tl;dr Armenian flavor meets Mexican street food at this Silver Lake takeout-only joint; while the signature falafel tacos are worthy of the hype, don't miss out on the thick-and-juicy quesadillas Although Los Angeles is home to even the most niche fusion cuisine, I still raised my eyebrows at the prospect of Mexican-Armenian fare. But that's just what fast-casual taqueria MidEast Tacos has on the menu. From the mind behind beloved Glendale Armenian restaurant Mini Kabob, this self-proclaimed "Home of the Original Falafel Tacos" began as a USC-area pop-up before moving to a permanent brick-and-mortar location on a busy corner of Silver Lake. MidEast Tacos is located on a busy corner of Sunset. The brick building sports a vibrant coat of aqua graffiti art. Geometric plastic chairs and metal two-seater tables are organized under burlap canopies across the adjacent sidewalk. The interior is counter service-only. Contemporary hip-hop blends with sizzle from the open kitchen. My partner and I visited MidEast Tacos for weekend lunch, and we had no trouble ordering quickly and grabbing a table. The sleeper hit was the Chicken Quesadilla. The slightly charred flour tortilla was crispy and sturdy against the thick filling of juicy grilled chicken, melty cheese, and fragrant sauces and spices. The tacos were individually much less filling, but each still lasted 3 generous bites. We preferred the crispy Falafel Taco, although I poured on a healthy helping of sauce. The Steak Taco sported tender, flavorful steak chunks, but it was outdone by the falafel. Our hearty side of Papas cottage fries was addictively unique. The half-fry, half-chip skin-on potato slices were intermittently crispy and chewy, but never dull. Across the sauces, our consensus favorite was the Toum Arbol, a rich chiptole garlic spread. A close second was the pepper-forward Salsa Rojas, while the mild Avocado Salsa was relatively light and bright. The service was efficient, and our order was prepared within 10 minutes. The only unsavory aspect of the meal was the $40 price tag; otherwise, we struggled to find any complaints. I finished feeling surprisingly satiated, in body and in spirit. Frankly, MidEast Tacos doesn't get enough fanfare for its downright delicious food; it's one of my favorite spots in Silver Lake. read more

Mideast Tacos - Falafel Taco (front left), Steak Taco (front right), Papas (back left), Chicken Quesadilla (back right) - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Reviews and pictures looked promising, but we weren't satisfied with our lunch that lacked protein and was just ok flavorwise. We tried the chicken burrito and omitted the salsa. The burrito was nicely sized, but was primarily rice. The few pieces of chicken that I had actually tasted pretty good. Although the salsa was omitted, the burrito was still a bit spicy. We also tried the falafel taco, that can be made vegan, and the chicken taco. The food was ordered online and was ready for pick up pretty fast. Service was friendly at this small spot that has limited outdoor seating. Overall, not a repeat location for us. read more

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Love how simple yet flavorful these tacos are! Located in a corner along Silverlake, Mideast tacos is a good option for a small bite or meal - featuring Middle Eastern flavors. The worker recommended chicken tacos, and while I loved how juicy and flavorful they were, the shrimp tacos were my favorite. The cabbage slaw, sumac, and toum arbrol sauce all combine to add a refreshing, mildly spicy kick! read more

Mideast Tacos - Shrimp, steak, chicken tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It had been some time since I tried Mideast Tacos, so it was time for a revisit. When I visited closer to it's opening, I appreciated the concept but thought the service was still finding its footing; the restaurant had some trouble balancing both to-go orders and food ordered to eat on site, and I had a long wait for a relatively simple meal. I'm pleased to say that eating on site went more smoothly this time. I ordered two tacos (falafel and steak), and I loved the falafel's crispy texture. The steak was flavorful, though now that I've tried the restaurant a few times I appreciate the idea more in theory than in reality. The food is made well but flavor-wise, they are not my favorite type of tacos. However, I think it's worth a try! read more

Mideast Tacos - Falafel and Steak Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had been dying to stop by to try the famous falafel tacos but couldn't stay for a whole meal, so this review is based solely off of a single falafel taco. And that single taco was incredible! The kitchen takes up the entire space, so there is only a small walk in area to order. The service was great and very friendly. I went outside to wait for the taco and it came out shortly after. We saw tables around us enjoying several kinds of tacos, burritos, and the cottage fries and it all looked so good. The taco itself was cleanly presented and absolutely wonderful. Such an unexpected blend of flavors from Armenian and Mexican cuisines. It was clearly fresh and prepared with love! I would definitely try their other tacos next time I'm in the area! read more

Mideast Tacos - Falafel Taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I actually really like this place! The chicken taco is sooooo good. The steak is good too but the chicken is reallly good. I also got shrimp but that was the least favorite. I love their potatoes as well. Seating is outside and they have decent amount of spots but can get packed and limited during prime times. It is a little pricy for being just tacos but I don't mind that. Would come back when craving! read more

Mideast Tacos - Chicken Taco, Shrimp Taco, Steak Taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Incredible Armenian-Mexican fusion from the founders of mini kabob, Mideast tacos does not miss. Located in Silverlake, Mideast taco is extremely flavorful and collaborative of two incredible cuisines. I've tried the following: chicken taco, steak taco, shrimp taco, steak quesadilla, and chicken burrito. The chicken and shrimp tacos are a standout, although all are great. The chicken burrito is great to share. Also their sauces, incredible. Mideast is also home to the falafel taco, for those who enjoy falafel. As a taco enthusiast these are a must try. read more

Mideast Tacos - Chicken Kabob Taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Absolutely exceptional and filling! I ordered two items and had leftovers. I love the sound of that. No shrinkflation here. The Falafel Taco (4.95) is a must get for something different. Perfect flavor, crispy texture lots of sauce. Very unique! Steak Quesadilla (15.95) was loaded with meat. Every bite was phenomenal. They only have sidewalk seating which is cute on a weekday. Easy to snag at noon. Not sure what it's like on a weekend. Recommending this to anyone who's looking for a good Los Angeles fusion. read more

Amazing stake tacos and shrimp tacos Sooo much flavor ,stake was juicy and tender And customer service was perfect will definitely come back and bring the family. read more

Mideast Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

These were literally some of the best tacos I have ever had. I tried the beef, chicken, and falafel tacos and all of them were soooo good. Very similar sauces on all and the beef and chicken were Armenian style kebab. Suuuper juicy and very nicely seasoned. The falafel was also not dry at all!! Outdoor seating and street parking! read more

Mideast Tacos - Falafel taco, Chicken Kabob Taco, Steak Kabob Taco, Steak Burrito - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I really like Mini Kabob so wanted to check this place out. Unique tacos for real. Tacos are one of my favorite food delivery systems and these are very good. I had a hard time deciding which to order. Ended up going with the falafel and steak. Both excellent. The falafel were super crispy, amazing flavor. The steak was very well marinated and also incredibly flavorful. The salsa/sauces they use are superb, so bonus points there. Tacos are on the smaller side and came out to almost $12 for two. It was ok for me, I am eating small portions these days. The tortillas are great, the corn is made in house. I will definitely go back to try the rest of the menu. It's a cute little shop, but only a small seating area on the sidewalk. All good for me. Amazing service, thank you for your kindness. read more

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Their falafel taco is one of the most delicious -- and definitely most unique -- tacos I've ever had. The falafel was warm and soft on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside, and the rest of the toppings were excellent. The combination of flavors was awesome, especially the blend of typical taco flavors (avocado salsa, red onion, cilantro) and the middle eastern seasoning (sumac, tout arbrol, thai basil). I will definitely have to go back to try more of the menu! read more

Mideast Tacos - Falafel taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Tacos are good! Two are plenty if you're hungry. The burritos look good but man are they expensive. Loved the tortilla, meat was flavorful, spices were as expected. Nothing mind blowing but good+ tacos that are a little different. read more

Mideast Tacos - Chicken and steak taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A small corner spot in the Silverlake area that is a fusion of Armenian barbecue and Mexican taqueria. I think they're famous for their falafel tacos. That is definitely what I ordered along with some other things with the group I went with. The service was friendly and efficient. They have to be because they the line could get pretty long and the interior is pretty small. Other than the falafel taco, I also ordered the steak kebab taco, the potatoes. and a walnut soda. my friends ordered a few other tacos as well as the chicken quesadilla. The food here is well seasoned and fresh. The textures are great and the meats and the fillings are prepared very well. The food was very delicious, but I have to say I think maybe I ordered a little on the heavy side because it felt little heavy when I was done. There are a few tables outside, but I think a lot of the business here is for takeout. In this area parking can get really hectic, especially when it is around dinner time or when there's a dodger game. read more

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Everything we've had from here is excellent. I highly recommend the chicken taco and the potatoes. The toum sauce I could put on anything! The burritos, quesadillas, all so good. I've only ever had it delivered so I can't speak to places interior but the food is bomb! read more

Yummy. Hope you are on schedule to reopen. The shrimp is fresh (and crunchy). The quesadilla is satisfying. The Bowls are good, too.

Got the steak quesadilla, the shrimp quesadilla, the chicken tacos and fries delivered. The main dishes were excellent - I was specifically impressed by the shrimp quesadilla as I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. The fries didn't travel super well but they never do so that's kind of on me. Amazing spot! read more

This might be my new identity. I am a month into being vegetarian. I saw a viral video of the falafel tacos online and I had to try it. We ordered two tacos to share. Each taco came with three small falafels, cabbage, onion, cilantro, chipotle crema, and a lime. The server/cashier was the only person we interacted with and he was so sweet. He helped us with how much to order since we didn't want a full meal, just a lil snack to hold us over until dinner. The interior is sparkling clean. I saw the cashier wipe every surface meticulously. He had no downtime. The outside tables and chairs were a lil grimey. They are sitting right off of sunset blvd so I could see debris landing on the tables and chairs nonstop. The photos of the other items look delicious. Once I'm back to being a meat eater I would order everything else. read more

I recently saw all the hype about this fusion spot and knew I had to give it a shot. Not only is it a bit pricy but they charge $1 per sauce cup. Most places give you sauce as a standard curtesy for ordering... the excessive charge for sauce was such a turn off. Nonetheless, I paid for it and went on to try the famous falafel taco and a shrimp burrito. While good, that's just it, it was good.... Nothing extraordinary or memorable to make me want to come back. The service was fine, and the restaurant is located on the corner with tables and chairs out front but no indoor seating. Parking can be quite challenging too. Overall, it was fine but not noteworthy. read more

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This L.A. Fusion Middle Eastern and Mexican combination is perfect! I remember hearing about this Restaurant over a year ago but forgot about it until I saw it this morning on the channel 5 news! Food is amazingly delicious, must try the steak burrito, shrimp tacos, chicken quesadilla and papas- crinkle potatoe chips! My husband had the steak burrito, said it was very delicious, flavorful and filling! The shrimp kabob taco was so good, it had grilled shrimp, fresh cilantro, red onion, purple cabbage and Chipotle sauce. The chicken Quesadilla was delicious in flavor, it had grilled chicken, fresh cilantro, red onion and cheese along with the Chipotle sauce. The papas-crinkle potato chips, were perfectly soft like frie texture- dip in Chipotle sauce! ;) The ordering was fast with the easy to read menu, wait time for the food, less than 10 minutes, we had arrived 30 minutes from when they opened! I can't wait for them to expand to NOHO, Burbank area! read more

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These tacos are bangin!! I smashed a shrimp taco and a falafel taco, and I will again soon. Shout outs to Sheila she's awesome.

