Visitor
May 13, 2026
You've just spent eight hours walking through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, riding the Studio Tour tram, and navigating Super Nintendo World with kids in tow. You're hungry, you're tired, and the last thing you want is another $22 theme park burger served on a paper tray. Here's the good news: one of the best taco spots in Los Angeles is a five-minute drive from the Universal Studios Hollywood gates.
Roadside Taco: Five Minutes from the Park
Roadside Taco sits at 10628 Ventura Blvd in Studio City — just a quick hop south from Universal Studios via Lankershim Blvd or Cahuenga Blvd. Whether you drive, Uber, or Lyft, you're looking at about five minutes from the CityWalk parking structure to the restaurant door. That short detour gets you out of the tourist pricing zone and into a neighborhood spot that locals actually eat at.
Why It's Worth the Detour
The difference between theme park food and what's on the menu at Roadside Taco comes down to three things: ingredients, preparation, and price.
Every taco here starts with a handmade corn tortilla — pressed fresh, not pulled from a package. The proteins are cooked to order: al pastor pork with grilled pineapple, carne asada steak with shoestring fries, crispy baja fried fish with chipotle slaw, and more. And every taco now comes with fresh avocado included.
Three tacos with rice and beans run $15. A burrito stuffed with rice, pinto beans, grilled onions, sour cream, and avocado salsa is $15–$17 depending on protein. Compare that to what you'd pay for a comparable meal inside the park, and the math is obvious.
What to Order for a Family of Four
Here's a sample order that feeds a family of four comfortably without breaking the bank:
Two orders of three tacos (mix and match proteins) at $15–$17 each. One chicken burrito at $15. One cauliflower bowl at $15 for the plant-based eater in the group. A side of rice and beans at $6. Two Coronas at $6 each and two sodas at $4 each.
Total: roughly $90–$100 for four people with drinks, which is what two people might spend inside the park. And the food is genuinely better.
After-Park Recovery
The patio at Roadside Taco is exactly what you need after a long day on your feet. Grab a seat outside, order a craft margarita from the full bar, and let the kids work through a plate of tacos while you decompress. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with none of the crowds or noise you just escaped. Check out the location photos to see the space.
Planning Ahead
If you're organizing a group trip — a birthday party at Universal followed by dinner, a corporate outing, or even a film shoot in the area — Roadside Taco also handles private events and filming bookings. The space works well for groups, and the team can customize menus for larger parties.
Getting There
From Universal Studios Hollywood, head south on Lankershim Blvd, turn right onto Ventura Blvd, and the restaurant is on the right side. If you're using a rideshare app, just search for "Roadside Taco, 10628 Ventura Blvd, Studio City" and you'll be there before your driver finishes asking about your day at the park.
Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Call 818-452-9007 for directions or to place an order ahead of time — especially useful if you're arriving with hungry kids who can't wait another minute.