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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Mid-Wilshire
Best Burritos in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
El Cartel
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
On Wilshire, El Cartel is a compact counter-service spot turning out hefty burritos, tacos, and quesadillas tailored to commuters and office workers. Portions are generous, flavors skew toward hearty, and prices stay friendly for Miracle Mile standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, BBQ Short Rib Burrito, Shrimp Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Small Wilshire storefront known for big, customizable burritos at fair prices.
Who should go: Office workers needing a fast, filling Mexican lunch nearby.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush when the line moves steadily.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, BBQ short rib burrito, shrimp burrito.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during peak hours to skip the counter queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Wilshire and adjacent side streets; usually manageable outside peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — office attire, workout clothes, and everyday wear all fit in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout flow, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; foot traffic is lighter on weekends.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; counter line moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Limited — can build a vegetable/bean-focused burrito or bowl without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — bowls work well, but tortillas are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s more of a quick, counter-service stop meant for hearty burritos rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s all walk-in with limited seating; most guests take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals — simple burritos and quesadillas work well for kids, though seating is limited and best for short visits.
Best For
Better for: Large, budget-friendly burritos and quick turnaround during office lunch hours.
Skip if: You want upscale plates, patio seating, or a place to linger; consider a sit-down taqueria instead.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
SundayClosed