Cielito Lindo

"Cielito Lindo is a food stand on Olvera Street that could easily be confused for a cantina-themed information booth, but make no mistake, the history on display is very real. This miniature taqueria has been open since the 1930s and is revered for one thing: crispy beef taquitos fried until golden brown in a big pan and smothered in an equally famous tangy avocado salsa. They're a simple, quick snack that delivers exactly what you crave while shopping for ceramic bowls, but they're also something else—a nearly century-old symbol of LA's Mexican American community and its deep roots that run through the city. Taquitos with avocado sauce, beef tamale" - brant cox, cathy park, garrett snyder, sylvio martins

"Downtown’s Olvera Street is rich in Mexican-American history, even if immersing yourself in said history can at times feel like you’re shopping for keychains inside an amusement park. But if there’s one thing you should prioritize while visiting this landmark, it’s the beef taquitos at Cielito Lindo. The nearly 100-year-old stand fries its signature dish in large batches before dousing each crispy rolled taco in an avocado salsa before handing them over. And Cielito Lindo’s secret sauce is just that: their sauce. It’s bright and tangy from stewed tomatillos and cilantro, with just enough avocado blitzed in to give it a silky texture. Some people come to eat as many a la carte taquitos as their body physically allows, but we prefer the #2 combo that comes with just two, plus cheesy refried beans and a fluffy beef tamal, which we think Cielito Lindo doesn’t get enough credit for. photo credit: Matt Gendal photo credit: Matt Gendal photo credit: Matt Gendal photo credit: Matt Gendal Food Rundown photo credit: Matt Gendal Taquitos We give these taquitos a lot of grace out of pure nostalgia. Is the shredded beef inside a little dry? Sometimes. Does it matter all that much after they soften up under a big ladleful of tangy avocado salsa? Not really. Order as many as you want a la carte or a few as part of a combo plate, but whatever you do, make them the focus of your visit here. photo credit: Matt Gendal Tamales Cielito Lindo serves four different types of tamales, including a cheesy spinach one and, our favorite, the sneakily spicy beef. The masa is always plush and the red enchilada sauce on top has a sweet roasted pepper thing going on that’s a nice contrast to the tart avocado salsa on the plate." - Sylvio Martins

"There’s no room for nostalgia here, but these legendary taquitos aren’t just the original taco in Los Angeles. They might be solely responsible for the current taco craze in the U.S., and they’re delicious. Order deep-fried beef taquitos drowned in a runny avocado salsa oozing with a piquant beefiness thickened with avocado. It’s like being one with the taco universe. Since 1934, the story of the taco north of the Rio Grande begins and ends here." - Bill Esparza

"Open since 1934, Cielito Lindo is one of the best stands in Los Angeles. Stationed in the historic Olvera Street, Cielito’s deep-fried taquitos drowned in avocado salsa are worth a trek to this charming area just north of Downtown. Afterward, walk through the city’s first official street for more bites and knick-knacks." - Eater Staff

"This historic, ‘30s-era stand is famous for pan-fried taquitos covered in tangy avocado salsa. They’re the perfect snacks to eat on the sidewalk before getting back to ceramic bowl shopping, as well as a nearly century-old symbol of LA's Mexican American community (and just plain old delicious). Skip the refried beans and order the two taquito combo with a spinach and cheese tamale—double the carbs, double the salsa. " - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins