Woodland Hills Restaurants: El Tapatio #1 for Mexican Food

Of all the Woodland Hills restaurants, the best Mexican food we've found is El Tapatio #1. In fact, we like it so much it is up there for our favorite Los Angeles area Mexican food in general, which is saying a lot. There are thousands of great places and this is one of the best.

Now when we say "best Mexican food" we do not mean it is gourmet or that the inside is romantic or trendy or any of that stupid stuff. We mean it is grubby and authentic. Greasy is okay. Using lard is okay. A non-descript location in a strip mall is okay. Hand written signs in Spanish only announcing specials is okay. This is El Tapatio #1. It is also pretty much always busy because the food rocks.

So they are famous for their pastor, which is a type of spiced pork meat. While others swear by their carne asada (which we do get sometimes and love) the pastor is our favorite. By the way, it isn't spicy in a hot spicy way, our three year old gobbles it up so no worries for those of you in the fear of spice crowd. A crowd I'll never belong in!

I never can decide whether to get the tacos or the sopes, so I usually get both. The sopes are filling yet fresh with all the guacamole and cream piled on yet the tacos are simple and juicy and I love the raw onions on them. The tacos are better for piling on their salsa which I love. So get both.

You order at the counter and then find a place to sit. Even though it is usually busy you can usually find a table because many people take it to go - like us.

They have Mexican Coca-Cola here (as well as Mexican Fanta) which comes in glass bottles and is made with sugar, not corn syrup. Yes, it tastes way better. Don't get a soda any other way if this is available!

Next time you are wanting to try some new Woodland Hills restaurants, check this place out!

Taqueria El Tapatio #1
22806 Victory Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 883-6142