The West LA Taqueria Started By A DREAMer

Gracias Señor is a taco truck in West LA started by Rodolfo Barrientos, a DREAMer committed to bringing his Baja Californian recipes - and his entrepreneurial grit - to the street food scene in LA. Specializing in fried fish tacos and Surf & Turf burritos, Rodolfo takes inspiration from his childhood in Baja California and makes each tortilla by hand.
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[@davidwee484]

I've watched a lot of Munchies videos.....and this was by far the most touching one I've ever seen. Good job capturing this story. Wish you continued success Rodolfo and God Bless!

[@meshap.8713]

Update: I went yesterday for the first time, and yes, it’s F**KIN LEGIT!!!! He was also super nice and friendly. Make sure you go and support!

[@leticiajimenez2022]

And what's the address please. I wanna go everything looks so good!!🤤🤗

[@joslu80eight5]

How was it and what’s the price?

[@ceozu1312]

@@joslu80eight5 fuck how much its worth support the people on the grind not these famous restaurants & brands

[@thevoid7179]

@jJ How do you know he’s an illegal food seller? He’s a daca recipient they’re eligible to own legitimate business and everything that comes with it including paying taxes

[@OPTIC23100]

@jJ if he was an illegal seller the city officials would’ve been taken his truck away. LA is very strict on street vendors especially in white rich areas like Pacific Palisades. You’re an ignorant racist

[@bobbyp8009]

His mom 🥺 he’s making her proud and I hope they’re both able to live here worry free one day soon

[@xzxmemoxzx]

Can’t live worry free in america unless you’re rich lol and even then

[@lacalifas]

Un chico de Mexico 🇲🇽 and owning and operating a business. A smart mexicano* thats what its all about. His mom is helping him like a happy mom. Hes doing the american dream not into selling drugs. Good job****

[@dabbking]

Send them back to Mexico, I don’t want my taxes going to them

[@ginsoakedgirl4]

@@dabbking Hey Gomez, your last name sounds like you need to go along with them LOL

[@dabbking]

@@ginsoakedgirl4 born in America and proud of it

[@narcisosalas1180]

Keep up the great work young man!!!

[@spencerdavis5275]

I consider Rodolfo a friend and his food is an important part of my home in LA. His story deserves to be heard so I'm glad Munchies gave him the platform to speak-- the impact he has in our community goes so far beyond his food and it is great that people recognize that. Of all the Mexican food I've had across Southern California, Gracias Senor is the most unique and thoughtful representation that I always think about and keep coming back to. If I could decide, his surf and turf burrito covered in his arbol salsa would be my last meal.

[@carlosburger1023]

This is so inspiring. My mother came to the US when she was 6 months pregnant with me. I can't thank her enough for providing me with an amazing future. I'm currently in my last semester of community college and will be transferring to a university after I graduate. I always have her in mind when I face hardships. I was recently in LA in 2020, but I plan to go back this summer to visit some old friends. I will definitely be visiting Rodolfo and Gracias Señor!

[@batchagaloopytv5816]

american dream im glad you found it 🤙🏻✅🇺🇸

[@bottomherout2357]

Lol sounds like you boutta be in debt the system isn't designed for you to win keep believing tho 😂

[@antoniovazquez9169]

@@bottomherout2357 not necessarily. I took the same route and got my bachelors degree debt free. I did worked my ass off for those years but now I have a well payed job with full benefits and plan on opening my own business soon.

[@wingding7955]

@@bottomherout2357 the system doesn’t work for people who subscribe to spending their money on material goods, and play into their system. You don’t need half the shit you have, but you got it anyways- living debt free is easy, it’s just not glamorous. I’m debt free with a Masters Degree- came from a low income family, and worked my ass off

[@breynoso19]

@@wingding7955 Many people work their assess off and still struggle. Happy things "worked" for you, but the system doesn't work for many.

[@KBOY1]

Man you could tell his mother was holding back tears... His mother is a strong woman.

[@Carltonwanks]

You mean fat

[@travishabursky4362]

I think I need to eat there. For him, for his mom, and in memory of his abuelita.

