How to Enjoy Tacos at Suerte

Suerte is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary experience rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and the vibrant soul of Mexican street food. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Suerte has earned widespread acclaim for its meticulously prepared tacos, house-made tortillas, and deeply flavorful sauces. But enjoying tacos at Suerte isn’t merely about ordering and eating. It’s about understanding the culture behind each bite, appreciating the balance of textures and flavors, and engaging with the food in a way that honors its origins. This guide walks you through exactly how to enjoy tacos at Suerte, from the moment you walk in to the last lingering taste on your palate. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, this comprehensive tutorial will elevate your experience from casual meal to memorable ritual.

Step-by-Step Guide

Enjoying tacos at Suerte is a layered experience that begins long before the first taco arrives at your table. Follow these seven deliberate steps to fully immerse yourself in the Suerte experience.

1. Plan Your Visit with Intention

Before you arrive, take a moment to consider what kind of experience you want. Suerte is not a fast-food taco stand—it’s a destination. The restaurant operates on a reservation system for dinner service and has limited seating during lunch. Check their official website or call ahead to confirm hours and availability. Weekends are especially busy, so planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out.

Consider visiting during off-peak hours—mid-afternoon on a weekday or early dinner—when the pace is calmer and the staff can offer more personalized attention. This is also the ideal time to ask questions about the day’s specials or ingredient sourcing.

2. Study the Menu with Curiosity

The Suerte menu is intentionally concise, focusing on quality over quantity. Each taco is a deliberate expression of technique and terroir. Take time to read the descriptions—not just the protein, but the accompaniments: the type of masa used, the chile blend, the garnishes. For example, the “Carnitas” taco isn’t just pork—it’s slow-braised in lard with orange peel and bay leaf, served on hand-pressed blue corn tortillas with pickled red onions and a smoky tomatillo salsa.

Pay attention to the seasonal offerings. Suerte rotates its menu based on what’s fresh and locally available. In spring, you might find tacos with fava beans and epazote; in fall, mushrooms and squash blossoms. The menu reflects the rhythm of California agriculture, and understanding this connection deepens your appreciation.

3. Start with the Tortilla

At Suerte, the tortilla is not a vessel—it’s the foundation. Each one is made daily from nixtamalized corn, stone-ground in-house, and pressed by hand. The masa is mixed with just water and a touch of salt, then cooked on a comal until it puffs slightly and develops charred edges.

Before adding any topping, hold the tortilla gently between your fingers. Feel its texture: slightly elastic, warm, with a subtle graininess. Smell its earthy, toasted aroma. This is the essence of Mexican culinary heritage. Take a moment to appreciate it alone before the filling is added. This mindful act transforms the taco from a snack into a sensory ritual.

4. Order with Strategy

While it’s tempting to order everything, Suerte’s tacos are best enjoyed in sequence. Start with the lighter, brighter options before moving to richer ones. A recommended progression:

• Begin with the Al Pastor—marinated in achiote, pineapple, and dried chiles, offering a sweet-savory balance.
• Follow with the Carne Asada—grilled over mesquite, with a crisp char and juicy interior.
• Then try the Carnitas—tender, fatty, and deeply savory, the centerpiece of the menu.
• Finish with the Barbacoa—slow-steamed in maguey leaves, rich with herbs and depth.

Each taco has its own personality. Ordering them in this order allows your palate to evolve rather than become overwhelmed. If you’re unsure, ask your server for guidance—they often know the chef’s personal favorites or what’s particularly good that day.

5. Assemble with Care

At Suerte, tacos arrive partially assembled. You are encouraged to finish them yourself. This is not an oversight—it’s an invitation to participate.

Begin by adding a small amount of salsa from the tableside offerings. The roja (red) is smoky and mild; the verde (green) is bright and herbal; the habanero is fiery and complex. Start with a teaspoon. Mix gently with the back of your spoon to distribute the flavor without breaking the tortilla.

Add a sprinkle of pickled red onions—they provide acidity and crunch. A few cilantro leaves, torn by hand, add freshness. Avoid overloading. The beauty of Suerte’s tacos lies in restraint. Each element is balanced; too much of one thing disrupts the harmony.

6. Eat with Presence

There is no wrong way to eat a taco, but there is a most respectful way. Hold the taco gently but firmly with both hands. Bite into it at a slight angle so the filling doesn’t spill. Chew slowly. Notice how the crispness of the charred tortilla gives way to the tender meat, how the salsa cuts through the fat, how the onions brighten the richness.

Between bites, pause. Sip the complimentary horchata or agua de jamaica. Let the flavors linger. This is not a meal to rush. It’s a meditation on texture, temperature, and tradition. Many guests find that eating slowly reveals new layers of flavor they’d otherwise miss.

7. Reflect After the Last Bite

After your final taco, take a moment to sit quietly. Think about what you tasted, what surprised you, what felt familiar. Did the al pastor remind you of a street vendor you once knew? Did the masa taste like your grandmother’s kitchen? These emotional connections are part of what makes food meaningful.

