USC sophomore Caroline Vandermeer says a taco may not have changed her life, “but it’s made my life exponentially better.”
It’s the kind of sentiment a lot of Trojans might share, and it’s something to explore on National Taco Day — today, October 1.
But first, what is a taco? Long before tacos became a staple of many USC students’ diets, they were enjoyed in Indigenous regions of Mexico. The word “taco” comes from the Aztec word tlahco, meaning “half.” The evolution of this dish has led us to what taco connoisseurs know now: a folded tortilla, usually corn, that might be filled with meat or vegetables and most any other ingredients.
In typical L.A. fashion, chefs and food creators have pushed the limits of this Mexican dish. From fusion to surprising desserts, the taco scene is filled with creativity.
Mariyah Jamali, a sophomore studying artificial intelligence for business, dreams of trying a Korean fried chicken taco: “I think that would be kind of fire.”
Thanks to chef Roy Choi, Jamali can try those tacos if she can make it to the front of the line at the Korean Mexican taco truck, Kogi. Korean barbeque tacos have become one of Los Angeles’ newest obsessions.
Creations such as Argentinian taco-empanadas, Vietnamese banh xao tacos, and Hainan chicken tacos are redefining what a taco is. These flavorful combinations have grown out of the culinary diversity of Los Angeles.
Many USC students, however, are more comfortable with traditional tacos. In celebration of this day of taco celebrations, we asked students to recommend their favorite local taco spots.
Brothers Cousins Tacos (Instagram: @brotherscousinstacos)
Famous for their authenticity, Brothers Cousins Tacos serves “La Mulita,” a double-tortilla meat and cheese taco, recommended by USC student Suin Lee. The cash-only establishment is located at both 2914 Sawtelle Blvd and 3118 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Tacos Tamix (Instagram: @tacostamix)
Popular among USC students, Tacos Tamix is a go-to spot for late-night cravings. “I get like four Al Pastor tacos,” said Tingyo Chang, a USC student majoring in narrative studies and law, history and culture. Locations near USC include 1940 S. Hoover St. and 4817 W. Pico St.
Tasty Tacos
Located near the Domino’s on Figueroa Street a few blocks from campus, the Tasty Tacos stand is popular among USC students.
“I’ll always get the carne asada tacos. That’s my favorite thing there. But their burritos are really good too,” said Ryan Lin, a junior studying computational neuroscience.
Angel’s Tijuana Tacos (Instagram: @angelstijuanatacos)
Located in Downtown L.A., Glassell Park and Santa Monica, these taco trucks serve a variety of handmade Tijuana-style tacos. USC student Caleb Kim, a sophomore studying journalism, says his favorite menu item is the trompo al pastor taco. For National Taco Day, Angels is offering $2 tacos. Locations:
Downtown: 1185 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Glassell Park: 4211 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Santa Monica: 11221 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Taco Day Deals
In honor of National Taco Day, Taco Bell has officially moved their National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October. Taco Bell is offering a different type of taco every hour for $1.
“I will be getting the $1 tacos from Taco Bell today, a hundred percent,” Vandermeer said.
Chipotle is offering a buy-one-get-one free deal for their entire menu through their mobile app and website.
City Tacos, located in the USC Village, do not have any deals for National Taco Day, but they offer 10% off tacos every Tuesday.
Happy Taco Tuesday!