While preparing $1 tacos, Damián shared why affordable food and familiar faces keep people coming back to Lia's Tacos.

When I met Damián, he was in the middle of preparing orders at Lia's Tacos. Even with customers waiting, he paused between tacos to answer my questions and talk about the business.

Although he has only worked at Lia's Tacos for three months, Damián brings years of restaurant experience to the stand after previously working as a cook. Today, he helps serve customers Tuesday through Sunday at one of Pico Boulevard's busiest evening taco spots.

Lia's Tacos has become known for its $1 tacos, offering an affordable meal for the neighborhood. According to Damián, weekends are especially busy, with as many as 40 to 50 customers stopping by in a single evening.

While we talked, another customer joined the conversation. He spoke about how many longtime businesses along Pico Boulevard have closed in recent years and how neighborhood taco stands like Lia's Tacos have become an important source of affordable food for the community.

For Damián, the work is about more than preparing meals. As the father of a 10-year-old daughter, long evenings at the stand are part of supporting his family while continuing the career he built in restaurant kitchens.

Every night, Lia's Tacos serves dozens of customers looking for a simple, affordable meal. In a neighborhood that's constantly changing, businesses like this continue to bring people together—one taco at a time.

Quick Facts

Name: Damián

Business: Lia's Tacos

Role: Employee

Background: Former Restaurant Cook

Time Working Here: 3 Months

Location: Pico Blvd.

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 3:30 PM–12:00 AM

Customer Traffic: 20–50 Customers Per Day

Known For: $1 Tacos

Social Media: @liastacos

By Austin Iluore

Keeping Pico Fed