The perfect taco in Santa Monica

Los Angeles is famous for its tacos. Mexican food can be found all over the city; There are websites devoted entirely to finding the perfect taco. Taco trucks are now ubiquitous and fans follow where they are parked using Twitter. But you don't have to chase down a truck at Tacos Por Favor in Santa Monica (1406 Olympic Boulevard, near the Ambrose hotel).


On the outside, the restaurant doesn't look like much -- a no-frills sign; a cavernous space; no waitstaff. But inside you'll find some of the best tacos in L.A. It's famous for its soft tacos (such as the chorizo and cheese), but I'm a big fan of their crunchy chicken taco and their potato taco. They use only the best quality chicken breast, flank steak, and pork, which you'll note on your first bite. And, as the sign says: "No lard nowhere." Everything tastes extremely light and fresh. Be sure to get lots of their amazing salsa -- the fresh pico de gallo cannot be beat, but the red spicy blended salsa is also a home-run.


They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and breakfast is served all day. There can be long lines during lunch (about 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.), but the line tends to move quickly.


- Lesley Bracker


Photo courtesy of Flickr user mistersmed


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