3 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Tacos Tuzo
7.9
This authentic food truck parks downtown serving traditional street tacos until midnight on weekends. With its no-frills approach and generous portions, it delivers legitimate Mexican flavors at budget prices to late-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Lengua Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Authentic taco truck experience in downtown Santa Monica
Who should go: Street food purists and budget-conscious diners
When to visit: Weekend nights until midnight
What to order: Al pastor, lengua, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Cash only - come prepared
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots free after 6pm, can be tough on weekends
Dress code: Come as you are - it's a food truck, anything goes
Noise level: Outdoor street noise - expect traffic and crowds
Weekend wait: 10-20 min line on busy nights (10pm-midnight)
Weekday lunch: Truck typically at dinner/late night only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese, nopales (cactus) tacos
Vegan options: Very limited - nopales taco without cheese
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if they're down for casual - you'll be eating standing up or finding a curb to sit on. Great test of their street food enthusiasm though
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's a food truck - no tables or reservations. Find a spot on nearby benches or eat standing
Is it kid-friendly? Sure, if your kids can handle late hours and standing around. No kids menu but tacos are shareable. Better for teens than toddlers
Best For
Better for: Most authentic late-night Mexican street food downtown - beats any sit-down place for real deal tacos after 10pm
Skip if: You need somewhere to sit, want margaritas, or prefer Americanized Mexican food with chips and queso
Hours
Monday10am - 9pm
Tuesday10am - 9pm
Wednesday10am - 9pm
Thursday10am - 9pm
Friday10am - 9pm
Saturday10am - 9pm
Sunday10am - 9pm