Michelob on draft, accordian riffs on the jukebox, bullfighting memorabilia on the walls -- tacos are better from the truck out back at 2am but damn good inside, too.

How many flavors of tamales does it take to fuel Macarthur Park on a weekend. Many, many...and they're all pretty darn good. Anything Oaxacan, Yucatecan or otherwise wrapped in a banana leaf is divine. Good socially-conscious coffee + vibes, too.

A true destination tamale eatery, tucked away near Cal State East LA. Call ahead to check hours and try one of each -- don't miss sweet dessert ones. The secret to the meat ones is bolling the bombs in the broth and drippings of the freshly-butchered meat, rather than simply steaming them. One is a meal, two or three a feast.

Reliable seafood burrittos, sometimes tamales, always worth asking. Usually nasty rice but seafood is good, best from their original East LA mini-mall location.

The gringo favorite, only slightly dumbed down, w/ genius combo of scallops and shrimp the super-star.

Neither tacos nor burittos, but Puebla's spin on the torta is lo maximo.

Late-night cart outside Vons can't be beat, good quesadillas, too.

Down-n-dirty, doesn't get more filling than $.45 tacos Tuesday. Thumbs-up rating usually higher than the health deparment score.

Last of the list might be the best, with the fresh cod + talapia filets available grilled or breaded/fried, and tons of sides to boot.