Sometimes I wonder why Lincoln blvd doesn't have more taco trucks. With the rush hour traffic you'd think that taco trucks would do quite well. Then again not everyone is as crazy about tacos as your humble taco correspondent. If it were up to me there would be a taco truck every hundred feet and I would hold an annual event called the Lincoln taco run. Each contenstant would start at La Playita and then run down Lincoln blvd stopping at each truck to eat a taco all the way to Brennan's Irish Pub.
But I wasn't on a taco run this day. I was on a bike ride actually and I saw one of my favorite local taco trucks, La Oaxaquena. So I stopped in for a few carne asada tacos.
asada and al pastor tacos
The tacos at La Oaxaquena remind me of tacos i've had in Tijuana. Each taco comes with grilled onions and guacamole salsa as well as a salsa roja on top of charred meat. As far as tacos go I usually like to keep it simple with onions, cilantro and salsa but I can make exceptions. Guacamole on asada tacos is traditional when it comes to tacos in Baja and it really works at La Oaxaquena. You get that baja taco flavor.
My only gripe with La Oaxaquena is the consistency. I've had 4 star tacos as well as 2 star tacos.I've had meat that was oozing with flavor and tenderness and meat that had grizzle and fatty bits . As a taco reporter I must point this out for future taco goers. Overall this is one of my favorite local taco trucks but by no means on par with some of the taco royalty I have already visited on this journey.
This is a taco hunt but I should mention that the carne asada burrito at La Oaxaquena may be the best Venice has to offer.
Update 12/5 Went back to La Oaxaquena and ordered the carne asada and al pastor tacos. Asada was tender and juicy. Al Pastor was forgettable.
2.5/5La Oaxaquena is on Lincoln Blvd, one block south of Rose Ave in Venice. Tacos are $1 each, Burritos $3 each
I like this place...the tyadulas or whatever suck though!
ReplyDeleteNext time you're there, give the cecina tacos a try (its seasoned beef, pounded thin). Fantastic with lime.
ReplyDeleteIts all about the Torta Millenesa (sp?) at this spot... SO good.
ReplyDeleteWell, I stumbled across this place on my voyage to Air Conditioned (a club about 3 blocks down from the truck) and I have to say I've been nothing but impressed. I'll admit the actual asada meat has been average (but in over on the Westside you appreciate places that aren't wack) but the cabeza is bomb (flavorful, juicy, stewlike, fatty but not too fatty) and the al pastor has been consistent. The freshly grilled tortillas, good service, good rojo salsa and delicious avocado salsa contributed to a taco experience that is def. superior to some other unnamed places that you have given 4 star ratings to. Bandini, I told the manager about you so hopefully he will bring his A-game every time. It's just so nice to have a late night taco truck that is open in the area on a consistent basis in the same place consistently.
ReplyDeleteEdible blog
ReplyDeleteI do like this place because it is close to my house and on those late nights I can grab some tacos on my drive home. The guacamole does add a nice touch to the tacos which many LA spots seem to lack. Also they are happy to give you spicy carrots with your order as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat spot. The tlayudas are amazing: a Oaxacan street food made of massive flat crunchy tortilla covered in beans with salty farmers cheese, radish and onion covering. The vegetarian tlayuda is a great snack/meal.
ReplyDeleteVery dissapointed with the tyadulas, but the tacos, quesadillas, and burritos are a go. The tortas are okay... I don't really enjoy the bread they are on. Last night I tried the milanesa tacos and they were great! The avocado sauce is also to die for. I am pleased to say that I venture to this truck atleast once a week.
ReplyDeleteVery dissapointed with the tyadulas, but the tacos, quesadillas, and burritos are a go. The tortas are okay... I don't really enjoy the bread they are on. Last night I tried the milanesa tacos and they were great! The avocado sauce is also to die for. I am pleased to say that I venture to this truck atleast once a week.
ReplyDeleteEdible blog
ReplyDeleteI do like this place because it is close to my house and on those late nights I can grab some tacos on my drive home. The guacamole does add a nice touch to the tacos which many LA spots seem to lack. Also they are happy to give you spicy carrots with your order as well.
ReplyDelete