[@elodiehekimian-brogan3456]

I’ve been going to gracias señor for almost 2 years now. Every single time Rodolpho asks how school is going and what my day entails. His food never fails and I look forward to seeing him whenever school ends. So very proud of him! Keep it up man

[@boohoo7432]

This man Rodolfo and his family are a clear example of what makes America great as they're genuine, hardworking, earnest people. Sharing amazing food and culture from his first home in Mexico/Baja with those in this LA community while also contributing to the local economy. It's utterly wrong that these people fear getting ripped from their homes in the middle of the night when all that they're going to do in a couple hours is set up for another hard earned yet fulfilling day. They're bringing nothing but positivity to this country so let them flourish as a beacon of hope within their community.

[@Tearyatobitz]

@jJ fuck off! Y’all champion pulling yourself by your boot straps then when someone does it, y’all make excuses as how they took short cuts

[@Tearyatobitz]

@jJ didn’t even bother?! Give every undocumented person in this country the opportunity to become legal citizens in a reasonable amount of time and I’ll bet my life that they would do it in a heartbeat. Going the legal route takes now about 20 to 30 years.

[@veronicaveronica6844]

This is the comment i was looking for, they need more rights. If they prove to be hard working and beneficial like every other American give them their rights!

[@ripdajacker23]

@jJ stop playing victim dawg, you’re coming off cynical, bitter and entitled. Your dad got you citizenship, you didn’t do shit. The trauma you went through is the same trauma all immigrants go through - it doesn’t make you better than them… Thank your dad, be grateful, and stop hating on those who aren’t as fortunate. Pay it forward fucker

[@Kylirr]

@jJ Imagine yourself back at the start of that process you're speaking about. The U.S government are discussing changes they plan to make to the procedure in order to make the process far faster and more stress free. You're estatic, something you were originally expecting to take several years if not decades will now only take a matter of months. However, at the last moment, your dreams are shattered. Individuals who have already been through the process don't want these changes to go through, they think it's unfair that you get to obtain a better quality of life with far more ease than they did, and are ensuring these plans don't come to fruition. You're absolutely deflated, you can't evisage a better life for yourself anymore, it seems unobtainable! And all because of a selfish collection of shortsighted invalids. How can they not see that denying others an easier route to a better life has no bearing on their own situation? It's not like forcing others to suffer more will change the fact you suffered previously, it's in the past, it's impossible to influence that! But alas, they continue to hold this ignorant and archaic way of thinking. You are the selfish and shortsighted invalid. You insufferable fool.

[@Play_Dreams]

LA is the king of Mexican food...aside from actual Mexico ofcourse.

[@black_rabbit_0f_inle805]

Mexico ny?

[@LaraaFoo]

@@black_rabbit_0f_inle805 doesnt touch LA

[@black_rabbit_0f_inle805]

@@LaraaFoo well I was trying to make a joke since there is a town called Mexico in NY.

[@AssNuggett]

lies. San Diego.

[@Kushism619]

San diego has better Mexican food. We next to the border and Cali burrito was born here.

[@DianaAmericaRivero]

There are so many of us with similar stories. We didn't choose to come here. Our parents made that decision for us. But for many of us, no matter how well we speak our native tongue or practice the traditions that were passed down to us, this country is home. It's the place we grew up and the place we've lived in the longest. And we want what everyone else does: to live a good life, to work hard, and provide for our families. From one immigrant to another, I have mad respect for your hustle, carnal, and I can't wait to try your food.

[@gokucrazy22]

Don't forget to include that many of those parents coming to the US are here to escape terrible situations like with the mother. We need to provide opportunities for undocumented children who had absolutely no control over the decision to come to the US. Edit: forgot to finish

[@ChuckNorris-em1wm]

cool start waving the american flag rather than the mexican flag then if u actually love this country

[@KNByam]

I'm one of those. Father woke me up one morning and I was on a plane to the US. 26 years later and finally got my citizenship last December.

[@KNByam]

@@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes Blah blah blah.

[@KNByam]

@@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes Blah blah blah blah. 😴😴😴😴

[@HeadbangersKitchen]

What a champ!

[@beatriztorres4257]

He makes me so proud to be mexican. Can't wait to try those tacos.

[@dabbking]

If your proud to be Mexican why don’t you live in Mexico?

[@HelloWorld-dq5pn]

@@dabbking hes talking in cultural sense you know...

[@HelloWorld-dq5pn]

@@dabbking Btw youre Gomez sooo lmao

[@dabbking]

@@HelloWorld-dq5pn I am American and proud of It,

[@HelloWorld-dq5pn]

@@dabbking No yea im just sayin' like the fact that you like the culture you come from doesnt mean you dont like the country/place you live in. You can love being born as a mexican because you feel nostalgic/happy about the food, costumes, parties, family etc, and also love the US system in general, and be proud to be livin' in The United States.

[@gabrielarocha1105]

I need to eat here asap! Only 20 mins away from where I live, Great job Rodolfo !

[@HarlemVega520]

damn I can smell that delicious food all the way over here🌮

[@oldschoolm8]

It seems so unfair that a hard working, enterprising young man should be fearful over citizenship of a country he’s know for, nearly, his whole life. If you add something to your community and contribute to the system, you deserve to be a part of it. End of story.

[@craftsmanceramics8653]

Then can we get dispose of everyone who doesn't add to our communities and contribute to the system? It sounds like there are plenty homeless and individuals on government support who do nothing but drag our communities and the system down. Can we yeetus the homeless on the streets then? 2 bullets to the head if you're on foodstamps?

[@ac9184]

@@craftsmanceramics8653 wtf? You’re clearly delusional and can’t think deeper than that lol

[@McCullogh]

Looks so delicious. I wish we had proper mexican restuarants here in Sweden (due to some health issues I cant travel myself) and I would love to try proper tacos and an genuine mole sometime. :)

[@_rhude_]

Mole is delicious 💯👌

[@mariomoreno6261]

God bless this man and all the other men and women who are on the flow of showing not only themselves but the whole country that anything is possible

[@aistis2701]

You're beautiful people. This was incredibly touching and I also can't wait to try your food next time I'm in LA

[@zzzarkka]

Hell yeah brother. Keep the work going. I’m also a fellow DREAMer.

[@MrNabmilf]

💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@ToniToniKitchen]

I can almost smell the deliciousness! 💜

[@chopboxstudios5420]

His mother is a straight up inspiration! 🙌 I've always felt like I could never chase what I dreamt of because of societies standards and it can be diminishing at times, but stick with what you love because that passion is what will keep you happy 😊

[@pinkwordtart]

You are paving the way for so many other people. God bless you and your mom.

[@familyengineering5591]

Theyre illegal

[@SevenHunnid]

I smoke weed everyday so I decided to make my habit into something productive so now i smoke weed on my KZbin channel xD

[@masterlogray]

@@familyengineering5591 yes, and they weren't spoon fed everything like you were. Don't be upset because you're still living in your moms basement when you had every opportunity possible and you decided to stay living in your parents house .

[@DeathCrunch]

@@masterlogray That is some serious projection there. Why don't you go back to hanging around in deserts and rambling about portals and having the kind of piercings they give cattle.

[@masterlogray]

@@DeathCrunch not sure what you mean ma'am. Are you okay? Do you need some assistance?

[@elisabetg1176]

Your food looks delicious 😋. Keep up the great work, you are doing a fantastic job 🌟

[@lastnamefirstname2390]

Wishing you all the best ❤ such lovely people.

[@nnamdi1292]

I love to see someone follow something there passionate about. Can wait to try these tacos !!

[@Beanthereseenthat]

Wow - I worked in the office building next door when Rudy started his truck. I can say Rudy is a 10/10 gent and his food is also 10/10. Awesome to see him on here. The palisades is proud of you Rudy!

[@gamerpspc8421]

Makes you tear up a bit knowing we have to overcome so many things. From the government to racist people. Strength in numbers, immigrants just want to WORK. Say no to drugs, say yes to food!

[@Carltonwanks]

Yay obesity is Cool, let's all wear size xxxl and have diabetes, obesity Is the GOAT

[@cnacks4835]

Taking his mom's recipes and making a business out of it must have made here very happy. I like this kid, can tell he really loves his family and that there extremely close. I don't have family and I'm a little jealous to be honest.

[@sammyspeiser8249]

rodolfo is a legend and his food is the real deal!!

[@connyc23]

damn , everything looks delicious. Rodolfo, I will be visiting soon!

[@nicholaswilson9882]

Rodolfo's mom reminds me of my own and their story touches my soul deeply

[@jackiehillary8916]

I love this so much! Such a beautiful story♡ Glad to hear more ppl are representing Mexico and GTO! I'm definitely going to go soon♡

[@INemo509]

This made me cry when I saw her mother cry .

[@citypopFM]

I can't believe this country is still debating the DREAM Act and making sure these men and women who are Americans are given amnesty to stay hardworking Americans. We should celebrate them for being all about what our nation is about.

[@midolor11]

First off I’m gonna try your tacos asap and second dale un abrazo a tu mamá y tus abuelos por mi. Eres huna hermosa persona y se lo debemos a ellos

[@guerroone]

Love your tacos Rodolfo any time im around you know me I'll stop by your story is very inspiring I send everyone I can over your truck

[@THX-vb8yz]

I just ate.... But I'm hungry again. 😁

[@wsEchoPark213]

Eso es todo carnal 🙏🏽🇲🇽 that’s us and our cultura 💪🏽

[@meshap.8713]

This is awesome and yes I’m f**kin trying this food truck ASAP!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@mikaeljkuhn]

Such an inspirational story. Huge love to you Rodolfo (and sweet mama). You are my very favorite Mexican food in LA. Shine on!

[@Truth.Keeper]

Damn those tortillas look GOOD

[@joakimandersson4985]

taco is love, taco is life!

[@chikanojuarez816]

Never Quit keeping doing your best 👌 Saludos desde #KansasCity 👏 🤠 💯

[@rexbanner8999]

You spelled BEANer wrong.

[@bawby06]

This food looks delicious and this story is so inspiring!

[@Yoros009]

does he have a mexican accent in english and an american accent in spanish ? haha

[@h.crawfin4423]

3 things that me and this young gentleman share.... 1) our moms migrated here to make a better life for us. 2) we learn languages from our favorite movies/tv shows. 3) we've both been screwed by business partners

[@ereal4850]

DUDE!!!! Keep at it señor!! You are making it & you will keep making it… I love it that you speak Spanish & English in this segment!! Remember you are a #MexiCANAmeriCAN 💪🏼🇲🇽❤️🇺🇸

[@19993gt]

This is a bad example of when vice ask you to be more authentic. So you try speaking more Spanish even tho your English is way better……

[@jeexbit]

This looks absolutely fantastic!

[@ddrakiel]

I want to live in a world where people who wear hats that say Make America Great Again would realize that it's young men like Rodolfo who are doing exactly that

[@nayeli_1731]

I like how he still uses his Spanish and im so angry at how bullying causes us to not want our Spanish or culture I would hate my name bc of how mexican it sounds I would hate being in classes for english learners even though by that time i was already better at English then my own language i was always put in those classes all bc I sucked at taking tests and in order to stop taking those classes you had to pass the test which made me hate that I was mexican but as i grew i realized how proud i am to be mexican and to speak read write and understand Spanish and I will be teaching my daughter Spanish before english and this bullying won't be something ill brush off either bc there is nothing wrong with being connected to your culture and language its also sad how so many ppl nowadays arent passing their knowledge to their kids and basically letting our culture and language die

[@ashantiaziza1425]

✊✊Dreamers✊✊

[@adjusted-bunny]

I would rather see him as my next president compared to all the ar...hol....s we had since WWII.

[@unicopancholopez]

Bro I can totally relate. For us as dreamers, dealing with cultural shock and then trying to integrate this society has been so hard. I am proud of you. Where you at? So I can go over and try your food bro.

[@ADRIAN0.9.80]

You’re an inspiration to everyone that’s come here to dream and to live a better life. Thank you for never giving up and keeping your sorties and sharing who you are through your food. Best for the future for you and your mother!

[@lpcx3]

Rooting for this kid to make it big!

[@ac9184]

@@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes you live such a sheltered sad life

[@jorgebravo8290]

This is a perfect example of people from another country coming to America to better themselves....respect that young man n his mom's

[@playingguitarforfun]

This is why we fight against anti-immigrant racists in the US. Human beings are all equal.

[@JenSingtheDragonQueen]

Yes I agree 100%.!👏✌️

[@stevengonzalez8942]

California tacos are so cringe and the people that try and make them seem to “authentic” no comparen a los de mexico no mamen hahahahahha

[@Bettyboop82-82]

My husband took me there like around 1 year ago 2 times we was working on a rich houses there and my husband told me he loves the burritos of this truck and I didn’t know they have fish tacos , I’m from Ensenada y would like to try this tacos too

[@sierramadreoccidental2337]

The only sad part that his Spanish is mediocre at best now!

[@joanvega3721]

Bro has an accent in Spanish and has an accent in english My boy needs to pick up a book and not lose that Spanish

[@ernest.g]

I hope people like Rodolfo make it on life, they seem genuine and very hard working. Food looks fantastic

[@xzxmemoxzx]

Unfortunate he had to white wash the recipes to succeed

[@marknc9616]

Tacos de pescado frito. Yum!

[@kathyerickson9402]

I love that..."Every box on wheels has a story." Gracias Senor!

[@danielmelgar8918]

My dude English rolls fluently. Spanish not so much.

[@a2e4d5]

So inspiring to see this family come together and share amazing food ! Wish them the best .... More videos of this please !!

[@musicplusink]

Love it!!! Stay at it and stay strong.. food looks amazing and your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Love the name of the Truck!!!

[@MikeVillasenor]

This is a great story and hope dreamers continue to do well in this country, but appealing to the guy that built the cages that kids are being put into is probably not going to work. The administration's official policy is "Don't come, don't come." - Harris

[@matthewhicks8919]

I can’t wait to visit Rodolfo and try his food. what an amazing family!

[@mexican_gussguss]

When his mom said all the dreamers deserve it… I felt that!🙌🏽

[@annunziata7781]

I don't know you, Rodolfo, but your story made me cry. I'm so happy for you and proud of you. Keep dancing, buddy! You are what makes this country great!! Love from NYC!

[@lordg3803]

Food Looks AMAZING! SALUTE!

[@markkevnjflores]

i wish bullying didn't exist in this world. goodluck to this young man

[@TheUniversalRocker]

feel like he's the perfect friend who can give you a hug after a tough day, and everything will be ok.

[@Carltonwanks]

A hug full of flab And sweat

[@ivangonzalez3225]

9:00 thank you madrecita hermosa .dios me la bendiga y si somos trabajadores!!!!!

[@blamethemonkey784]

Dayumm man. Got me tearing up during my lunch break. Lol got to go check his spot now.

[@urielcorrea99]

As another fellow Mexican, I applaud you my brother. I’m very proud of you and your story is very touching. I can relate to you in so many ways. Can’t nobody stop us. Chase your dreams & keep making your mother proud

[@James4Davis]

I thought Munchies was about food

[@lancos8004]

Cheers to all taco 🌮 lovers 🤤

[@javieravendanocisneros5733]

Increíble historia!!... saludos Dr Avendaño.

[@pao8173]

I’m so proud to be a DREAMer! Thank you for being an inspiration 💚✨🤍❤️

[@lengedary_14draws84]

Fact is ur technically not an immigrant my guy ! You are indigenous and this is your land ! This is where us indigenous people belong !!! This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND ! OUR blood shed and tears are in this soil my brother . Keep going strong 🙏

[@sunnyschramm9650]

germany has nothing like this - native street food is not existing over here. only overpriced delivery-crap like sushi made by an indien, mexican-food made by germans, or pizza made by arabs. and all is unhealthy and taste the same :-( WE NEED native street food icons - come to germany please !!! :D

[@Psychotechmusichead]

His mom is such a beautiful soul ❤️

[@andydawes7553]

This was incredibly touching, brilliant story. Rodolfo will go far!

[@isacvalencia6118]

Deserves it. Hard working man. My father a mexican immigrant that made his way here at 15 years old to be an American citizen reminds me of him good work fella

[@ohmags]

God bless him, can’t wait to try his food next time I am in LA. His mother is also a beautiful strong soul. Y viva mexico🇲🇽

[@jfk1998]

Keep on dreaming. Politicians are not going to help nobody .

[@EdDiaz]

This young man is so poissed and well spoken, in addition to having an incredible work ethic. It's people like him that make it blatantly obvious that immigration is NOT a one way solution for all

[@caesar90291]

Congratulations on putting the work ethic into your business. I don't want to sound like a fool, but you have to start to put that effort into your health as well.

[@Mikoto13]

My mom was born in Guanajuato too! Omg I can't wait to eat here!

[@jorgefelix4263]

Her biggo smile when she says domestic violence... that’s not right 😄

[@hidalgohouse3815]

OK but stop with the woke crap. We're over it. Looks delicious regardless.

[@Schenkmx]

What a fine young man. My deepest respect for what you are doing. Keep pushing

[@manuelGutierrez-jc5hx]

The true grit and grind of our culture, honesty and hard work with a winners mentality could you as far as you choose