I’m pretty skeptical when it comes to the opening of either a new taqueria or sushi restaurant here in the 818. Our hood (San Fernando Valley or SFV for you non-townies) is a central hub for both these fine fares. Los Angeles is actually considered a true “taco town” and everyone has their favorites – I’m pretty sure you’ve all heard me wax poetic about Tacos Por Favor in SaMo/Venice before.
So… when my better half LeadDreamer read in a Carolyn on Cocktails IG post that she 🥰 a fresh, new taqueria in Studio City, I scoffed. I laughed. I snobbishly poo-poo’d yet another restauranteur’s attempt at taking on the DOZENS of Van Nuys gorditas gurus, pozole powercasas and taco Tuesday pop-ups we locals know and love (shout out to Durangos Tacos pop-up at Tonga Hut tiki bar on Victory!)
I was wrong. Happily wrong. I also 🥰 this local newcomer.
Roadside Taco took over the space where Xen Lounge used to be. They transformed the outdoor space into a vibrant jardin-de-artes with colorful chairs, awesome murals and a whimsical wall of potted succulents.
Their simple and sublime menu features tacos we expected (carne asada, al pastor, camarones, etc.) plus genuinely homestyle treats like esquites, paletas and a queso dip that is OFF THE CHAIN.
Each dish is super affordable, wildly flavorful and PACKED with fillings. We ate wayyyyyy too much starting with a requisite al pastor and followed it up with cochinita pibil and a deeply satisfying birria for dipping my carne asada taco. Even after we were completely stuffed, we couldn’t help heading back to the counter (yes, you order at the counter and they phone you when it’s LIGHTNING FAST ready) for an order of the epic queso and chorizo dip.
The choice of margaritas is almost daunting. I did thoroughly enjoyed my pineapple margarita and a very nice cerveza I’d not had before (reco’d by one of the very nice barkeeps.)
Roadside Taco‘s atmosphere is neighborhood-y (lots of vloggers talking to their phones and enthusiastically scarfing tacos) and ultra-friendly. The staff was super attentive and helpful. The food was off the chain and we will definitely be back in less than a couple weeks to work our way down the menu. We chatted with one of the owners who mentioned they’d only been open three weeks – KUDOS to launching and for hitting all the marks in such short time.
One thing to note before visiting is that they DO have parking, albeit no valet. The lot is across Ventura Boulevard. There were plenty of spaces the Saturday night we dined and it was a pleasant (trust me, it’s not too far) walk to the traffic light at Lankershim, then back to the restaurant entrance.
My only wish for the future of Roadside Tacos is a tummy warming pozole. (In case Chef Lanny Marquez is reading this, I love verde, but will happily slurp a rojo or blanco, if that’s your jam.)
10628 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
323-284-2400
Salt, Sweet, Spirits. 