Of the 2 times I've been to Grand Central Market, I chose to eat here. Recommend the carnitas (so moist and succulent, and if you're lucky, you'll get little crunchy bits) and the lengua (beef tongue). Prices have gone up to $4.50/taco, but that's expected with inflation. They do load each taco with lots of meat though and I love that they give out free samples of their carnitas wrapped in a warm tortilla!
Manuel R.
Worst carnitas ever. They have no flavor they serve you a lot of fat instead of meat. The sauces suck the same issue no flavor at all the red and green sauces are bad. The lady on the register had an attitude when I mentioned to her why didn't the food had any flavor and she told me to leave with hand gestures. Idk why they're so busy when there's better carnitas options in grand central. Is not the same as before. Seems that they just cook the carnitas quick because they have a lot of people that why they give you free taco. Not the best and no flavor.
Angelo M.
I've been here before but it's just not the same. They still give you a free taco as soon as you get close pero la carne está fría. Idk when they make it fresh but I want it right out of the cazo. The first couple times I've been here, it was earlier in the day so maybe that has something to do with it. This last time around it was around 2-3pm. Parking will always suck so unless you're already down here, I wouldn't recommend you drive down here specifically for these tacos.
Junior M.
I like coming to the Grand Central Market to eat. Honestly, I was going to order from Eggslut, but my work partner wanted this place instead. I decided to try it out, and it did not disappoint. This is my first time trying this place, and it's great food. The tacos are huge, and the price is incredible. A must place to eat. Side note. They give you a free sample before you order.
Irene S.
Villa Michuacana is amaaazing! The food here is bussin, located in Grand Central Market downtown LA. The ambiance here adds to the overall experience. Upon arrival you're greeted by someone handing out a sample taco of their carnitas while someone else takes your order. Choose your preferred cut of pork from their giant menu up front as you approach the location. These tacos are not only served with double tortilla they are massive. Orders are coming out fresh and loaded with your choice of pork cut. I love the Surtido (mixed carnitas) personally. They conveniently have an entire salsa bar where you can customize your taco with red salsa, green salsa, lemon, and various condiments. You can also pair your meal with a nice cold beer or beverage of choice they offer a good selection. Staff are very welcoming, clean, and service is fast. Very clean location. Prices have gone up like everything else but they are so worth it. They offer bar booth seats and outdoor seating. This place is a gem and must visit when in the LA area. Villa Michuacana is next to Eggslut.
KC M.
THE FOOD? Great! It seems like they do one thing but they do it really well. Pork. I got a carnitas burrito and the flavor of the carnitas was so good. You could tell it's been cooked and seasoned well and not too fatty. A lot of times carnitas from other places has maybe a little too much parts that are just fat. This had a few moments that added to the flavor and didn't gross me out like other places lol. Now the only reason I didn't give them all stars was because the customer service was seriously lacking. I went about 2 hours before they close and the GCM was still busy and packed as I'm sure it would be on a Saturday night so I get that maybe they were just tired and working all day. The cashier had her hand over her forehead and eyes like maybe she was tired or had a migraine or something and when I went up to her she kinda made a shewing away gesture to the person beside her that prepares the food and so I went to him. I guess you order what you want with the people who make it first then you go the cashier. I didn't know this but the way she did it was just weird. The guy making the food was nice enough. Then when I went back to the cashier I asked her to make it to go and she was talking to someone else, a co worker the entire time. I don't care all that much tbh because I got what I came for and it takes a lot for me to review less than 5 so needless to say I wasn't that impressed by the service but would I go again? Yes because the food was good and again maybe she was just having an off day and we have those. Either way if you want to try a good pork whatever: go to this place.
Lady B.
Honestly $5 isn't bad for the amount of meat on a single taco, but they did a bait and switch on me and gave me the mixed carnitas thinking I didn't understand Spanish. I tried it anyway and it was good but nothing special imo. Maybe them thinking I'm stupid made the tacos not as tasty as they should have been. The al pastor was not good. Not worth trying if you're super into carnitas. If you're gonna try this spot, stick to the carnitas and maybe speak Spanish to them so they don't mess with your order.
Anthony N.
This vendor here is a well-known establishment to have the most authentic Michoacán slow-roasted pork tacos because it was said to have been the birthplace of none other, than carnitas! I knew this place was going to be a hit when I saw patrons sitting by munching on some tacos. My buddy took me here and told me that this taco place is a legend in LA because their carnitas were the best in the city. I was famished at this point so it was the perfect moment to seize the opportunity! We waited in line for about 5 minutes and then placed an order; we started talking to the cashier and he was very kind enough to let us sample the pork. He offered a generous portion of the carnitas and boy did it make my mouth salivate. The meat was well seasoned and not too dry but had the perfect umami flavor behind it. I bought 6 tacos to share with 4 of us. After ordering, we went to the mini salsa bar to grab the essentials. This place had limited seating, so we were fortunate enough to find a group that got up so we managed to take the table before someone else came. It took about 20 minutes to receive our order, so I had to go up and check on it but it looked like they called my number a while ago and I just didn't hear it. I wish there was some kind of buzzer or speaker system that would have been easy to hear, especially with all the crazy, loud commotion going around in the area. When I picked up these plates of tacos, I didn't realize the monstrosity of the behemoth. Two large corn tortillas and a heap of hot, shredded pork fall out of each shell. Each taco weighed like a quarter pound of deliciousness. The red and green salsa provided a sweet and tangy taste to each bite and the chopped onions and cilantro gave a nice freshness cleanser for the palate. I inhaled down the first taco and would have been happy with one taco, but the second one was a bit of an overkill. That's what happens when your eyes are fatter than your appetite lol. Overall, it was a good experience to try these tacos for the very first time. The carnitas are good so I could see why people come here to eat, but I'd recommend just ordering one because the portion is huge for $3.50.
Chan Y.
One of the biggest hits at Grand Central Market. Michoacán style street tacos with many choices, the classic being their signature Mixed Carnitas. The entire pig is used here, and nothing is wasted, you can watch them chopping up this mix of Slow Cooked Pulled Pork right up front on two stations. They are also generous with samples, offering a bite of the mix taco to customers waiting in line, which is a nice welcoming touch. Each taco also comes packed, with easily enough meats in each for two tacos. Fills you up quickly, so when ordering x2 tacos, it's really more like x4!
Nick P.
Very okay tacos. We got 2 surtado tacos from here for $5 each. The portion was large but the flavor was very okay. It was actually pretty cold and not warm so certain pieces were fatty and fat doesn't have the best texture when cold. We were pretty disappointed. My first time here the surtado tacos were piping hot and so fresh, so this was very lackluster in comparison.
I came to visit from Texas and decided to try this Mexican spot. I was given a sample of the carnitas, which were amazing, so I decided to place an order of tacos of carnitas. However when I started to order she told me they were out of carnitas and every other option I asked for. I proceeded to still order something I don't typically eat because cmon, what can go wrong with good ol tacos? Well almost everything went wrong. The meat tasted burnt and salty, and even tho I put salsa and lime to mask the taste it still didn't work. As an authentic Mexican, I'm disappointed in the taste and the over hyped reviews Yelp has.
Craig W.
This vendor is located on the non-Angel's Flight side of the Grand Central Market. You get in line and the guy cutting the carnitas in front of you hands you a free taco. And then he hands the person behind you a free taco. And so on. The free tacos are not stuffed to the brim with meat but they are not stingy, either. And they are delicious. Hey, we're off to a really good start. There are many choices of pork cuts here but the cut of meat you must absolutely get is the carnitas mixto or "mix" cut. It's insanely juicy and delicious. The pastor was fine but a tad dry, and the birria was very nice. Fast service, free tacos, and delicious (paid-for) tacos.
Brenda C.
I tried this place because I was near by and the reviews were all 4-5 stars. The tacos were dry. And as I was eating my 2nd taco I bit into something sharp and hard I spit it out and it's a tiny twirled piece of metal. I ended up cutting the inside of my cheek due to this. I go up to speak with the cashier and he refunds me for the one taco and no sorry. I then go to another cashier where a woman says it can happen and they can't prevent it. No sorry, basically saying it isn't their fault. Overall, horrible customer service. After getting a little loud, she offers a refund. I shouldn't be checking my food for pieces of metal. Really don't recommend and won't be coming back.
Maricel P.
We got a total of 6 tacos, 4 mini ones and 2 big birria tacos and 1 beer for more than $42. What a waste... my favorite taco spot is in Bakersfield in a taco truck on Union Ave called Jalisciense Taqueria and I guarantee they are way better. Better in price, better in taste and staff is also nicer. The tacos were not bad, but they weren't the best either, what really shocked us was the price. We have never had tacos for this much, but I guess it comes with the territory of being at Grand Central Market. The birria tacos did not come with consome at all and they were quite dry. I definitely believe you should check this place out for your own review. Maybe they had an off day because they had tons of reviews that say people loved their food. I don't know if I would try it again because the price was a little too steep for my blood. If you're unsure they give samples, so definitely try those out.
Zac F.
I first had a sample and then couldn't resist. I had 3 mixed tacos and put the toppings on myself. I couldn't finish it all. People are complaining about the price, but I didn't think it was too much considering the size. If you aren't sure just get 2. They make you feel welcome even if you don't know what it is, and it was great to sit just outside.
Of the 2 times I've been to Grand Central Market, I chose to eat here. Recommend the carnitas (so moist and succulent, and if you're lucky, you'll get little crunchy bits) and the lengua (beef tongue). Prices have gone up to $4.50/taco, but that's expected with inflation. They do load each taco with lots of meat though and I love that they give out free samples of their carnitas wrapped in a warm tortilla!
Worst carnitas ever. They have no flavor they serve you a lot of fat instead of meat. The sauces suck the same issue no flavor at all the red and green sauces are bad. The lady on the register had an attitude when I mentioned to her why didn't the food had any flavor and she told me to leave with hand gestures. Idk why they're so busy when there's better carnitas options in grand central. Is not the same as before. Seems that they just cook the carnitas quick because they have a lot of people that why they give you free taco. Not the best and no flavor.
I've been here before but it's just not the same. They still give you a free taco as soon as you get close pero la carne está fría. Idk when they make it fresh but I want it right out of the cazo. The first couple times I've been here, it was earlier in the day so maybe that has something to do with it. This last time around it was around 2-3pm. Parking will always suck so unless you're already down here, I wouldn't recommend you drive down here specifically for these tacos.
I like coming to the Grand Central Market to eat. Honestly, I was going to order from Eggslut, but my work partner wanted this place instead. I decided to try it out, and it did not disappoint. This is my first time trying this place, and it's great food. The tacos are huge, and the price is incredible. A must place to eat. Side note. They give you a free sample before you order.
Villa Michuacana is amaaazing! The food here is bussin, located in Grand Central Market downtown LA. The ambiance here adds to the overall experience. Upon arrival you're greeted by someone handing out a sample taco of their carnitas while someone else takes your order. Choose your preferred cut of pork from their giant menu up front as you approach the location. These tacos are not only served with double tortilla they are massive. Orders are coming out fresh and loaded with your choice of pork cut. I love the Surtido (mixed carnitas) personally. They conveniently have an entire salsa bar where you can customize your taco with red salsa, green salsa, lemon, and various condiments. You can also pair your meal with a nice cold beer or beverage of choice they offer a good selection. Staff are very welcoming, clean, and service is fast. Very clean location. Prices have gone up like everything else but they are so worth it. They offer bar booth seats and outdoor seating. This place is a gem and must visit when in the LA area. Villa Michuacana is next to Eggslut.
THE FOOD? Great! It seems like they do one thing but they do it really well. Pork. I got a carnitas burrito and the flavor of the carnitas was so good. You could tell it's been cooked and seasoned well and not too fatty. A lot of times carnitas from other places has maybe a little too much parts that are just fat. This had a few moments that added to the flavor and didn't gross me out like other places lol. Now the only reason I didn't give them all stars was because the customer service was seriously lacking. I went about 2 hours before they close and the GCM was still busy and packed as I'm sure it would be on a Saturday night so I get that maybe they were just tired and working all day. The cashier had her hand over her forehead and eyes like maybe she was tired or had a migraine or something and when I went up to her she kinda made a shewing away gesture to the person beside her that prepares the food and so I went to him. I guess you order what you want with the people who make it first then you go the cashier. I didn't know this but the way she did it was just weird. The guy making the food was nice enough. Then when I went back to the cashier I asked her to make it to go and she was talking to someone else, a co worker the entire time. I don't care all that much tbh because I got what I came for and it takes a lot for me to review less than 5 so needless to say I wasn't that impressed by the service but would I go again? Yes because the food was good and again maybe she was just having an off day and we have those. Either way if you want to try a good pork whatever: go to this place.
Honestly $5 isn't bad for the amount of meat on a single taco, but they did a bait and switch on me and gave me the mixed carnitas thinking I didn't understand Spanish. I tried it anyway and it was good but nothing special imo. Maybe them thinking I'm stupid made the tacos not as tasty as they should have been. The al pastor was not good. Not worth trying if you're super into carnitas. If you're gonna try this spot, stick to the carnitas and maybe speak Spanish to them so they don't mess with your order.
This vendor here is a well-known establishment to have the most authentic Michoacán slow-roasted pork tacos because it was said to have been the birthplace of none other, than carnitas! I knew this place was going to be a hit when I saw patrons sitting by munching on some tacos. My buddy took me here and told me that this taco place is a legend in LA because their carnitas were the best in the city. I was famished at this point so it was the perfect moment to seize the opportunity! We waited in line for about 5 minutes and then placed an order; we started talking to the cashier and he was very kind enough to let us sample the pork. He offered a generous portion of the carnitas and boy did it make my mouth salivate. The meat was well seasoned and not too dry but had the perfect umami flavor behind it. I bought 6 tacos to share with 4 of us. After ordering, we went to the mini salsa bar to grab the essentials. This place had limited seating, so we were fortunate enough to find a group that got up so we managed to take the table before someone else came. It took about 20 minutes to receive our order, so I had to go up and check on it but it looked like they called my number a while ago and I just didn't hear it. I wish there was some kind of buzzer or speaker system that would have been easy to hear, especially with all the crazy, loud commotion going around in the area. When I picked up these plates of tacos, I didn't realize the monstrosity of the behemoth. Two large corn tortillas and a heap of hot, shredded pork fall out of each shell. Each taco weighed like a quarter pound of deliciousness. The red and green salsa provided a sweet and tangy taste to each bite and the chopped onions and cilantro gave a nice freshness cleanser for the palate. I inhaled down the first taco and would have been happy with one taco, but the second one was a bit of an overkill. That's what happens when your eyes are fatter than your appetite lol. Overall, it was a good experience to try these tacos for the very first time. The carnitas are good so I could see why people come here to eat, but I'd recommend just ordering one because the portion is huge for $3.50.
One of the biggest hits at Grand Central Market. Michoacán style street tacos with many choices, the classic being their signature Mixed Carnitas. The entire pig is used here, and nothing is wasted, you can watch them chopping up this mix of Slow Cooked Pulled Pork right up front on two stations. They are also generous with samples, offering a bite of the mix taco to customers waiting in line, which is a nice welcoming touch. Each taco also comes packed, with easily enough meats in each for two tacos. Fills you up quickly, so when ordering x2 tacos, it's really more like x4!
Very okay tacos. We got 2 surtado tacos from here for $5 each. The portion was large but the flavor was very okay. It was actually pretty cold and not warm so certain pieces were fatty and fat doesn't have the best texture when cold. We were pretty disappointed. My first time here the surtado tacos were piping hot and so fresh, so this was very lackluster in comparison.
Restaurantji Recommends
I came to visit from Texas and decided to try this Mexican spot. I was given a sample of the carnitas, which were amazing, so I decided to place an order of tacos of carnitas. However when I started to order she told me they were out of carnitas and every other option I asked for. I proceeded to still order something I don't typically eat because cmon, what can go wrong with good ol tacos? Well almost everything went wrong. The meat tasted burnt and salty, and even tho I put salsa and lime to mask the taste it still didn't work. As an authentic Mexican, I'm disappointed in the taste and the over hyped reviews Yelp has.
This vendor is located on the non-Angel's Flight side of the Grand Central Market. You get in line and the guy cutting the carnitas in front of you hands you a free taco. And then he hands the person behind you a free taco. And so on. The free tacos are not stuffed to the brim with meat but they are not stingy, either. And they are delicious. Hey, we're off to a really good start. There are many choices of pork cuts here but the cut of meat you must absolutely get is the carnitas mixto or "mix" cut. It's insanely juicy and delicious. The pastor was fine but a tad dry, and the birria was very nice. Fast service, free tacos, and delicious (paid-for) tacos.
I tried this place because I was near by and the reviews were all 4-5 stars. The tacos were dry. And as I was eating my 2nd taco I bit into something sharp and hard I spit it out and it's a tiny twirled piece of metal. I ended up cutting the inside of my cheek due to this. I go up to speak with the cashier and he refunds me for the one taco and no sorry. I then go to another cashier where a woman says it can happen and they can't prevent it. No sorry, basically saying it isn't their fault. Overall, horrible customer service. After getting a little loud, she offers a refund. I shouldn't be checking my food for pieces of metal. Really don't recommend and won't be coming back.
We got a total of 6 tacos, 4 mini ones and 2 big birria tacos and 1 beer for more than $42. What a waste... my favorite taco spot is in Bakersfield in a taco truck on Union Ave called Jalisciense Taqueria and I guarantee they are way better. Better in price, better in taste and staff is also nicer. The tacos were not bad, but they weren't the best either, what really shocked us was the price. We have never had tacos for this much, but I guess it comes with the territory of being at Grand Central Market. The birria tacos did not come with consome at all and they were quite dry. I definitely believe you should check this place out for your own review. Maybe they had an off day because they had tons of reviews that say people loved their food. I don't know if I would try it again because the price was a little too steep for my blood. If you're unsure they give samples, so definitely try those out.
I first had a sample and then couldn't resist. I had 3 mixed tacos and put the toppings on myself. I couldn't finish it all. People are complaining about the price, but I didn't think it was too much considering the size. If you aren't sure just get 2. They make you feel welcome even if you don't know what it is, and it was great to sit just outside.