YUCA’S
RENOWNED TACO HUT RELAUNCHES BREAKFAST MENU

A beloved, casual taco-on-the-go institution, Yuca’s, which originally opened its tiny taco hut in a former shoe shine shack in 1976, is a favorite among locals and foodies for delicious Mexican fare. In a town obsessed with food, especially the next, best new thing, Yuca’s, the unassuming mom-and-pop shop, has been a dining force to be reckoned with for three decades.

A James Beard winner, that’s right, in the "America's Classics" category, which honors legendary family-owned restaurants across the country, Yuca’s has re-launched its bold breakfast menu, offering Yucatan breakfast items in addition to its popular burritos.

As owner Dora Herrera puts it, the story of Yuca’s started with “Mom’s dream of having a little stand where people would flock to buy her good Yucatán home cooking.” And that became a reality on April 1, 1976, and yes, she’s well aware that’s April Fools’ Day.

“Originally, Mom and Dad worked with my brother, Jaime, who took to flagging cars down and offering them his innovative, ‘Try it, you’ll like it or you won’t pay’ promotion, Dora points out. “Many people took him up on the offer. They all paid.”

Known and loved for its tacos and burritos, especially its carne asada, breakfast at Yuca’s is hearty and features classic Mexican dishes. During our recent visit for breakfast, we feasted on several tried and true favorites.

A definite fave are the Chilaquiles, spicy, scrambled eggs with tortilla chips and spicy chipotle salsa—choose between black beans or vegetarian pinto beans. You can add meat, think chorizo (soyrizo actually) or machaca, but they’re delicious as is.

Another winner is the Huevos a la Mexicana—scrambled eggs with onion, tomato and bell peppers, served with rice and beans, again, black beans or vegetarian pinto beans, along with your choice of corn or flour tortillas. As much as I love the Chilaquiles, these really are a must-have for breakfast if you’re going with the classic dishes.

But don’t forget the Huevos Motuleños—two sunny-side eggs atop tostadas spread with creamy black beans, garnished with Yuca’s special tomato sauce, diced ham and peas. It’s a favorite in the Yucatán and at Yuca’s too.

If you’re on the go or like simpler fare you can eat with your hands, you will love the Breakfast Burrito—two eggs scrambled with your choice of chorizo, ham, bacon or Machaca. These bad boys come with home potatoes, chipotle salsa and Yuca’s Special Salsa, which contains onions, tomatoes and cilantro. The burritos are a definite handful and are a meal on their own. They’ll fill you up and get you going for the rest of the day.
Do note that for now, on the first Saturday of the month, Yuca’s serves a very crowd-pleasing burrito sampler—mini version of all four breakfast burritos for $10.

Also, Yuca’s keeps things simple and old school at its original location and is cash only, while the new shop on Hollywood in Hollywood accepts credit cards. While it might be hard to find a seat, or a parking spot nearby, a visit to either Yuca’s is an L.A. must, for foodies and anyone who appreciates “simple” food at its finest.

Yuca’s on Hollywood is located at 4666 Hollywood Blvd. Hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 9pm; Sun 10am to 4pm. The original Yuca’s is located at 2056 Hillhurst Ave. Open Mon-Sat 11am to 6pm; closed Sunday.

By: Jose Martinez.

Photography courtesy of: Yuca’s