Skip to Content
chato2.jpg

La Brea near Olympic ~ Los Angeles, night time

El Chato is a can't miss proposition. The location is just about perfect for hundreds of thousands of Angelenos craving late-night sustenance on their way home from wherever, and the tacos are solid and sometimes sublime. I have stopped at this spot more times then I can count, sometimes without even really meaning to. Have you ever been in a situation where you're cruising down the street, not really even thinking about tacos, when all of the sudden a gleaming white taco truck catches your eye, and, as if under the power of a Haitian voodoo priest, you pull over and order some tacos, and scarf them down before the spell is lifted? If you're like me, the answer is yes and such is the power El Chato holds over me.

The pastor is the standout here, it's moist, tangy, spicy, and everything a good pastor should be. Add their grilled onion on top and you've got just about everything you need on a paper plate. Asada is also good if not super-especial like the pastor. Next time you're on your way somewhere on La Brea, look for the white glow in the auto-repair lot and give in to El Chato's late-nite powers.

Our fearless photog Cbro spotted El Chato on their way home after a long night of taco-slangin' and snapped these action shots. These pictures were incredibly dangerous to procure so enjoy them. One note-- El Chato used to be called El Pecas #2 so if you remember that wagon, parked in the same spot, have no fear, this is the same place.

chato4.jpg
chato3.jpg
Chato1.jpg

Los Angeles ~ CA

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Protester Whose Testicle Exploded After LAPD Officer Shot Him with ‘Less Lethal’ Firearm Receives $1.5 Million Settlement

Benjamin Montemayor had been protesting on Hollywood Boulevard for several hours on June 2, 2020, when at least 50 police officers descended upon his group and began firing munitions at the crowd, according to his civil rights lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court.

May 17, 2024

Westlake’s Oldest Gay Bar Set to be Demolished

Opened in the early 1960s, the Silver Platter has long been known as a safe space for immigrant gay and transgender communities in Westlake. The building dates back to the 1920s.

May 17, 2024

What To Eat This Weekend Around L.A.: Salvadoran Fried Chicken Sandwiches, 48-Hour Pho, and Tacos Placeros

Plus, a new Enrique Olvera-approved monthly "mercadito" in D.T.L.A., a new arepa spot with patacon burgers that use fried plaintains for buns, and more in this week's roundup.

May 17, 2024

The 13 Best Tacos In Boyle Heights

Boyle Heights is arguably the city’s most important local taco galaxy in the larger taco universe that is Los Angeles. Remember, this is Boyle Heights! It's not East L.A., and it is most definitely not just some vague place known as “the Eastside.”

May 16, 2024

Here Are All the Restaurants (and the One Taquería In the Entire Country That Got a Star) On Michelin’s First Ever Mexico Guide

Europe's Michelin Guide recognized both Baja Californias, Quintana Roo, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Nuevo Léon. Most of the usual nice restaurants got stars, but there were some questionable omissions. Also, in a country teeming with life-changing street food, only one taquería in the entire country was awarded "1 star."

May 15, 2024
See all posts