Tortuga Bay

Tortuga Bay Review - Inglewood - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Tortuga Bay has delicious Mexican food throughout its menu, but you come to this casual order-at-the-counter spot in Inglewood for one thing - the torta ahogada. A Guadalajaran regional staple, it’s a carnitas sandwich on sourdough, smothered with a spicy chile and tomato sauce we wish we could buy in bulk. Add in a carnitas taco on the side, and you’ve got an ideal quick-lunch situation." - Brant Cox

Where To Eat Around The Forum

"Tortuga Bay is a pretty delicious Mexican spot top to bottom, but you come to this casual order-at-the-counter spot for one thing - the torta ahogada. A Guadalajaran regional staple, the torta ahogada is actually a carnitas sandwich on sourdough, smothered with the spicy chile and tomato sauce of your dreams. It’s like the Mexican version of a French Dip, except better." - brant cox

Mother Wolf and Kato Bake Up the Season's Must-Have Christmas Cookies - Eater LA

"L.A. Taco’s Memo Torres pens a rundown of the very best tacos in Inglewood as part of the site’s ongoing initiative to create a taco guide for every LA neighborhood. On his list of tasty picks are the tacos de birria from Birrieria Jocotepec, the turkey tacos from Ms. Ruby’s Bakery, and the crispy taco de barbacoa from Tortuga Bay." - Cathy Chaplin

12 Great Spots for Tortas Ahogadas in Los Angeles - Eater LA

"Mario and Allegra Pérez have developed a menu for everyone: Po’ boys, hamburgers, ceviche, and hefty volcano nachos. Before it opened in 2008, the Pérezes worked at numerous other restaurants, hence the eclectic menu. Inglewood denizens are guaranteed a super spicy torta ahogada in a crispy sourdough roll, which holds up very well under the bath of salsa roja." - Bill Esparza

Johnny Hamilton

Google

Great food and excellent value. This is a hole in the wall and a wonderful find. The staff is super friendly, kind, and helpful. Great tacos, burritos, and the refried beans are better than most places. They also have really fresh juices and aqua frescas.

Mr E

Google

This was my first time visiting the city and we stopped here for lunch, I liked the name so i decided to check it out. The food was beyond what I was expecting, the service can be a little more hospitable and the atmosphere was much to be desired but over all I did enjoy my meal as did my father. If I happen to be in the area in the future, I will eat here again and I recommend this restaurant as well. Thank you

Carlos Villagran

Google

This place was by far one of the worst experience I’ve ever had although it was a very short experience. We asked salchipulpos when they gave us the food, it was literally only fries and some fried sausage. Nothing else on it. We asked them if they had mayonnaise or any other things that we can put on it and her simple answer was NO they were very short. Although we know they had mayonnaise or cream because they were preparing other foods with that. They seemed like they hated their job very serious and it was just a very unpleasant experience:

Josimar Viera

Google

Love their food tortas , tacos de barbacoa are a must! Their Bionicos, I would avoid, they can do better.Fruit was not the best and the cream didn’t had taste. I will still give it a 5 stars because everything else is delicious.

Daniel Gast

Google

Ate here two days in a row during jury duty at the Inglewood courthouse. The fish and shrimp tacos are delicious, and the torta ahogada is spicy and filling. Chill atmosphere, friendly and quick service. Definitely recommended!

Cherine H

Google

Good food and the service was fast and staff were nice to me and friendly. I ordered a small portion of fish ceviche 🐠 that was fresh tasty alongside a beef tostada 🌮 that had fresh veggies and soft meat. The green salsa was ok, i wish it tasted more green but was till fine.

Alecksee Warwick

Google

Tortuga bay was fantastic. Nice staff, fast and delicious food and affordable! You can eat either inside or outside. I ate outside vut inside is welcoming as well. Ordered the sincronizada and a Barbacoa taco. The taco was juicy and fantastic. I had never heard of a sincronizada before. I thought I would be having something similar to a pupusa because the menu states the flour tortilla is stuffed.... it was basically a quesidilla. Very interesting item. Practically a sandwich but with a delicious tortilla instead of bread. Ham, mayo, mustard, lettuce and jalapeños. It was good. I will definately come back here and try some of their other items that also look bomb. The homemade hot sauce is spicy and so good, so make sure you add it to everything you get ! ¡Viva la Tortuga Bay!

zestychild zestychil

Google

I ordered a torta the bread was so hard I could barely chew. The owner kept looking at me weird the only good thing about this whole experience was the cashier being helpful

Alex G.

Yelp

Awesome beer battered style fish and shrimp tacos. Everything tastes fresh every time.

Kikster X.

Yelp

Mixed bag, My husband loved his Barbacoa taco, RAVED about it, as well as his Chilaquiles. My son't Baja tacos were soggy and why use mayo instead of crema on this? Gross. Really my Camarones Ala Diabla were the WORST I HAVE EVER HAD ANYWHERE BY A MILE! DO NOT GET THEM. It was literally like tiny shrimp in a sea of ketchup. Like they just opened a can of tomato sauce and dumped it on the plate. Its too bad because the rice, beans, tortilla, Quac, were all good but this should embarrass a business to serve. No spice, no texture, just absolutely abysmal.

Eddie C.

Yelp

Definitely worth the walk from the court house! Had jury duty today and decided I needed to treat myself to some good tacos. I found Tortuga Bay, a small unassuming Mexican fast food joint that serves up tacos. I ordered a smattering of street tacos and sat down to chow out. My first was birria, juicy tender tacos soaked in plenty of consomme. It was bit under seasoned but over all very good. Next up was my Baja fish tacos. The man behind the counter recommended I take a fork to this one and he was right. A large fully stuffed taco that hit all the food groups and all complemented the battered fried fish in the middle. The carnitas tacos were equally good and filled with pork fried just the right amount so that it was still moist and flavorful. My favorite was the lengua taco. I was so happy with this taco. It was perfectly cooked: moist and tender and perfectly seasoned. Unlike many of the other eateries around that have no idea what perfectly cooked tongue is supposed to taste like and feel like as you bite down. Service is friendly and the place was simply furnished and clean. Next time more lingua and pozole!

Carlos V.

Yelp

This place was by far one of the worst experience I've ever had although it was a very short experience. We asked salchipulpos when they gave us the food, it was literally only fries and some fried sausage. Nothing else on it. We asked them if they had mayonnaise or any other things that we can put on it and her simple answer was NO they were very short. Although we know they had mayonnaise or cream because they were preparing other foods with that. They seemed like they hated their job very serious and it was just a very unpleasant experience:

Erica J.

Yelp

I stopped by with my Grandson for a late lunch. We has the tre crunchy s tacos (bean,cheese and potato) and the fish sandwich combo Everything was really good and fresh Didn't take pictures this time and we'll definitely be going back soon

Bethany J.

Yelp

This is my second time here for the fish tacos, so I obviously like them. The place is located across the street from Inglewood high school. It's a small mom and pop joint in a small shopping center with minimal parking. No ambiance what so ever. One thing I noticed each time I come is how when taking my order there's no welcoming smile or customer service. The faces are flat and unwelcoming. When someone Hispanic order is taken, there's smiling faces, laughing, and welcoming customer service. I go to places not only for the food but for the service, and for that reason I will not be back. The fish tacos are good but not worth how I feel when I'm here. I will drive to my other fish taco spot across town because the service and the tacos are fabulous. I would give this place a 6/10 for the tacos and 4/10 for the service. I will not be back. One good perk is when you check in while you're there they give you a free agua Fresca or horchata. They need to work on their customer service to those who aren't Hispanic because they are in an area where there are different ethnicities and everyone should be treated with the same service.

Daniela S.

Yelp

Second time coming here food is amazing the hot sauce is the best part for me. Staff was super nice definitely will continue to come back.

Griselda B.

Yelp

Service is always friendly and accommodating. Prices are good for the quality of food. The food is always AMAZING. The best thing on the menu is their 3 tacos de barbacoa. They NEVER disappoint!

Imvalerie _.

Yelp

This place is soooo good!! The tacos de barbacoa are always crispy and the tortas ahogadas are always sooooo yummy. Definitely a staple in our household

Franklin H.

Yelp

Bomb Great people Support your local businesses yo Honest real food No fake stuff Bomb

Lynsey E.

Yelp

Ordered the chicken street tacos, barbacoa street tacos, fish taco plate and cheese enchilada plate. Awkward pick up experience and the food was all pretty flavorless. Maybe I got them on an off night? We ate about a third of it and decided to toss the rest. Would not recommend.

Ebony W.

Yelp

Delicious, fresh, flavorful barbacoa tacos!! I've been back two days in a row!!!! The sauce, grilled onions are crispy taco shell is everything . Affordable and great service.

Davion G.

Yelp

Been here twice this week. The barbacoa tacos were so good but the torta ahogada was amazing. I'll be back soon to try more things on the menu

Jabaree B.

Yelp

I ordered a soup through Yelp from a place called Tortuga Bay by my house. The app told me the order was ready. I walk in to get the order, and no one seems to know what I'm talking about. Apparently, they don't do any of the food delivery services anymore. A few ladies who were cooking were being dismissive speaking in Spanish. I told them I had already paid for it. Then they said they would call the manager. After some deliberation over the phone, they asked to take pictures of my phone, and then they told me the order would be right up. The lady Claudia was quite rude unnecessarily. The mishap was caused by them, not me. I wonder if that level of dismissive and rude actions was because I was not Latino. I would hope that's not the case.

Mariel M.

Yelp

La comida muy rica Te atienden rápido Es amables la gente que trabaja ahi Buen precio

Mitchell B.

Yelp

What ever you do don't ever get their sopes. Complete trash. Meat tasted like it was old and it smelled bad. Took a bite and had to spit it out. Best thing there are their tortas ahogadas. Everything else is not worth it.

Sonya J.

Yelp

The Mexican food is authentic and absolutely delicious. A must to visit if you are in Inglewood! I had the yummy carne asada torta and my auntie had the pozole!

Amanda R.

Yelp

I been going here for over 15 years , I'm from Guadalajara and I know good tortas ahogadas and good food from my city ! Tortas ahogadas ajd tacos de barbacoa are a must !!! Everything is delicious, the service is fast and friendly I totally recommend this place !

Ricky G.

Yelp

Been on my radar for a while, finally went in and really enjoyed the torta and tacos. Never had a torta prepared in such a way and honestly the bread was just so crispy and toasted just right even in all the sauce. The beef barbacoa was salted well, maybe some might find it too salty but no harm done for me. The texture was a crispy outside tortilla and soft inside tortilla. Side note: never a fan of double tortilla but the meat was so juicy you might need both tortillas for a reason. Will come back for the tortas and tacos 100%

Sendy J.

Yelp

the owners are very nice! But came in on Sunday afternoon and the lady was super rude! you can clearly tell she did not want to work there it was the worst experience i've got in a restaurant. I work in fast food so I understand we don't have the best days all the time but no one should be treated wrong specially when I came in with the best attitude.

Adrian A.

Yelp

Hidden random joint in the city! I actually just stumbled upon this place during my lunch break and trying to find a good place to munch on. The place looks like an ordinary taco/ burrito place from the inside and out. This place looks sketchy at first because of the "urban" or "ghetto" feel like around the neighborhood but relax its not really that bad. The menu items are plentiful and trying to pick the right grub will take some to choose. The menus are self-explanatory, but the employees always are happy to answer any questions.. I think that's what they are thinking too lol. There are people sitting on the outdoor, so I took my food for to-go instead. The food is good (I know it's a general explanation.. but yea it is good). I ordered their Plato de Beef Birria or Beef Birria Plate (see.. its quite explanatory). The plate have Spanish rice, grilled onions/bell peppers and pinto beans for their side. The taco is a crunchy and feels like eating chips with meat in it which is awesome. The birria meat is good and not dry at all compared to most of the Birria places. When I picked up one taco, it is drench with sauce from the inside.. damn.. I am getting hungry by just describing that feeling. If you want #foodporn in your IG story then you should go here. Overall, a great recommendation to a friend and definitely going back here again :)

Kike R.

Yelp

I really like there pozole . Great taste and for the most part good portions. Don't forget to get your free Agua Fresca when you check in that's a plus.

Patricia B.

Yelp

The customer service I received today was disappointing. I came in and stood in front of the register ready to order and the two ladies working there today looked at me and completely ignored me. I would understand if they were busy but they were not. They both made direct eye contact with me and just turned their backs and continued to just stand there. It wasn't until the gentlemen came from the back and greeted me. The torta was regrettable as it contained more bread than actual carnitas and beans and covered in "sauce" that tasted more like watered down posole juice.

a b.

Yelp

Tiny place with delicious hard shell barbacoa tacos. What more can you ask for? $3.75 a piece!

Jessica F.

Yelp

Got the torta ahogadas love the sauce and the meat but not so much the bread... ill give it a 7.5 torta ahogadas... so far the best torta is in santa ana la Chiva truck

Aaron H.

Yelp

Hole in the wall Mexican joint to find the perfect torta ahogada on a salted roll Great pit stop before hitting a show at The Forum

Warren Q.

Yelp

Located in the corner of a strip mall in Inglewood. Tortuga Bay transports you to Guadalajara with every bite. We started with the shrimp tacos and fish tacos. Both were delicately fried in a light batter and topped with fresh cabbage, tomatoes and sour cream. A great combo of crispy fried goodness and palate cleansing slaw packaged on a corn tortilla. Then we had the barbacoa tacos, the beef was so juicy and tender, the grilled onions nestled in the crispy tortilla blanket make these tacos out of this world. Michael's Deluxe Burrito was great standard fair. Rice, beans, asada and guacamole. I also got an Aguas Frescas for checking in using Yelp. I wanted horchata but they were out, so the cook recommended guava. It did not disappoint. It surprisingly paired well with everything. The sweetness was able to cut through the heat and unctuousness of all the dishes. The real MVP was the Torta Ahogada. It consists of sumptuous pulled pork and beans on a crusty roll topped with an addictive tomato sauce. Fresh raw onions bring a bite and balance to this sandwich. Contrasting the fatty pork and creamy beans to the crunchy bread, to the zing of the onion and the sweet heat from the sauces drizzled on top. A true masterpiece. If you are in the area, going to a game at SoFi or a concert at the Forum make sure to come get food here. Everything was marvelous!

Jenssy L.

Yelp

Cashier wasn't friendly nor did I witness her greet any customer. I Ordered a cheeseburger and then saw the cashier, without washing hands or wearing gloves, handling my food! She grabbed the shredded lettuce to add to my cheeseburger and then wrapped the burger in foil. I understand she might have been trying to expedite service but it's not hygienic at all! I won't be returning here.

Keyonda A.

Yelp

This was a location i had bookmarked to pay a visit to. They didn't disappoint. The street Carnitas and Chicken tacos is what i ordered and they were delicious. In my opinion though, they need to invest in bigger size limes. I ordered extra pieces of line with my order and was charged 50 cents. That was fine up until i seen the size of each slice. They can be a bit pricey but I guess the portions are worth it. In my opinion, for the amount you pay, they should be very generous with all the fixings that goes with a taco. They were wearing face mask and sanitizer was provided. In my opinion though, their nose should be covered as well and gloves should be worn. When it comes to touching the customers food, leniency shouldn't be allowed. Parking can be a slight pain but if careful, you would be ok.

Neiva O.

Yelp

I absolutely LOVE their tacos de barbacoa and their guacamole is hands down probably one of THEE BEST GUACAMOLE I've ever had (It is made to order so it's not just sitting there browning ).My bf and I frequent this little location about a minimum of 3 times a month. The tacos are my favorite and my bf loves their tortas too . They have different aguas frescas and other Mexican beverages . I would love to try the rest of the menu but I just can't say no to the tacos ! The location doesn't sit many people but the wait for a table is never more than 5-10 minutes . A must if you're in the area!

Alfonso G.

Yelp

this place is bomb! their food is delicious, i always get the tacos de lengua or the tacos dorados de barbacoa! so good, with the grilled onions and that super hot delicious sauce! i have also tried what they are famous for which are the tortas and those are sooooo goood as well! they are very fast, friendly staff and if you checkin with yelp you get a free small agua fresca, i recomend the horchata!

Jaime M.

Yelp

Tortas ahogadas 6/10 Tacos dorados 9/10 Friendly staff. The ambience of the spot was ok

John M.

Yelp

Place does not disappoint. Only carnitas the sauce is fire bomb the bread is hard crunchy overall delicious

Virginia R.

Yelp

I have 30 years living in Inglewood. I had the worst experience in customer service here. And to be specific it was the very own manager. I had pre-ordered my food prior and when I got to the restaurant I paid for my order with a girl cashier. She had told me the food would be ready in a sec. I came back 10 min later. I was not dressed nice I had messy hair. And the owner was the one at the register now. I told him I was there to pick up my order. He then screamed at me in Spanish and said I had to hold on because he had two orders before me. I didn't want to say anything back because I didn't wanna have my food spat at. I left to my car and waited I came back and my food was still not ready. I then returned and he then apologized but I didn't even look his way because he had already embarrassed me and offended me. I honestly think I was treated badly because of my appearance he treated me like I wasn't shit. I never make reviews but he made me feel so unappreciated that I even made a Yelp account just to give him this review. I will never be returning horrible customer service.

Charlie A.

Yelp

Don't miss this place. Awesome Torta Ahogada. Great carnitas and barbacoa. Will be back.

Jay O.

Yelp

Tacos de papa are miniature size and they didn't come with sour cream or cheese... you'll find out when you get home. I called and I let them know and they tell me it's extra! I never ate at a restaurant that charges for cheese and sour cream when that's one of the mail ingredients for this type of taco. It's like asking for posole and them charging for the granos/hominy ...

