One of the best aspects of living in Southern California is the influence of Mexican culture, and one of the greatest aspects of Mexican culture is the incredible food. Perhaps I’m spoiled, having grown up in San Diego, but I tend to hold the taco shop as a sacred institution. Since I moved to Los Angeles nearly five years ago, I’ve been searching for Mexican food at a taco shop that can stack up to the quality I was raised on, food that makes you forget you’re even in the United States.

It’s important to note that what I’m talking about here are taco shops; that is, small, usually family-run restaurants without waiters. The best Mexican food is never found at large, overly-decorated sit-down places without a word of Spanish on the menu. If I could dream up my perfect taco shop, it would have several key features. First, I should feel awkward ordering in English. One good sign in any taco shop is everybody speaking Spanish and listening to Spanish music, letting you know that a lot, including the recipes, has been retained from Mexico. Next, soft drinks should come in glass bottles. If you’ve ever been to Tijuana for the day, you’ve probably experienced that little bit of excitement when you drink Coke from a glass bottle. It’s just another reminder that Hey, I’m not in the States right now! Third, and perhaps most important, the tortillas have to be hand-made on the spot.

Until recently, finding that third ingredient in L.A. has been tough for me. All that changed when I found Tacomiendo in Culver City. It’s not only the best Mexican food I’ve had since San Diego; it is just as good as anything I’ve had in Mexico. This place has it all: an outstanding carne asada recipe, fresh tamales, and a woman standing in front of a window, hand-pressing tortillas for all to see.

The menu is varied, providing all kinds of Mexican delicacies from the expected chicken tacos to delicious lengua (tongue) and carnitas. Throw in flautas, sopes, and giant burritos and you have a menu that the seemingly ubiquitous taco trucks can’t come close to, presented with the home-made taste that large sit-down places can’t duplicate.

If you’re searching for great Mexican food, look no further. Tacomiendo provides great food at great prices and with great service. So grab a glass bottle of coke, say “Dos tacos de carne asada, por favor,” and escape to the vibe of Mexico for your lunch break. The only thing missing will be the margaritas, but you still need some excuse to head down to Tijuana, right?

Tacomiendo
4502 Inglewood Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90230
(310)915-0426
Open 7 days a week. M-F, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat & Sun 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

By Chris Boyd