Mexican and Middle eastern meet halfway! This is a hidden gem in Silver Lake and if you haven't been here yet, you are missing out! Small restaurant on the corner of Sunset. Parking in Silver Lake is diabolical but I think they are available on the apps! I highly recommend ordering family style so you're able to try multiple items. We went with the chicken kebab tacos and a steak burrito. Love that the chicken kebab tacos were served on a flour tortilla and they had a kick to it that slowly built up with every bite. The chicken was juicy and tender, and they were pretty decent sized tacos. I could eat like three in one sitting. I enjoyed the burrito as well but the tacos were more up my alley. The green salsa that comes with the burrito is addicting though! We also tried the Armenian pear soda and it was delicious- fruit soda is my favorite! read more

Best shrimp burrito hands down. Silverlake location great service great food dndhdbbdbdbd read more

Mideast Tacos - Shrimp Burrito - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A friend recommended Mideast Tacos, so I wanted to try them out. I went in, and it's quite small. They were quite busy with what looked like online orders. I was ignored for several minutes with no acknowledgment. It took a bit for them to notice I was waiting to order, so I was tempted to leave--not the best first impression. The courteous thing would be to say, "We'll be right with you." So, I was disappointed by the customer service. I tried their chicken kabob taco, and it was really spicy. They need to clarify that on the menu and put a spicy symbol on their tacos. I understand they have the salsa, but at a quick glance, you wouldn't realize the taco is insanely spicy until you bite into it. So for next time, I am putting the salsas on the side. read more

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I can't get over this place. Everytime I'm in Silverlake I have to go here. The food is always so good. Most of the time I get the steak quesadilla and the falafel taco. Meat is cooked well and full of flavor! The sauce on the falefel is spicy (so good) There isn't a place to sit inside but they do have chairs and tables outside. The workers are always so friendly. I recently got the chicken quesadilla and asked for a different Sauce and they were nice about it! read more

Fabulous burrito and terribly fun mashup. Cute space with outdoor seating. Kitchen staff has a great time giving each other a hard time in a loving way that shows they really get along. Lovely lady with great alternative suggestions, when the falafel was sold out for the day. Shrimp burrito needs to be renamed the giant prawn burrito. The shrimp are enormous and the burrito is filled with them. What a perfectly lovely surprise. Worth the traffic and flail to get there. Must come again. read more

Mideast Tacos - Look at the size of that prawn!!! - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Plenty of outdoor seating, great prices, fast service, but most importantly the flavors were phenomenal. Falafel was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Chicken taco was subtly spicy in the best way. Would recommend trying this spot out if you've never been. read more

Mideast Tacos - Chicken Kabob Taco Falafel Taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This local spot has been open about 2 months now. Everytime I pass there's a line, so I decided to finally try it. It's more of a to-go, or quick bite type of place. You can only order inside and then they offer a few outside curbside tables for eating. The smell of the place was the first thing that got me excited. We ordered 1 falafel taco and 1 chicken taco (for $11 bucks, all tacos are priced different). They were both really good and the sauces on them. Our favorite was the falafel it had this crazy crunch and flavor on them. read more

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Tried all four tacos here -- in order of favorite most to least: shrimp, steak, chicken, falafel. All of them were a flavor explosion, super tasty without needing to add any additional sauce. The tortillas had a great texture to them, and all in all nothing like I've ever tried anywhere else. Shrimp was well cooked and well seasoned; falafel was a little dry. Papas were fine, thought they could have been amazing with a bit more seasoning or some dipping sauce. Would definitely want to come back to try a burrito and quesadilla next time! Restaurant is small space, no indoor seating, just a few wonky looking outdoor tables outside, definitely recommend placing your order ahead and grabbing to go. read more

Mideast Tacos - Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Went back again. Lol. We keep going back to this taco place for tacos and quesadillas. Omg so good! The sauce is mindblowingly amazing too. read more

