Tacolina - Review - Silver Lake - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
"When Tacolina opened in the former De Buena Planta space, it inherited one of the city’s best patios. Unfortunately, as with the last few tenants, the huge lush courtyard is the best thing about this Silver Lake Mexican restaurant from the Blue Plate Taco people. Tacolina’s food is inspired by Baja California, though it leans more toward California than Baja, with dishes like chopped salad, teriyaki mushroom tacos, and a seemingly out-of-place corn chowder. Save for the soft corn tortillas and chicken taquitos drizzled in chipotle aioli we’d happily snack with a guava daiquiri on that patio, there’s no need to prioritize a full meal. Bring your friends for cocktails, gather around the hidden fire pit, and pop into the Jaguar Room next door for another drink after a small bite. Food Rundown Taquitos If you’re interested in snacking rather than dining (our preferred way to use this place), these are a must-order. They shatter when you bite in, the chicken filling is juicy, and a lot is happening on top: guacamole, cotija, and chipotle aioli. photo credit: Tucker Kaufman Nachos Nachos usually make us happy, but these are a little sad. The tortilla chips taste stale, and the sharp queso chihuahua sauce is the only thing that provides much flavor. Skip. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Half Mary’s Chicken Not only does this chicken have deep grill marks and smoky charred bits, you can see how juicy it is even on the dark patio. The bird could use a little more salt, but it still works for assembling a nice taco with Tacolina’s great corn tortillas and salsas. photo credit: Tucker Kaufman Red Snapper Tacos We're pretty lukewarm about these fried fish tacos but we like light and puffy their crusts. (That and their tangy chipotle aioli that’s also on the taquitos.) photo credit: Tucker Kaufman Skirt Steak Tacos Similar to the fish tacos, these are just fine. The soft tortilla and juicy steak are overshadowed by the overly sweet marinade on the meat. photo credit: Sylvio Martins" - Sylvio Martins
