Henry’s Tacos in NoHo city’s next landmark?

Henry’s Tacos, one of the city’s favorite little stands, recently celebrated its 50th year in business and now there’s a movement afoot to designate the eatery as a Los Angeles historical-cultural monument. A taco stand as a city landmark? The idea has quite a bit of support from both the community and city preservationists.

The effort was launched by Henry’s third-generation owner Janis Hood but she has also rallied the support of Charles Fischer, a local history buff and Los Angelo-phile (is that even close to a legit term?) who has assisted in landmarking scores of other buildings, including the Black Cat Bar in Silverlake and the Venice West Cafe. Fischer notes that Henry’s is one of the last remaining food stands left built in the Googie Vernacular style, which is regarded fondly for its dramatic rooftop lines and eye-catching signage and completely ridiculous sounding name.

The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission has thrown its support behind the effort, with a 5-0 vote in favor of making the restaurant a landmark. Unfortunately, Henry’s leaseholder is not so enthusiastic about keeping the taco stand in business if its designated a historical-cultural monument and renewal negotiations have been contentious. All this has prompted an outpouring of support form the community, including a petition to the city council and the leaseholder to keep Henry’s as is.

If designating the place as a landmark is what is needed to keep those awesome American-style tacos coming out the window, then it’s gotta be done. Family-owned and operated eateries are turning into an endangered species in this city, any effort that preserves one that has been a longtime and cherished part of the community is welcome.

In the meantime, drop by and find out why Henry’s Taco Stand is a neighborhood favorite.

Henry’s Tacos

11401 Moorpark St., North Hollywood

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