Cielito Lindo

My son and I enjoyed a quintessential Los Angeles experience that makes this City unique and great: we started by driving around Echo Park en route to one of my Christmas and Chanukah gifts, a tour of Dodger Stadium and pictures with the 2024 and 2000 World Series trophies. After this event we later had reservations at a beautiful innovative restaurant called The Girl & The Goat in a formerly run down section of the Downtown Arts District now vibrant with cafes, coffee houses, art galleries and great street art.In between driving around Echo Park and what is left of Elysian Park and walking around the DTLA arts district, we had time to walk through the reinvigorating and crowded Little Tokyo. Every small restaurant serving a different type of Japanese cuisine was packed. The Japanese American Museum is a treasure and an important part of LA and California history.From there we made a short hop over to Olvera Street where with all our walking we did succumb to having taquitos from the outstanding walk up and sit down World Famous Cielito Lindo and their taquitos with avocado sauce they have been serving since 1934. The second we finished our order these superb hot beef tacquito's swimming in a poolof avocado sauce were in our hands ready to squelch our hunger before dinner. There were couples dancing in the plaza gazebo to a Mexican band, mariachis roamed the Street and it was relatively quiet enabling me to take in this taste of early LA Mexican culture with the art, crafts, food and architecture including the oldest existing house in the City. From Cielito Lindo across the street is the equestrian statue of Antonio Aguilar, who was known as the "El Charro de Mexico" (The Horseman of Mexico). He is credited to have recorded over 150 albums, which sold 25 million copies, and performed in more than 120 films. Aguilar was best known for his love for singing traditional Mexican folk songs known as rancheras and ballads.From the oldest existing home on Olvera Street we walked across Alameda and entered another landmark built in 1933, one year before Cielito Lindo, the Los Angeles Union Station. Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is widely regarded as "the last of the great train stations." The Station was commissioned in 1933 as a joint venture between the Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroads and was intended to consolidate the three local railroad terminals.While the dining experience at Cielito Lindo was brief, strolling on Olvera Street and ending with the delicious taquitos was perfect.

A favorite for years!! A small and simple menu that has yet to disappoint.No matter how far or close I am from Cielito Lindo, their taquitos and green sauce always make me come back. Not to mention their beans covered in cheese. The people who work here have always been in a great mood. The restaurant is a little spot that makes you feel like you're in someone's huge kitchen and it makes you feel welcomed. Decorated with wall murals of the moon and sun who watch you whilst you eat. Every now and then, you will find some local musician playing either their guitars and/or accordions.Cielito Lindo is a treasure of Los Angeles at Placita Olvera. Love you! Cielito Lindo! Specially your taquitos!!

Although I've visited Olvera Street many times, I've somehow always overlooked Cielito Lindo in favor of other places to enjoy a drink with my meal.Today, we finally tried Cielito Lindo. I ordered the number 3, which included two beef taquitos and a chili relleno with beans. My beef taquitos were delicious,the chili relleno was excellent. My mother-in-law ordered their two-taquito with green salsa. There was 2 areas to dine as you walk up to the window one two the left of you and right of you. . We enjoyed our conversation while meeting others that were there to try famous taquitos. It wasn't an overwhelmingly memorable experience.I'm still trying to understand all the positive attention this location receives. My mother-in-law also dined with us.

Famous for their beef taquitos and I can see why. I am well aware that taquitos are pretty "basic" but they make them fresh and the avocado sauce compliments it so well! Food is pippin hot, which I loveeeeee.I ordered a combination plate #1: three beef taquitos and comes with beans & cheese. $12.50. My friend ordered a #3 which is the two taquitos and a chile rellano also with beans & cheese $13.50. If you want rice with that, it'll cost an additional $1.75. They allow credit cards here with no credit card fee (at least I don't think so. I'll have to check and update accordingly if anything). There's always a line. Great for an afternoon snack after walking around Olvera Street or still a great choice for lunch/dinner.Seating area can be hit or miss. We came during non-peak lunch hours so we were able to find a table. It's a small area...no frills, no trills. Please be considerate...eat & go as others can be waiting for a spot.

The two stars are for the two delicious taquitos . I don't know what greater, the sauce on the taquitos or the absurd price, 3.50 for one taquitos is just absurdly overpricing of these taquitos . I paid 13 dollars for four taquitos and will not be coming back at those prices. To top it off they prompt you for a tip when paying and after paying 13 dollars for four very small taquitos that was just an insult . Too expensive, good stuff but not that good.

I visited this place duringumch with my co workers. The taquitos were freshly fried while we were paying. The food was fresh and delicious.The seating area was small and cramped. Outside the were basically no seating so we has to hold our plates to eat which made it difficult, for me. My teeth are sensitive so I can bite directly into the taquito. I needed a knife and that proved very hard to do with on hand lol!Overall the food was fresh. I would come back for the beans. They did not skimp on the cheese!!!

This place is known for their beef taquitos with avocado sauce. While I think the taquito itself is just a basic taquito, the avocado sauce is what makes this special. We were here on a Saturday morning, so it was pretty busy. The taquitos were about $6.50 for two pieces (see photo). You can also order a full meal which comes with rice and beans. They have other items like tamales and chile rellenos which a lot of people seem to order as well, but we just wanted to eat the taquitos.Overall, a fast and casual spot to grab some crunchy taquitos in Olvera Street.

"Discover the legendary Cielito Taquitos, world-famous since 1930! When you're in the area, be sure to stop by this iconic spot, conveniently located on Alvera Street at the corner of Cesar Chavez, just off the 101 freeway in Alameda. Come taste the tradition!"

If there's a line outside, it's a tourist trap or food spot to not be missed. This is a -do-not-miss- if nearby. We got the combination #2 and Beef Chile Colorado Burrito. The beef taquitos with tamale and the burrito were probably the best I ever had. This is coming from a "qualified" Pennsylvanian who has experienced both authentic and Americanized Mexican food. Service is quick ordering and getting your food nearly simultaneously at the register. Credit cards accepted. Tables and chairs on either side of the register or eat outside. So glad we stopped nearby today to do touristy things! Great find.

Been coming to Celito Lindo since 1986. Used to enjoy the vibe, food, prices, and parking, but all of that is gone now. Was just reviewing the prices and I have to say whoever it running this location has turned it into a tourist trap rather than a cultural experience that was once indicative of Olvera Street Went back to check prices on their 2 taquito platter with sauce and was very surprised: 2015: $3.002016: $3.002017: $3.002018: $3.50 16.66% increase2019: $3.502020: $3.502021: $3.60 2.8% increase2022: $3.602023: $4.00 11.11% increase2024: $4.002025: $6.50 62.5% increaseCome on, 62.5% increase, wtf are you thinking? Good bye CelitoLindo!!!!