This place has been serving folks since 1995. It definitely has the vibe of a neighborhood favorite spot that's located in the Mariachi Plaza in the DTLA/ East LA area. The place feels family owned and the folks here are very friendly and treat you like a friend as soon as you walk in. Based on a recommendation, I came here for the tripa taco. When I ordered it, the gentleman behind the counter asked if I wanted it soft or crispy. Or both. I said both with everything on it, which meant he griddled some of the meat a little longer on the stove top to give it a bit of a crisp. The taco was wonderful and I understand why this place is so loved. You can tell there's a lot of regulars as there were people in the restaurant eating menudo or pozole like they've been doing it every weekend for years. Their food definitely looked good, but I didn't want to stare. I was just thinking I definitely gotta order that the next time I'm here. Parking in the neighborhood could be pretty tough, but I was able to find a spot two blocks away. I came here on the early side on a Sunday morning. read more

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We read a positive LA review about the tripas tacos. So we went to this place to give it a try. Worst place for tacos! The tripas tacos were greasy and so hard that they felt that we were chewing plastic. The salsas tasted bad very watery. I bet they use tap water. Despite living very far, we took the tacos back requesting a refund or an exchange in a very nice manner. But they said that only the owner could make that happen, but claimed that he wasn't there and unreachable by phone, because "he never answers". We couldn't get the owner's phone number either. They told us to come back the next day to talk to the owner. That was not possible for us. So we just had to throw all the tacos to their trash can. A very bad experience. Save your time and money, unless you want to get sick and waste your gas. Keep away from this dark (they hide behind a small window with a dim light you can't see what's inside) and very unhealthy place. Be careful with those LA Reviews!! read more

very good tripas taco. crispy. def worth a stop if in the area. order at the counter. street parking

Finding this place was a total gem, I honestly don't know where to start, from the food, the energy, the comfort, the customer service, everything was amazing. We order inside, instead of outside. See the thing is when we went inside it's not what I expected, everything looked disorganized &' small but tbh I really didn't care, Because I felt at home, I felt like if I was in my grandmas kitchen back in Mexico. So cozy and welcomed. The señor and lady gave us the best experience ever here and I will be coming back because my dad loved the menudo and I totally loved the chilaquiles . read more

Santa Cecilia - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

10/10 cronch You order from a discrete window that looks like it's a confessional window. You can only see her hands work as she crafts a beautiful and crispy work of art. So crispy that my TMJ was acting up, but so worth it. read more

Santa Cecilia - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Best asada and pollo tacos and burritos in Boyle Heights. A small dive spot. The food is priced well and has a simple traditional menu. Soup and other options are available on weekends. Worth the trip on Metro. read more

Santa Cecilia - Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We were participating in the cicLAvia bicycle event and made a pit stop at Mariachi Plaza. I ordered a Bean & Cheese burrito with the hottest spiciest chili sauce. The good size burrito cost $5 and I went outside to share it with my lady. The burrito was luke warm which I couldn't believe because I just walked out of the tiny restaurant. Eating a cold basic tasting burrito isn't the most pleasant foodie experience. read more

Santa Cecilia - CicLAvia bicycle event - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This restaurant is mindblowing!!! When I'm back home in Hawaii I just fiend all their food constantly!!! I will be Santa Cecilia, I will be back!!! read more

Santa Cecilia - Estupendisimoooooo - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I was recently serenaded my Mariachis while chowing down on some exquisite Home Cooked Mexican Food at Santa Cecilia Restaurant at Mariachi Square.. this is a small restaurant that seats 8 people indoors and 8 outside... the Chile Verde is outstanding and 3 Tacos and a soda for only a few dollars read more

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I come here whenever I'm visiting my friend in Boyle Heights. This spot is located in Mariachi Plaza. Its very small and unassuming much like most places in this area. I always order the vegetarian burrito as my friend is vegan and I order along the lines as him. The burrito is so good and fat, filled with rice, beans, pico, and cilantro. There is a back patio people can sit in. They also offer some select sweets and drinks for people. I highly recommend. Support local business! read more

Above and beyond!! They get a 10 out of 5. Friendly and professional at all times. They catered my parents 50th wedding anniversary. They were ready to serve the food right when our guest started to arrive. They received everyone with a smile. Portions were big, no one was left feeling like they didn't get enough. Food was delicious! I would definitely hire them again! read more

I had the best chile relleno and corn tortilla I've ever had here, good value for the price. Also, I really like the murals and the overall experience of eating outside in Mariachi Plaza. I'm an imperfect zero waster, meaning I try not to use single use plastics. I'm so glad that they let me use my own container. I forgot to bring my own metal spoon and they borrowed me a metal spoon and knife. LA County will ban single use plastics in restaurants, effective May 1, 2023. I saw others using single use plastics here. Apparently it's not a dine in restaurant, but it would be great to have some incentives to bring our own containers and utensils. read more

I've been meaning to write this review and it's long overdue. I recently moved back into Boyle Heights and I've seen many changes but Santa Cecilias hasn't and I REALLY hope that it won't be one of them. This is probably my favorite comfort food in LA that is as close to home cooking as it gets. Just walking in is a breath of fresh air. It's definitely not a sight for sore eyes but it's definitely like walking into your grandmas kitchen...you just feel the love with that little Mexican sting.lol A little word of advise to those who are, shall I say, pretentious snobs and a bit uppity, this may not be the place for you. The decor may not be up to par and seating is limited. Otherwise, enjoy with an open mind and a hungry tummy. Armando (the owner) is a master at his trade. Wonderful food and excellent hospitality is what it's all about. You can feel the pride in his food and service. He wants you to leave happy and satisfied. You can't go wrong with any dish he prepares for you and it will make your tummy smile. I personally love the barbacoa plate, caldo de res, carne de res en chile verde, tacos de tripa and FRESH HOMEMADE TORTILLAS! This is the only spot that I have come across that makes authentic Capirotada with all the timings. It's absolutely spot on and delicious! He is always willing to accommodate and substitute an order which speaks that he cares about customer service. They are all sweet and I appreciate the warm welcome and 10 minutes of wise cracks while I'm there.lol I've recommended this place more times than I can count to multiple people for good authentic Mexican food without paying hipster prices...and it actually has flavor! Places like these are a rarity nowadays and I hope it's around for generations to come. Stop in and if you don't know what you're in the mood for just trust him to hook you up with something special! Grab a Mexican coke from the fridge while you're at it! read more

Santa Cecilia - Good meal from Santa Cecilia...Huevos a la Mexicana con frijoles de la olla y una ensalada. - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love tacos and I love looking for amazing tacos places in LA! Santa Cecilia is one of the best taco spots I've found. Great taste, authentic, spicy salsa verde, yummy tortillas, and rice + beans like your abuelita's. I had the 2 chicken taco with salsa verde combination plate with rice and beans. My bf had 2 carne asada tacos with salsa verde. We shared the rice and beans and a horchata. Everything was absolutely phenomenal. The total for all of this was $10, too! The best part of this place other than the location (right in Mariachi Plaza) is the way the owner greets you. He's so happy and the woman makes you feel like you stepped into her home for a delicious meal. :) Amazing spot and will mos def recommend to everyone who visits LA. read more

Santa Cecilia - Taco combo plate + 2 more tacos. Very large portions! :) - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing food - this is one of the best spots in Los Angeles, for sure

This place is awesome! Very nice people! They did a favor for me. I feel very bad. The offer I cannot accepted. I came back try to paid them back what I owe read more

