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ZipPicks Awards

Best Tacos in Long Beach

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Kique’s Taqueria 8.1
Long Beach
Chef Enrique Perez brings Jalisco street-taco traditions to this counter-service spot where thin white corn tortillas cradle super-fresh carne asada, al pastor, and crispy shrimp. A salsa bar lets diners customize their tacos, with the avocado salsa earning particular praise from regulars who appreciate the no-frills approach and quick service.
Must-Try Dishes: Carne Asada Tacos, Fried Shrimp Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.9 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Authentic Cuquio, Jalisco street-taco techniques with exceptionally fresh meat and house-made tortillas
Who should go: Taco purists seeking authentic Mexican street food
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner, avoid peak dinner rush
What to order: Carne asada tacos with avocado salsa, fried shrimp tacos, birria
Insider tip: Small storefront hard to spot from street, easy strip-mall parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Easy strip-mall parking lot with ample spaces, free parking
Dress code: Ultra-casual - gym clothes, beach attire, whatever you're wearing is fine
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service setup means you can easily chat while ordering and eating
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for your order, no table wait (counter service)
Weekday lunch: Under 5 min typically, quick turnaround
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese tacos, grilled veggies available upon request
Vegan options: Limited - can do bean tacos without cheese, some salsas are vegan-friendly
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but shared prep surfaces (no dedicated area)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both taco enthusiasts seeking authenticity over ambiance. It's counter-service with minimal seating, so better for casual early-stage dates or post-activity meetups rather than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's walk-up counter service. Just order and grab a seat if available, or take your tacos to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, simple menu items kids love. No high chairs or changing tables, but the no-fuss approach works great for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Authenticity seekers who prioritize traditional Jalisco-style preparation and fresh ingredients over atmosphere. The house-made tortillas and customizable salsa bar beat most taco chains and fusion spots for pure street-taco experience at unbeatable prices.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience with table service, craft cocktails, or Instagram-worthy ambiance. Also skip if you need extensive vegetarian/vegan options or expect modern Tex-Mex fusion flavors.

Hours

Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 9pm