El Taquito

Riverside is a hotbed of traditional Mexican joints, and with much respect to Taco More's salsa bar and goat soup, the most charming is El Taquito. Perched high above street level, the humble restaurant from Tamaulipas immigrants has been dishing out late-night taquitos by the half dozen since 1995. The 3am closing time makes it a winning alternative to the strip's bevy of chain fast food outlets, with an undeniably great al pastor taco, as well as recommended barbacoa and carnitas. An extended menu of queso fundidos and enchiladas make it more than just a taco spot, and the market-style option to buy meat by the pound can turn your kitchen into a legit taqueria (just don't forget the onions and cilantro).