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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in Silver Lake
Best Tacos in Silver Lake
Master Critic Review
El Ruso
8.9
Featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles and Food & Wine's Best New Restaurant 2020, this Sonoran-style truck crafts handmade flour tortillas from Tijuana-sourced flour. The mesquite-grilled carne asada and massive sobaqueras burritos showcase owner Walter Soto's commitment to authentic border flavors with meats that develop serious char.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muñeco Combo Taco, Chile Colorado Burrito, Carne Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Handmade Sonoran tortillas from Tijuana flour with perfectly grilled meats
Who should go: Taco purists, Netflix food show fans, Sonoran-style seekers
When to visit: Friday-Saturday evenings for full menu including birria
What to order: Muñeco combo, chile colorado, sobaquera burrito if available
Insider tip: Weekend-only specials include birria and bone-in short rib
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy on side streets, but arrive early on weekends as Echo Park fills up after 9pm
Dress code: Super casual - jeans, t-shirts, streetwear totally fine. It's a taco truck.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor setting - easy conversation at picnic tables, some street noise
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait in line during peak hours (9pm-midnight Friday/Saturday)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typically, faster midweek
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cheese quesadillas and bean options available, but meat-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - flour tortillas contain lard, minimal vegan protein options
Gluten-free options: No - specializes in handmade flour tortillas, corn tortillas not offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for adventurous eaters who value authenticity over ambiance. Casual outdoor setting keeps pressure low, and sharing a muñeco combo is a natural conversation starter. Skip if you need quiet intimacy or your date has dietary restrictions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's a taco truck with picnic table seating. Just show up, order at the window, and grab a table when one opens. Expect to stand in line 20-30 minutes on weekend nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual outdoor setting works for families, and kids usually love the quesadillas and simple tacos. Late hours (open past midnight) mean you'll see more adults after 10pm. Best for families before 9pm.
Hours
Monday12pm - 8pm
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday12pm - 8pm
Friday12pm - 8pm
Saturday12pm - 8pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm