Of course, the day we’re in Whittier Carlos’s Tijuana Tacos is closed. You know when you don’t eat something very much so you want it to be the best when you do? Then circumstances (like hunger) force you to accept something inferior? Well, that happened today. I had the driest, chewiest, blandest Carne Asada Taco at La Victoria today. I guess the Chicharron is the thing to get there (I had a bomb one a couple of years ago) but even that looked tired so we passed. It was slow and they were getting ready to close soon so maybe that’s the case but A said it’s a “gone downhill” situation. I would just scrap everything and close early rather than give a customer something so bad. I try to find a highlight and don’t like to slam a place, but this warrants the slam. So upset. I feel like I’ll have this awful meat in my digestive system for months.
Been wanting to check this place out! I feel like getting in my car and going there or Tire Shop to erase the bad experience of La Victoria from my mind and palate.
Sooo… Aside from the current Carlos’s craze what are people’s go to spots in the Whittier area? Calling @attran99 & @js76wisco.
Hi @TheCookie, Bizarra Capital is great! Just tried them the first time a few weeks ago and had a great meal all around. Been meaning to do a weekend update post on them (and several others) but haven’t been able to get around to it.
Anyway, everything was packed with flavor and really well made! Some folks on the board have recommended the octopus plate, so I had to get that and really enjoyed it too. Loved the calabicitas side dish and homemade chorizo taco too.
Their guacamole is made to order and nice and fresh but at least when we went, it felt like it needed an extra punch. Luckily, their house salsa (which they give you w/ chips) is great!
I usually hit the truck close to my house, Jose’s on Leffingwell. Not hand made tortillas, but they make excellent cabeza and their fish or shrimp tacos are a great deal at $1.75. They say they’re famous for their shrimp burrito, but I only go for that when I am super hungry.
Up towards the Carlos area is Tacos Los Carnales. Hand made tortillas and a proper trompo for their al pastor. I always get al pastor but have enjoyed the asada and cabeza. I’m a fan of their pineapple agua fresca and salsa bar which includes their beans. I come up this way when I feel like making the drive uptown. @glazedonut is right about Bizarra Capital. It’s one of the best places in Whittier. Solid meals all the time. Colonia Publica makes great fideo. For oysters, Crooked Gaff Kitchen tries to supply an interesting selection (but nothing like Connie & Ted’s)…the crab esquite, Puerto Nuevo-style lobster, pork belly tacos, and their fried broccoli are some of my go-tos.
This is great. I haven’t been to any of them. I’ve heard of BC & CP. Didn’t they have another restaurant on Whittier Blvd that closed quickly? Anyway! Thanks.
I think you’re referring to Colonia Tacos. It was on the western side of the 605 in Pico Rivera. That’s out of the way for me so I never got to try it…but you’re right. Same chef as Bizarra and Colonia.
Uptown Whittier is a popular place on weekends. Lots of restaurants and small clubs…I’m guessing to supply the students at nearby Whittier College.
Sorry I don’t get out too much in Whittier but if you’re ever on the other side of the 57 our favorite tacos in Brea are La Puerta on Birch and Kraemer.
They make their own tortillas. We love the roasted green salsa. The meats vary from good to great. They do not have their own trompo. My favorite tacos are chicarron, carnitas and the chicken. Very nice owners. They recently expanded to the space next door. A lot of people come in for the menudo and pozole on the weekends but we generally stick to tacos.
Yah, they used to have Colonia Tacos Guisados (and prior to that Colonia Taco Lounge), both of which closed down. Unfortunately they weren’t that good, but showed potential. I posted about it earlier here.
Thanks @JeetKuneBao. Although when I looked at their pics, I see that it’s Birria de Res, boo! I wish it was Birria de Chivo, but I’ll still gladly check it out. Thanks!
I think you’ll enjoy the Dynamite Sticks (lamb barbacoa). I know La Puente is far as hell for you and on a weekend morning. It’s pretty unique I don’t think anyone else is doing it.
Spotted a new taco stand in Echo Park, just east of Guisados on Sunset so decided to give it a try. Turns out, it’s the newest outpost of Angel’s tacos. Tonight was their first night there. I’ve had their tacos before from their Eagle Rock location. Thought it was decent but tacos were a bit dry. This time, since I had just eaten dinner, decided to just have 3 tacos. 2 al pastor and 1 carne asada. I really like their salsas, but don’t like how they insist on putting on the salsas for you as they never put enough. Just let me do it!
Anyways, tacos were again decent. Not dry like last time, but both the carne asada and al pastor meats were salt bombs. Not inedible, but definitely too much salt. I’ll be sticking to El Pastorcito for my al pastor fix.
I wish it was Birria de Chivo, but I’ll still gladly check it out. Thanks!
. Terminal 4 LAX ‘residency’
It only matters if they have the trompo though… 
