How Tito's Tacos food is made

Whether you love or hate Tito's Tacos, there's no denying it's been an integral part of Los Angeles for over 60 years! Tito’s Tacos makes its food fresh every day with the same recipes it's used since it was started in 1959. Their commissary where they prepare everything is just down the road so that they can meet the high volume of daily hungry customers!
Click here for the full story: www.latimes.com/food/story/20...
For more food coverage, restaurant reviews, recipes, and the latest food news subscribe to the L.A. Times. www.latimes.com/subscribe
Connect with us:
/ latimesfood
/ latimesfood
/ latimesfood

[@latimesfood]

Hey folks, we're locking down the comments here. There have been too many negative and hurtful comments said about this business. We understand that people are pretty divided about Tito's but we'd like to foster a comments section with respect and kindness. Tito's gave us unprecedented access to see their process and we would love to have that opportunity in the future with local businesses. We'll leave all comments given so far up but all new comments won't go through. We appreciate you and as always, thank you for watching our content.

[@rosevan5485]

God bless…. A lot of people around the world work hard at their jobs while we sleep. The majority of people in the world do not realize this reality…. But with these men and women working at the hours when we all sleep…. They provide us all a better tomorrow. Cheers.

[@ronyano]

I started going to Titos in 1961 when the location was at the corner. We use to stop on the way back from the beach. It was cheap and really good food. Due to inflation, the cost has really gone up almost to the point that you can go to a sit-down restaurant for the same price.

[@blasi1800]

Family of 5 was $85 a few weeks ago. Paco’s Tacos off Washington and Centinela is also raising its prices! All these places will soon be a memory due to overpriced food and smaller portions.

[@williamlind2843]

I agree on the price increase. But everything has gone up. A damn Big Mac meal is $13!! I hope it's because they are paying the employees well.

[@DickNasty480]

Do you see how many people it takes to produce all of this food- stop crying and get off your lazy azz and make your own if you cannot afford it.

[@yangp2k]

Tito’s is a Love it or Hate it place. I used to work in Culver City and would go there regularly. Went last month and the prices were through the roof. 4 burritos 4 tacos a side of guacamole sauce and chips was over 70 bucks. I hardly make it to the west side anymore but if I do I’ll be going to Rutt’s Hawaiian instead.

[@blasi1800]

I hate the prices also. This place is slowly drifting away. People are not going to pay the outrageous prices they are pushing! Mostly tourists go to this place now. The people who grew up on this stuff go elsewhere. So long Tito’s

[@Mickcotton]

It’s Horrible 👎

[@robdiaz13]

The first place my mom took me as youngster in the 1970’s . Classic.

[@Matt-el5iv]

Tito’s was the most popular restaurant in la for many years. Every day the like was insane. Only pinks hot dogs on la cienega was as busy as Tito’s. Been gone from la for a decade. I came back to try them again and I was surprised how crappy it was.

[@miguelchavez3145]

These are gringo tacos bro 😂

[@sassysalmon93]

Back in 2005 my moms friend was raving about this place. We had just moved to LA from Guadalajara 3 years prior so I was pumped to finally eat some decent Mexican food. Not even in the ball park.

[@bencorey4707]

Hey there

[@naughtysauce4323]

If I wanted a premade frozen taco, I'll just go to jack in the box

[@KnewTherapy]

Amen

[@Pengo64436]

These aren’t frozen just 6,000 pre made, and in a cooler not freezer! Because they will sell them all, yes 6,000

[@bonsai108]

I wouldn't be surprised if this is where they make them. Seems like they are the production of more than one place.

[@malo_213]

This place is overrated and tasteless tacos!!

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@TimothyBurt Yes, because everyone with a YT account needs content lmao. Enjoy your white tacos Timothy 🤣

[@gshortelljr]

I swear when I went decades ago it was actual shredded beef not that tube of meat paste

[@jackiemurphy1524]

That’s what I remember... stringy meat.

[@blankv8057]

Yup there’s a HUGE difference between hand shredded meat and machine shredded. Literally turns it into tuna 🤮

[@lamambas9390]

you hear the commercial song, you see the mountains of cheese, you go all the way to culver city, just to taste the worst taco you could’ve made at home for $2 less

[@pinacolaaadas]

I saw a tiktok where some lady brought her sister in Chicago, some of these tacos, and went to so much trouble to package it up. I'm like, y'all both have terrible taste and could have walked to a taqueria on your block for some better tacos lol.

[@vigneshrk]

i thought i was the only one. used to live across sepulveda from this place and always saw lines around the corner and local friends would tell me i had to try titos but i kept delaying because they didnt have chicken tacos...decided to try some titos tacos one day and i was surprised it was so popular because i didnt like it at all (and i think they were cash only and kinda expensive). BUT just a bit down the street was a restaurant called cinco de mayo that was open 24hours and had these nice cheap deep fried hard shell chicken tacos that were so juicy/greasy and a perfect snack after a night out. man i miss that place.

[@realf1rme]

stupid white people i know ... but they have to be served right to feel bigger and better then all ..

[@deeterfly]

Been going here since high school. Not the best tacos in the city, but they are right when they say consistent and fresh. I've never left here not satisfied.

[@justagirlsd3000]

Where is it?

[@gnericnuser]

@@justagirlsd3000 it's by sepulveda and washington I believe . it's not that great honestly, save yourself the trouble.

[@justagirlsd3000]

@@gnericnuser I was just curious. I grew up in LA but live in SD now. I got bombass birria 🤤 tacos near me.

[@mcsweeney29]

Been going to Tito’s since I was a kid with my dad. My dad’s since passed but now I take my kids. Tons of nostalgia. The food still tastes great. An LA institution. Keep on, keepin on, Tito’s.

[@mariogutierrez6960]

Certainly, willing to try Tito's in the near future, but the tacos look like exactly how they're made - mass produced / machine made.

[@timi7844]

Great video. Just awesome all around.

[@jamiecreange4799]

I used to love it when my parents would take me and my sister there. I love the burritos. I’m 56 now and I use to go there when I was just a little child❤

[@yeahman1975]

They should change the name to Titus burritos 🌯 as those burritos are delicious

[@connieyoung3476]

Went to school in San Antonio, Texas. Love their food. We would drive by and pick it up on the way to clinical

[@rhomotor]

My wife grew up in Cali in the 70s and she always raved about it. So when got the opportunity to stop by in LA, I got to try it for the first time and it did not disappoint. I wish I bought a t-shirt to bring back.

[@cracknoir8397]

Wonderful machines there makes life a lot easier I love tacos

[@weaseltown]

Kinda unique that one single restaurant has its own food production factory. Usually mom and pop places like this make everything in the restaurant.

[@SoapinTrucker]

Yup. I think they are making food for hotels, small food trucks and/or street vendors too. There is no reason to have that huge separate production facility otherwise! Their food ain't that damn good, I'm sure! There must be 50 plus taco joints here in Fresno, and most of them taste the same, but good, and you don't see huge production areas.

[@EnkinduGamer]

@@SoapinTrucker 8000 taco a day.

[@gnericnuser]

@@SoapinTrucker you aint kidding, it's more nostalgic if anything.. food is meh.. plenty of more authentic places, when I think of tacos or good mexican food the west side doesn't necessarily come to mind

[@rafaelperez7453]

My wide and her family hyped this place wayyy up and got me excited. As a native of Fresno, CA anything LA famous I was going to be excited about and this was one if them. I was severely disappointed, angry even cause the food sucked!! Those aren't tacos those are chingaderas!!

[@MrWeliz]

I agree I live in Hacienda Heights about 40 minutes east from Tito's , my brother-in-law kept insisting about going this taco place that a friend of his was raving about so one day he convinced me to go and what a disappointment it was like Taco Bell .

[@cactuscoolest4564]

Goes to show how much our phones listen to our conversations, I was talking to my parents about the Tito’s that was in Stanton and not even 30 minutes later this video pops up in my recommended

[@Mack_Worlds_Media]

Look like jack n th box tacos to me

[@EYLive79]

And the salsa is watery mush.

[@r3nz_y142]

Like he said in the beginning “Its just mechanically made now” I hate when great mom n pops sell out.

[@nickdavila94]

If you're from the East or South side, don't waste your time. If you're from orange county or the West Side, you're gonna love it 🤣

[@blessembreaks]

nice way of saying if you’re white lmfao

[@hectorortiz1852]

Thats white i understood 😂😂

[@phonymontana4254]

Thats the dumbest shit i ever heard

[@MiguelHernandez-vj5gu]

Orange County is not all white L.A provably has more hipsters and white people than orange county

[@cactusjack9504]

I'd rather get Mexican street tacos any time of the day instead of Titos lol

[@gitpusher2400]

Amazing video! Thanks for giving us a peek behind the scenes. My family has been eating Tito’s Tacos since the 1960’s 😊 it’s awesome to see some of the people & processes involved

[@latimesfood]

Thanks for watching!!

[@whitneyhouston5038]

Same!

[@eyewin7]

Raised on Tito’s! Moved out of state. I’ll be back in December and will be bringing some back!

[@batchagaloopytv5816]

just stay there

[@steviehammond1964]

That was awesome, I love Tito's. It's been at least 35 years since I ate there but when I lived in L.A. my ex and I are there often. It will forever be my favorite Mexican food restaurant

[@TheRosierose111]

It’s totally expensive now 5 bucks a taco but it’s so good I pay it ! I remember 30 years ago when the salsa use to be self serve right outside their window lol

[@batchagaloopytv5816]

guess we know why you both got married -you like bland food

[@Thexdmattx]

That's really sad...

[@javierc7285]

Damn you need help 😂

[@bencorey4707]

Ohh that's good.

[@randyshort4629]

I visited friends in L.A 5 years ago and went to Tito’s. I lost count on how many tacos I ate. 😂

[@bencorey4707]

Lol

[@ahnjinsoo4522]

I miss Tito”s tacos … my family moved back to SoCal after many years …now I can’t wait to take my family to Tito’s Tacos 🌮

[@iconindexsymbol]

The salsa is so addictive!!!

[@supersaiyamanlb]

addictively bland. it's just pureed tomatoes.....

[@bengolfs1]

Food looks great. But I just prefer the custom, made-to-order tacos you can only fins in small taquerias. This has more of a fast-food vibe to it.

[@bessycorrales6405]

Quite the operation. I’m from LA and have never been. I would like to go one day. Any place that makes their own tortillas and chips is fine by me and they do make everything from scratch.

[@blasi1800]

Bring lots of money. This place is made for tourist and people passing through town. The prices are outrageous! Food portions are smaller now also.

[@jackiemurphy1524]

I had no idea! I thought it was crap! Gonna give them another try!

[@mariacarpenter2206]

Hmmmm looks delicious. Looks like a Place we need time hit when we visit LA.

[@anthonyanonymous234]

gotta try

[@woo8668]

Born and raised in LA. Only ever heard of Tito's from "must try lists". Tried it and can confidently say, one of the worst places to get a taco. The food is bland AF

[@ilecara8997]

It used to be delicious. I remember back in the early 2000’s I used to love coming here (and I’m not a hard shell taco lover). Then I returned after a while and definitely not the same delicious food it once was.

[@blessembreaks]

thats because all the must try lists are made by white ppl and not just white ppl, its white ppl visiting LA.

