About Adobo Taco Grill

Our Story

Adobo Taco Grill opened on Woodruff Ave in Lakewood in October 2014. What started as a small taco spot has turned into one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the area. Yelp ranked it #37 on their Top 100 Taco Spots in 2023 (out of every taco spot in the country), and TripAdvisor has it at #3 out of 112 restaurants in Lakewood.

The Tortillas

This is the first thing you notice. Every order starts with fresh handmade corn tortillas pressed and griddled right in front of you. Not from a bag, not pre-made. You can watch them being pressed while you wait. The difference between a fresh-pressed tortilla and a packaged one is the difference between a good taco and a great one.

The Meats

Pick your protein: carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, pollo adobado, lengua, cabeza, carnitas, or shrimp. These go into tacos, burritos, quesadillas, mulitas, tortas, and the vampiros that put Adobo on the map. The carne asada is grilled and chopped, the al pastor is sliced off the trompo, and the carnitas are slow-cooked until they fall apart.

The Vampiro

If you haven't tried one, start here. A crispy tostada shell loaded with melted Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of meat on top. The shell gets toasted until the cheese melts into it, so you get crunch in every bite. James Beard Award-winning food writer Bill Esparza featured them in Los Angeles Magazine. Regulars order two.

The Salsa Bar

After you order, hit the salsa bar. Salsa roja, salsa verde, and a habanero salsa for the heat seekers. Pickled carrots and onions (the slightly sweet, slightly tangy kind). Sliced radishes, limes, and fresh cilantro. There's also a pot of free bean soup, a frijoles de la olla with onions and cilantro. Grab a cup while you wait for your food.

What People Are Saying

"L.A.'s Mexican food game is so strong that even the 'burbs have great tacos." Bill Esparza calls Adobo Grill "a model taqueria for Lakewood" that "has already become a huge hit with locals." Read the full feature in Los Angeles Magazine

"Sort of an odd find in Lakewood, but definitely delivered with its ever-so-slightly-elevated take on SoCal Mexican fare." The Vampiro de Pastor had "scrumptiously flavored pork, well matched to the crema and guac, with fantastic crunch from the tortilla." Read the full review at kevinEats

In 2023, Adobo Taco Grill ranked #37 nationally on Yelp's Top 100 Taco Spots, one of only two restaurants from the Lakewood/Long Beach area to make the list.

Come Hungry

We're open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 9 PM. Closed Mondays. The line moves fast, the portions are generous, and you'll leave full without emptying your wallet.