Tacos Don Cuco

Tucked away on a corner in East LA, Tacos Don Cuco is the kind of no-frills taco stand that draws you in with a billowing cloud of mesquite smoke before you even see the menu. This Tijuana-style operation, with additional outposts in Westlake and Pomona, keeps things beautifully simple: meats sizzling over charcoal, tortillas pressed fresh to order, and a rainbow of house salsas waiting to dress each creation.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the carne asada—smoky, juicy, with those irresistible charred edges that only come from cooking over real fire. But don’t overlook the adobada, a Tijuana specialty where marinated pork gets that same charcoal treatment rather than spinning on a spit. The result is deeply caramelized meat with a sweet-smoky-spicy profile that’s genuinely memorable. For the adventurous, the tripas emerge impossibly crispy while the lengua arrives in generous, fork-tender hunks that practically fall apart.

What elevates these three-dollar tacos beyond the ordinary is the attention to every component. Each tortilla comes off the press warm and pliable, acting as the perfect vehicle for whatever meat you’ve chosen. The salsas are thoughtfully paired—bright verde with the rich lengua, fiery roja with the sweet adobada—creating combinations where everything just works together.

Grab one of the folding tables set up nearby and eat your tacos while they’re still steaming. This is a cash or Zelle operation, so come prepared. Tuesday brings two-dollar tacos if you’re watching your wallet. Whether you go for the classics or point at whatever’s looking good on the grill, you’re unlikely to leave disappointed.