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ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in LA Arts District
Best Burritos in LA Arts District
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in LA Arts District
Best Cheap Tacos in LA Arts District
Best Happy Hour Tacos in LA Arts District
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
Ditroit Taqueria
7.9
Enrique Olvera's casual spinoff from Damian serves Mexico City-style tacos built on house-nixtamalized tortillas made from Oaxacan heirloom corn—the fish flauta in particular shows off the kitchen's technique with a crisp blue-corn shell and rotating seasonal fish. The hidden alley location and premium pricing (expect $30-50) make it a deliberate destination rather than a quick lunch stop, landing somewhere between elevated street food and restaurant-quality prep in an outdoor Arts District patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flauta, Churro, Tamal
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Enrique Olvera-connected taqueria serving Mexico City-style street food with handmade tortillas in the Arts District
Who should go: Taco purists seeking authentic DF-style bites in LA
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend lines
What to order: Start with a flauta, get the suadero and carnitas tacos, finish with a churro and agua fresca
Insider tip: The handmade tortillas are pressed to order—watch the process at the station
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free private lot on-site—plenty of spaces in the industrial Arts District setting
Noise level: Upbeat Latin music in an outdoor patio setting—casual and lively
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cauliflower taco, tomato-basil tamal, mushroom barbacoa taco, swiss chard and bean taco available
Vegan options: Plant-based options include mushroom barbacoa taco, acelga and alubia bean taco, and mole negro tamal
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, adventurous date - the hidden alley location creates a 'discovery' moment, and the intimate outdoor patio with lush landscaping feels like a secret escape. Counter-service keeps it low-pressure. Best for daytime dates given limited hours (closes 4-6pm). Not ideal if you want a traditional sit-down dinner experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is counter-service only. Order at the window, grab a table in the outdoor patio, and food is brought to you. No reservations needed or accepted. Seating is limited, so during peak lunch hours you may need to wait briefly for a table to open up. Arrive early on weekends for best availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately - the casual outdoor setting and taco format work for kids, and reviewers note the churros are a hit with families. However, high chairs and kids menu availability not confirmed. The informal counter-service style is forgiving for families with young children. Limited hours (closes by 4-6pm) align well with early family dining.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for larger groups - the outdoor patio is described as small and narrow with limited tables. Best suited for parties of 2-4. For groups of 6+, the space would be challenging. No private dining available. If bringing a group, consider their sister restaurant Damian next door for a full-service experience with more capacity.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - outdoor seating is the only option here. The narrow patio is landscaped with tropical plants (birds of paradise) creating a Mexico City street-food vibe. Seating is limited with a handful of tables. Dog-friendly. Not covered or heated - best enjoyed in good weather. Free parking available in the private lot.
Best For
Better for: Quick standout lunch when you want elevated tacos without the fine-dining price tag
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner experience—this is a daytime-only walk-up window
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11am - 4pm
Thursday11am - 4pm
Friday11am - 4pm
Saturday11am - 6pm
Sunday11am - 4pm