Mideast Tacos - Steak tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've driven past this spot so many times, always thinking, I really need to check that place out. Well, I finally did. The setup is simple: the kitchen takes up the whole space, so only one person can fit inside to order, and seating is strictly outdoors--which works just fine on a nice day. Every bite had me breaking into a light top-of-the-head sweat, but nothing was overpoweringly spicy. The flavors were bold and everything was solid. That said, if cilantro isn't your thing, you might be in for a rough ride because they do not hold back on it. read more

Mideast Tacos - Chicken Quesadilla - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've recently struck food gold at Mideast Tacos: their falafel tacos with a must side of papas! (thick cut potato chips cooked fresh!) YUM!! You don't need to be vegan to love these tacos! The tacos are so good I really think they need to make falafel burritos! One of my newest faves on Sunset! read more

I can't stop going back! It's actually a dream; Mexican dishes like quesadillas and tacos with middle eastern sauces and seasonings. The chicken quesadilla, falafel taco, and shrimp taco are all amazing, but I'm sure everything else is amazing as well. The patatas are also tasty and a good portion, especially with the sauce that's given with it. Honestly, please order extra condiments. read more

If I could, I would give them 10 stars! Being a proud Armenian in SoCal, this place gives me all sorts of happiness! It's the perfect mix of Armenian flavors and Mexican cuisine!! They never disappoint! Also love that their menu is simple and every single time they deliver perfection! The falafel tacos and steak tacos are my absolute favorite! Chicken comes super close, tender, juicy and flavorful and the shrimp as well, perfectly grilled! The walnut soda paired perfectly. Their papas were so crispy and fresh, sauces were on point. Might I add that the service is always consistently good. Friendly and professional. I wish that they had more seating area, but every times we've gone, we've always found a place to sit! It's chill, simple outdoor seating. read more

Mideast Tacos - Armenian Walnut Soda - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Always fresh, always delicious! I love this place and the Armenian touch in every dish. Truly a fantastic experience! read more

Mideast Tacos - Steak Kabob Taco - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Just got home from eating 4 tacos and what a treat. Amazing taste on all 4, though the shrimp was my favorite. A hole in the wall in Silverlake but was worth the drive. Good size menu, very friendly and accommodating staff, and again the food was amazing. Gotta try the falafel tacos. A great interpretation and fusion. Will be back SOON. read more

I'm usually skeptical of fusion places but this spot exceeded my expectations. The steak tacos were so so good. I also had chips/green salsa-- the salsa was amazing and the spices on the chips really elevated the flavor. The seating outside was okay-- they definitely did their best with the space they have. The people at the counter were friendly. I recommend. read more

Mideast Tacos - steak tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Their falafel and shrimp tacos were so good! My friends steak burrito was delicious as well, with the steak, juicy and tender. I loved the papas! It was a surprisingly chilly night and the potatoes added a good amount of warmth to my belly as I shivered chowing down my food. I have a sensitive stomach and nothing was overly heavy or upsetting. Perfect spot for a quick bite! Parking was a bit difficult as we parked up the hill to the side of the restaurant but a good walk (more of a hike) after a meal is good nonetheless. read more

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I was very pleasantly surprised by this spot. They are known for the falafel tacos which I ordered and wow, what a delicious fusion of flavors. I would've never thought of such a menu item but I am so glad they've created this amazing dish! A friend of mine got the fries and WOW truly some of the best fires i've ever had - they are basically waffles fries with a delicious spicy sauce that is addictive! Food came out super quick and staff were really nice. I definitely will be back! read more

Mideast Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The marriage was always meant to be because the combination is just beautiful. With fresh ingredients and excellent sauce pairings, the humble taco with a new twist is smartly put together and delicious to the last bite. On the pricier side of what tacos are, but you are on a Silverlake corner, and on the street corner you will be dining since this is strictly a street food affair. Do start with their beef and shrimp. I do think this is their best combination. read more