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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in Highland Park
Best Late Night Mexican in Highland Park
Best Burritos in Highland Park
Master Critic Review
Viva Taco Azteca
8.0
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Operating out of a red truck tucked between a 7-Eleven and a car wash, Viva Taco Azteca stays open until midnight or 1am with a menu built for night-shift cravings. Since at least 2016 it’s been serving lengua, al pastor, and hefty two-meat quesadillas to a steady stream of late-night regulars along Figueroa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Two-meat quesadilla (asada and pollo), Carnitas mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: True late-night truck with house-made tortillas, big portions, and steady 12am–1am service.
Who should go: Night workers, bar-hoppers, and taco traditionalists.
When to visit: Midnight Friday or Saturday when the lot is buzzing.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, two-meat quesadilla, carnitas mulita.
Insider tip: Park on the side street, order a mulita plus tacos, and eat at the truck’s ledge while everything’s piping hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — usually easy on the adjacent side streets, even late at night. The 7-Eleven lot is technically off-limits for customers.
Dress code: Totally casual — hoodies, work clothes, or post-bar attire all fit in at this no-frills truck.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it’s outdoors on Figueroa, so expect street noise but easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on bar traffic and late-night crowds.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is quick since it’s a grab-and-go truck.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but doable — ask for veggie quesadillas or tacos with beans, cheese, and grilled onions.
Vegan options: Very limited — you can request tortillas with beans and salsa, but most fillings are meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there’s no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual street food. This is more of a fun, late-night bonding spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations — it’s a stand-and-eat or eat-in-your-car situation typical of taco trucks.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle a street-side food truck environment, but there’s no seating, no high chairs, and the area can be busy late at night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night reliability, handmade tortillas, big portions, and classic meats like lengua and al pastor that outperform most neighborhood trucks.
Skip if: You want seating, a quieter environment, or extensive vegetarian/vegan options — a sit-down taquería or fast-casual spot will suit you better.
Hours
Monday12pm - 12am
Tuesday12pm - 12am
Wednesday12pm - 12am
Thursday12pm - 12am
Friday12pm - 1am
Saturday12pm - 1am
Sunday12pm - 12am