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    Evil Cooks

    4.5 (224 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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    EVIL COOKS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Evil Cooks

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    Reviews With Photos

    El Poseidon y El Asesino
    Alex L.

    I found this unique tacos place in the oldest neighborhood of LA, el Sereno, when my friend said he wanted to try some authentic Mexican food. I knew we were at the right place when we noticed that almost all the restaurants in this neighborhood are Mexican food. So if you are looking for good Mexican food, I would recommend you to check this neighborhood out, el Sereno. The owners are clearly fans of death metal music, which shows in every aspect of the restaurant, from the colors, deco, the bathroom, the tables and chairs, the menu (cudos to the creative design), the utensils, and even the meats of the tacos are marinated in cacao sauce, which makes them appear black, I applaud the level of commitment and creativity. It's a very slow pace restaurant, despite the fact there were only two tables of guests when we got there, it still took 15min before we were seated and ordered our food. It's a small business with very limited staff. The restaurant is ranked top 100 restaurants in LA and a semi finalist of 2025 James Beard Award, so it goes without saying that the food is worth the slightly long wait. The Spanish octopus on the tacos was cooked to perfection, very tender and not rubbery at all. The flavor is very rich and diverse, and the presentation is absolutely beautiful. I love that the wraps are pan fried to be somewhat crispy, always love a crispy shell. 8.5/10

    Poseidon
    Eugene W.

    Service was pretty abysmal. We waited for a long time after being seated, and still no one checked up on us. We had to get up and ask them to take our order. After ordering just 3 tacos, we again were left waiting. It was 40 minutes just to get 3 tacos. We saw the staff just talking and chilling in the front. We had to flag them down for every interaction, including getting the check. They took an incredibly long time even just to bring a water we ordered. They also said that they don't have tap water... Not sure if that's legal?? As for the food... Rock Lobster (9/10): this was actually delicious. The lobster tasted incredible! Poseidon (6/10): this one I felt was overhyped. Nothing noteworthy about it, but not bad either. The octopus was just... Fine Although the rock lobster was delicious, not sure I want to return to this kind of service.

    Ernesto S.

    Awesome everything if I want to keep it short! But do yourself a favor and try these one of a kind tacos next time you are in the city of El Sereno! By far my favorite was the Mc Satan cheeseburger taco and the Poseidon octopus taco! Great food, great service, ambiance, amazing one of a kind local LA iconic food establishment!

    Front of Menu
    Amanda G.

    First off service was amazing, the waitress was very friendly, welcoming & helpful. The menu was awesome, good variation of infused items. Had an order of 3 from Hell tacos, great combo of meats to try. Although beautifully plated just was not for me was the bean w/cheese dumplings, I'm just not a fan of black beans, I don't believe it was noted in the menu but glad I tried it. Unfortunately, they are not actually "dog friendly" even though on yelp it says dogs allowed, they have patio but it's only costumers w/o dogs. If you plan on brining your furry friend be prepared to be seated at a designated table that's out on the sidewalk - perfectly understandable just downer for someone like myself who always has their dog w/them. I was looking forward to seeing the inside but was unable to have that experience. Will have to try again w/o my little buddy. Other than that I would actually rate Evil Cooks a 4.5

    Nani N.

    A hidden gem for sure! My friend has been raving about this spot for a while and I finally got the chance to try it and it definitely lived up to its name. I got 3 items: The Poseidon, Rock Lobster and their special was a fish of some sort that was still so tasty but I unfortunately had forgotten the name for :( All dishes were so delicious and they have specials that are different every weekend. The octopus in the Poseidon was so juicy and tender which surprised me as normally squid and octopus are always overcooked and become chewy, but definitely not this one. The Rock Lobster was so flavorful and you could taste how well they marinated the lobster meat. This place is so underrated and I highly recommend trying if you are in the area.

    RIH, Ozzy!! (Bathroom decor)
    Joanne P.

