A Cheery New Taco Shack Just Opened in Downtown Los Angeles

There’s another taco player in Downtown as of yesterday, with vibrant newcomer Chicas Tacos emerging from the fray. The tiny shop takes over a standalone 700 square foot space that once housed Mama’s Asian Cuisine. With the recent growth spurt in the area (yep, that’s your recently-added Whole Foods across the street) it was time for new blood, by way of steak, pork, and chicken tacos.

At Chicas, the move is to order at the small counter inside from a half-dozen taco options that include peppered steak, chicken, stewed pork with chicharrones, beer-battered fish, or a vegetarian cauliflower chorizo. There are aguas frescas, plus sides like guacamole and small salads. Tacos are hefty (and priced accordingly at $5 apiece), with a sidecart of housemade salsas to finish off each one. The full menu is below.

Stan Lee

Most of the seating for Chicas is outside in a turfed-over section of parking lot, at communal picnic tables under umbrellas. There are a few seats inside and some standing-room dining right alongside the building, but don’t expect to relax too long with friends here — this isn’t that kind of place. Instead, with daily hours starting at 11 a.m. and running to 1:30 a.m. on weekends, this is a quick grab-and-go spot, meant for eating well before moving on.

Longtime hospitality players Jon Blanchard, Chris Blanchard, and Nico Rusconi are behind the new venture, with BLVD Hospitality designing the colorful space. Chicas Tacos officially opened over the weekend, and will keep daily lunch through late night hours moving forward.

Chicas Tacos728 S. Olive St.Los Angeles, CA

Chicas Tacos Menu