Mariela’s Taco

The best Carne asada burrito and soft tacos anywhere but the main star is there sauce, EPICNESS !!!

Food’s great! Guess I should get specific… Ummmm…can’t lose with getting the carne asada tacos… I get them with just meat and ask for everything else (cilantro, onions, hot sauce) on the side. If you’re looking for a good burrito, I recommend the carne asada burrito with everything. There’s a bit of a line often but it’s well worth the wait. You can call ahead to put your order in but it’s just a way to get out of waiting in line to order, they don’t put your order in at the moment you call. That is all. Oh wait… order horchata… and a side cup of ice to water it down to your liking. Now I’m done.

Good food, ok service, massively slow.
I could elaborate on and on but there’s really not much to say. The food is pretty decent and the prices are fair for what you get. Given my limited use of the Spanish-​language I sometimes get lost in translation with some of the employees. However, it’s all part of the fun.
The real problem comes in the form of the wait time. Even when it seems like they’re pretty slow I’ve never gotten food quicker than 20 minutes. On a bad day you maybe wait 30 to 40 minutes, and it’s especially frustrating when you see the employees taking their extreme sweet time.

The food in Marielas is good really like their burritos, its meaty. also their sopes are
and their platanos Fritos. The only thing I dislike is The wait. In my experience they have taken 30 mins to 40 just to get my food, so from now on I take it to go, its faster.

SO GROSSED OUT!!! I’ve been coming here for months and today was the LAST time. Their food is good and the inside doesn’t look dirty but it doesn’t necessarily look clean. There’s usually flies or nats flying around but it’s not a huge deal… I’ve seen a roach outside of the place but it didn’t bother me since its outsiiiiide of the restaurant. But today I found one in my taco and I’m unbelievable grossed out!!! I told them and all they did was offer me a new taco… They weren’t like oh we’re so sorry, let me buy your meal and we’ll be looking into this immediately. In fact they’re still open serving that same meat that had the roach in it. I really hope I didn’t eat one in the other taco! Never ever eating here again. They should really get exterminators in there ASAP.

This review is strictly for the service and customer service. I have been going to this spot for over a decade and I have never been treated this way. They were straight out rude and discriminated us.
I called in my order and they told me that my order would be ready in 10 minutes for pick up. I gave it a little more time because I know they usually take longer so about 15 minutes later I went to pick up my order and went to the cashier to let them know that I was picking up my phone order. As I am paying the lady at the cashier is reading my order and they didn’t get my order in right. They only had 1 burrito instead of 2 which I don’t understand because the man on the phone read off the order to me and he said 2. Anyways I understand that mistakes can happen so I let her know that I ordered 2 burritos, 3 tacos and a quesadilla. She goes to let them know and comes back and gives me a ticket. I wait for my order which is taking forever as everyone else that came after me is getting their orders before me. After waiting for over 30 minutes my husband who was waiting outside since there was no parking somehow found a parking spot and came inside to look for me to see why I still didn’t get my food. Now I ask the lady why my food isn’t coming out for the 3^rd time and she tells me that they are still preparing it. We wait another 10 – 15 minutes by now we are both getting very impatient. We go to the front now because everyone is just ignoring us and not getting our order ready. I seriously would not say this unless I absolutely felt this way but they were purposely ignoring us and not getting our order. We literally got our food about 50 minutes later and we left feeling so upset. Even the security who saw the whole thing felt so bad for us knowing how long we had to wait and apologized for their rude behavior. Never coming back here again.

So sad to see people complain over petty childish things like parking and minor wait times it just shows how spoiled these unhappy people are
This place rocks food is on point and authentic they have everything you want burritos, tacos soups like menudo and posole i will never stop coming here keep up the good work

For a fast food place, they don’t disappoint. You’ll find authentic flavorful food. Parking next door is available. I never have trouble finding a place to park and I’ve been a loyal customer for 20+ years.
We stick to the same things; asada burrito, torta de asada, nachos, quesadilla de asada, tacos, and the occasional but delicious cosido de res (beef soup). I find the beans and rice to be very Mexican, yummy. If you like spicy… sorry there is no spicy here, but the red sauce is tasty. The prices are very reasonable.
Oh! And don’t forget to try their champurrado on a cold day, it’s the best.

Cons:
1. Takes forever! I always call it in even if I’m 5 minutes away. (Hence the 4 stars, or else it’d be 5 stars, but the food is worth it)
Pros:
1. Delicious!!! I’ve been coming here since the early 90’s and Mariela’s is one of my go to places. The burritos, tortas and quesadillas are amazing.
2. The horchata is AMAZING! It’s a bit on the sweet side, but drink it with a lot of ice and damn it’s good.
3. The agua de melon is delicious as well.
4. The salsa verde is yummy! My non-​spicy-​eating husband is now an addict of the green salsa.
5. The carne asada is always juicy (in the burrito/​sopes/​tortas) and mixed with the beans…*drooling*
6. The soups (caldo de res/​caldo de asada) are delicious.
I’m Mexican and this has my 3 B’s seals of approval: Bueno, Bonito, y Barato. (Good, Good-​looking, Good prices)

This place is spot on. That have a wide selection on their menu and are a bit crowded, but the food does not disappoint! I got the taco combination platter with 3 different kinds of tacos with rice and beans. My girlfriend got the enchiladas the red and green chili sauce. It was all delicious, affordable, and tasty. Good find!

Waited 30 minutes for take out… they wrapped 4 tacos in tin foil; so the tortillas were steamed… wet, soggy,.4 tacos, smashed together in tin foil. .hella sloppy… ordered a #14 which is a grilled chicken plate… they gave me 4 napkins and no fork. The mexican tamal was sooooo greasy. like. the grease was oozing out of the corn tusks…
I will not be coming back

Probably the best quesadillas I’ve ever had !! Everything is so good and tastes homemade ! A+ forsure.

What is up with the stench at this restaurant? The food is decent but this place smells like the floors, tables, and all surfaces have been mopped with sweaty socks on a humid day. Also, food takes forever to come out (20 mins for a carne asada burrito, to go).
After my 20-​min wait experience, on my next visit I called ahead… but they didn’t submit my ticket to start making my food until I went to the counter to pay. What’s the point of taking phone orders?
Parking lot is always a nightmare. No spots and people driving crazy. Really hard to turn either way back on to 3^rd Street.

I live walking distance from this place so it’s pretty convenient. I’ve ordered a veggie burrito and a quesadilla and both were really good and their prices are fair. I would come again.

Great wet burrito, a personal favorite for sure. The enchiladas are pretty solid too. I could eat here often without being disappointed. Very consistent, none of those it was the chef that day problems.

I really love this place. I’ve been a loyal patron of this place for ages and they always have delicious food and good service!

Not a bad choice. Very solid and regular tacos.
The taco meat is well cooked I would avoid buying the fish tacos they’re not that good even though marielas tacos shines with some carne asada to be had.
I hope to come back and eat a caldo de res or maybe a menudo I don’t really know places where they sell some good mexican soups, but I do love to have mexican soup.

very solid tacos, regulars are friendly.
Taco meat is well seasoned, I would avoid the fish tacos, as they’re just run of the mill. Mariela’s tacos shines when there’s some Carne Asada to be had.
I will definitely come back for the caldo de res and caldo de pollo though. I don’t find too many places that highlights their Mexican soups, and I do love me some Mexican soups.

Being born & raised in LA this has been a staple & gem. My family has been coming here since it was a food truck in the early 90’s Authentic Mexican food. The burritos have gotten smaller over the years but taste the same.
Love the carne asada tacos, always a winner!
Horchata is killer ! & champurado is always perfect especially on a cold night.
I’m loving the extended hours. When I’m in town this is a must have. My sister puts it in here liste EVERY time she comes back in town it’s like the in n out of Mexican food, gotta have it when you come to LA.
Staff is always friendly. I think the son is working most of the time these days instead of the older dad & mom.
I still enjoy Mariellas but there is a reason I always order to go, it’s not the cleanest of places the kitchen actually looks the cleanest of all which is good right ?
Today in particular when I placed my order j had a hard time communicating with I whoever took it, that’s not the norm usually hell go get someone else who speaks better English. Maybe the heat of the day was reflected in everyone’s mood today

I used to come here like every day and eat when I first moved to this neighborhood. This place stays busy so something keeps them coming back duh. You can see the workers preparing your food fesh behind a clear glass. I usually get the Carne Asad plate it comes with carnage aside slade beans and rice and tortilla for under 10 bucks. The food is very good and the prices are good too. I think they should open 2 registers I think they only have one. They always call the numbers out in spanish when your order is rrady so someyimes im a little late getting my order hahahaha.

This place is nasty. I’ve tried almost everything and it sucks! The place always smells like old, rotting meat. They take forever to get your food. I ordered a tamale once and it took half an hour to get it.

I’ve tried this place a few times hoping it would get better. The wait is long and the food is not worth the wait. During a recent visit, I noticed dirty tables and a humongous roach scurrying across the floor! There are also a lot of flies. I almost canceled my order, but I had already paid and did not want to embarrass the staff.
The food was mediocre and that’s being polite. I guess that is to be expected for Koreatown, and cheap prices. Word of advice, do not order the sopes! They tasted like cardboard and are very dry. The tacos were also very bland. How hard is it to make two very basic dishes? If you want authentic food, this is NOT the place. Usually ugly hole in the wall type places are the best, this place is just a hole.

