I don’t know about you guys, but my friends treat taco Tuesday like it’s a part of their religion. And I get it — why pass up a night devoted to $5 bottomless tacos and cheap booze? But maybe (just maybe) we want to give our arteries a break and our livers a chance to recover.
So, on those nights that you feel like being extra generous to your insides but still want to treat yoself, here are five of LA’s healthiest taco Tuesday spots. You, and your body, can thank me later.
1. Tocaya
You can find this gem located right on Sunset Blvd, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it. Tocaya is the perfect place to go for a healthy taco Tuesday with your friends or coworkers. The restaurant itself is the epitome of a trendy spot in LA, but don’t be too quick to write if off as just that.
Price: Tacos are $3.30 each with your choice of protein and queso, and while the actual menu items are on the pricier side, it’s honestly worth the splurge if you’re hangry and are in absolute need of a burrito (cause’ we’ve all been there).
Nutritional Aspects: You know you’re in LA when… a Mexican restaurant offers a “low carb” lettuce wrap to replace your tortillas. And even though I can find so many ways to make fun of that, I can’t really talk because I ordered them and loved every bite (sorry not sorry).
At Tocaya, the ingredients are fresh and combine classic Mexican flavors, like chiles, tomatoes and cilantro with other clean ingredients like chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and fresh vegetables. It’s clearly a win-win situation.
2. Gracias Madre
Situated in the heart of Melrose Avenue, Gracias Madre is pretty much the answer to all of your healthy Mexican food needs (as if that’s a thing lol). The whole menu is plant-based so it’s completely vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Plus, it was ranked number four on the list of where to go in LA to spot your favorite celebrities. Run. Don’t Walk.
Price: For one of the most popular Mexican food scenes in Los Angeles, the happy hour and lunch menu prices aren’t too steep. We’re talkin’ a $6 happy hour that includes nachos, tacos, tostadas, gorditas, and flautas, plus trendy cocktails, wines, and beers… Need I say more?
Nutritional Aspects: The menu is filled with clean ingredients like cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms and squash, which are all high-fiber and nutrient dense vegetables. Plus, menu items like avocado, for dem healthy fats, and black beans, for that fiber content (bonus points if you didn’t start singing the bean song).
3. Guisados
Located on Santa Monica Blvd in the middle of Beverly Hills, this cute and quirky taco shop is pretty much a one-size-fits-all type of joint. You can bring your picky gluten-free friends, a crew of vegan and vegetarians, and even your unhealthy coworkers and I guarantee everyone will find a taco they like.
Price: All tacos are $2.75, with the exception of the seafood options, which are $3. Not too shabby.
Nutritional Aspects: For all you celiacs out there, your taco Tuesday just got infinitely better. The entire menu at Guisados is gluten-free (except for some specials) plus the tacos are filled with healthy ingredients like bell peppers, squash, mushrooms, fish, black beans, and tomatoes.
4. M Street Kitchen
Located on Main Street in Santa Monica, M Street Kitchen is a prime place to go if you’re looking to bar hop directly after dinner. And even if you’re not, it’s casual and fun enough to go solely for tacos… because tacos.
Price: Ok, so I maybe possibly have an obsession with happy hours, but like, who doesn’t want bomb guacamole for half the price or $2 tacos? M Street Kitchen in Santa Monica clearly knows whatsup – they offer $2 mahi mahi, wood-grilled chicken, or veggie tacos and $5 chips and guac. Doesn’t get much better
Nutritional Aspects: A majority of the ingredients that they use are healthy and fresh. All of their tacos come filled with lettuce, cilantro, pico de gallo, and salsa and then you can choose your protein and cheese.
5. Frida Mexican Cuisine
If you’re anywhere near Westwood Village or Beverly Hills, Frida Mexican Cuisine has got your Mexican food needs covered. Since they have a location in both cities, you can just call in to see how long the wait for each one is and go from there. Simple. As. That.
Price: They have an all day happy hour — I repeat, an ALL DAY happy hour — as long as you order and eat in the bar area. They offer $3.50 tacos and the most expensive meal on the happy hour menu is $15, but like we’re broke college students so just ignore the latter.
Nutritional Aspects: At Frida Mexican Cuisine, you can basically get any taco you want and make it infinitely healthier by getting it low-carb style. Don’t knock it til’ you try it.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t treat yourself when taco Tuesday rolls around, but I’m also not not saying that. Obviously most of you will still go about your taco Tuesday traditions, but at least now you have five healthy alternatives to keep in mind.