Brothers Cousins Tacos

The spinning tower of al pastor pork, glowing under the tent lights in a West LA parking lot, is the centerpiece of Brothers Cousins Tacos. The whole operation is built around this trompo, a vertical spit where layers of marinated pork are slow-roasted and carved to order. This is a classic street food setup, with the entire kitchen running in the open air. The sounds of sizzling meat and the smell of grilling onions define the space, and everything moves like an efficient assembly line, guiding you from the ordering station past the cooks and the trompo itself. That al pastor, sliced directly onto a tortilla and topped with a sliver of pineapple, is what brings the crowds. The menu, however, covers all the essentials of Mexican street food. You can get tacos, burritos, quesadillas, mulitas, tortas, and alambres filled with other meats like carne asada, cabeza, lengua, or tripe. For drinks, there are classic aguas frescas like horchata and jamaica, along with imported Mexican sodas. Once you have your order, the next stop is the long, self-service toppings bar – a crucial part of the process. The counter is loaded with multiple kinds of salsa, a smooth avocado cream, grilled vegetables, and even a tray of potatoes that you can add yourself. Long lines are standard here, especially during the late-night rush, so a 15 or 20-minute wait is typical. There’s no real seating to speak of, so most people eat standing around the lot or leaning against their cars. Payment can be cash or card, but check the board as the prices are listed separately. Just know they’re closed on Mondays.