    We left San Diego at 6:30am to catch the trolley, Amtrak, then Uber. I told hubby we could drive or ride our motorcycles up here- but, we had nothing BUT time. We arrived around 11:30am ish and noticed a line outside. Even though we were a bit concerned, (hoping we made our timed train departure)- staff was very apologetic for the opening delay. Doors did open a bit before noon- WHEW!! *Sometimes we need to keep in mind we're supporting a local business. Our travels and patience paid off! It was a warm afternoon and you'll walk thru the quaint kitchen area to a back patio. Not much of a breeze, even though we sat at the end of the patio area. Although a sign is taped onto the restroom door- OUT OF ORDER, I did ask the employee and she said it is available (thank goodness!) LOL Although I didn't order from the Heaven Menu (vegetarian/ vegan options)- I was curious what the "Catfish" was! Love the names of tacos and here's what I got: Mc Satan: $7 Mexican beef patty; American Cheese (there were 2 cheeses btw!) sliced cheese and i think mozzarella underneath the patty; crispy bacon; guacamole. Perfect flavored patty. Not too thick and not too thin. Pliable to fold the patty, taco style. The Poseidon: $8 Black octopus; salsa tatemada (charred/ blistered); grilled pineapple (not soggy); pickled onions; cilantro; guac The Simmons: $7 I mean- GENIUS to name it The Simmons when it's slow cooked lengua (tongue); salsa cruda; cilantro; onion. THIS is my favorite lengua taco!! Typically you'll have lengua cooked/ stewed in its juices and chopped. I explained to the employee how Canelo Alvarez has his taco shop in Chula Vista and the lengua is served in the same sliced style. At El Pastor Del Rica, the lengua is just sad and bland looking. Even though a salsa Lazy Susan is placed at each table- it's meh. Here, at Evil Cooks, it tastes like it's slightly marinated and deep fried because my first bite into the lengua had a good crunch! Mmm! El Goth: $6 The black tortilla, black al pastor, cilantro, pickled onions, and guac. The looks and taste go hand in hand, suited for the name. The plate it comes on is pretty cool too! Dessert of choice, La Bruja Flan Taco: $6 What a cool concept! Citrus flan served on hybrid taco. Tasted like a very thin pancake/ thicker than a crepe. Coconut flakes, crushed Polvoron (shortbread )cookies, grated orange peels. I could eat a dozen of these!! I was sent into a food coma on our way back to Union Station and the train ride back to San Diego.

    Churro Cheesecake Taco
    Liana M.

    Literally everything I tried here was amazing. The Rock Lobster was so delicious I almost cried. The mulita was scrumptious. And the cheesecake tacos were probably one of the best things I've ever tasted. I'm not even much of a dessert person. Loved the spooky and rock n' roll themed decor everywhere. Very goth. Such a fun theme. Service was excellent. My only qualm is the location. Some shifty characters hanging around outside at night. Still, the food will definitely have me coming back whether here or at Smorgasbord.

    Ben M.

    Los Angeles is a city drowning in tacos. Good ones, bad ones, Instagram-famous ones with lines full of people who care more about lighting than flavor. And then there's Evil Cooks. This place doesn't care about any of that. You walk up and it feels like you've stumbled onto something a little dangerous--in the best possible way. The kind of spot where the grill is screaming, the air smells like smoke and chilies, and the cooks move with the quiet confidence of people who know exactly what they're doing. The tacos? Brutal. In a good way. Thick, handmade tortillas holding meats that taste like they were introduced to fire in a very personal manner. Juices running down your wrist, fat and spice hitting you all at once. No tweezers. No foam. Just flavor that punches you square in the mouth. You don't come here for polite dining. You come here because you're hungry, a little reckless, and smart enough to know that the best food in LA usually lives in places exactly like this. Eat standing up. Get messy. Order more than you planned. Evil Cooks isn't trying to impress you. And that's exactly why it does. Those chili cheese dumplings though

    Trini M.