OMG. Let me just say, I've been living here my entire life and never even noticed this place till one hungry night and one delicious smell later. I walked in and was greeted by the owners who were insanely friendly. I ordered the tacos de carne asada and tripa. While I waited, the owners totally chatted me up and even gave me a FREE chicharron taco to taste. Talk about great customer service! We had a nice lengthy conversation until my transaction was complete and then they wished me a safe and wonderful night. The atmosphere was amazing, that alone makes me want to go back. Now let me review the food: Their carne asada is delicious! Marinated to perfection and very juicy. Their tripas...WOW. I am a big fan of tripa tacos and refuse to buy them anywhere but Mexico or another specific place I go to in the valley because let's just face it...Americans don't do it right. I took a chance and ordered one and they were cooked to perfection! So crunchy and flavorful! I found my new tripa spot. Lastly, their FREE chicharron taco they offered me. Now it was free and I love food so I would have eaten it regardless of how it tasted. WOW! That was the tastiest chicharron taco I've ever had. I didn't think chicharron could be any tastier then it already is but this place TOTALLY did it. This is my new spot in my neighborhood (aside from jims). With amazing food and insanely sweet owners, I'd live there if I could. read more

Authentic and warm and loving place. Amazing customer service! Great food all around!!!

Located right outside the Mariachi Plaza stop on the Metro Gold Line is one of the best Mexican food restaurants I've been fortunate to be introduced to in Los Angeles. Restaurant Santa Cecilia is just straight, no frills burritos and tacos. Your standard rice, beans, and protein options are there, with the choice of green (mild) or red (hot) sauce. They'll ask you if you want onions and cilantros, but that's all the customization you get. I think I would have preferred my carne asada a little more seasoned. I'm also a sucker for guacamole, so those would be the only things I would have wanted to change--and the only things that held me back from 5 stars. Burritos were big and $4.50 each :) I was very surprised at how quickly I ate mine O.O Cash only, so be prepared. read more

Santa Cecilia is my favorite Mexican restaurant. Since I like Mexican food, I've tried a lot of Mexican restaurants in LA. I found this restaurant on Yelp. I wasn't that big taco person. But their tacos are so good, big and cheap ($1.50). 2 will be enough for one meal. If you like spicy, get red salsa. Green salsa is not spicy. Inside of the restaurant is very small, but they have big place for outside seats. They have simple menu, don't have that many options for menu like another Mexican restaurants. However, everything was delicious so far. I almost go there everyday from last week. I recommend this restaurant if you want real tacos with reasonable price. read more

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I came to this place one day and I got food poison. I had to go to the hospital after eating one of their tacos. It was a really bad experience that I never wish upon my enemy. I'll definitely will never come back to this God forsaken food shack read more

THINGS TO KNOW: 1) Hole in the wall, like literally hole in the wall, if you can find this place, prepare to be amazed by the food. 2) BURRITOS are to die for. Carne Asada or Carnita burrito is the best with everything, but I like mine with EXTRA RED SAUCE! 3) Tacos are also great, but I like it with green sauce. THIS PLACE IS ALSO A HISTORICAL LANDMARK, and it got decorated by the City of Los Angeles for its cooking, and featured in the LA TIMES back in the days. Everytime I go, I ask for extra red sauce, no complaints. Extra radish, no complaints. Seriously, this is a hole in the wall, but you'll be stuffed with real good sized portions, and great people who serve you with a smile. =) Also, the prices, one burrito, one taco comes out to like 5$ or maybe 6$. PORTION SIZE + GREAT FOOD + GREAT PRICE = AWESOME! read more

Straight up one of the best chicken burritos I've ever eaten and I've eaten thousands (no exaggeration). Also cheap, big portion, and super friendly read more

Let me put it to you all this way: I CoHost a show called Taco Talk. We are not the final authority on tacos but we KNOW a good taco when we taste one. Armando and his staff deserve a better adjective than good. There Tacos are DIVINE. If you don't believe what you are reading you better just check out our episode featuring Santa Cecilia and see for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_jfI9EMtOQ You need to get down there NOW. Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for Tacos and Armando. :) read more

