Guisados
Hole in the wall taco shop.
Handmade corn tortillas.
My first experience with the delicious six mini taco sampler was at a location in Boyle Heights. It was a corner of the street, hole in the wall kind of spot, and the food was authentic and delicious. I never caught the name, but that six mini taco sampler stuck with me. It wasn't until I headed over to a taco spot in Echo Park called Guisados to meet friends, that I realized where I was and that there wasn't just one location.
First opened in Boyle Heights in December 2010, Guisados prides its food as "just the way mom used to make them." With the smell of "chilis and meat simmering in a stew," Guisados has become a place just like home, making room for family and community. In efforts to continue this love for the people around them, Guisados started an artist program in 2011. Each quarter, they choose one artist from the community to display their artwork in one of their locations.
More perks of Guisados? All of their tacos are gluten-free... and we all know that being in Los Angeles means that is a total home-run. While we all love the traditional carne asada taco with just cilantro, onions, and hot sauce, experiencing more of the Mexican flavor is always a treat. With tacos ranging from shredded chicken breast with tomatoes, cabbage, chorizo and chipotle, to a shredded pork taco cooked in sweet, red achiote spice atop black beans, you are definitely ensured an authentic experience in real Mexican home cooking.
They're definitely doing something right at Guisados, as the ever present and always growing line of people waiting to order wraps around the outside of the building. However, don't let the line discourage you. The staff is quick, efficient, and probably some of the loveliest people I've ever met.