Guisados DTLA Review: Unique Braised Tacos in Los Angeles
Craving unique tacos in LA? Guisados DTLA offers delicious braised meat tacos and fresh, handmade tortillas. Explore their sampler menu and plan your Downtown LA culinary adventure.
Hey there, fellow food adventurers!
Los Angeles is absolutely bursting with incredible taco joints.
Today, I'm excited to share my take on Guisados, a standout spot.
After enjoying Leo's Tacos so much, I was eager to try a different style of taco this time around.
To cut to the chase, while both Guisados and Leo's Tacos serve tacos, their styles are completely distinct. Guisados is also an excellent choice for a satisfying meal during your Downtown LA explorations.
Restaurant Information
Guisados DTLA
Approximately a 6-7 minute walk from The Last Bookstore
📍 Guisados
BROADWAY ARCADE BUILDING, 541 S Spring St Unit 101, Los Angeles, CA 90013 USA
Recommended Dishes
6 Taco Sampler, Chicharrón Burrito
Waiting: Usually not a long wait
Seating: Both indoor and outdoor options available
Guisados has several locations across LA. Check out the table below for recommendations:
Location | Recommended Itinerary |
DTLA (Downtown) | Perfect for exploring The Last Bookstore, Grand Central Market, and Angels Flight |
Boyle Heights (Original Location) | For those who want to visit the very first Guisados |
Echo Park | Great spot to combine with a visit to Echo Park Lake |
Venice | A satisfying meal during your Venice Beach trip |
Beverly Hills | Ideal for sightseeing in Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive |
Pasadena | Perfect for exploring Old Town Pasadena |
Burbank | A convenient stop before or after Universal Studios |
West Hollywood | Great for touring Melrose and Sunset Strip |
Hermosa Beach | A delicious stop on your Southern LA beach trip |
Long Beach | Ideal for a meal during your Long Beach adventure |
Why Guisados Stands Out
LA boasts a plethora of famous taco spots, but Guisados truly offers something special.
While many tacos feature charcoal-grilled meats, Guisados specializes in braised (slow-cooked and stewed) fillings. This unique cooking method sets them apart.
The tender, moist texture of the braised meats reminded me of a comforting pot roast, making it a universally appealing flavor profile that even those new to Mexican cuisine will appreciate.
They're also renowned for using their own handmade corn tortillas, which offer a delightful chewy and nutty texture that truly enhances the experience.
First Time? The Sampler is a Must!
I ordered:
• 6 Taco Sampler ($12.50)
• Chicharrón Burrito
• Horchata Cold Brew
The 6 Taco Sampler
→ This signature dish comes with six mini tacos, each with a different filling.
Taco Filling | What it is | Recommendation |
Cochinita Pibil | Yucatan-style slow-braised pork. A familiar, savory flavor that reminds many of comforting stewed meats. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Chicharrón | Pork and crispy skin slow-cooked together in a rich Mexican stew. Known for its deep, intense flavor. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Bistek en Salsa Roja | Beef stewed in a tomato and chili sauce. A classic and approachable choice. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Tinga de Pollo | Chicken cooked in a tomato and chipotle (smoked jalapeño) sauce. Offers a slight kick. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Mole Poblano | A traditional Mexican sauce featuring chocolate and spices. Unique and can be polarizing, but worth trying! | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Chile Verde | Pork slow-cooked in a vibrant green chili sauce. Fresh yet subtly spicy. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
If it's your first visit, this is hands down the best way to try a variety of flavors all at once.
Every single one of the six sampler tacos was delicious.
They might look small, but trust me, they're surprisingly filling!
The braised style made them incredibly moist, a delightful change from typical grilled tacos. The texture is akin to a tender pot roast.
Pro-tip: Always ask for the extra sauces when you order your tacos!
There are three different sauces to choose from.
Don't Miss the Chicharrón Burrito!
「Chicharrón」
→ This is a Mexican stew made by slow-cooking pork and its crispy skin together.
While I initially tried the Chicharrón as a taco, I found it a bit rich on its own.
However, in a burrito, with the rice, it was absolutely fantastic! The flavors balanced out perfectly.
If you're dining with a partner, I highly recommend ordering one sampler and one Chicharrón Burrito to share.
It's the perfect combo to try a variety of flavors and get a satisfying meal.
「Horchata」
→ A traditional Mexican beverage made with rice, cinnamon, and other spices.
Here, they offer a unique Horchata Cold Brew, so I decided to give it a try.
If you're already a fan of horchata, this is a fun twist worth experiencing.
It was a truly novel flavor for me, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves trying distinctive beverages.
Suggested Downtown LA Itinerary
Guisados DTLA is conveniently located near The Last Bookstore, making it a perfect stop on your Downtown adventure.
Here's a route I recommend:
The Last Bookstore
↓
Guisados
↓
Grand Central Market
↓
Angels Flight
↓
Perch Rooftop
This itinerary allows you to enjoy both delicious food and iconic sights!
My Takeaway
If you're looking for a unique taco experience in LA, Guisados is definitely a place worth checking out!
✔ Craving delicious braised-style tacos?
✔ First-timers should definitely go for the 6 Taco Sampler.
✔ Visiting with a friend? The Sampler + Chicharrón Burrito combo is a winner.
✔ Want to taste incredible handmade corn tortillas?
✔ Perfectly situated for a Downtown LA exploration with The Last Bookstore.
Personally, I found Guisados to be a completely different vibe than Leo's Tacos, so I'd recommend trying both if you have the chance!
Related Posts
LA Street Tacos: An Honest Review of Leo's Tacos
LA Taco Spot (Leo's Tacos Taco Truck)
Silver Lake Taco Spot Review
LA Taco Spot Recommendation: Tacos Royale Review (Plus a Great Bar!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What special style of tacos does Guisados offer?
Guisados specializes in braised-style tacos, made with slow-cooked meats. A distinctive feature is their homemade, chewy, and flavorful corn tortillas.
How far is the Guisados DTLA location from The Last Bookstore, and what other nearby places are recommended to visit?
The Guisados DTLA location is about a 6-7 minute walk from The Last Bookstore. After your meal, we recommend exploring Grand Central Market, Angels Flight, and Perch Rooftop.
What menu do you recommend for first-time visitors to Guisados, and what is its price?
For first-time visitors, we recommend the '6 Taco Sampler' to try various flavors at once. This menu includes six small tacos and is priced at $12.50.
For Guisados' Chicharrón menu, which way of eating is more recommended: tacos or burritos?
Chicharrón is a Mexican stew made by slow-cooking pork and its skin together. When eaten as a taco, it might initially feel a bit rich, so we recommend enjoying it as a burrito, which pairs well with rice.
Share this article
Related Travel Stories
In-N-Out Burger LAX: Must-Visit for Layover & Plane Spotting
Maximize your LAX layover! Discover the iconic In-N-Out Burger just a 5-minute ride from the airport, offering delicious food and incredible plane views.
Yard House LA Review: Best Sports Bar & Extensive Beer Menu
Looking for an authentic American sports bar experience in Los Angeles? Yard House offers a vibrant atmosphere, hundreds of beers on tap, and a menu for everyone.
LA Korean Guesthouses: Safe & Stylish Stays Near Koreatown
Planning a trip to LA? Explore our top 3 Korean guesthouse picks in Koreatown, offering safety, comfort, and easy access to local gems. Perfect for your next adventure!
LA Night Views: Universal City Overlook, Griffith Alternative 2026
Tired of the crowds at Griffith Observatory? Discover Universal City Overlook, a hidden gem offering breathtaking LA night views and a peaceful escape. Find out why locals love it!
Getty Villa 2026: Essential Guide for Your Visit
Plan your perfect 2026 visit to the Getty Villa! This guide shares insider tips on free admission, securing reservations, and navigating parking for a seamless experience.
Getty Center LA 2026: Your Essential Guide Before Renovation
The Getty Center in LA is heading for a major renovation! Make sure you experience its stunning art, architecture, and views one last time before it transforms. Here’s your complete guide.