Late Night Eats: La Estrella #3
When choosing a late night spot to eat, you might factor in a number of elements - Atmosphere, quality of the food, price, service. Is it conveniently located between the bar and your house?
Truly, the barometer of a great late night haunt is whether it holds up in the blinding light of day. I’ve eaten many a 3am taco with orgiastic enthusiasm, only to be totally disappointed eating at the same place under more, um, sober conditions. (yes you El Tapatio #2)
After first discovering La Estrella #3 on the way home from a gig at Mr. T’s Bowl, me and my wife were so enamored, that we went back the very next day. Not only were we not disappointed, the food was even better than we (hazily) remembered it.
Late at night, you’ll have to brave the long lines of locals and hipsters on their way home from Mr. T’s, Footsies, or The Cave, but it will be worth it.
Apparently the couple who used to run La Estrella split a while back, and besides divvying up the taco stands in the divorce, rumor has it that they also split up the recipes. As a result, some of the stands are known for their mariscos, while others are known for their pastor. I’ve had both at the Figueroa stand, and have always been more than satisfied.
The menu is simple and inexpensive. Tacos are only a dollar. Burritos are four. They are bare bones, but excellent. You have your choice of asada, lengua, cabeza, al pastor, and carnitas. La Estrella also has other special tacos and burritos in case you crave something with more ingredients.
On a recent visit, my friend bravely ordered a cabeza taco alongside her carnitas and al pastor. The carnitas were average, and the al pastor fantastic, but the cabeza was pretty nasty – tough, and gristly. It was a rare misfire.
The asada burrito, wrapped in a light flour tortilla, enhanced only with onions, cilantro, and hot sauce, is a personal favorite. The meat is tender, succulent, and wonderfully seasoned. The ceviche, served with one large corn chip, is fresh and flavorful.
One of my favorite things about La Estrella is the salsa. The red sauce is smoky, spicy and addictive. I always annoy the employees, asking for more to take home.
There’s no alcohol, but if you’re visiting La Estrella late night, you probably should be switching to water anyway.
There's plenty of street parking. And for those of you who prefer public transportation, the Gold Line is right there. In fact, I've had to wait for the train to pass to get back to my car with my food.
The dimly lit stand is wonderfully decorated with awesome murals. It sits across the street from a Taco Bell, so while you eat, you can look at people on the other side of Figueroa with scorn.
In a city where taco trucks outnumber people 2 to 1, separating the bueno from the muy mal is a challenge. You wont be disappointed with La Estrella.
La Estrella
6103 N. Figueroa
Highland Park
323-982-0179
Cash Only
24 Hours
(or as the to-go menu proudly exclaims, “We Open 24 Hours”!)
photos by Heath Biter and Elise Thompson for LAist