(Dined 04/15/17 SA @ 10:30pm...and several times before): I proudly stood for tacos and would…read moredefend them to the very end!
I always craved tacos whenever I traveled abroad as did a friend of mine whom I picked up from the airport after she returned from a recent trip, so this called for a stop at the Taco Stand near my hood. I've lived the surrounding neighborhood for over five years now and disgracefully haven't given them my money as much as I felt I should since I loved to support small businesses and local mom & pop establishments. Would I make a point to visit this taco cart more often in the future!?
PURCHASE
Sunkist Soda 12 fl oz can ($1.00): Sticky sugary sweetness all in a nuclear orange color liquid...this couldn't be harmful for you, could it!?
Pollo Tacos x 2 ($1.25 ea.): A pile of pollo placed on lightly-flamed corn tortillas dressed with a ton cilantro, chopped white onions, a spicy salsa verde on one while a spicy salsa roja on the other, these were gorgeous no-fillers of mouthful sloppy goodness - arriba https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=eBfZ1ROUWLnS25OUH4kkDg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Asada Taco x 1, Pastor Tacos x 2, Pollo Tacos x 2 ($1.25 ea.): I treated my friend to this collection of taco treats for her return home from vacationing abroad. Since I gave up red meat for Lent, I'll have to return and try the asada and pastor...each of which smelled wonderful!
Coca Cola Soda 12 fl oz can ($1.00): My friend needed something to wash her tacos down with - bleh!
SERVICE
Pretty straightforward - you stepped up, placed your order, paid, stepped to the side as you shortly waited for your food, dressed it up, and devoured. There was nothing to it, so don't be a douche and asked questions while you placed your order...or "no tacos for you"!
PARKING (FREE)
Since they were walking distance from my pad, I took things in stride. They had no parking lot of their own. Otherwise, there was ample street parking along the main drag of Santa Monica Blvd. and all surrounding side streets (check all posted street signs).
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located on a busy corner directly across from the Cahuenga Branch Library (3rd oldest library in Los Angeles Public Library system), was a makeshift cooking cart alongside a table filled with a ton of condiments, another table with jugs of horchata and tableware, and a large cooler with iced drinks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jjbWjAIrhS6EkaZKilYiRg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Since they normally opened at night, rarely was there any natural lighting, so you were left with bright electric lightbulbs strung along a nearby fence and a street post. I've never seen any chairs, so you either stood or sat on the sidewalk curb (be watchful of roaches). There were no TVs, but at times I've heard background music in addition to the loud conversations and car stereos that blared from fellow customers.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
The "Taco Stand" at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Madison Ave. was da bomb and there was no denying that! The prices were cheap, service was excellent, food was amazing, selection off the hook (they had all the meats but wished they had some fish on that hook, though!), seemingly there every night, and best of all it was walking distance from my crib! Although they also sold burritos ($5.00), mulitas ($2.50), and quesadillas ($5.00), I've only indulged in their tacos...which needed to be rectified. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (MY TOTAL paid experience was around $10.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, it was CASH ONLY (sorry, I had to knock a full star off to stay true to my personal rating system), so they didn't accept any credit cards especially mine of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS
