Innovative Mexican Restaurant Guerrilla Tacos to Close on January 31

guerrilla Tacos to Shutter its Doors in Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ vibrant dining scene is about to say goodbye to a beloved institution. Guerrilla Tacos, a modern Mexican restaurant that helped redefine the city’s culinary landscape, will permanently close its doors on January 31, 2025. Managing Partner Brittney Valles confirmed the news, marking the end of an era for this popular Arts District eatery.

From Food Truck to Arts District Landmark

guerrilla Tacos began its journey in 2012 as a humble food truck, serving up Chef Wes Avila’s innovative takes on tacos from a griddle outside Arts District coffee shops. The truck quickly gained a loyal following, becoming renowned for its creative flavors, like the beloved sweet potato and feta taco. This success led Avila to partner with bookkeeper Brittney Valles in 2016, and together they established a brick-and-mortar location on a prominent corner of Seventh Street in 2018.

The restaurant quickly became a hotspot, reflecting the explosive growth of the neighborhood and setting a new standard for modern Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles.

A Culinary Legacy

Avila’s culinary vision extended beyond tacos, with Guerrilla Tacos’ menu featuring a diverse selection of tostadas, albondigas, and even vegan sweet potato tacos, catering to every palate. The full bar complemented the culinary experience, offering creative cocktails and an impressive collection of mezcals.

Avila’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to open several other successful ventures, including piopiko in Japan, Angry Egret Dinette in Chinatown, Ka’teen in Hollywood, and most recently, the Monterrey-inspired grill house MXO in West Hollywood.

Following Avila’s departure from Guerrilla Tacos in 2020, Jason Beberman took over as chef, followed by Crystal Espinoza in 2023. Valles and Avila’s bold decision to open guerrilla Tacos in the then less bustling Arts District paved the way for a culinary renaissance in the area, inspiring a wave of acclaimed restaurants such as Damian, Afuri Ramen, Soho Warehouse, Yess, and Camé.

Guerrilla Tacos: A Downtown LA Icon Closes its Doors

Downtown Los Angeles bid farewell to a culinary favorite this week as Guerrilla Tacos, the popular taco spot helmed by Chef Wes Avila, announced its permanent closure. After six years of serving up inventive and delicious tacos, the Arts District landmark will be no more.

A Heavy Heart, A Fond Farewell

Avila took to Instagram to share the news with a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the community’s support over the years. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of Guerrilla Tacos,” he wrote. “These past six years have been an incredible journey, and I am eternally grateful for the support of our amazing community.”

since opening in 2017, guerrilla Tacos had gained a reputation for its unique flavor combinations and innovative approach to tacos. The menu featured standout dishes like the korean Short Rib taco and the Crispy Potato taco, drawing rave reviews and a loyal following.

Challenges Faced by the LA culinary Scene

Guerrilla Tacos’ closure comes amidst a difficult time for Los Angeles restaurants. Several other prominent eateries, including Catch Steak LA, Piknik, and the newly opened Lustig, have also shuttered their doors recently. The contributing factors are multifaceted, but the current economic climate, marked by rising inflation and labor costs, undoubtedly plays a notable role.

Remembering Chef Avila’s Legacy

While the closure is a loss for the Downtown LA food scene, Chef Avila’s impact on the city’s culinary landscape is undeniable. His commitment to creativity and his passion for bold flavors have left an indelible mark.

The Chef’s Vision: An Interview with Brittney Valles

We spoke with Brittney Valles, Managing Partner of Guerrilla Tacos, to gain further insight into the closure and the restaurant’s enduring legacy.

Archyde: Brittney,thank you for taking the time to speak with us during this emotional period.The news of Guerrilla Tacos closing its doors has deeply saddened many in the Los Angeles dining scene. Can you elaborate on the decision to close after nearly seven years as a beloved Arts District eatery?

