Echo Park has a new spot for authentic Tijuana-style tacos, as Tijuanero by Tijuanazo recently opened its doors in the neighborhood. Known for its adobada, the taqueria moved into the former Los Burritos space right off Sunset Boulevard, quietly beginning operations on September 24 after nearly a year of construction. This expansion marks another step for a family business that started with a taco cart across the border.

The story of Tijuanazo began in Playas de Tijuana in 2008, where Antonio and Claudia Esquivel first established Taco Nazo. Three years later, they opened the first Tijuanazo restaurant. The family's reach expanded stateside in August 2024 when their daughter, Aria Esquivel, launched Tijuanazo in East Los Angeles. Her sister, Karime, then opened another Tijuanazo in San Diego in early September of that year, which later became Tijuanero by Tijuanazo after a relocation.

For Aria Esquivel, the Echo Park location is particularly meaningful. Her father, Antonio, grew up in the area and held fond memories of the former Los Burritos. When the space became available, Aria seized the opportunity to bring Tijuanero there, noting a desire to "preserve it being a Hispanic, Latino-owned business."

Tijuanero by Tijuanazo serves a full menu from its front window, including tacos, burritos, and aguas frescas. Diners can choose from proteins like adobada, asada, birria, chorizo, and a vegetarian option, also available as mulitas and vampiros. Aria Esquivel suggests starting with the adobada, which is cooked on a vertical trompo and served with avocado crema and a slice of pineapple. She notes it’s a bestseller and "pretty much fundamentally started this taqueria." To drink, daily aguas frescas in flavors like horchata and jamaica are available, alongside Mexican Coke and sparkling water.

The restaurant's opening and buildout in Echo Park coincided with a period of intensified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Southern California. Mid-2025 saw significant immigration sweeps across the region, and Aria Esquivel observed the effects reaching her East Los Angeles location, where customers seemed hesitant to visit. The situation grew more immediate in January 2026 when an ICE operation led to a worker being taken from outside the Echo Park Tijuanero. Following the incident, Aria and her team connected the affected family with resources, but she stated the event increased her apprehension. Aria expressed a hope that those "facing these injustices get their voices heard" and fight back, she said.

Despite these challenges, Aria reports that Echo Park has embraced the new taqueria warmly. She sees the neighborhood's diversity as a strength and feels locals are enthusiastic about the space continuing as a Latino-owned establishment. Aria described the reception, noting that the entire neighborhood, including its neighbors, has been "so warm and welcoming." She added that "it’s just been great, honestly."

As lines form at the window, Aria Esquivel looks forward to the Echo Park location introducing the taqueria to a new audience. She hopes the business will "add to the beauty of what Echo Park is a community." For her father, Antonio, seeing the taqueria in his childhood neighborhood is "very emotional" and a dream realized. Aria expressed her gratitude to be "the one that’s able to bring it there."

Tijuanero by Tijuanazo is currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., though final hours are still being determined.