Dierdre G.

Yelp

I went to this spot a few years ago when I bought a Groupon. Don't remember what I got but didn't return until a few weeks ago cause I was going to the smoke shop next door. Don't sleep on this place. I got the pozole and was pleasantly surprised, but yesterday I was blown away by the fish burrito. OMG the fish was fried perfectly. The fillings we're flavorful and the chips were crispy. All washed down with a Jamaica. I warn you bring your appetite because the servings are huge. Plenty to share.

Cindy B.

Yelp

This place is a diamond in the rough. Their tortas are delicious!! One of the best I've had. The food quality was very fresh.

David V.

Yelp

This is based on their food , so I order a cheese burger and got everything burnt . the so called "chef" is over her picking up on a girl smh ‍. The bartender asked him if he can knock out some food orders and he replied; don't you see I'm talking . I didn't pay 12 dollars for a burger and 5 dollars for fries and it's all burnt . I won't be ordering food here because the guy looks straight like a hobo

Ben L.

Yelp

Only been once but their birria/ barbacoa tacos were so damn good! Will def be back soon

Keesha F.

Yelp

I come here especially for the barbacoa tacos, they are delicious- especially with cheese! SnackpackerHack: 1. Ask if they can put your cheese inside when they're making your taco so it melts. 2. Do squirt on some of their hot sauce- monitor your own heat, what's not hot to me, may scorch your tongue. The agua frescas are great too, I've tried the strawberry and jamaica. You get one free with check in, and they are an excellent way to put out the fire in case you overdo it on the hotsauce :) Menu is stocked with other things that sound very yummy, but as for now my loyalty is with them tacos!

Adrian C.

Yelp

The red, overhead lamp shades are dirty: pictured. The chairs are dirty: pictured. The plastic sheeting table guards are torn: pictured. Ok, veggie burger; nothing memorable, scant avocado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber. Large serving of fries (included). White bread , though soft bun, no whole wheat bun available. Hey owner: Create a lovely mango cucumber chutney for the burger... Suggestion: swap out those HUGE coolers (pictured) for something proportional to the space. Also, lose the miles of ubiquitous signage. You could have a lovely space... Create a memorable dining experience and your business will double...

norma o.

Yelp

BE CAREFUL UPON ORDERING WITH THIS PLACE AND LOOK AT YOUR RECEIPT FOR WHAT THEY CHARGE YOU. On their menu they have a description of a shrimp Po boy for 9.50. Yet upon ordering they add an extra $3 up charge for the actual shrimp. Which would be false advertisement since their menu has $9.50 for a shrimp po boy, without establishing their $3 up charge for the actual shrimp.

Laura E.

Yelp

Not your mom's pozole, better! Yes, truly outstanding pork pozole. Must call ahead to see if they're serving it. The spicy Chile de Árbol house salsa was sooo good, it made me sweat. Staff is pleasant and parking was accessible.

Stacey T.

Yelp

Everything was so good! Very friendly service!! Even gave us a bowl of their pozole to try, it was delicious!

Lu G.

Yelp

Came here for the Torta Ahogada. It was pretty good but the bread is not a good choice. It was simply too hard. I hate having to fight with my food just to take a bite. I do recommend the tacos se adobada. very very good

Cass R.

Yelp

This was the perfect stop before going to a concert at So-Fi. Wish we had thought to take pictures but trust me it was delicious and the people were awesome! The Pozole, the barbacoa tacos, the 'drowned' burrito and the pierna burrito were items our group had and everyone loved everything. Can't wait to come back!

Cynthia T.

Yelp

This place is nasty , nothing about it is authentic . I was hungry and new to the area , googled Mexican place near me to eat and this place popped up . Has good review so I thought I'd give it a try. I was dying for a plate of carne asada . The owner was rude, didn't even welcome me as I entered and the hygiene of that store is dirty . The owner who was preparing my plate of food used has hands to put my meat on the food and the meat was flavorless . Just nasty . The owners demeanors was not welcoming . Gave the food to my dog . The only nice person was the cashier . Waste of money

Paola D.

Yelp

This place is bomb! I've had their torta ahogadas back when I use to eat meat and I loved them. Now I order their tacos de papa and my goodness, they are so good just like my mom makes them. The salsa is still just as good as the first time I had it.

Tortuga Bay Review - Inglewood - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

Where To Eat Around The Forum

Mother Wolf and Kato Bake Up the Season's Must-Have Christmas Cookies - Eater LA

12 Great Spots for Tortas Ahogadas in Los Angeles - Eater LA