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    Cielito Lindo

    3.8 (1.2k reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Food Stands
    Closed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    CIELITO LINDO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Cielito Lindo

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    Taquitos plate
    Denise V.

    Happy to hear they are open again. Stopped by today after going to the FIFA Fan Zone at Union Station to pick some of their famous taquitos -- just as good as I remember them. Staff is efficient and always friendly. Was also pleased to see a line of folks with me and full tables enjoying their burritos and taquitos.

    Michelle O.

    The taquitos never disappoint. Especially the avocado sauce. Whenever I come here I always get a bunch of taquitos and the Avocado sauce to go. So I can have to eat it later! I would recommend coming here!

    Michael A.

    *** Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants: Hall of Fame *** Featured on Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, Cielito Lindo is a historic eatery on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Famous for their taquitos since 1934, and currently being carried forward by its fourth generation (great grandchildren), I was pretty excited to finally give this place a try. As we had already eaten lunch, the two of us just split an order of taquitos, priced at $6.50. It did not disappoint. If looking for a perfect taquito with a nice crunch and flavorful sauce, definitely stop in here. Affordable price point, quick service, and delicious food.

    The front of the restaurant
    Ray M.

    The taquitos were just ok. The tortilla on the only two taquitos I ate was soft, as though they had not been cooked long enough. I was disappointed as the taquitos were nothing special; however, they are priced on the higher end ($3.25 per taquito). I ended up purchasing a dozen for my family for $39.00. Service was good and quick, as this is a very popular place to dine, and the line was long during my visit. I really wanted to like this place, as it is located in historic Olvera Street in DTLA, and many people love it, but for me, this one visit was enough.

    Alice T.

    I've been here a few times in the past, and the most recent is after I ran the Los Muertos 5K. Oh time has changed, and the prices have gone up. But at least the taquitos and the green sauce are still delicious. I'll always grab taquitos here whenever I'm on Olvera St. just for a snack. Their ordering system doesn't seem efficient. Lines could be a bit long and there might be a bit of wait because of other customers ahead ordering other items besides the taquitos. If they did a separate taquitos-only line, the wait would've been so much faster.

    Horchata
    Carlo G.

    Great and authentic Mexican food located in Downtown LA! I visited this spot on a Saturday for lunch and my experience here was pretty good. I ordered the #2 Combination which came with 2 Beef Taquitos, a Tamale with your filling of choice, and refried beans with cheese. For the tamale, I ordered the chicken one. Everything was good and tasty! The taquitos were crispy and crunchy and the tamales were cooked well. The star of the show were the sauces that covered the food which were just so flavorful. The taquitos were covered in this green sauce and the tamale in a red one and both of them were so good. Also, the cheese atop the refried beans was a good touch since the warm beans made the cheese all melty and stretchy. I also added an additional $1.50 for rice which was also tasty. The food is a bit ion the pricier side relative to other Mexican spots, but the food is still good nonetheless. For the drink, I got a horchata and it was solid. A good cinnamon flavor, milky, and refreshing. This spot seemed like a food stall/restaurant hybrid. As soon as I ordered, my food was ready right away. Even though the food wasn't freshly prepared on the spot, it was still pretty good. They have some covered seating spots with some tables which was nice. Overall, I enjoyed the food here and the area is also a cool place to explore for Mexican culture.

    business front - long line speaks volume
    Van D.

    Cielito Lindo is located in Olvera Street, which is a quick walk from Union Station. When my boyfriend and I were exploring the area, we saw a line here. Without even knowing what it was, I wanted to checked it out. As we got closer we saw that they specialized in taquitos. All of the folks in line were talking about how this is a beloved spot for their family. We had just eaten lunch so we only had stomach space for a snack. My boyfriend and I shared the 2 Beef Taquitos w their famous Avocado Sauce ($6.50) and a Horchata ($3.95). They were quick and my order was handed to me by the time I was done paying. They have limited tables next to the counter, and a few ledges and benches nearby. It's a snack so we didn't mind eating it real quick. The taquitos were super crispy and the tortilla tastes freshly made. The filling was sufficient but nothing too special. The avocado sauce didn't really have an avocado taste, just like an average salsa. The HORCHATA is the MUST ORDER item. Yummm... One of the best horchatas I have had. A fun stop while in Olvera street. Definite come with a patient mind for their line if you want to check it out.

