Jeff B.
Yelp
(Took Out 04/22/20 WE @ 5:30pm and many times before and after): Oh "Del"... you had me at all the coupons, cheap prices, location, and better-than-average tacos and such!
Since Silver Lake's El Pollo Loco location literally went up in flames and decided not to return almost two years ago, by default Silver Lake's Del Taco became my Mexican food value haunt. I LOVED Mexican food to no end and always felt it should be relatively cheap (come on... beans, cheese, lettuce, meats, rice, tomatoes, tortillas hardly cost anything!). Plus, the convenient location, constant coupons, and deals through their app were all positives. Having already shown my hand, was there anything else to be said!?
PURCHASE
Regular Chocolate Shake ($3.79): An odd menu item that was thick, chocolatey, and tasted refreshingly good https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Hro2QpNc0xAZ9RyBAe0Brg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Value Hard Shell Beef Tacos ($0.79 x3): It's all about the crunch packed with fresh ingredients and a stab of the tortilla into the inside of your mouth https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tp3lMYGJG9eYJBvFZVmuyA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Mini Churros ($1.09): Come on... who didn't love churros https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=OlCV6BsyvRSbqGplVoYqOg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Green Bean & Cheese Burrito ($1.19): Limp and could've used more filling https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=RanWPwxFQfGrm8ZkqaiBoQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Large Crinkle-Cut Fries ($2.99): Another odd menu item, they reminded me of Ore-Ida rom the bag https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JCrehgDTMFVLTtdUG8oqnw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Epic Chicken Avocado Burrito ($5.99): A yummy surprise of epic proportions in the amount of avocado, chicken, and everything else https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=G_HQifMYLGg27mmSxyp-ZA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
Due to the mandated shutdown of all dine-in options to slow the spread of COVID-19 aka "Coronavirus 2020", they allowed inside order placement (6 feet apart, please) at the counter which had a safety Plexiglass installed between the cashier and yourself, and thankfully they also had a drive-thru. I was the only customer, so I received my entire ordered in just minutes. The staff was expeditious and gracious. Thank you for being open during this difficult time!
PARKING (FREE)
A private medium-sized parking lot, there were no problems finding a spot. Otherwise, there was plenty of parking (unaware of any restrictions) along the main drag of Sunset Blvd. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A typical fast food layout with a slew of tables/chairs, the order counter with an easily legible menu that hung from the ceiling were directly in front of you https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Smgh8yCF6h7GuMnqDtkX4Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw was directly on your right, while the fountain drink machine and table settings straight ahead (closed during this time of COVID-19). The walls had your usual promotional food posters. Excellent amount of natural light came through the front glass windows and doors albeit they had some advertisement posters on them while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. They had no TVs but music lowly played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Del Taco's Silver Lake location offered what I needed in a pinch (convenience, better-than-average food, value) and planned to continue giving them my business. I rarely ate fast food and let's not kid ourselves about this even remotely being healthy for you. However, sometimes I just needed something reasonable in my tummy, and they fit the bill. The food and service pre- and current COVID-19 has always been good, and during the times dining in was allowed, the staff always kept it clean. Their American and Mexican menu was varied enough to have something to eat. Plus, their rewards program was a wonderful incentive to earn discount and free food. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $19.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS