Guisados

"Set on a busy corner with an unassuming façade, this may be a humble storefront, but it’s all heart with an inimitable taste of home. This clean, airy and family-owned spot is open all day, so pop in when the mood strikes to sample their daily specials. Consult the chalkboards for the latest update, then snag a seat at one of the few tables with a view of the grill.It's all about their skillfully prepared tacos and expect to make a mess, as the sauce and juice drip while you're eating. Steak picado tacos with stewed flank steak served over black beans, or their cochinita pibil, with shredded pork braised with achiote and topped with pickled onions, are two favorites." - Michelin Inspector

"What It Is: A casual Mexican spot on the edge of Chinatown Perfect For: Lunch, Casual Weeknight Dinner Tirsa’s is a good new lunch option on the southern edge of Chinatown, in the same complex as a Subway and across the street from a Burger King. So it’s not surprising that there was a stream of local office people stopping in to this Mexican place when we visited - picking up tacos to-go, sharing some loaded steak fries, or having quiet time over a cilantro-lime chicken plate in the corner. Verdict: Good, casual Mexican to know about if you’re in the area." - jess basser sanders, brant cox, brett keating

"Cochinita pibil at Guisados: A friend and I decided to grab tacos at Guisados after drinks at nearby Thunderbolt. The cochinita pibil taco looked simple, but the combination of the stewed pork, corn tortilla, and bright pickled onions was pitch-perfect. I went with the default three-pepper spice level, and will absolutely ask for a little more heat next time." - Stephanie Wu

"Homestyle Tacos and Tortillas The Mexican food at Guisados is great simply because it doesn't try too hard. The owners, Armando de la Torre Sr. and Armando de la Torre Jr., aim to make every dish just how mom used to make it, and they succeed on every level. From humble beginnings in Boyle Heights to outposts in Echo Park, Downtown L.A., West Hollywood, Burbank, and a Koreatown location on the second floor of the Platform 35 food hall. Guisados has flourished thanks to handmade tortillas anchored by braised chicken breast, flank steak, or pork. The mole poblano taco is especially mouthwatering, and the quesadilla con chorizo is big enough to share—though you probably will want to keep it all to yourself."

"“This taco is extremely spicy,” the menu at Guisados reads. Frankly, that’s not nearly enough of a disclaimer. The chiles toreados taco at this Boyle Heights institution may well be among the hottest three bite-dishes anywhere, thanks to its mix of Thai chiles, jalapenos, serrano peppers, and generous habanero peppers and salsa. Luckily, the taco is more than just a pure fireball; it’s a blistered, satisfying concoction served on the restaurant’s signature handmade corn tortillas along with a smear of black beans. Tread lightly, but don’t be afraid to try it at least once, especially because there’s plenty of cooling (and excellent) horchata nearby. 2100 East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles. — Farley Elliott" - Eater Staff