feel light and each item is carefully assembled with all its respective garnishes. Definitely made with love!! It is a small family owned business so service may be a little slow, which I don't mind considering they're serving fresh items at a great price. Menu consists of tacos, burritos, bowls and traditional soups such as menudo and pozole. There's something for everyone, with vegan and vegetarian options also available. My go-to is the cochinita pibil bowl with the chili oil. All of the salsas are delicious but be prepared as they pack a punch. I believe they have one of the best micheladas I've ever had, perfect fusion of flavors but not overwhelming in any way, just right! Dine-in is available as there's a small inside dining area but if you're like me and want to be outdoors, you'll love their shaded patio area. Great job keeping true to your essence and consistent in the quality! read more

How good is this place? First visit was Monday. Visited again on Tuesday. Debating returning today. The food is authentic and creative. Family vibes all the way for service. I love the local laidback feel. You won't be disappointed. Best pozole around... quote me! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Tacos.... try all the tacos! Even the ones you think you wouldn't try. - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Las tortillas!!!! Omg they are so perfect I could come here just for that. Anyway, the menudo on a Sunday afternoon was delish! Y la miche ni se diga. It's been a while since I last ate here but it's always a good reminder that we have a gem in Lynwood *heart eyes* read more

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Fancy tacos they have great flavors I rated each taco based on flavors and textures. The michelada is a 10/10 with a unique rim dip. I highly recommend trying the cochinita pibil and Koran asada tacos. They have victorias here always a plus! I'm coming back for the menudo it smells amazing and I can't wait to try the rest of the tacos read more

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I have selfishly not reviewed this great spot for fear it might be too busy for lunch! Shame on me. This is by far my favorite lunch spot. I come every week and they never miss. The owner is super nice and cares about every order leaving his kitchen. Rosie is an angel. She pours her heart in the food and you can surly taste the love. I have literally had everything in the menu. You can't go wrong! Me and my girl friend love sitting outside while enjoying one of their freshly Made drinks. read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Torta Barbacoa - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

my food was cold and also not even tasty, i brought it home to microwave and it was still horrible, the staff treated me like a seggragated woman in the 1950's i am so dissapointed of the service. read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - me after eating the food here - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

Real good food me and my cousin tried the pozole and it was really good you should came and try there food

Authentic delicious made to order as you order and must accompany with a mechelada. I have literally tried everything even from the secret menu that they created and you can't go wrong with anything you honestly it's a must if you are nearby. read more

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Headed to LA for an event and decided to eat on our way. Found this place on yelp and the rest is history. We ordered around seven tacos...fish, shrimp, mole, korean asada, tropical, chicharron. All the tacos were amazing. Each one had such distinct flavors and did not disappoint. The tortillas taste homemade. They were pretty thick which kept the tacos intact but towards the end, we ended up eating the meat with a fork because the tortilla was filling us up. I also had their sandia agua which i really enjoyed because it was not super sweet. The only reason i didnt give them 5 stars was because i asked for no pico on the shrimp taco and they still put it on. My man has a tomato allergy so we ask questions to make sure any tomatoes are removed Other then that this place is really a hidden gem. Great vibes and good food. Definitely will be back. . read more

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Great food, good service... the simple setup feels like a ranchito at the beach in Baja.. try them

This place is a gem! Truly, the tacos there are incredible and memorable. The ambience is so nice and their patio is my favorite to sit when dining there. The micheladas are superb! They make their own chili rim and my god, it's so damn tasty. I appreciate their service. read more

food is bomb af. Dog friendly environment. they serve alcohol so it's a plus. I recommend the Korean asada tacos. read more

Daaaaammmmmmmnn good tacos. Also the people are good down to earth vibes....damn good tacos repeated because needed 85 characters

Good spot! Stopped here on the way home from a meeting at SoFi - my favorite taco out of the ones I tried was the coconut shrimp one. I also line that they make their own tortillas!! read more

Delicious food hands down. All their tacos are delicious and their salsas are sublime. The atmosphere in the outdoor patio is amazing. Plants and vines block out the street and shade the entire area. You almost feel like your in a plant lined cave. The soft Mexican music gives the place a wonderful ambiance. I recommend this place completely though their parking lot is not very large and the surrounding area is not a place if park my car. read more

The food is delicious and the drinks are too as well. The service of this place is very good they employees are very nice and very helpful to describe what foods taste like. The ambience of this place feels amazing. They have music playing and the design outside and inside is very nice. Overall must come! read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Rear of the store - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

What luck!!! My husband and I had dropped of our kids at the Sofi stadium so we decided to stop here on our way home. Did we hit a winner with this place. We were lucky because they usually close at 8pm but they were going to close at 6. We arrived probably @ 5:45 and they told us to take our time that they weren't going to rush us out. We weren't sure what to order since it was the first time here so we decided to each get 3 tacos that way we can taste a little bit of everything. We ordered a governador taco, a birria taco, a mole almendrado, a Korean asada taco,cochinita pibil, and barbacoa. Let me just say that they all were delicious!!! All served on a homemade corn tortilla. Our favorite was the governador taco it was so full of flavor with the shrimp and cheese , nicely fried. The Korean asada was also a great taco. The restaurant is on the corner of the street and has a cute little patio with lots of plants and then you walk inside and it has about 4 tables . It is nice and clean. That is always a plus. The server also brought us some salsas and chips to the table . The salsa was perfect with the right amount of spice. They also bring out two salsas a green and a red one when they bring your food. I green is mild and the red has a nice little kick to it. We ended our meal with a delicious chocolate flan. It's is to bad this place isn't closer to home. I would be here every week!! You need to come and give them a try you will not leave disappointed! I hope to be back soon when in the area. Thank you for such great flavorful tacos! read more

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I came to Balam many years ago and I was blown away by the gourmet menu presented. I tried to hire them to cater my 60th birthday but I never got a call back. Today I came back and I was a bit disappointed the place needs a bit more care. the tables were dirty same with the menus. I ordered Cohinita Pibil Tacos and battered Tilapia fish tacos. the Cochinita Pibil were amazing. it reminded me why I came back, the fish tacos not so good. I felt the oil they were fried in was a bit rancid ( I could not finish it) the slaw that topped the taco was amazing. I shared my concern with the servers and immediately asked if I wanted something else Although I don't think I will be back I might be tempted because I'm a sucker for gourmet tacos, this place has them, management needs to care just a bit more read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

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I wish this restaurant was open past 6pm. Their unique tacos are delicious! The staff is super friendly, I love the mom and pop feeling.

Best fancy tacos ever. I love these tacos because they tast so good every time. I love their fusion korean BBQ tacos. The Rajas tacos Are my all time favorites. read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Tacos de carnitas. - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

My wife found this place after searching for a good brunch spot near Downey and I'm so glad we stopped. The food was spot on ! We ordered the menudo , pozole, and a Korean style taco which were all delicious and full of flavor. They also give you plenty or garnishments on the side to add to your soup as well. The michelada was fire ! Especially for such a small place I honestly wasn't expecting it to be this good, and for $10... not bad at all. The overall vibe was mellow, chill , but comfortable. They played good music while you wait for your food and it felt almost as if you're abuelita was cooking for you from the kitchen. We will definitely be back here soon . Great great spot if you're in the area I would highly recommend. read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

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One of my new favorite spots to hit up on a Sunday morning or when it's dark out. Service is great and food was even better. You can get a cold michelada for the cruda or wake up with some coffee if Helping Hands happens to be there. Regardless, you'll be in for a treat. read more

This place was recommended through someone and decided to check it out since we aren't too familiar with the area. It did not disappoint! The menudo was flavorful and the tacos according to my husband were delicious! Also ordered the cafe de olla and was just perfect for me! Not to mention the staff was very sweet and friendly! Love me a family owned restaurant read more

Balam Mexican Kitchen - Menudo Regular Size - Mexican Near Me - Lynwood, California

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