Patch Blog: Late-Night Tacos Served With a Smile

I have lived in Eagle rock for about 15 years, and naturally the first thing we do when moving into a new neighborhood is to scope out the area for great local eateries, businesses, entertainment etc. Because my husband was already well acquainted with the neighborhood, one of the first places he introduced me to was a famous little taco truck on Colorado Boulevard. I'm sure almost every resident in Eagle Rock knows about Freddy's Truck and his simple, delicious food that just hits the spot for those late-night taco cravings.

Originally from Colorado, Fred moved to L.A. in 1981, studied at Glendale Community College, and has parked his truck pretty much in the same spot since 1983—on Colorado, just west of Eagle Rock Boulevard, in front of the right across from and .

In 1992, he took over a landmark eatery on Eagle Rock Boulevard called , which has been in business since 1947, serving sandwiches, chilli-dogs and burgers. Fred is obviously a hard-working man and it’s clear from his ever-present smile that he loves what he does.

I once asked him what he liked most about his job. He smiled and said that his favorite part was "interacting with and meeting all sorts of different people." He went on to say that he has met some very interesting folks over the years and has even made some lifelong friends. "Seeing peoples' lives grow and change as the years pass," he said, was deeply satisfying to him.

Most of Fred's customers are people who have been enjoying his food and his company for many years. (Of course, there are many newcomers, too.) They range from the young, late-night crowds that used to stop by after a fun night for a quick bite—and who still come back years later with their kids and families—to the regulars who have for one reason or another moved out of town but who return for one of Fred's tacos or a combo burrito when they visit L.A.

"It's these kinds of stories that put a smile on my face and make my day," said Fred, throwing his arms up, as if to say, “how can you not smile at that?” He loves to catch up, never fails to ask how things are or what's new, making you feel like you've run into an old friend who cares enough to pick up where you last left off. This is exactly why we've been stopping by at Fred's for as long as we have—his smile, the chit-chat and, of course, his simple and tasty food.

During one recent encounter, as customers came and went, I took pictures and asked Fred questions—all the while my mouth watering from the delicious smells coming from the tiny window of his mobile kitchen. I approached and asked the folks waiting, why they loved eating at Freddy's.

One patron, who said he has been enjoying Fred’s food for a few years, hit the nail on the head. "It's not just the high-quality food for a good price,” he said, “but it comes with a personal touch." Another customer—a relatively new one—said that the food is consistently good, very tasty and fast as well. It seems as though people always want their food fast, tasty—and served up with a smile.

I put in an order for a couple of tacos, and as I waited taking a few more snapshots of the master at work, Fred turned to me, all serious, and said: "I love this neighborhood and I couldn't have picked a better place." It's the people of Eagle Rock that he loves most, he confided. They have been very loyal and supportive customers to him, said Fred, and he has enjoyed many a conversation with young and old patrons alike. No wonder he loves what he does.

After taking a last snapshot of my food and giving Fred a firm, heartfelt handshake, I was off to enjoy my tacos. I noticed that I had a smile on my face—after all, don't we all want to go to a place sometimes where we're treated like friends? Where we can talk about something or nothing at all, and walk away feeling a little happier—and in this case with a full belly, too.

So, swing by Freddy's Truck anytime between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. any day, enjoy his good food and great company—and leave with a little smile on your face.

It's people like Fred who make up the community I love so much—that is, my town, Eagle Rock.

Mari Mansourian blogs at MyTownEagleRock.blogspot.com.