Cielito Lindo

Cielito Lindo is a taquito stand at 23 Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles, run by the Guerrero family since 1934 and known for beef taquitos in avocado sauce.

History

Aurora Guerrero, an immigrant single mother from Zacatecas, began selling taquitos from a cart in the early 1920s and obtained a permanent stand on Olvera Street in the 1930s; Christine Sterling, the figure behind the street's redevelopment as a Mexican marketplace, gave the family the opportunity. The business dates itself to 1934. Wikipedia's article on the taquito names Cielito Lindo as one of two Southern California restaurants credited with early development of the dish. The family also owns Las Anitas across the street, and fourth-generation descendants now run the stand.

In May 2026 the family announced a temporary closure and started a fundraiser to cover electrical repairs, overdue rent and city fees, citing rising costs and slow tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic; donations passed the $40,000 goal within days. Time Out has since described the stand as closed, so its status is uncertain.

Menu

The signature is a plate of rolled beef taquitos covered in a thin, creamy salsa of cooked tomatillos thickened with avocado, often served with refried beans and cheese. Customers frequently buy the salsa by the quart to take home.

Reviews

See also

• Tacos dorados

References

1. "Cielito Lindo Defines the Flavors of East L.A.". Resy. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
2. "Taquito". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
3. "Iconic LA Taquito Stand Seeks Community Support". LAmag. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
4. "Historic Los Angeles taquito stand receives more than $40K in donations in 5 days". KTLA. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
5. "33 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now". Time Out Los Angeles. Retrieved 2026-10-10.