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    El Tarasco

    3.3 (348 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order El Tarasco Takeout or Delivery

    El Tarasco Photos

    Business Info

    EL TARASCO ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - El Tarasco

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    Jill M.

    I was near the beach and craving some Mexican food. It had been many years since I had eaten at El Tarasco so I stopped in. I ordered the taquito combo. The rice was okay, the beans were okay, and the taquito's, the reason I went, had no flavor at all. I actually didn't eat the second one. I felt kind of cheated out of my $16. The server never checked on me and they weren't that busy, so that was disappointing because I needed an extra napkin. I left not feeling very satisfied and I don't see myself returning.

    Breakfast Taco Salad
    Steven W.

    Still five stars. Still good food. Still friendly service. I recently discovered the breakfast taco salad. It's a taco salad with eggs on top. It's not on the menu, but if you ask nicely, they'll probably make you one. They have a small patio with two tables - it's a great spot to watch all the Venice excitement. I prefer the patio to the tables on the sidewalk.

    Tuesday TACOS
    Richard L.

    This is my go to place when I'm near the pier and riding. The food is always decent. It's not the best. It's not the worst but it's consistent and I like it ! It's a very diverse man and they also have tacos too. If you're in the area, give it a try because the price is reasonable and the food is good!

    This was my first time at this location. I ordered the #3. 2 cheese enchiladas with a beef taco and a side sope. First of all the cheese was NOT melted inside the enchilda, then the taco had NO and I mean NO flavor. Moving on to the sope. I went to pick it up and it was stuck to the plate with beans on the bottom also NO flaver as well. I'm sorry when do you put beans in the bottome of a sope??????? The WORST place to eat. Do not heat here. Save your money. Also got a Quesadilla same cheese not melted

    Caldo de Cameron
    Debbie P.

    A HIDDEN GEM OF AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD! This is the real deal folks. Savory, home cooked choices. A local haunt with lots of character. Nice service, attentive and no nonsense. Reasonable, fresh ingredients and amazing marisco/seafood. You will leave satisfied and full. When in the area, I will be certain to make it a stop!

    Fred T.

    El Tarasco is one of my wife's favs for good Mexican food. She loves the carnitas plate. We stopped by for lunch/dinner so being a fan of caldo, I went with the Caldo de Carmona (Shrimp soup). It was outstanding and full of a mixture of whole shrimp as well as without the head. A very tasty dish. The margarita added a nice touch and for $8.50 who can complain? El Tarasco does have limited parking, entering in the alley just to the east of the restaurant. Also, their chips and salsa are very good but instead of chips they feature a whole crispy tortilla (similar to a tostada shell). Prices are reasonable and service is very prompt.

    Carnitas El Tarasco Burrito Mojado style.
    Art G.

    I've been going to different El Tarasco locations over the last 30 years. The portions are always large and they have consistently served good food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They aren't fancy by any means but they are clean and the service is good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I usually have a favorite meal but today I thought I'd get something different. I saw the El Tarasco Burrito hiding at the bottom of the menu. I always get my burritos mojado style and I love carnitas but have never tried them here so I gave it a shot. You always get a basket with salsa and whole fried corn tortillas that you break up. But I suppose you could leave them whole and make a mini tostada. As usual the plate comes out as hot as the surface of the sun so be careful if you touch it. The carnitas were cooked perfectly. They had a nice browning that many places don't do. WOW! Was this delicious. The other burritos have a lot of different ingredients that complement but compete with each other. This however was simple. Onions, cilantro and salsa verde. It allowed the carnitas to really shine. Tender but crispy at the same time. Getting the wet version adds red enchilada sauce and melted cheese on top. It's now my favorite dish here. If you're going to treat yourself to some calories you won't have many regrets afterwards I promise. The only drawback to this location is parking. Thus the four stars. They have a tiny lot in the alley but it's full on the weekends.

    Carne Asada Taco
    Kevin Y.

    Awesome taco Tuesday special. You can get between asada, chicken or pork for only $1.50 per taco. I got both assda and pork which was excellent.

    Taco Salad
    Shantelle S.

    El Tarasco is one of my neighborhood favorites! I've been coming here for years. Sometimes I just simply crave it. Taco Salad: Love it! Incredibly flavorful, as well as colorful! Love the guacamole & sour cream, yum! Plus, an edible bowl, perfect! I order it minus the meat. It's a whole meal in itself. Favorites: Cheese Enchiladas are cheesy deliciousness, alongside beans and rice. Taco Salad, yum. Bean & cheese burritos... I usually add salsa. Customer Service: Super Friendly & upbeat! Sometimes when I walk by on my way to the post office or to walk throughout the Venice Canals, we wave at each other and/or say hello! Dining Options: Tables out front; scene can get quite busy, because they're on the sidewalk, which leads to the beach! Plenty of indoor & bar seating. My favorite outdoor spot w/tables is hidden away on the side, which still allows you to people watch & enjoy the plants, as well as string lights! I usually call in my order to go!

