MidEast Tacos

In a neighborhood with more fast-casual spots than fire hydrants, MidEast Tacos in Silver Lake is gloriously original. At this order-at-the-counter spot from the Mini Kabob team, you'll find clever Mexican-Armenian mash-ups with flavors that work so well together, they could probably fix bipartisan issues, the majority of breakups, and all those potholes on the 101. We’re most partial to the namesake kebab tacos, but every item on MidEast’s tightly edited menu has its charm. The main thing to consider—and what will most impact your experience—is how quickly you plan to eat them.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Wedged into a thin sliver of a building near Sunset Junction, MidEast Tacos is a pint-sized operation that’s 10% order counter and 90% sidewalk patio. Naturally, takeout is popular here, but the gooey quesadillas and hefty rice-filled burritos are best eaten ASAP on the handful of streetside tables. That’s because no matter how sturdy those takeout boxes might be, the smoky, juicy grilled meats and whipped chile arbol garlic sauce tend to lose a little of their luster during the drive home. Even our favorite falafel taco, which arrives fresh from the fryer, can go downhill once it’s cooled.  

Sidewalk tables are your only option at MidEast, and the best ones can be found next to the blue mural on the eastern side of the building. You'll be seated at a healthy distance away from the noisy traffic along Sunset, but still close enough to people-watch as members of the Zebulon crowd walk by in their saggy selvedge denim.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

In the wrong hands, a Mexican-meets-Armenian menu might come across as a gimmick. But most of what you’re eating here is simply Mini Kabob’s greatest hits seamlessly remixed around a tortilla (corn or flour). Plus, MidEast is one of the few places in Silver Lake where a non-boring $15 lunch is not only possible, but the norm. And we can’t think of a more reliable spot for a low-key dinner before getting drinks at The Ruby Fruit or The Black Cat. Even if the rest of your night falls flat, MidEast’s food will have you ready to do it all over again.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Falafel Taco

All of the tacos here are great (think open-faced shawarma with salsa on top), but this one is a stand-out. Each comes with three perfectly symmetrical cilantro-green nuggets with soft, steaming cores lined up on a housemade corn tortilla.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Steak Burrito

The burritos at MidEast are approximately the size of a brick, and stuffed full like a clown car. We'd go with the steak—chopped into tender pieces cooked precisely medium-well—which tastes like a garlic-lathered Mini Kabob plate wrapped inside a grilled flour tortilla (a very good thing).

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Papas

These discs of fried potato are considered a side, but each order is so big two people could share and make it a meal. They’re thick-cut, dusted in aleppo pepper, and served with MidEast's toum arbol (garlic sauce with a touch of roasted chile) for dipping.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Shrimp Quesadilla

Does this quesadilla taste good? Yes. Is it less exciting than the rest of the food at MidEast? Also, yes. The layers of snappy grilled shrimp, salsa, cabbage, and melted mozzarella between flour tortillas works well, but you’ve probably had something like it before. Share it with a group or skip.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Chicken Taco

With its pliable flour tortilla and particularly smoky thigh meat, this is our second favorite taco on the menu. Slow-grilled on skewers, the chicken is cut into chunks and balanced with Thai basil and more of their chile-laced garlic sauce.