Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Balam Mexican Kitchen

    4.7 (799 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Order Balam Mexican Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

    Balam Mexican Kitchen Photos

    BALAM MEXICAN KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

    You might also consider

    More like Balam Mexican Kitchen

    Recommended Reviews - Balam Mexican Kitchen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Left to right: Korean Asada, Rajas and Chicken Tinga Masala. Holy shit I'm in heaven.
    Emilio M.

    Great to be back! It's been a while since I've had a chance set foot at Balam. Though some changes have occurred, the great quality of food and service remains! It's still a wonderful gem of a restaurant that's serving up well crafted and tasty tacos...plus other goodies! The Tropical T taco was the star of the show! A pair of plump coconut fried shrimp served on a bed of pickled jicama and topped with a mango salsa that will have you dreaming about it for days. The Tinga, barbacoa and Korean bbq taco are still solid choices. New to me are some vegan options, so that's cool if that's how you roll. The service is still top notch. Punctual and friendly. As for the ambiance..it's only gotten better. Seems to be more colorful and inviting to guests. Finally...even tho everything I ate was perfect I would love to see the mole taco come back! Personally it was the main reason for me to take my daughter so she could try it. Bummer. I hope it comes back, maybe seasonally? Fingers crossed. Well if you're in need of a new place to satisfy your Mexican food cravings then Balam should be at the top of your list! PS They have added a coffee/espresso bar for you early risers that need a caffeine fix!

    Ordering window
    Brian V.

    Cozy taqueria or cafe located in a standalone building on a lot right off the freeway in the city of Lynwood. They have unique tacos on the menu that use elements of fusion, but are not so avant garde that they are considered untraditional. In other words, the food here contains traditional flavors with a few tweaks to give a modern appeal. I came here specifically to get a gobernador taco, but I was coming in later in the day so they either sold out or weren't available at the time. No biggie! So many other items on the menu sounded so delicious. I ended up ordering a Korean asada taco and a k'eek'en taco. Both tacos were bursting with flavor in every bite and they were a pretty good size. They were also on some really soft, fluffy fresh corn tortillas. When they brought out the tacos, they gave me a squeeze bottle of both of the salsas - both of which were also super flavorful. This place is really reasonable in pricing so I had a beer to wash everything down. Everyone who I interacted with who worked here was super nice and I truly felt like I was treated like a long time friend or family. Also, excuse my ignorance, but the decor of the outdoor eating area brought me back to my short trip in Tulum (but decor could be way different regionally). Just a really great restaurant all around. I wish I lived closer to this place. But I will be back to try to get the taco that I originally wanted or try some other menu items that sounded amazing.

    Brianna A.

    i literally found this place out of the blue when i was getting ready to leave Lynwood & head back home. visit date 08.26. i was in the Lynwood area due to work & I didn't want to leave & be stuck in traffic hungry. im so happy i came across this place due to yelp recommendations. they have their own parking lot so parking was easy breezy. when i walk in the restaurant, i was immediately greeted by a gentleman who was so friendly! lovely to chit chat with. their menu is nice and simple which I like. too much on the menu is a bit overwhelming in my opinion. i ordered 2 tacos & they were absolutely delicious. service was super quick. the lovely Hispanic lady made my tacos with love! the cucumber agua Fresca was refreshing. most definitely will be coming back here whenever im in the Lynwood area again!

    Shiitake Mushroom Taco
    Louis P.

    Back at it again. Ive tried almost every taco on the menu, always fire. Veggie options are great too, Mushroom taco is super flavorful. Staff is always friendly, area is sketchy af but worth the drive.

    Carol C.

    Balam and Helping Hands Coffee in Lynwood CA What a gem of a place! First off, @HelpingHandsCoffee is incredible!!! We had their Abuelita Mocha with vanilla foam and their Oreo cookie latte with banana foam!!!! What a combo!! Everything is house made and organic. No artificial flavors or sweeteners! Coffee : 10/10 Now, the food! Balam knocked it out of the park. We ordered their breakfast burrito with Korean asada (you read that right!), tater tots, pasilla, eggs, and cheese! Delicious! We also had their tinga masala taco (), cochinita pibil taco (), and a quesabirria (that my toddler killed) I mean, wow!! Food 10/10!! Staff is beyond nice and friendly. Very welcoming and attentive! Very rarely do you find good coffee AND good food all in one. This is now on our top 5 spots and will be back to try other items...very very soon! A must try!!

    Barbacoa Taco
    Marcus Z.

    This place is bomb! Customer service is exceptional, the staff is very polite and kind. Ordered the pozole and some tacos. AMAZING! they make the tortillas fresh by hand! That's how you know it's legit! So flavorful and fresh. Pozole was off the hook too. Bursting with flavor! They also make some bomb matcha and miches!! They have a cool patio and some indoor seating as well! Definitely come and check them out!!

    Cochinita pipil, La Paz
    Angela J.

    Wow! Truly blown away on how delicious we found the tacos ,Everyone was super friendly and the matcha from helping hands was delicious.Authentic Mexican tacos with each having a twist.Satisfied customers, we will be back very soon!

    burrito rajas
    Brian C.

    Delicious food. Clean place. Good variety on the menu. Good service. The water came out in a swing bottle and my mug was chilled

    Pastor and Korean tacos.
    Steve E.

    Stuck in traffic coming back from LAX and needed to eat. The food is amazing and such great service. Can't wait to come back. We had such a good time sitting outside

    Beer and tacos
    Mateo J.

    A must!! Drove from DTLA. Came to try some tacos. Fave was the governor taco and the tropical one. Friend had green pozol

    The best tortillas ever
    Mayra F.

    Las tortillas!!!! Omg they are so perfect I could come here just for that. Anyway, the menudo on a Sunday afternoon was delish! Y la miche ni se diga. It's been a while since I last ate here but it's always a good reminder that we have a gem in Lynwood *heart eyes*

    Tacos.... try all the tacos! Even the ones you think you wouldn't try.
    H M.

    How good is this place? First visit was Monday. Visited again on Tuesday. Debating returning today. The food is authentic and creative. Family vibes all the way for service. I love the local laidback feel. You won't be disappointed. Best pozole around... quote me!

    Torta Barbacoa
    Mike S.

    I have selfishly not reviewed this great spot for fear it might be too busy for lunch! Shame on me. This is by far my favorite lunch spot. I come every week and they never miss. The owner is super nice and cares about every order leaving his kitchen. Rosie is an angel. She pours her heart in the food and you can surly taste the love. I have literally had everything in the menu. You can't go wrong! Me and my girl friend love sitting outside while enjoying one of their freshly Made drinks.

    Tropical 4/10 the coconut over powers any other flavor the jicama doesn't mix in good it needs a good sauce to fix

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 6
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 4
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B R.
    2
    153
    33

    26 days ago

    Inventive and exquisite! The mixture of all the flavors just exploded in my mouth. Great service, clean small place, millennial decor.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angela J.
    4
    99
    185

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Satisfied customer. Food was good, service was great and prices were decent. Parking is very limited.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of H M.
    4
    65
    17

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike S.
    19
    18
    5

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Audrey P.
    108
    76
    52

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Real good food me and my cousin tried the pozole and it was really good you should came and try there food

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Great food, good service... the simple setup feels like a ranchito at the beach in Baja.. try them

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    I wish this restaurant was open past 6pm. Their unique tacos are delicious! The staff is super friendly, I love the mom and pop feeling.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joshua L.
    260
    56
    13

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 20

    Balam Mexican Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Balam Mexican Kitchen

    Do you guys have TVs to watch the World Cup?

    Yes we do

    Is this place dog friendly?

    Yes we are ! : )

    Any vegan options?

    Yes, they have portobella mushroom tacos or burritos, very delicious.

    What are the vegan options?

    Yes

    Do they offer the lettuce wrap substitute instead of the tortilla?

    Unfortunately we don’t offer lettuce wraps but we do offer a tortilla made out of jicama.

    Any vegan options?

    I am fairly certain that they do. But if they don't specifically have a vegetarian menu item - they certainly have enough veg goodies to build your own.

    View All 8 Questions

    You might also consider

    Tacoz

    Tacoz

    4.4
    (396 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    TACOZ is a special business that reflects both cultural pride and dedication in a way that is…read moreincreasingly rare. Demanding as Mother's Day, when most places are overwhelmed, they still managed to deliver an experience that felt intentional and heartfelt. Despite the long wait, it was clear that the demand far exceeded expectations, yet the service never lost its warmth. At one point, she even offered me an agua fresca as a gesture of kindness while I waited. I respectfully declined, understanding that a day like Mother's Day comes with heavy volume and pressure, and that delays are simply part of supporting a small business doing its best under strain. What stood out most was the owner's presence. She carried herself like a mother to everyone there serving each customer as if they were family. She stepped away from her own personal time to make sure other families were fed and cared for. That kind of sacrifice and commitment is not just business; it's cultural preservation in motion. TACOZ brings authentic heritage flavors to the city in a way that feels irreplaceable. The tamales, carnitas, and overall food experience were deeply rooted in tradition and full of flavor that reflects generations of culture. People should understand that moments like this are not about convenience they are about supporting something real. On busy days especially, patience is part of respecting the work being done. Instead of criticism, there should be appreciation for what it takes to keep a small, culture-driven business alive and thriving. In the end, TACOZ delivered more than food. It delivered a connection to heritage, family, and community. That kind of experience is something worth valuing and protecting. Keep Going gurl ! I'll be back and so many of your audience ! One person doesn't bring down a team ! Thank You ! *Your food brought tears to my family knowing they will never be able to go back to Michoacán for several reason but was able to revisit them once more !

    Came in for a quick breakfast snack and ordered the Tacos Dorados with birria and carnitas. The…read morepresentation was really nice, and the tortillas were crispy just the way I like them. Both meats were good, but a little under-seasoned for my personal taste. I also tried the Jamaica agua fresca. It was refreshing, but I'd personally give it about a 2 out of 5. On the other hand, the salsa macha was really good and added a lot of flavor to the meal. The place is a bit small for dining in, especially when it gets busy, but the customer service was great. The staff was friendly and welcoming throughout the visit. I'd definitely come back again because I noticed several other menu items I'd like to try next time.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Chile SALSA ROJA 8oz
    Chile SALSA ROJA 8oz
    The good stuff

    See all

    The good stuff
    Tacos El Tapatio

    Tacos El Tapatio

    3.6
    (111 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    Love the menudo here but haven't visited sincem the pandemic. I'm go see today what kind of safety…read moreprecautions they are taking so I can have my menudo in the fall. Day after Halloween, menudo is a must.e Went in on a Sunday at 8am, 2 other customers waiting in their car for the shop to open. There's a sign that reads go orders only and other signs that say you can order through Uber Eats or Postmates. Unfortunately you can't order menudo through there because it is an item that is only sold on the weekend. Once inside all the tables are not available to sit and there docs in the ground that read 6 feet apart. They no longer fill your olla but the portions I got were were good I just can't get as much liquid as I normally like. The menudo was as good as it always was and in the future I'll place my order over the phone and they don't mind bringing it out. If you pay cash and tip the change you can probably have a totally contactless experience.

    I've been a loyal customer for years and fan of their menudo . Until now , the quality of the food…read morehas sadly diminished , they charged almost ten dollars for bread alone . That's like selling you tacos and charging for the tortillas extra. Ridiculous customer service . I won't be coming back , Mr menudo might be next on my list . I normally like to support local businesses in my community , yet the owners here seem to want to face eventual closure .

    Photos
    Nice art and the old style menu.
    Nice art and the old style menu.
    Carne en su Jugo
    Carne en su Jugo
    Bistek encebollado y huevos a la mexicana

    See all

    Bistek encebollado y huevos a la mexicana
    antojitos los cuates

    antojitos los cuates

    4.6
    (53 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    If you're craving authentic antojitos from Ciudad Guzmán in the southern region of Jalisco,…read moreAntojitos Los Cuates in Compton is absolutely worth the drive. As someone who grew up enjoying the flavors of Jalisco, I had been yearning for the famous raspadas--large homemade tostadas--and the variety of traditional antojitos that are so popular back home. My family and I decided to give this place a try, so we made the drive all the way from Riverside County to Compton, and I can honestly say we were not disappointed. This is a small, family-owned restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food tastes homemade, just like the meals your mamá would make in Jalisco. You can tell that every dish is prepared with care, tradition, and pride. We ordered the tostadas, tortas ahogadas, and tacos duros, and every item was packed with authentic flavor. Unfortunately, we arrived around 3:30 PM and missed out on the pozole because they had already sold out for the day. That alone tells me it's a favorite among their customers, so I highly recommend arriving early if you're hoping to try it. The service was excellent, and despite the restaurant being very busy, the staff remained friendly and attentive. Keep in mind that this is a small family-run establishment, so your food may take a little longer to arrive. However, that's because everything is made fresh to order, and the quality is well worth the wait. Places like this are becoming harder to find. If you're looking for authentic flavors from Jalisco and want to support a hardworking family business, Antojitos Los Cuates is a hidden gem that deserves a visit. We'll definitely be back. A little taste of Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, right here in Southern California.

    Tostadas (raspadas) de lomo estilo cuidad Guzmán Jalisco! If you know you know. Local family owned…read morebusiness which is always a plus. Parking wasnt difficult on a Saturday mid day. You can park on the main street or there's a small parking spot behind the business. Prices are a bit pricey. $17-$19 for enchiladas and tostadas. If your in the area differently check this place out.

    Photos
    Food on counter collecting bacterial
    Food on counter collecting bacterial
    antojitos los cuates
    antojitos los cuates

    See all

    Balam Mexican Kitchen - mexican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...