If you’re comfortable, share your thoughts with your server or the chef. Suerte’s team values feedback—not because they need to improve, but because they want to understand how their food resonates with others. Your reflection becomes part of the story of Suerte.

Best Practices

Enjoying tacos at Suerte isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how you engage with the experience. These best practices ensure you honor the craft, respect the culture, and maximize your enjoyment.

1. Respect the Ingredients

Suerte sources its ingredients with extraordinary care. The corn is from Oaxaca, the lard is rendered in-house, the chiles are dried and toasted by hand. Treat each ingredient as sacred. Don’t waste food. Don’t overload your taco with extras that mask the original flavor. If you’re unsure about a garnish, ask before adding it.

2. Avoid Common Mistakes

Many visitors unknowingly diminish their experience with a few simple missteps:

• Using utensils – While acceptable, forks and knives remove the tactile connection to the food. Eating with your hands is part of the tradition.
• Adding too much salsa – The salsa is meant to enhance, not drown. Start small.
• Ordering only one type of taco – Suerte’s menu is designed to be experienced as a progression. Try at least three.
• Ignoring the sides – The pickled vegetables and house-made refried beans are not afterthoughts—they’re essential complements.

3. Engage with the Staff

The servers at Suerte are trained not just in service, but in storytelling. They know the origin of each ingredient, the history of each technique, and the chef’s inspiration behind each dish. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the story behind this salsa?” or “Why is the masa blue?” Their answers often reveal deeper layers of meaning.

4. Embrace the Pace

Suerte doesn’t rush. Plates arrive when they’re ready, not when you’re impatient. This is intentional. The kitchen works in harmony with the natural rhythms of cooking—slow braising, long fermentation, careful toasting. Match their pace. Relax. Let the meal unfold.

5. Leave No Trace

While Suerte doesn’t require it, many guests choose to leave the table as they found it. This isn’t about cleanliness—it’s about respect. If you’ve used napkins or utensils, leave them neatly. The staff appreciates it. And in doing so, you honor the quiet dignity of the space.

6. Share the Experience

Tacos at Suerte are best enjoyed with others. Order multiple tacos and share them family-style. This allows everyone to taste a wider variety and creates a communal ritual. Conversation flows more easily when food is passed around. The act of sharing turns a meal into a memory.

7. Document Thoughtfully

Photography is welcome—but don’t let it become a distraction. Take one or two photos to remember the dish, but put your phone down after. The true value of the experience isn’t captured in pixels—it’s in the warmth of the tortilla, the scent of the chiles, the laughter shared over a table.

Tools and Resources

To deepen your understanding and enhance your experience at Suerte, consider using these curated tools and resources. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re gateways to a richer appreciation of the food.

1. Suerte’s Official Website

Visit suertelac.com for the most current menu, seasonal offerings, and chef’s notes. The site includes detailed descriptions of sourcing practices and the philosophy behind the kitchen. It’s a valuable pre-visit resource.

2. The “Tacos de Suerte” Book

Written by chef Eduardo “Eddie” Ruiz, this beautifully illustrated cookbook traces the journey of Suerte’s recipes from Mexico City to Los Angeles. It includes stories from farmers, artisans, and family members who contributed ingredients or techniques. The book is available in the restaurant’s gift shop and online.

3. Podcast: “The Masa Chronicles”

This weekly podcast explores the history and science of nixtamalization—the ancient process of treating corn with lime. One episode is dedicated entirely to Suerte’s masa-making process. Hosted by food anthropologist Dr. Lina Morales, it’s both educational and deeply human.

4. Mobile App: “Taco Tracker”

While not affiliated with Suerte, the “Taco Tracker” app lets you log your taco experiences across Los Angeles. You can rate Suerte’s tacos, tag ingredients, and compare them with other spots. It’s a fun way to build your personal taco journal.

5. Local Cultural Centers

Visit the Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles or the Self Help Graphics & Art center for exhibitions on Mexican culinary traditions. Many offer free workshops on making tortillas, grinding masa, or preparing salsas. These experiences deepen your understanding of the techniques used at Suerte.

6. Language Resources

Learn a few key Spanish terms related to food:

• Masa – Corn dough
• Comal – Flat griddle
• Chile – Not just spice, but flavor base
• Nixtamal – Corn treated with lime
• Barbacoa – Slow-cooked meat, traditionally in earth oven

Knowing these terms allows you to engage more meaningfully with the staff and appreciate the authenticity of the cuisine.

7. Recommended Reading

• “The Art of Mexican Cooking” by Diana Kennedy – A foundational text on regional Mexican cuisine.
• “Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America” by Gustavo Arellano – A cultural history of tacos in the U.S.
• “Corn: The Yolk of Life” by Gary Paul Nabhan – Explores the sacred and ecological role of corn in Mesoamerica.

Real Examples

Real experiences at Suerte reveal how the principles of this guide translate into unforgettable moments. Here are three authentic stories from guests who transformed their taco visit into something deeper.