    Patio

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    4 months ago

    Not fancy. Just honest Mexican food. I think their carnitas are great and they have wonderful homemade flour tortillas.

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    9 months ago

    Really delicious food! I'm from SD and it's really delicious food . I would reccomend for anyone out of Town

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    11 months ago

    The food and service are excellent! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is small and could be nicer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Pricing is very reasonable.

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    1 year ago

    Amazing service delicious burritos and salsa horchata is good as well [[HIGHLIGHT]]quiet environment[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and fast service.

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    2 years ago

    Everything is soo freaking good here definitely recommend it. Customer service is amazing and it's perfect for breakfast lunch or dinner

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    Page 1 of 9

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    Kalaveras

    Kalaveras

    3.8
    (693 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    This was our go to brunch place. Came today and it was closed…read more My wife and I are heartbroken. We would like to thank the amazing staff and manager. We will miss you.

    Kalaveras Marina del Rey continues to be one of my favorite Taco Tuesday spots. We've been here…read moretwice in the last couple of weeks, and every visit reminds me why it stays so busy. Taco Tuesday is always packed, but the staff does an impressive job keeping things moving. The process is simple--you get your ticket and the team serving the tacos does most of the heavy lifting. Even with the crowds, service has consistently been fast, efficient, and attentive. The food is very good, and the energy is always lively. My most recent visit was no different. Everything ran smoothly, the tacos were great, and our servers stayed on top of things throughout the meal. The only odd part of the evening happened as we were getting ready to leave. I stopped by the bar and asked the bartender for a cup of ice. He acknowledged me but never came back with it. While I was waiting, another guest next to me mentioned he was also having trouble getting service at the bar, while other customers appeared to be getting helped. I don't know the circumstances and don't want to make assumptions about why that happened, but it definitely felt strange. After waiting several minutes, I went back to my original server and she had the ice for me in about a minute, which reinforced my overall impression that the service team is generally very attentive. I don't like pretentious bartenders and I know their job is busy as heck. That again felt weird. Despite that one awkward interaction, the overall experience was excellent. Great tacos, a fun atmosphere, and a staff that usually does a fantastic job handling the Taco Tuesday rush. I'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Vibes
    Vibes
    Chips and salsa
    Chips and salsa
    Culichi Roll

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    Culichi Roll
    Chulita

    Chulita

    4.3
    (756 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Food was great and so was the service Our waitress Aurora was on top of everything and gave great…read morerecs 10/10. Definitely coming back for the barbacoa tacos!!

    My wife cousin invited us to dinner at Chulita in Venice to get away the heat and feel coolness of…read morebreeze from ocean not far away from the restaurant. When we arrive at the restaurant we notice people waiting outside the restaurant waiting for a table or meeting other people to get together at the restaurant. Finding parking in this tight Venice community can be frustrating due the neighborhood and also businesses in surrounding area. When we got to the restaurant we seen there's a line to get a table hostess say it's about an hour but she we sit by the patio with the great view of the street and everyday life. Sitting at the patio was very nice with the crowd noise from inside the restaurant. The waitess hand us the menu and look at it see what fuzzy about this restaurant. We look around and smelling the amora of the food that people enjoying it. We looking at the menu my wife cousin decided to order the Barbacao tacos with Borracho black beans and my wife order the chicken tings quesadilla and I got the cheese quesadilla. We notice everybody is having a good time with family and friends enjoy the food. Our food arrived it looks so good I took a bite of the chees quesadilla I was very impressive with the level of flavors in quesadilla the sauce is amazing full of flavor is classic technique to make the sauce go along with quesadilla. The queso Oaxaca add it more intense,savory to the dish I love. My wife fell love with chicken tinga quesadilla say flavors brought harmony to the dish very much. Her cousin enjoy her Barbacao tacos but her Borracho black beans were to salty but enjoy the meal. We order the pumpkin spice churro it's vegan/gluten-free dessert we're surprise how good was it so much flavor. The churro were light and crispy sprinkles with cinnamon sugar comes salted coconut coffee sauce very good we enjoyed the dessert. We like thank our waitress and the staff being friendly and kind. THANK YOU.

    Photos
    Indoor outdoor patio
    Indoor outdoor patio
    Vegan Nachos
    Vegan Nachos
    Grilled Nopales

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    Grilled Nopales
    Tacos La Opcion

    Tacos La Opcion

    4.6
    (258 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    This place is a gem. Staff is super friendly and the food reminds me of my mom's cooking…read more Worst part is probably running into entitled assholes, freaking out about spicy enchiladas. Bro, have you had Mexican food? Guess not, ni modo, eres un pendejo. Anyway, get the buche tacos. And try the red salsa, unless you're a wuss like the last guy who left a review.

    I used to love this place. Unfortunately the evening staff has caused a major issue…read more I asked them what to order for our son, and she suggested enchiladas for our three year old. Specifically with no spice. Upon ordering she said she understood no spice - and said there is no spice in the enchilada. In both Spanish and English I verified this. When the food was served it was super spicy. All the other food was fine, but our child's order was messed up. I took it up and politely said we are enjoying our meal yet this enchilada is too spicy for a three year old. We need something he can eat. I politely asked can you remake as we originally requested? She said no and threw away our food! She said everything is spicy there. My wife is Hispanic and could not believe what we were witnessing. I said huh? We ordered zero spice and eat here regularly. This is unacceptable. I have to file a complaint with our bank to get a refund. It's a shame because I love small businesses. Yet treating a family like this is not ok. This is a one star establishment.

    Photos
    Indoor seating
    Indoor seating
    Egg, potato, chorizo breakfast burrito
    Egg, potato, chorizo breakfast burrito
    Chicken enchiladas so good

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    Chicken enchiladas so good
    Paco's Tacos

    Paco's Tacos

    4.0
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    This place was amazing! It's an authentic Mexican restaurant on the Westside with incredibly…read morefriendly staff. The restaurant was decorated for the Fourth of July, creating a festive atmosphere, and everything from the décor to the aromas felt genuine and welcoming. The staff was attentive, personable, and made the experience even better. I ordered a chicken and steak burrito with rice, beans, and cheese, and it was outstanding. The shredded chicken in mole sauce was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the steak was cooked perfectly and complemented the burrito beautifully. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience, and I'll definitely be coming back!

    Out of my neighborhood for the afternoon on a Saturday, I was ready to eat and did a quick search…read more How about some Mexican grub? My wife agreed, so we decided to give Paco's a try. We loved the old-school vibe immediately. We arrived around 4:45 and waited only 5-10 minutes. Then we saw the fresh tortillas being made and thought, "This could be good!" The atmosphere was relaxed, with full table service and great chips and salsa. We ordered a plate of fajitas to share and a shredded beef taco. Funny enough, I thought I was ordering a taco platter, but one lonely taco arrived on a bed of shredduce. Thankfully, it was excellent. A good shredded beef taco is surprisingly hard to find, and this was my favorite part of the meal. Overall, the food, service and atmosphere were all great. I'll definitely return. I found a parking spot behind the restaurant that felt a little sketchy, but it worked. I'll probably look for street parking next time. 4.5 stars

    Photos
    Decorations for 4th of July
    Decorations for 4th of July
    Paco's Tacos
    Paco's Tacos

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    Casablanca Restaurant

    Casablanca Restaurant

    4.1
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    If you've seen the movie, Casablanca - and liked it - you will love the restaurant. The owners…read moreCarlos and Ivonne are wonderful people. The waitstaff is outstanding. The bar is beautiful and well-stocked with every kind of tequila imaginable; you can wait there for your table. (Carlos has even authored a novel entitled Tequila). There is entertainment most evenings. A separate tequila cart moves around the restaurant for your convenience and enjoyment. Margaritas mixed at your table! We've enjoyed delicious food - and freshly made tortillas (two señoras at a grill right in the middle of the restaurant) - over some 20 years. The ambience is reminiscent of Rick's Café Americain from the movie. Be sure to examine each of the photos on the website. There is Casablanca paraphernalia everywhere - on the walls, ceilings and bathrooms. A life-sized statue of Humphrey Bogart is enclosed in glass. A mural of Rick's Café on one wall includes Carlos and Ivonne sitting at one of the tables. If that's not a good reference, I don't know what is!

    Time really does fly…read more After more than 35 years, I finally made it back to Casa Blanca Restaurant in Venice Beach and it felt like stepping back in time. Some places lose their magic. This isn't one of them. The atmosphere still has that classic charm, the food is just as satisfying, and one of the best traditions is still alive: watching fresh, hot tortillas being made right in front of you. The service is still warm, friendly, and welcoming. In a city where so much changes, it's refreshing to see a place that has stood the test of time and continues to deliver a great experience. Here's to the restaurants that become part of our memories and keep making new ones for generations.

    Photos
    The joint
    The joint
    Seafood Brasero Sorry it was. So dark hard to get a good image
    Seafood Brasero Sorry it was. So dark hard to get a good image
    Signage

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    Signage

    El Tarasco - mexican - Updated August 2026

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