    One taquito with avocado sauce ($3.25) & Horchata ($3.95)
    Luke L.

    *** They accept credit cards *** Cielito Lindo is one of the most iconic eateries in Los Angeles. They have been serving taquitos since 1934 and is the 1st stand visitors will see upon entering the historic Olvera Street. [Parking]: While there's a tiny private lot right next to Cielito Lindo (El Pueblo Lot #3), it is not cheap (20 mins $2.75 & max = $16.50). Your best shot is finding street metered parking near N Spring St & Ord St (approximately 2 to 3 blocks away). [Atmosphere]: Grab-and-go only and there's a small seating area right next to the ordering counter. I just stood under this giant tree and enjoyed my taquitos. [Menu]: The signature combo is 2 beef taquitos w/ famous avocado sauce for $6.50. However customers can also order 1 beef taquito for $3.25 instead and that's exactly what I did. They also sell burritos, tamales, and beverages like horchata. *** One taquito with avocado sauce ($3.25): Good avocado sauce, but taquito itself was just alright. Horchata ($3.95): Subpar drink - tasted a bit too sweet. *** I think Cielito Lindo's taquitos are slightly overhyped and visitors can actually find other vendors that sell cheaper taquitos on Olvera Street if they don't care about name recognition & historical significance.

    Old school since 1934
    Franklin M.

    Old school since 1934. If you are looking for a quick fix because you have the munchies then stop by here to grab two taquitos for around six bucks. They come drenched in their famous green sauce and are the perfect Mexican treat. I heard the bean & cheese burritos are delicious and I will have to try them on my next visit.

    Victoria M.

    Delicious! Always a must when we come down to the area the taquitos are made well the sauce is very flavor The horchata is perfect Sit down and enjoy the atmosphere and people watch so much history in one place Great vibe

    Beef taquitos with Avocado Sauce
    Komal R.

    I stumbled upon this place by chance and later came to know they have been featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown! We got the Beef taquitos with Avocado Sauce and they were made right then and there. Loved the avocado sauce though I would have liked a teeny tiny bit more filling. But for that price, I am not complaining!

    Beef Taquitos
    Austin B.

    tl;dr the frozen taquitos may not be much fresher than the historic restaurant itself, but the vibrant avocado sauce is alone worth a visit The historic Olvera Street is a popular Los Angeles tourist destination, and its most famous restaurant is an open-air taquito shack: Cielito Lindo. Established in 1934, this taqueria is nearly as old as the street itself, yet the signature taquitos remain an Angeleno staple. At the north end of the block, Cielito Lindo fits right in with all of Olvera Street's other colorful stalls. Faux-flame lanterns light the red-and-yellow pastel walls. Enter the queue and watch as frozen taquitos are fried to order in a dryer door-sized wok. The open kitchen is flanked on either side by separate seating areas. A tiled half-booth wraps around the room, paired with stainless steel tables and cushioned wooden chairs. The walls and ceiling are personalized with a sun-and-moon mural with floral accents. The sizzle of oil mixes with Spanish-language acoustic music. During both of my visits, the laser fast service has been equally friendly, with the ingredients pre-prepared to quickly churn through customers if need be. Cielito Lindo's famous taquito was fairly standard, most notably maintaining its crispy texture in the face of the heavy helping of avocado sauce. That sauce was the highlight of each bite, achieving a complex balance of slightly sweet acidity and mild, lingering spice. Meanwhile, the tamale was dry, but its rich mole sauce was packed with flavor. Lastly, the hit-or-miss horchata ranged from bland and watery during one visit, to intensely sweet and cinnamony the next. Nowadays, the classic two-taquito combo runs for $5, and an agua fresca is another $4. While most of the menu items are nothing to write home about, the signature sauce (which even is sold in bulk!) is well worth a quick visit if already in the neighborhood for an inexpensive bite of Los Angeles history.