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor

Marisol, a college student from Chicago, visited Suerte on a whim during a road trip. She ordered the carnitas taco without reading the menu. When the taco arrived, she was struck by how different it was from the greasy, mass-produced versions she’d eaten before. The tortilla had a smoky aroma. The meat was tender but not mushy. The salsa had a hint of citrus.

She asked the server why the tortilla tasted so alive. The server explained the nixtamalization process and how the corn was sourced from a family farm in Oaxaca. Marisol returned the next day with her parents. She ordered three tacos, ate them slowly, and cried quietly after the last bite. “It tasted like home,” she said. “But a home I never knew I was missing.”

Example 2: The Chef’s Apprentice

Juan, a culinary student from Guadalajara, interned at Suerte for two weeks. He had grown up eating tacos from his grandmother’s kitchen but had never seen masa made from scratch in a professional setting. He watched the kitchen team grind corn for hours, test the consistency of the dough with their fingers, and press each tortilla with reverence.

On his last day, Chef Eddie handed him a freshly made taco and said, “Now you make one.” Juan did. It wasn’t perfect—but it was his. He took a photo of it and posted it with the caption: “I didn’t learn to cook tacos. I learned to listen to them.” He now teaches a class on traditional tortilla-making in his hometown.

Example 3: The Anniversary Dinner

David and Elena celebrated their 25th anniversary at Suerte. They had eaten together at countless restaurants, but this one felt different. They ordered the barbacoa and the al pastor, shared them slowly, and talked about their first date—how they’d eaten street tacos from a cart in East LA, laughing as salsa dripped down their arms.

At the end of the meal, they asked for the check. The server brought them two small glasses of mezcal instead. “On the house,” she said. “For 25 years of love.” They sat in silence for ten minutes, sipping slowly, not speaking. When they left, David said, “We didn’t just eat dinner. We remembered who we are.”

Example 4: The Food Blogger

A popular food influencer arrived at Suerte with a full camera crew, expecting a viral moment. He planned to film himself taking a big bite, shouting, “This is the best taco in LA!” But after the first bite, he stopped. He put down his phone. He ate the next three tacos in silence. Later, he wrote: “I came to review a taco. I left understanding a culture. I won’t be posting a video. I’ll be writing a letter.”

FAQs

Do I need to make a reservation to eat at Suerte?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated during lunch, but seating is limited. Visit the website or call ahead to secure your table.

Are Suerte’s tacos gluten-free?

Yes. All tacos at Suerte are made with 100% corn tortillas and do not contain gluten. The kitchen takes precautions to avoid cross-contamination, but if you have a severe allergy, inform your server upon arrival.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Suerte offers a range of salsa heat levels. The roja and verde are mild to medium. The habanero salsa is spicy, but it’s served on the side so you can control the amount. Ask for “sin picante” (without heat) if you prefer.

Can I order tacos to-go?

Yes, Suerte offers takeout. However, tacos are best enjoyed fresh. If you take them home, reheat them gently on a dry skillet to restore the tortilla’s texture.

Is Suerte vegetarian-friendly?

Suerte offers several vegetarian options, including tacos with roasted mushrooms, squash blossoms, and jackfruit. The kitchen can also prepare a custom vegetarian taco upon request—just ask.

Why are the tortillas blue?

The blue tortillas are made from heirloom blue corn, which is naturally rich in antioxidants and has a slightly nuttier flavor than white or yellow corn. This variety is traditional in parts of Mexico and is prized for its depth of flavor and vibrant color.

How do I know which salsa to choose?

Ask your server. The roja is smoky and mild, the verde is herbaceous and bright, and the habanero is fiery with fruit undertones. Each complements different tacos. Start with the verde—it’s the most versatile.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Suerte welcomes families. The staff is accustomed to serving guests of all ages and can adjust portion sizes or spice levels for children.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available, but it can be limited. Valet service is offered during dinner hours. Public transit is also convenient—the Expo Line stops within a 10-minute walk.

Does Suerte offer catering or private events?

Yes. Suerte provides catering for private events, corporate gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss menus and availability.

Conclusion

Enjoying tacos at Suerte is not a transaction—it’s a transformation. It’s about moving beyond hunger to curiosity, beyond consumption to connection. Every step, from choosing your taco to savoring the last crumb, is an opportunity to honor tradition, engage with culture, and rediscover the simple joy of food made with intention.

When you follow the steps outlined here—the planning, the listening, the slow eating, the reflection—you don’t just eat a taco. You become part of its story. You honor the farmer who grew the corn, the mason who built the comal, the chef who woke before dawn to grind the masa. You become a witness to something timeless.

Suerte doesn’t serve tacos. It serves meaning. And when you learn how to receive it—not just with your mouth, but with your mind and heart—you leave not just full, but changed.

So next time you find yourself at Suerte, don’t just order. Participate. Don’t just eat. experience. And when you do, you’ll understand why so many return—not for the food alone, but for the soul it carries.