Seemor
Cielito LindoDProceed Cautiously
E-23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
· Mexican restaurant, Fast food restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (2412 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Historic Olvera Street stand known for taquitos with avocado sauce; great if you catch them hot and fresh, but quality and service can be inconsistent.
Why it gets a D for overall quality
Cielito Lindo's historic Olvera Street location and beloved taquitos with avocado sauce create nostalgic appeal, but quality varies significantly—items are excellent when hot and fresh, yet soggy or bland when held. Hygiene concerns and inconsistent service compound reliability issues, while recent trends show deterioration. Best approached as a quick, luck-dependent stop rather than a dependable dining destination.
Restaurant Summary
Set along Olvera Street, this counter stand buzzes with foot traffic, mariachis, and the scent of frying tortillas. Lines move fast, and when timing is right the taquitos crackle and the famous green sauce pops. One diner summed it up: "Catch them hot and it hits the spot." Expect a lively market vibe, limited seating, and a quick pit stop feel. The cooking is classic street fare more than chef-y: taquitos, simple burritos, and a signature avocado sauce that regulars swear by. At its best, it is nostalgic and satisfying; at its worst, it can be soggy or bland if items sit or are sauced too heavily. This is traditional comfort food with straightforward flavors rather than modern innovation. Families often swing by for quick bites. Kid-friendly picks include the beans and cheese burrito ($10) and plain taquitos ($6.50 for two). There is no dedicated kids menu, but the straightforward options suit many children. Seating is tight and outdoors, so plan on a short stop rather than a long meal.
At a Glance
- Historic Olvera Street location near Union Station
- Taquitos with avocado sauce are beloved when fresh
- Quality varies; soggy or cold items reported at times
- Hygiene and service inflexibility mentioned by multiple diners
- Limited seating and crowded walkway; best for quick eats
What Sets It Apart
- historic_olvera_street_location
- signature_avocado_sauce
- quick_counter_service
What People Love
- Crispy taquitos when freshly fried
- Signature avocado green sauce
- Speedy counter service
- Historic market atmosphere
Points of Concern
- Food can be soggy or cold if not served immediately
- Service reported as curt and not flexible on simple requests
- Hygiene concerns raised by several reviewers, including handling money then food
- Pricing fair but can feel light on meat or flavor when execution slips
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$16-$22 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose taquitos fresh from the fryer and request avocado sauce on the side
- Beans and cheese burrito offers a budget-friendly, kid-approachable option
- Avoid heavy sauce flooding to preserve crunch
Perfect For
- A quick bite while sightseeing downtown
- Casual meetup before a train at Union Station
- Nostalgic LA food stop on Olvera Street
- Affordable street-food fix under $20
Location Insights
Area: Historic pedestrian marketplace near Union Station; tourist-heavy with cultural vendors and casual eateries.
Safety: Busy daylight foot traffic; generally safe but upkeep varies per reviews.
Nearby: Steps from Union Station and El Pueblo monuments; street musicians and markets create a lively scene.
El Pueblo de Los AngelesEl Pueblo de Los Angeles is the historic birthplace of the city, featuring preserved 19th-century buildings and a lively Mexican-American cultural atmosphere. The dining scene here is heavily influenced by traditional Mexican street food and casual eateries, attracting visitors looking for authentic and affordable Mexican cuisine.
Olvera StreetOlvera Street is a vibrant pedestrian marketplace known for its colorful stalls, traditional Mexican crafts, and street food vendors. It offers an immersive cultural experience with a festive atmosphere, making it a popular spot for casual dining and cultural tourism.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–20:00
Tuesday09:00–20:00
Wednesday09:00–20:00
Thursday09:00–20:00
Friday09:00–21:00
Saturday09:00–21:00
Sunday09:00–20:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →