Guerrilla Tacos, Los Angeles

Guerrilla Tacos is a restaurant run by chef Wes Avila, the former taco truck owner who used to hit the streets of L.A. out of necessity – found between jobs and in need to make living. The success of his food truck enabled Avila to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2018 and eventually turned him into one of the most notable business owners in the Arts District in which Guerrilla Tacos never stops buzzing. Food-lovers flock here for the famous hamachi tostadas (topped with uni), vegetarian tacos, and killer mezcal margaritas.

The restaurant is located just a few blocks away from the original spot of Wes's cart. The truck has been fully retired now, but chef Wes never forgets where it all started - with $167 and a small taco cart.

Somehow the restaurant feels just like the old truck did - casual, with very friendly staff and fast service - except you’re sitting at a table instead of a gutter in Culver City. This is a big space with booths, a full bar, and an open kitchen that puts out food faster than streaming services release TV shows.

Despite fears that the food would lose its magic, the restaurant proved to be unmistakably Guerrilla, with an added bonus of incredible non-taco dishes that they probably couldn’t have pulled off in a truck.