Fast & The Flavorous | Chicas Tacos, Culver City, CA

By Sophie Gayot

Culver City, CA, May 2021

• GAYOT’s Rating: 13/20
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tacos / Fast Food
• Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Yes, sometimes I “do” fast food, so I wanted to experience Chicas Tacos, a Los Angeles-based Mexican fast-casual concept. I headed to the Culver City location. Chef Eduardo Ruiz commenced the concept in 2016, and with partners, is now operating four outlets. He thrives in making everything fresh daily, with quality ingredients, and has come up with a yummy hand-pressed tortilla recipe.

The menu varies by location, but as the restaurant tag line is “A Better Taco,” these are the first items you will find. The fish taco in a beer batter was a winner. Vegetarians will be happy with two versions of the Impossible Taco. These are followed by burritos, including tortilla-less versions called bowls. Expect to also find a quesadilla, nachos and sides like chips & guacamole or rice & beans.

Keep scrolling the menu, and you will find Pizzas. You read that correctly, pizza. Pizza in a Mexican restaurant, really? Yes, indeed, and I liked it — actually my favorite dish. Chef Ruiz has substituted the pizza dough with two layers of his tasty tortillas. It was quite creative; so much has already been done in the world of pizzas. Drinks are available, as well as churros and chocolate chip cookies.