Campos Tacos ~ West Los Angeles

12201 Santa Monica Blvd. (S. Bundy Dr. & Amherst Ave.) West Los Angeles 90025 310-481-9995

Campos doesn’t necessarily look authentic or original in its strip mall façade, but inside a fiercely independent spirit is embodied in its Baja Fresh-sized space dominated by pictures of Mexican revolutionaries. The tacos ($1.75) are unique too, in that they are corn tortilla, hand-shredded wonders absolutely bursting with meat. They are giant for such authentic tacos. The asada is some of the best we’ve sampled, with a complex mix of spices, while carnitas and al pastor are good, but a little too flavorful in their stewy blends, if that is possible. Tex-Mex hard-shells are also great and at the ready.

Breakfast burritos lack a little zing, while tortas, gorditas and burritos, among other items on their giant menu, are satisfyingly huge and savory. Shrimp and beef fajitas look awesome, and are one of the few items over $5. Campos might not be the greatest in West L.A., but it is worth a bite for these portions at these prices. Check out their take-away menus for terrific money-saving coupons.