Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 03/26/19 TU @ 10:00pm): I liked cactus but didn't seen any on the menu!
A friend and I came across Cactus Taqueria #1 as we walked towards my car after a nearby YEE event. Apparently, in this part of town on a weeknight not many businesses stayed open past 10pm, but thankfully we found one that did. Mexican food was one of my favorites mainly because it was cheap, simple, and usually got the job done. Did this shack in Hollywood fulfill these needs of mine!?
PURCHASE
Shrimp Taco ($3.25): A couple medium-sized grilled whole shrimps completely covered in lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a sour cream sauce all atop a soft corn tortilla, I was disappointed in what amounted to a taco salad and wished the shrimp were at least halved or diced so they were more throughout the meal instead. Sadly, I felt this wasn't worth the paid price https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=o7PUJV4OnQ8Bi2br4Xo8pg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Fish Burrito ($10.00): Fried tilapia, rice, beans, onion, cilantro, tomato, lettuce, sour cream, and red salsa all wrapped in a large flour tortilla, this was a sizable package that was swollen and ready to burst https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=4pqJ2Qp2kylcQTZJPeJGNQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Once I used my "G.I. Joe kung-fu grip" to handle this beast https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=N5c0xl8ZHge03iYTptN3mQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, my first bite revealed all the stuffing EXCEPT the fish! I finally found fish on my second chomp, but it was limp and soggy due to all the other ingredients. You needed a certain amount of fried batter to protect it from premature softness - just sayin'. Ultimately, this was more filler and less thriller.
SERVICE
We arrived with only one other person in front of us, so we placed our respective order rather quickly. However, minutes later a crowd quickly gathered as if a club just closed for the night and the drunkards needed some sobering supper. It was about ten minutes before our food was called out from the pick-up window, we gathered our grub, and seated ourselves at the benches around the corner. It was a walk-up-and-walk-away type of operation.
PARKING (Varied; FREE this instance)
I parked along the main drag of Vine St. where posted signs were only effective between 8am-6pm daily. Otherwise, there were plenty of similar parking as well as metered on all surrounding streets. I didn't recall if they had an actual lot - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A rundown walk-up only storefront https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qSa_MjMfuxRsWlXSLn3WrQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw trimmed by a weathered fabric awning with a recognizable neon green cactus rooftop sign and a cool "Hollywood" full mural in the front dining area while smaller colorful accent murals covered the order/pick-up and side dining areas, respectively. Dining was done on communal wooden picnic benches and tables or standing room ony as most patrons did. There was plenty of natural lighting since you were exposed to the outdoor while sufficient electric street and hung soul-sucking fluorescent lights filled in the rest. There was no TV nor background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I wasn't impressed by Cactus Taqueria #1 and honestly couldn't say if I'd give them another chance; frankly, there were better places I've tried throughout L.A....especially one of my favorite Mexican food stands walking distance from my casa. Because they had an actual brick-and-mortar, they provided a full menu of burritos, quesadillas, tacos, tortas, tostadas, combination plates, various sides and drinks, as well as catering options. Unfortunately, what I ate didn't excite me and left me wanting more but not in a good way. I found decent value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $15.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 2.5 STARS