[@ramencurry6672]

Maybe it went downhill. Loved it back in 2006 during my California visit

[@supergimp2000]

Yea, I've lived in this part of town for over 30 years and used to really enjoy Tito's by the boxful. I hadn't been there for a year or so before the shutdown of everything and just went back a couple of months ago and realized my nostalgia for Tito's was better then the food anymore. Also, I didn't realize I needed a loan officer to buy a taco. Over 5 bucks a taco? Holy F.

[@Weenis416]

5 bucks a taco spit out a machine is a bit much. 26 tacos a basket? 130 bucks a basket every 2 to 3 mins? Damn!!

[@austinharris3409]

I've been going here for over 45 years. I think customer's taste has changed. They want more flavor. But I love it because I grew up on it.

[@siriponrunkaputi2796]

Back in the 80's burrito was $5 size of a shoebox, now it's cost double & the portion size is smaller, I'm hungry, let's go to TiTo's.

[@sanseiryu]

Been eating Tito's since the 80s. Same size that they have always been. Unfortunately, the cost of everything has gone up so much, I'm paying $40-45 for what used to cost me $20-25.

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@sanseiryu You can blame minimum wage and required health insurance for that. If you voted Democrat, you only have yourself to blame 🤷

[@sanseiryu]

@@naughtysauce4323 I don't go every week but I still go because the food is good. I still tip the person who made the food at least $5. I tip the delivery person who drops off my food order at minimum $10 to help cover the cost of gas, insurance, etc. I don't blame the cost of the food for anything other than changing times. All of the workers at Tito's have medical and dental insurance, state disability insurance, California being only one of five states that have it. I was on state disability for 9 months after my knee replacement surgery. I benefited from it, I'm happy to pay into it. I acknowledge the high prices but it's all relative. I paid .80cents per gallon for gas back in 1977. I was making $2.25 an hour. That was when $5.00 an hour was considered good pay. People think high prices are the fault of Democrats. Then I have to thank the Democrats for raising the value of my house in Los Angeles to ten times what I paid for it in 1997. Don't like California? Do us all a favor and move to Texas.

[@megan893]

Great video! Everything about it was good. Going to try Tito's Tacos. I'm really impressed by the whole process

[@bencorey4707]

Ohh that's good 😊

[@user-ke4kz3in9j]

If you’re near Tito’s Tacos…go to Johnnie’s Pastrami instead

[@sarahbaartmansrevenge]

good advice!

[@rilkeanheart]

it's so cool to see how much hard work goes into making some of the most overrated slop in a taco shell i've ever had

[@mariacarpenter2206]

Well, I just looked up Cincos tacos just 2 doors down the block. I have to admit,the pictures of their food really looks good. Sooo, We will try Titos and Cincos and compare.

[@lordbyron3603]

Yummy !! I want six tacos por favor !

[@red4666]

The dude that pops up on the weekends in front of the Mitsuwa on Washington makes bomb tacos. I doubt this is much better than that.

[@CheesyNoodlez]

It’s not. Stick with the pop up dude. It’s probably cheaper too

[@BRAG450]

are they crunchy tacos like this? or the soft kind?

[@jvaish]

You mean on Venice blvd?

[@javieralba5116]

Un proceso muy mecanizado. Don`t like it... The simpler, the better. Vamos por unos tacos de cabeza al mercado!! Easy for me to say, I live in Mèxico.

[@jaimeortiz9707]

Miss you Tito tacos! How can we get one here in florida! 😋👍✌️

[@user-sm2ql7nq4l]

I've been to Titos many times. But I prefer the Ma and Pa whole-in-the-wall places that cook with love not manufactured in levels.

[@chinoscars5655]

Decades ago it was actual shredded beef.. Now its a tube full of beef..

[@irv1739]

They trippin for 5 dollar tacos tho

[@acskmawb]

you have to try josie's place in gardena, the best tacos ive ever had.

[@raiderd8189]

Ramona’s!

[@indionopalez3716]

I've learned thru the years , that most people are LAZY and just don't want to cook ..its all about Service and " un buen taco"..... Love Titos

[@livelifedgaf9714]

Being from LA I’ve never had this

[@AlejandroAngel96]

never go, it is trash

[@livelifedgaf9714]

I’ll probably go and waste a few dollars just to say I’ve been if it is trash… thanks

[@j.cutrone]

Same. I've heard of it of course, but have never tried it.

[@raulr3131]

Just go to taco bell.

[@callsaul2345]

Me and my family are from venice and if youre from this area titos was a cheap food back then they had fire enchiladas in that lil tin box. The tacos were good too. After 2002ish people were having bad experiences left and right. Around 2012 and up it became more of a sunday spot to hang at. The price went up a little too much for what it is too.

[@mcsweeney29]

Pro tip: get the bean and cheese burrito, tostada, chili sauce, red salsa, and the guac salsa. Put a few fresh tomatoes on the tostada. It’s a great meal. The tacos aren’t the best item there.

[@JorgeGonzalez-vu6hd]

Wow I work by here all the time and thought twice about it now I’m gonna have to go check it out looks bomb lolol

[@Jackravenhop]

As a Los Angeles native, Tito’s is a step above Taco Bell, it’s Mexican food for tourists. Pacos tacos, Pepe’s tacos, and El Abajeno are a few miles away if you’re looking for good Mexican food.

[@angiegonzalez8596]

Been going to eat here, since childhood. I’m 45 year old. Love TITOS TACO.

[@jasoncardenas5588]

Look like Jack & box tacos 🤣😂

[@rickparker679]

The only place in L.A. (Culver City) where people line up in the street to eat what is essentially dog food.

[@Mina-sr1jt]

Right. Why do we do this?!

[@fernandgamboa2848]

True

[@Zaphandyman]

Love the video.. Who is the artist behind the music in the video?

[@RalfWiggam]

Great video not sure I ever want to eat there. Los Angeles has too many better places to get a better taco on any street, ally, or backyard.

[@doubledown8229]

Any mom and pop shop is better.

[@gnericnuser]

it's an overhyped west side taco

[@caesar90291]

My first time there was in 1981 and they were really good. Used to go there atleast 6 times a year.

[@ChiIeboy]

So, basically Taco Bell. Got it.

[@uprrslo]

Now I remember why I’d didn’t like the food when I visited after watching the video.

[@raymondgarcia2440]

Every time I fly out to L.A. and have to stop and go there for some CHILE CON CARNE BURRITOS AND TACOS!

[@justinabata6257]

Looks good I love it when the corn is corny

[@matthewbrown7859]

Kinda ironic, in a city filled with authentic hole-in-the-wall taco places that some gringo, tex-mex-ass style taco spot is the most popular

[@BamBam_PDX]

In LA, even the tortillas have to go thru the metal detector. 😂

[@cypresspeter2008]

There are many other places I would go for Mexican food.

[@sableann4255]

YUMMMMM 😍

[@julianromero547]

Love this place but I can’t eat here right now because I got gerd with a lot of heartburn

[@manuelcontreras6223]

Someone told me I’m better off getting the jack in the box tacos 🌮 at least they are affordable and still taste good 😊

[@jamesr9919]

I'm kinda stunned at how much I agree with this. Didn't even occur to me. I used two work in Culver City and my coworkers LOVED Tito's. We used to go once a week because of them. I never understood what the draw was. Tito's is fine, but the hype it gets is kinda baffling to me.

[@blasi1800]

Very true! Buy the jack n the box tacos and grade your own block of cheese at home.

[@johnpavelich1222]

Mexican’s work hard.

[@williamlind2843]

They probably hired a Controller/accountant. They have raised the prices to balance the cost of labor to sales.

[@jeffreymerrihue9675]

Classic California American tacos (Pioneered by Mitlas Cafe)

[@golgo2888]

Many places in LA have went downhill, anyone noticed that everything is? All foods I've tried don't taste the same as they used to maybe it's COVID but I know that quality of food has been getting worse in many places.

[@yazminvelazquez4855]

Theres nothing like king taco

[@rocknjb9830]

Last time I had titos tacos was 7 years ago was still good then. But buy what I'm reading in the comments I don't think I would go agian.

[@marklepe12]

If you want the best, there is a place called Carnitas Michoacan in LA. The salsa is 🔥 bomb.

[@JaneDoe-tm2ex]

They’re mid af too

[@dalton1824]

It's funny, most these videos make me want to go try these places. But this one made me want to never try it. Might as well buy a taco from the frozen aisle in the grocery store.

[@greggh.748]

I miss Ed's Tacos in West Covina. The best damn tastiest greasy tacos you'll love to hate. Who knows how long that meat sat there simmering? 🤪🌮🌮🌮

[@Josecueva.]

So basically a old school del taco/ taco bell

[@algernon5776]

What an institution!! Food looked legendary. 😋

[@skullandbones1832]

❤️

[@marcoarizaga9038]

I think they sold it its not the same and very expensive .

[@arfriedman4577]

The various cutting machines are very nice and helpful. Just have to be careful not to get hurt.

[@FatBaby]

Tito's Tacos are the best Jack in the Box tacos.

[@fernandgamboa2848]

Hahhaha they look the same too

[@irubyu]

We are water, the masa preservjfjjdidjssjanything it needs. It’s traditional lol

[@jeffreys.wagner4460]

those owners. oh lord.

[@michaellopez9837]

Respectfully Tito’s ain’t the same as it used to be and it sucks because I’ve been eating there since 96 and if anyone who’s been eating there that long knows that there’s something about it that it doesn’t taste exactly the same. From the tacos to the meat salsa and guacamole!! And I’m not the only one who’s said this!! Even the meat that comes on the burrito has too much Cumin or Cumino (Spanish)or something in it that just doesn’t taste the same and even the beans taste different too !! And let’s not start with the Price !! Lol 😅 bro almost $6 bucks for a taco that’s ridiculous and I understand that as times goes by everything goes up but man I spend almost 60 going there from the large guac to the salsa to each taco and burrito and your drink! Shit if I go with 4 people that’s a $100+ tab smh 🤦🏽‍♂️ If you know you know!! I feel like they stopped having that authenticity of Mexican made food !! I’ve had family members who’ve worked there who said that they changed alot of shit and it’s not the same!!Shit even the Pepsi doesn’t taste the same or idk if they went with coke now but that Pepsi used to hit different with the crushed ice!!!🔥 Sad but true!! If I’d Rate it Now to what it used to be I’d give it a 6.5/10 and I used to rate this place a 10/10 straight up!! 💯💯💯

[@phillipizvernari5877]

Amen

[@blessembreaks]

$60 for some high level taco bell? F-that i stick to the food trucks where u can feast like a king for $20 and u get way better and authentic mexican food

[@Matt-el5iv]

U r correct. I’m 43 and I grew up around the block from Tito’s. All I can say is Tito’s tacos is dead and the place that still exists there is a fraud

[@golfwang97444]

Feel like eating this will give you mad chorrrrrrrito

[@joelsilva6664]

Look at DoKnow making salsa

[@eltigre1374]

Arnold was right when he said Skynet would take over.

[@rubygrable2004]

tried to love this place but they are heavy handed on the clove spice. food is inedible for me bc of the strong clove taste.

[@8balllarrey878]

Some business are so lucky and this one is one of those. I tried once and I will never try again. Guacamole like water and my burrito horrible.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

I went to lunch here everyday for 18 years. Believe me, it's not that great.

[@sammallory]

You have a total of 5 things at max to do with each job. Here is $20 n hour in the second largest city in America....

[@pewpiepies]

I grew up eating Tito’s since the 70’s. My mom ate it when she was pregnant with me. Is it “authentic”? No! But it tastes so good and just the thought of their tacos and salsa makes me hungry. I’m so glad they’re still in business and shared the process of making their tasty food!