Despite their name, I do not go to Mariela’s for the tacos. Don’t get me wrong, I have tried them as well as some other things such as the wet Guatemalan-​style tamales, but I really come here for one thing. The soup! Correction, make that two things: the beef soup and the chicken soup.
The first time I came here I noticed that not only was I the only chino up in the place, but I was the only one not eating the soup. So, after I finished my tacos, I went up to another «patrón» and in my Adam Sandler-​esque Spanglish I asked the muchacho what the hell he was eating.
I think I said something like «disculpe, que pasa el soupo con potato-​os»? Okay, that was bullshit, I know that soup is caldo and potato is patata, but hey, makes for a better story no?
Anyways, the hombre told me it was the caldo de res (beef soup) and that another popular item was the caldo de pollo (chicken soup). So I took a mental note and decided that when I returned I would try the caldo. And I have since been back multiple times solamente para el caldo!
On the follow-​up visit to Mariela’s, I had the caldo de res. It consisted of a perfectly seasoned bowl of soup with beef chunks, cabbage, potatoes, two different types of squash, carrots, onions, garlic, and cilantro.
For less than $ 8 this soup really cures hangovers, colds, and an empty stomach. It comes with a side of seasoned rice, tortillas, lemon wedges, and zesty hot sauce. The soup is amazing and my only gripe is that the meat is a tad sinewy and gets stuck in my teeth. Regardless the broth is fabuloso.
On follow-​up visits, I tried the caldo de pollo. Same thing as the caldo de res, but with chicken! When ordering the chicken soup though, you have the option to get chicken cooked in the soup or a piece of chicken that is pan-​fried. I’ve tried both options and they are both good. I think this soup is a little better than the beef because the meat does not get stuck in your teeth.
So if you are feeling sick, hungover, or the weather is rainy or whatever, try Mariela’s soup. After all, she sure knows how to cook up a delicioso broth that is so many many reasons it’s so mmm mmm good! That’s right, F– Campbell’s soup.
*Cash only — the caldo as of July 7, 2015 is $ 7.50 plus tax so stop by the ATM!

came here multiple times, each time it took super long to make and didn’t order complicated food on menu.
What we ordered…
5 small carne asada tacos and 2 limonade drinks.
Also the line was 4 people including Us in it.
It’s prolly faster to go to a taco truck instead.
tacos were decent.

Wtf I only gave Mariela’s three stars?! It’s been seven years since I lived in this neighborhood and I still dream of those al pastor quesadillas. They deserve five stars for that, I guess you just don’t appreciate such a magnificent thing when it’s right in front of you. Lesson learned.
I never did get to try their sopas.

Just as an update to everyone they do accept debit and credit cards now.
This place is awesome. No complaints.

Ordered the wet burrito with pastor smothered in red sauce and green sauce. Good lord I’m about to kiss the lady that made this.

Got to check this place out for the first time today after finding it on Unilocal while looking for a quick bite to grab to go. Decided to call in my order since I was in a rush and my order was ready when I arrived, definitely recommend calling in for the people who complained about the slow service.
When I got to place, it looked like a legit Mexican restaurant and I could not wait to sink my teeth into my burrito, made me wonder why I had wasted so many calories at Chipotle. The red sauce was delicious and the complimentary radish slices they provided was a nice touch.
Came here for a snack that became my dinner since the burritos are huge, and all for just $ 5.50 plus tax. I got the carne asada burrito, BF got the al pastor. We both loved our burrito, and ate it all! Each burrito comes with rice that has a little bit of peas and carrots, pinto beans, onions, and the meat of your choice perfectly wrapped. Both the carne asada and pastor were delicious!
Service was great, the place was clean, and food was delicious and cheap… all wins in my book! Can’t wait I come back and try other items on the menu!

Maybe I just didn’t order the right thing but I know for a fact that I’ve definitely had better burritos in life. Granted I just stopped by while waiting for my laundry to get done but still.
I got a chicken burrito. Sounds, um, pretty boring doesn’t it? The boyfriend got a torta. Either way, I don’t think both tasted spectacular. First off, the food was bland. Completely and utterly under seasoned. Also, my burrito was broken and so hard to eat and too moist for my liking. The torta (according to my one bite) didn’t seem tasty either. However, I do need to give them props for using really good bread. In addition to that, the pineapple juice and jamaica were both very sweet and seemed like they were made from powdered juice.
I’m sure this place is good for something, maybe picking up a taco while waiting for laundry (I had a burrito cos I was starving) but don’t come in here with high expectations.

Wow tengo trece anos de ser cliente y nunca habia experimentado un mal trato tan mal hasta ahora. primero le pedi ha Una de Las cocineras por jalapeños y me dijo no hasta que le remordio la conciencia y me lo dio de Una manera pecima pedi extra salsa verde y Roja y otra de Las cocineras me comtesto pesada mente que no Era su trabajo de dar salsa y para terminar la historia me dieron la orden equivocada es tiempo de hablar con el propoetario que es uno de mis customers…

Esos tacos de asada y wet burrito son la Peor comida q e comido nunca volveria a ese lugar

For almost 4 years Mariela’s has been near and dear to my Heart! When I lived in Koreatown, this was and still IS my favorite Go-​To Spot for Huevos Rancheros!
Located in busy K-​town off 3^rd and Catalina, Parking can sometimes be a bitch cuz their small, personal parking lot tends to fill up quick during lunch peak hours. If you can’t park in their lot, there’s metered street parking on Catalina, Kenmore, and 3^rd Street. 25 Cents for every 15 minutes and 2-​Hour maximum.
*TIP: BE CAREFUL parking around this area cuz Parking Enforcement here is an even bigger Bitch and pain in the ass! TRUST ME, you’ll avoid a Parking ticket if you’re mindful of the Parking signs/​restrictions.
They’ve spruced up Mariela’s since the last time I’ve visited. It once used to look very plain and super Religious with Jesus words and paintings all over. But now they’ve painted the walls multiple bright colors and even added some flower paintings on the walls to give the place some life. The Menus were re-​Done to be bigger, brighter, and more accurate cuz the pictures of each food item more closely resembles the appearance of the Actual food.
Mariela’s accepts CASH ONLY!!! BUT there is an ATM machine located directly in front of the cashier counter if you need to withdraw. If you need to use their restrooms, ask the Cashier and they’ll give you a Donut-​shaped Token to open the restroom door.
The Quality and Quantity of FOOD for cheap prices is what I LOVE about Mariela’s. For awhile, Huevos Rancheros was the ONLY thing my boyfriend and I were stuck on cuz it was SO delicious and only $ 5.00 at the time! Huevos Rancheros includes sunny side up eggs (with the Yolk not broken, but runny just how I like it!) with onions and bell peppers topped on a tostada along with Spanish rice and Cheesy Beans with a few Tortilla Chips. Sometimes they switch up the items and give Potatoes and Mixed Veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, & radishes) also or instead. The meal also comes with 3 Tortillas so that you can use the Huevos Rancheros to make tacos.
*TIP: If you order To-​GO, make sure you check your food first cuz one time they totally forgot my Tortillas! No Bueno.
Eventually, we started trying different items. Other Recommendations are their Supreme Chicken Nachos, the Carne Guisado, Chile Verde, and any of their Tamales. My second favorite thing is their Supreme Chicken Nachos cuz it is HUGE and completely loaded with everything including soft, tender chicken, cheese, veggies, guacamole, sour cream, etc. One thing I’ve been meaning to try but haven’t yet is their Big Soups, which must be Good cuz I literally see customers order it EVERY time I eat here. Their Horchata is another one of my favorites cuz it’s the perfect ratio of cinnamon and sweetness without being too sweet or bland.
The ONLY reason for NOT giving a full-​fledged 5 Stars is because sometimes Customer Service here is a Hit-​or-​Miss! If you go during LUNCH peak hours, expect to wait awhile. I recommend ordering To-​Go personally.
*TIP: The employees sometimes call the Numbers out in Spanish AND in English, so LISTEN CAREFULLY or you might get skipped! This happened once to us cuz my boyfriend wasn’t paying attention and doesn’t understand Spanish, so it literally felt like we were waiting foreeevvver for our food! Needless to say, I started making sure I listen carefully for our number to be called ever since!
Overall, Mariela’s still continues to hit the spot with their authentic and affordable food. They just need to seriously improve on their Organization with taking and distributing food orders on a First-​come, First serve numerical sequence instead of the chaotic, random way they do it now.

I love this spot! I give it my Mexican seal and stamp of approval!
Cash only! The only downside is that food takes a while to be made and it is cash only, BUT this slight inconvenience is made up by the cheap prices and good tasting food.
The service tends to be on the slower side BUT that’s what happens when you are actually cooking food. You want fast food, go to McDonald’s where their food is pre-​cooked and flash frozen.
Give them some time to give your food some love and you will be happy :) BTW, you know it’s authentic when you see a bunch of Latin folks here enjoying their meal.
¡Buen Provecho!

Review in #Haiku:
Super dope tacos
Priced right, quick and big menu
Coming back for sure