Santa Cecilia - Armando (The Taco God) at Santa Cecilia! - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This place needs to get shut down.. they don't wash their hands.. everything is cut on the same cutting board.. which causes cross contamination.. so awful to ruin an authentic Mexican food business.. I got food poisoning from their chicken torta a while back.. glad I wasn't pregnant then.. because I would of sued them.. just today tho my friends husband also got food poisoning today from the same food item.. chicken torta.. I don't recommend this sick place to no body.. read more

I love this place. Best whole in the wall place here in Boyle heights Great pricing and great food read more

Bomb carne asada burrito. Meat was generous seasoned good and no chewy fat straight good meat. Big size and very affordable. Thanks Santa Cecilia ! read more

Amazed by the freshness, Quality of food and price. Literally a hole in the wall could put you off, but go in and the warmth and genuine Mexican food with get you. Thanks to fellow yelpers we found this. Plenty of parking at the back as street parking can be tough. Try the Jamaica too The outdoors give the finishing touches to an excellent and simple cuisine 6 stars if I could. read more

Love their burritos and tacos! A little place that's a whole in the wall. They have authentic Mexican food & it's a family owned restaurant. Staff is super friendly. read more

If you want to feel like you're back in your abulitas kitchen and eat some really authentic Mexican food come here best Mexican food ever I totally recommend the Chile relleno plate and it comes with homemade tortillas. read more

Trash! Food is under cooked. They re-use left over tortillas from other customers who dont use them . Then they are re warmed. NEVER eating here again. Oh and lengua is under cooked. Always hard. Al pastor is always in water weird never seen that read more

Once again I am indebted to my fellow Yelpers for turning me on to this amazingly good place. One thing I didn't notice in the reviews that I must share is.....HOME-MADE TORTILLAS! I had their carne asada burrito which was the definition of yummy, the fact that it was wrapped in a home-made thin but huge flour tortilla is the reason for my 5-star review. Limited seating inside, private lot allows for 2 or 3 hours when visiting local businesses, street parking. Oh, and the owners were super friendly and accommodating. read more

This place is on my top choices to go to when I'm around ! Always here for lunch Wonderful service ! read more

Small hole in the wall. I ordered a torta but my meat was cold. I also kind of grossed out cause guy was handling food and money. Please sir wear gloves. I was also disappointed my torta had no beans. I would only come back as a last resort. read more

I was so ready to eat there for dinner...however there has no seat and tables...just strolls. Lame

Santa Cecilia is a great place for torta's. The average price is $3.75 they have chicken, carne asada, al pastor, and a vegetarian option. The employees are nice and courteous and the sandwiches are massive. They also accommodate a large group of people on short notice. The restaurant is small but there is plenty of outdoor seating in front and out back. read more

I always crave their Camrones al mojo de ajo they are the best. I always order them with just rice and their freshly made tortillas. Service there is very good. The staff is very nice and very welcoming. I recommend this place. read more

this place is the mexican bomb.com. it is a tiny hole in the wall that looks like it was transplanted from mexico. can easily be missed if you blink while driving past it. the people working there all speak spanish, only adding to the authenticity. there's also a group of regulars that just chill in the outdoor seating area, playing dominoes and cards all day. if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the ranchero music. i ordered the carne asada burrito with nopales (cactus). totally hit the spot. makes me want to go back for dinner. washed it down with some sangria (the bottled one, not the alcoholic one) read more

Super fresh. Warm and friendly people working. And we got 6 tacos and a drink for $10! I'm a vegetarian and I got a massive bowl of rice beans and freshly chopped avocado with all the fixings for $2.50! Insane. Few places are left like this in LA. Support your local mom and pops! read more

When I was doing construction building the subway underneath this place I swear I ate here 4 days out of the week it was so good it's a must eat place it may look like it's bot there but behind the huge gazibo it a lil metal screen door u will find maybe 6 seats but u will find the most amazing food!!!!!!! read more