El Grullense - Los Angeles

Without a doubt, this is the best spot for tacos and burritos in Pico Union and ranks among the top three in all of Los Angeles. I've been coming here since I was 9, and now at 27, I still can’t get enough! It’s truly one of LA's hidden gems.

I had breakfast at the restaurant and it was just okay. The menudo was decent, but I ordered a chicken sope and a chicken meal, and they were very stingy with the condiments for the sope. The rice that came with the chicken was old and overcooked, and the beans were neither refried nor fresh. To make matters worse, I specifically mentioned that the meal was for my toddler, yet I received spicy marinated chicken. When I brought this up and requested an exchange, they didn’t do anything to address it. I wouldn’t recommend this place.

If you’re in the area, live nearby, or just passing through, you absolutely need to try the food at El Grullense. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, and the service is always fantastic, with wonderful people and delicious food. My personal favorite is the Quesadilla de Carnitas plate—definitely worth a try! The interior is small but features lovely, authentic decor. The only downside is the loud music from the jukebox. Overall, I give the food a 5 out of 5, the service a 5 out of 5, and the overall experience a 5 out of 5!

Title: Disappointing Return to Famed Taco Spot El Grullense was once the go-to spot for tacos in the 1990s, but my recent visit 22 years later left much to be desired. The prices remain reasonable, but unfortunately, the food quality has declined. The carne asada tacos were disappointingly dry and flavorless, a stark contrast to the delicious memories of the past. Even the torta, usually a reliable choice, fell short with bland, dry carne asada. It seems like the change in meat providers may have played a role in this decline. While I appreciate the affordability of the menu, the lackluster food left a sour taste in my mouth. Despite the disappointment, I am willing to give El Grullense another chance in the hope that they will improve the quality of their meat and reclaim their former glory.

I discovered this place while searching for great tacos on Yelp. I ordered a few carne asada tacos and one al pastor taco, all reasonably priced at $2.50 each. The flavors of both meats were delightful. However, the carne asada was quite dry and grainy, while the al pastor was decent.