Brittney Valles: Thank you for having me. It’s definitely an emotional time for all of us. The decision to close wasn’t made lightly. We’ve been a part of this community for so long, and it’s been an incredible journey. But after much reflection, we felt it was the right time to close this chapter. The restaurant industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, and while we’ve been lucky to have such loyal customers, the realities of operating in this habitat have taken a toll.

Archyde: Guerrilla Tacos started as a humble food truck in 2012 and evolved into a renowned institution. What do you believe made it so special to Angelenos?

Brittney Valles: I think it was Chef Wes Avila’s vision that truly resonated with people. From the beginning,Guerrilla Tacos was never about sticking to tradition. It was about creativity, pushing boundaries, and offering something truly unique.

quality, and making tacos ‍that surprised and delighted people. Whether it was sweet potato tacos or uni tostadas, Wes brought a level of innovation​ that people hadn’t seen ⁤before.​ And of course, the Arts District location became a gathering place—a spot where people could⁣ come together over ‌great food and feel a sense of community.

Archyde: ⁣Speaking of Chef⁢ Wes, how has his influence shaped ⁤the identity of Guerrilla Tacos?

Brittney ‌Valles: ⁢ Wes is the heart and soul of Guerrilla Tacos. His approach to cooking is fearless and deeply personal. He’s‌ always ‍been about using the best ingredients he could ⁢find,whether it was from a local farmer’s market or‌ a specialty purveyor. That commitment to quality and‍ his ability to think ⁣outside the box is what set us apart. Even⁢ after he stepped back from day-to-day ⁣operations, his spirit has‌ always been present in everything ‌we do.

Archyde: What⁣ has the response been like from the community as the announcement?

Brittney ​Valles: ‌It’s been‍ overwhelming, to be honest. We’ve ⁣received so many ⁤messages ‌from people sharing their ⁤memories—first dates, birthday celebrations, even proposals that happened at Guerrilla Tacos.It’s been a reminder of how much this‌ place has meant to people.⁣ We’re so grateful for⁣ the love and support we’ve received over ⁣the ​years.

Archyde: As you prepare to close ​on January 31, 2025, what can customers expect in these final weeks?

Brittney Valles: We want to make these last weeks a festivity. We’re bringing back some of ⁤the most popular dishes from over the years, and our team is working harder than ever to make sure every meal ‍is ⁤special. ⁢We’re also planning a few surprises to thank our customers ‌for their loyalty.It’s going to ⁣be bittersweet, ⁣but we want to go out on a high note.

Archyde: Looking ahead, what’s next for you ⁢and the team?

Brittney Valles: That’s still up in‌ the air. ⁢For now, we’re focused on giving⁣ Guerrilla Tacos the sendoff‍ it deserves. After that,⁤ who knows? ‌The restaurant‌ industry ⁤is full of possibilities, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.‍ One thing’s for sure—Guerrilla Tacos will⁣ always be‍ a part of us,and we’ll carry the ⁢lessons ​we’ve learned hear into whatever comes next.

Archyde: what message would you like⁣ to leave​ for the fans of Guerrilla tacos?

Brittney Valles: ⁢Thank you. Thank you for believing ​in us,for supporting us,and for being a part⁣ of this ‍incredible journey. Guerrilla Tacos wouldn’t have been possible without ‌you. while this ​chapter is ending, the memories we’ve created together‌ will last‌ forever.‌ We hope you’ll join us in these final weeks to ​celebrate what we’ve built.

Archyde: ‍ Brittney, thank you‍ for sharing your story with us.Guerrilla Tacos will ⁣be⁣ deeply missed, but its legacy will undoubtedly live on.

Brittney Valles: ⁣Thank you.It’s been⁤ an honor.

What are some of the signature dishes that made Guerrilla Tacos so popular?

The Chef’s Vision: An Interview with Brittney Valles

We spoke with Brittney Valles, Managing Partner of Guerrilla Tacos, to gain further insight into the closure and the restaurant’s enduring legacy.

Archyde: Brittney,thank you for taking the time to speak with us during this emotional period. The news of Guerrilla Tacos closing its doors has deeply saddened many in the Los Angeles dining scene. Can you elaborate on the decision to close after nearly seven years as a beloved Arts District eatery?

Brittney Valles: Thank you for having me. It’s definitely an emotional time for all of us. The decision to close wasn’t made lightly. We’ve been a part of this community for so long, and it’s been an unbelievable journey. But after much reflection,we felt it was the right time to close this chapter. The restaurant industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, and while we’ve been lucky to have such loyal customers, the realities of operating in this climate have taken a toll. Rising costs, inflation, and labor challenges have made it increasingly arduous to sustain the level of quality and creativity that Guerrilla Tacos has always stood for.

Archyde: Guerrilla Tacos started as a humble food truck in 2012 and evolved into a renowned institution. What do you believe made it so special to angelenos?

Brittney Valles: I think it was Chef Wes Avila’s vision that truly resonated with people. From the beginning,Guerrilla Tacos was never about sticking to tradition. It was about creativity, pushing boundaries, and offering something truly unique. Wes brought a level of innovation that people hadn’t seen before—whether it was sweet potato tacos or uni tostadas, he made tacos that surprised and delighted people.The Arts District location became a gathering place, a spot where people could come together over great food and feel a sense of community.It wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a cultural hub.

Archyde: Speaking of Chef Wes, how has his influence shaped the identity of Guerrilla tacos, even after his departure in 2020?

Brittney Valles: Wes’s influence is woven into the DNA of Guerrilla Tacos. His commitment to bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and culinary innovation set the tone for everything we did. Even after he moved on to other ventures, his spirit remained at the heart of the restaurant.The chefs who followed, like Jason Beberman and crystal Espinoza, carried forward his ethos, ensuring that the menu continued to reflect his vision while also bringing their own creativity to the table.Wes’s legacy is not just in the food but in the culture of experimentation and excellence that he instilled in the team.

Archyde: Guerrilla Tacos played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the Arts District. How do you see its closure impacting the neighborhood?

Brittney Valles: It’s bittersweet. When we opened in 2018, the Arts District was still emerging as a culinary destination. Guerrilla Tacos was part of that wave of change, and it’s been incredible to see how the neighborhood has grown since then. While our closure is a loss, I believe the Arts District has become a vibrant, thriving community with so much to offer. We’re proud to have been a part of its transformation, and I hope our legacy inspires others to continue pushing boundaries and creating spaces that bring people together.

Archyde: Looking back, what are you most proud of when it comes to Guerrilla Tacos?

Brittney valles: I’m most proud of the community we built. From the food truck days to the brick-and-mortar location, we’ve always been about more than just serving great food. We’ve been a place where people could connect, celebrate, and experience something new. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they tried a dish for the first time, or hearing stories about how Guerrilla Tacos became a part of someone’s life—those are the moments I’ll cherish. It’s been an honor to be a part of something so meaningful.

Archyde: What’s next for you and the team?

brittney Valles: Right now, we’re focused on closing this chapter with gratitude and grace. We’re working to support our team during this transition and ensure that they’re set up for success in their next steps. As for me, I’m taking some time to reflect and explore new opportunities. The restaurant industry is tough, but it’s also full of incredible people and possibilities. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Archyde: Any final words for the loyal customers and fans of Guerrilla Tacos?

Brittney Valles: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support over the years has meant everything to us. Guerrilla Tacos wouldn’t have been possible without the love and enthusiasm of this community. While this chapter is ending, the memories and connections we’ve made will last a lifetime.We hope you’ll carry a piece of Guerrilla Tacos with you, whether it’s a favorite dish, a shared moment, or the spirit of creativity and boldness that defined us. Thank you for being a part of our story.

Archyde: Thank you, Brittney, for sharing your thoughts and memories with us. Guerrilla Tacos will be deeply missed, but its legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of Angelenos.

Brittney Valles: Thank you. It’s been an honor.