Andrew K’s Taco Crawl

A couple of more taco joints (we hit up four of five local spots planned), and the presence of a few of our lovely female counterparts and enthusiastic taco lovers, would have made this random, last minute get-​together perfect! It was, nonetheless, a lot of fun. Thanks for showcasing it, Kevin! Here is to many more good eating and discovery of delicious taco gems with great, fun company!

Yesterday morning Fellow Unilocaler Andrew K sent a text asking «Can you join us for a Taco Crawl in Whittier today?»
I thought «Taco Crawl, what is that?» He explained they were going to hit up a number of taco spots and have tacos at each one. «Count me in!»
We all met at Andrews place, but unfortunately only four of the dozen or so invited actually showed up.
But *BONUS* we were all able to pile in to one car!
STOP #1: ARTURO’S PUFFY TACOS (15 693 Leffingwell Rd. Whittier).
We look over the menu

I ask about the Carne Guisada and I’m told it’s like a stewed carne asada. I’ve never had that before so I order one

While waiting for our orders, Andrew tells us this guys father created and patented the «puffy taco shell» at his restaurant in Texas. Turns out this is the only other place outside of Texas you can get this puffy shell. Very cool, very unique and VERY good! The only problem is the bottom of the shell gets soggy and falls apart pretty quickly, but it’s still pretty delicious though!
The Chicken puffy taco:
Andrew chompin:
STOP #2: TACOS BAJA (16 032 Whittier Blvd. Whittier).
Andrew said they are known for their fish tacos and shrimp tacos. Also «they’re small» so I order 2. A shrimp taco
and a carne asada taco.
Both were very go, but I especially liked the shrimp taco, it was absolutely delish!
** BTW Andrew, the tacos here are not that small!
STOP #3: CHEMA TACOS (11 527 Whittier Blvd. Whittier)
We walk into this nearly hole-​in-​a-​wall place, look over the menu and order. Once thing I can say is they are FAST! As soon as I sat down they brought out my order! Andrew ordered, walked to the table and they brought his order BEFORE he sat down, WOW! These tacos were small and cheap ($ 1.20 ea). I ordered carne asada and al pastor.
They were good, but I’d want to try them again without the salsa, because it smothered the taste of everything.
Andrew mentioned as we walked back to the car, many people rave about Chema’s tacos and say they’re the absolute best in and around Whittier. I would disagree.
STOP #4: TAQUERIA LA VICTORIA (12 615 Lambert Rd. Whittier)

Now THIS is a hole in the wall! I order a carnitas taco ($ 1.50).
They are a bit larger than Chema’s and I thought had MUCH MORE flavor and were better because of it!
After this stop we were pretty much taco’d out… so time for something light and refreshing for dessert!
STOP #5: IT’S BOBA TIME: (5260 Beach Blvd. Buena Park)
A cool new place with smoothies, tea, shave ice, boba and all that. I ordered a peach and mango smoothie.
It was very tasty and a very nice finish to a «progressive taco lunch».
Thanks Andrew for inviting me to join you for the «taco crawl»! It was fun to sample and explore a number of real, mexican, tasty taco shops!