    This is a hidden gem tucked away on a busy avenue. Easy to miss if you're not looking and just zooming by! I searched Yelp for tacos for about 10 minutes before stumbling on this spot and I'm so glad I did. Stopped by on a Saturday with my kiddo. Service was fantastic, I was greeted right away, and our server Maria was super friendly and helpful, patiently answering questions. The vibe is cute with a gothic/punk edge, and there's nice outdoor patio seating in the back. Menu isn't huge, but everything is executed with real care and precision. Maria suggested I could mix and match tacos since I sort of made a face with the available combinations.. oops.. I got the Poseidon (my favorite, flavors were chef's kiss. Even my son loved the grilled octopus bite he tried! Asada (solid and flavorful), and Rock Lobster (crunchy, well-seasoned, and surprisingly delicious). His cheeseburger burrito had that perfect burger-burrito mashup taste too. Everything was fresh, bold, and delicious. Definitely coming back. Highly recommend this spot for creative, high-quality tacos!

    Poseidon. Black octopus Al pastor & black asada
    Jimmy S.

    Came here to try the famous black octopus Al pastor and it did not disappoint. It was nice and crispy and not chewy at all! The asada was good too! My friend ordered the trio and the chorizo Verde was decent. The staff was very nice and friendly. The theme and atmosphere is cool. Metalheads would enjoy this place while eating a taco or burrito. Their back patio area is neat and has lots of metal themed things and a cool area to sit at and eat.

    Exterior
    Danielle B.

    I LOVED the variety of the menu, and there are so many creative menu options- plus their classic menu options such as the Smashburger taco and black octopus taco. Make sure to check out their specials, as they were really unique. It appears to be street parking only.

    Dalana C.

    So disappointed bc i love evil cooks :( I've been a customer for years devotedly visiting their smorgasburg tent and el sereno farmers market locations so i was thrilled to know they finally opened up a brick n mortar (since November '24!) and could pay em a visit anytime. We all know the dollar doesn't go as far as it used to so when i go out to eat, it's an occasion. Not opting for takeout, i was hoping it would be a memorable one. I took some obligatory photos of the decor but once the food arrived things were no longer cute. Hearing the specials (and seeing the positive review), i decided to treat myself to the $18 tom yum aguachile. I also ordered my staple, the $8 Poseidon (black octopus taco) which did not disappoint--hits the spot every time. But the tom yum.. ugh, the chips were Tough to chew through, and the prawns or shrimp were huge but the gray kind and almost totally raw which.. yuck. They were also fibrous and I couldn't even get through one. The flavor itself was pretty on point with an extra kick but the dish just wasn't right. I appreciate that they're trying to explore and maybe cater to some of their Asian clientele, but that in conjunction with the huge enormous flies that kept swarming my food as I tried to eat, with one even landing directly where I was eating, was totally unsettling. I wanted to get up to grab the waitress (behind the gated door that leads to the back tables) but was also afraid that the moment I left the flies would descend. Anxiety growing, luckily another party came out to the back so I was able to grab the waitress. Not the way i want to experience a meal or a restaurant. Mood was completely ruined. $30 for a meal where i left grossed out and hungry is just not it. To top it off, they charge a $0.50 unspoken fee for credit card usage. Went home to heat up some leftovers and try to restore my appetite. Owners, if you're reading this, I know you put that huge fan to try and distract the flies or at least keep them at bay but it's not enough. I'd recommend just getting a zapper and be done with it. Yelpers and yelpettes, if you go, stick to their basic menu, all of which looks awesome, and maybe just eat in the kitchen.

    Black Pastor
    Chloe X.

    this place was so good!! 10/10. the service was super friendly from the owners, i loved the vibe and aesthetic of the restaurant as well. i ordered the octopus taco, black pastor, and the flan taco, and tried the hamachi special. every dish was AMAZING, definitely mind blown by the octopus taco and black pastor, the charred flavor was so perfectly smoky and the meat was so tender - added crispiness while staying soft and juicy. the flan taco was delicious as well ... i love how creative every dish was that i tried and i wish i lived closer to la so i could eat this more often and try more of the menu.

    3 From Hell

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    These tacos were outstanding! In fact top, now among the three spots in LA for our family! We will definitely return.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Evil Cooks

    Is it dog friendly? I see they have an outdoor area?

    I wouldn't think so. The outdoor area is small, in the back.. so you have to walk through the restaurant to get to it

    Hello, I don't t want to sound like a little punk but do you have anything to offer a vegetarian?

    They have a whole vegetarian/vegan menu

    How much is a Poseidon Taco? Can't seem to find it anywhere....

    The sign at Evil Tacos' stand at Smorgasburg says the Black Asada & Pastor Tacos are $3.00 each. If that is true, then my Poseidon Taco was between $11-$12.… Read more

    Hi, what kinda taco shell do u use for the dessert version, thanks?

    I believe its a soft thin pancake like tortilla. Very delicious!!!! Give it a try, you will not be sorry!!!

    Does anyone know how to get a hold of them aside from physically visiting the food truck?

    Have you tried Instagram?

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Couldn't resist their Super Bowl Snack Box package filled with goodies! I absolutely had to add the…read more4-pack of heavenly guava cream twinkies!!! I wanted the 12-pack, but trying to be good. When I got home my wife said with a sad gleam in her eyes, "Oh why didn't you get the 12-pack!!" We love the dual heritage Hot Cheeto Musubi! (The best of both worlds!) Loving this dynamic duo pair with their fresh take on all of the tasty dishes they have to offer! The sliders were perfect bite sized teriyaki burgers with all the yummy ingredients. Did I mention the Karage chicken with 3 sauces?! You can't deny the perfectly fried chicken bits! It hit the spot! Even the macaroni salad with crunchy bits of carrot and surprise black olives! Everything is so delicious! We will keep coming back for more!

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    Macheen - Crispy pork breakfast burrito

    Macheen

    4.6(156 reviews)
    3.1 miBoyle Heights
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    Excellent, excellent, excellent! Went here last weekend with my nephew for the first time. Service,…read morefood, drinks, music, vibe - all on point! The breakfast burritos are SO GOOD!! I got the crispy pork one and my nephew got the brisket one. They looked a bit on the small side when we first got them. I was worried it might not be enough for the big fella, but it ended up being the perfect size! I almost couldn't finish the last two bites and I'm an eater. Lol! We had their passion fruit drink and it was yummy! I did ask for 50% less sugar. I think I could've even done 75% less. (Trying to kick sugar to the curb.) I got a bag of espresso beans that they're carrying right now, starts with an F (threw away the bag already). A local roaster and it is very good. My espresso shots are divine! The guy there said that they change it up, I believe, every few weeks or every month. Something to note, the place is a bit small so if you want to sit and eat, come with just one or two people. Hopefully, they'll be able to expand the space somehow bc honestly, I could've just hung out there for hours. This is going on my "Cravings Satisfied" List.

    I heard this was one of the best breakfast burrito's in east LA and I can see why. This place goes…read moreby Milpa Grille on the outside so I thought I was in the wrong place at first, but nope it's Macheen. I ordered two breakfast burritos: one with crispy pork belly and one with brisket. Both were solid. What makes the burrito great is its structural integrity. The flour tortilla is chewy but slightly flaky from being grilled. It's the right thickness that keeps all of its ingredients together: crispy tater tots, soft scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese, and chipotle aioli. It was the perfect size to keep me satiated and I only wish it came with more salsa. Both proteins were good and I'd come back to try the other ones. I ordered an iced vanilla latte to pair with it and for some reason it came very foamy and tasted more chocolate-y in some way? There were some notes of something that was not vanilla. It wasn't bad by any means, but surprising, since vanilla is typically pretty simple. The food came out in 10 minutes after ordering and there were plenty of tables available outdoors. The inside was a bit cramped and most tables were occupied. Parking is all on the street so it can be hard but it's worth it.

    Photos
    Macheen - Inside

    Inside

    Macheen - Pork belly

    Pork belly

    Macheen - Crispy pork breakfast burrito.  The only thing crispy was the tater tots, not the pork.  Overall was just better than average.

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    Crispy pork breakfast burrito. The only thing crispy was the tater tots, not the pork. Overall was just better than average.

    Evil Cooks - mexican - Updated June 2026

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