Cactus Taqueria, a Hollywood landmark that has served celebrities and locals for 34 years, will close its doors permanently on July 12. The restaurant, founded in 1992 by Mario Tornel, a Mexican immigrant, became a neighborhood institution known for its burritos, tacos, and tortas.
Tornel established the taqueria with generations of family recipes. The original location, situated on Vine and Barton in Hollywood, was destroyed by the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, but Tornel rebuilt and expanded. His son, Marlo, recalled his father's dedication, working tirelessly to ensure the business's success.
The flagship Cactus Taqueria gained a notable clientele, including actors Brad Pitt, Johnny Knoxville, Jimmy Kimmel, and director Quentin Tarantino, who have ordered catering for events. Other celebrity patrons have included Khloe Kardashian, Lamar Odom, Paul Rodriguez, Eric Tillman, Hilary Duff, Olivia Rodrigo, Robert Trujillo of Metallica, and 2 Chainz. The late chef Anthony Bourdain was also a frequent visitor, particularly fond of the lengua tacos.
Beyond its famous patrons, the taqueria has been a part of Hollywood's cultural landscape, featured in television shows and movies such as "Flight Of The Phoenix," "Bosch," and "House." Knoxville even filmed a segment for a show at the location, where he purchased food for everyone present.
The restaurant has overcome challenges, including a drive-by shooting in the 1990s and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected businesses reliant on late-night customers. The current closure is not due to a lack of business but rather the expansion of Project Angel Food, a nonprofit organization sharing the property. Project Angel Food, which prepares and delivers meals to critically ill patients, is taking over the site, requiring Cactus Taqueria and other businesses to vacate by the July 12 deadline.
Marlo Tornel expressed hope that the decades of hard work and sacrifice invested in the taqueria will not be forgotten. "We want people to know how much hard work and sacrifice went into this," he stated. "Because if we don’t let that be known, it’s like we’re throwing all that away, like that time didn’t even happen."
Regular customers have shared their memories and sadness on social media, lamenting the loss of a beloved local eatery. The closure reflects a broader trend in the city, where small businesses face rising operating costs and development pressures.
Despite the impending closure, Mario Tornel remains optimistic. "My dad is very proud. He just says, ‘we’ll go do it on our own, we’ll figure it out. If we have to start selling food on the street, then we’ll do it.’ And he’s not scared,” Marlo relayed. The family encourages patrons to visit before July 12 to share memories and enjoy the food one last time.