    Amanda B.

    I had been to Olvera Street many times throughout my life and I always took pictures of this place, but never ate here. But I did recently, and let me tell you, I'm kicking myself for not eating here sooner! The ambience of the main little eating area is so adorable and clean! The food was very good! I was worried the sauce would be sticky on my fingers, nope! Perfect portion size, plenty of sauce. I don't think I have a single bad thing to say about this place...give me a moment. Nope! Can't think of a single reason why anyone shouldn't get some taquitos here!

    Cielito Lindo: front

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    Ask the Community - Cielito Lindo

    Do they use lard or another oil to cook the taquitos?

    Flaming hot Cooking oil!!! Don't sleep on these taquitos...best in the world!

    Where do you park?

    street parking

    I love Mexican food, but I am a vegetarian. Do they have vegetarian style beans? If so I'm good to go.

    No, I have heard people ask that question while there and they have said the beans are cooked with lard.

    View All 5 Questions

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    Came here for my friend's birthday dinner, and it ended up being such a fun spot for my group. The…read moreatmosphere was probably my favorite part--dim lighting, beautiful decor, and it definitely has that trendy vibe that's perfect for celebrating or catching up with friends. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, and everything was presented really well. The enchiladas were flavorful, the grilled fish was cooked perfectly, and the tortillas with the short rib were a table favorite. Portions were great for sharing, and the sauces really tied everything together. Service was friendly and our server checked in on us throughout the night without making us feel rushed. It did get a little busy, so there were a few waits between courses, but nothing that took away from the experience. Overall Great atmosphere, solid food, and a fun place for birthdays or date nights. I'd definitely come back!!

    Such a cute restaurant! The inside is absolutely beautiful and really gives you that feeling like…read moreyou're in Mexico. The drinks were good, and the food was delicious! Food portion is really small compared to the price, definitely more expensive, so I expected a little more. Service was okay, nothing bad, but nothing that really stood out either. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and would come back, but next time I'd probably just sit at the bar for drinks! Definitely worth checking out for the ambiance!

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    DAMA

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    I LOVE DAMA. If I could give this place more than five stars, I absolutely would. I've been coming…read morehere for the past six years, and it has truly become my favorite restaurant. From the exceptional food and drinks to the warm hospitality and beautiful location, every visit is a wonderful experience. the service is always welcoming and attentive. I've recommended DAMA to so many friends over the years, and it has become a favorite for them as well. It's rare to find a restaurant that maintains such a high standard year after year, but DAMA does exactly that. I truly love this place and can't recommend it enough. I have several favorite dishes and celebrated many birthdays here. Thank you for six incredible years--I look forward to many more.

    Was brought here by a friend as they knew I was a foodie and wanted to show me their favorite tapas…read morespot Downtown in the Fashion Distric for an early birthday celebration. Cute building with lovely patio seating: from the trailing hanging pothos plants, Spanish tiles, to relaxing latin-house music the vibes were welcoming. I'm not much of a drinker though, when asked if I wanted to make my pina colada a "float" I thought incorrectly about ice cream. It was graciously explained that you take an additional shot of rum and float it on top of the drink or mix in to make it extra boozy. The pina colada is top notch they hollow out a real pineapple to make the drink and it's the size of your face! The watermelon cocktail was delicious and there is also a mezcal option. Tasted like if a watermelon aqua Fresca was combined with a margarita, there is a hint of salt that brings out the fruit sweetness. We special ordered a bunch of different proteins and vegetables at half portions to make a feast: Aguachile- Light refreshing starter, kanpachi perfectly marinated and great for the summer heat. Crispy potato- Phenomenally done fingerling potatoes. Whipped beans- Carnitas on top made this dish. Fried chicken tacos- Found the chicken slightly on the dry side, if there was a creamy/thicker sauce would be even better... nothing wrong with flavor, good mild heat. I did enjoy the fresh shredded cabbage and carrots, reminded me of bahn mi. Empanadas- Loved the acidity of the sauce that cut through the fattiness of the ground meat. Light shell. Crispy Squash flower- Delicate crunch, like an angelic version of a jalapeno popper. Lamb chops- Definition of "treat-yourself" luxurious meat lollipops. Celery salad- Simple dish but the lemon flavor and tartness really helped break up the richness of other dishes. Churros- Light crunch and small, petite dessert. The thin caramel sauce is addicting. Fine dining, for those special occasions or if you just want to splurge for a morale boost highly recommend this restaurant. Valet parking or park across the street or around the corner in a lot for $5-10.

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    Lovely interior and decor -- summer getaway
    Lovely interior and decor -- summer getaway
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    Came here to watch the World Cup game and it was a VIBBBBBBE…read more Great accommodating staff, they really were on top of cleaning up the tables and filling up our drinks The food was AMAZING! I recently visited Oaxaca & this is exactly like their mole. So. Good. Can't recommend this place MORE. Take your friends, family, coworkers they have large party friendly seating Definitely will be coming here again!

    If you're looking for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Los Angeles, Guelaguetza Oaxacan Restaurant is a…read moremust-visit. Located between Koreatown and Pico-Union, this restaurant delivers an outstanding dining experience from the moment you're seated. My wife and I both ordered the Mole Coloradito with chicken, and it was absolutely delicious. One detail we really appreciated was being able to choose between white meat or dark meat--a thoughtful touch that lets you customize your meal to your preference. The mole was rich, complex, and full of flavor, exactly what you would hope for from a restaurant known for its Oaxacan specialties. As a welcome appetizer, they bring fresh chips and salsa to the table, but what really impressed us was when they replaced the salsa with their incredible mole sauce. It was so good we found ourselves dipping everything into it. Both meals were served with rice that was perfectly cooked with a great consistency and flavor. For those feeling adventurous, give the Chapulines (grasshoppers) a try. They may sound intimidating, but they were surprisingly enjoyable and added to the authentic experience. The staff was exceptionally friendly, attentive, and patient with those of us who are not fluent in Spanish. Their hospitality made us feel comfortable and welcomed throughout our visit. Great food, authentic flavors, and wonderful service make Guelaguetza a restaurant we'll definitely be returning to. Highly recommended!

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    Chapulines
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    Mirate

    Mirate

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    (1.2k reviews)
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    Instructions: 1. Somehow find parking. I guess…read more 2. Enter the restaurant. From the back or from the front - who knows! 3. Marvel at the massive, architectural wonder of the restaurant. 4. Sit down, look at the small but fancy menu, confused. 5. Just order things. 6. Smile. Notable Mentions: 1. The restaurant really is that massive. It's pretty, I'm pretty sure it has multiple bars, and it's multi-storied. Well-designed. Well-done. I didn't think you could just have something like this in LA. 2. The drinks, oh, the drinks. I know a lot of people come here just for this, but they really are tasty, inventive, unique. And the garnishes might just surprise you! (look carefully at the pictures) 3. The food is also just great. This was for dinner. 10/10 would return.

    The interior of Mirate is gorgeous with lots of interesting artifacts and pieces. While you wait…read morefor your table, can have access to a few lounges and the bar. The restaurant layout is indoor/outdoor can get pretty dark when dining at night. Parking: we found street parking but valet is available. Despite the nice ambience, the food was very mid considering the price. I was not aware that there was a rotating menu and was looking forwards to trying the carne asada y papas but it wasn't on the menu. I opted for carne à la parilla and it was as 12oz new york strip cooked and seasoned nicely. It was good but nothing special. The Aguchilies de cameron and branzino was again good but overpriced. The horchata came in a small 8oz cup and was also nothing special. Overall, the nice ambience was the highlight of the restaurant.

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    Cielito Lindo - mexican - Updated August 2026

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