From Sonora style tacos to tacos with a Southern twist, lets taco ‘bout these 27 must-try taco spots in L.A. and find out if your favorite restaurant made it on the list!
Sofia Delpueche - Staff Writer•
Is there anything more comforting than biting into a juicy, delicious and spicy taco? Some would even go as far as saying that the taco options here are limitless – though that’s not something we’re complaining about. Most Angelenos have their go-to spots when craving something beyond gratifying, but with all the tacos being served up in the city considered the taco mecca of America, there’s naturally some competition! This is why we’ve decided to list only the best Los Angeles tacos that are a must for both locals and visitors.
1. Guerrilla Tacos
Be ready for an ambush of deliciousness. This acclaimed taquería was born in 2010 as a food truck. Four years later, they became one of the best street tacos in L.A., and their innovative flavors conquered the city. Guerrilla’s approach to tacos blends fresh, local ingredients with bold combinations, like lamb barbacoa tacos and sweet potato chorizo creations.
For a signature hit, try the all-time favorite veggie taco made out of sweet potatoes, almond & cashew, chile, feta cheese and fried corn.
💲 Price range: $20-$30
📍 Location: 2000 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
2. Sonoratown
From Mexico with love. Born in the heart of Los Angeles, Sonoratown brings a taste of Sonoran-style magic to every bite. They’re most known for their one of a kind “carne asada,” marinated and grilled to perfection, served on fresh flour tortillas made in-house daily.
But Sonoratown isn’t a one-trick pony. Their Burrito 2.0 will bring the fiesta to your palate thanks to its meat packed with flavor, chunky guacamole, Monterrey cheese, pinto beans and chaltepin salsa.
💲 Price range: $15-$25
📍 Locations:
- 208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- 5610 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
3. Salazar
A Familiar name in town. Salazar was the collaborative creation of Billy Silverman and Esdras Ochoa, co-founder of Mexicali Taco & Co, to transform a previous auto body shop into a sought-after spot for tacos and craft beer.
Al pastor tacos, shrimp quesadillas and the classical carne asada, are among their fans favorite dishes to try in this Los Angeles Mexican tacos’ restaurant.
💲 Price range: $30-$50
📍 Location: 2490 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
4. Tire Shop Taquería
You won’t get tired of these tacos. Tijuana-style carne asada awaits in this llantería- looking taco restaurant in Avalon Blvd. This takeout-only taco spot in South Park runs its operation efficiently, with multiple tents strategically organized into stations.
Vampiros stand out as another intriguing menu offering: they’re open-faced tacos prepared on tortillas grilled to a satisfying crunch.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 4077 Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011
5. Tito’s Tacos
Your trusted L.A. tacos restaurant since 1959. From its unassuming facade emerges a culinary powerhouse, drawing crowds eager to savor the iconic flavors crafted within its walls. With a commitment to quality ingrained in every aspect of its operation, this beloved spot remains a beacon of authenticity in Los Angeles’ vibrant dining landscape.
For a true taste of LA’s culinary heritage, Tito’s Tacos is the destination of choice, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230
6. Sky’s Gourmet Tacos
High-flying Mexican tacos in Los Angeles. Sky’s takes a unique approach to potato tacos, deviating from the typical tightly-sealed tacos dorados filled with mashed potatoes found elsewhere. Instead, they start by boiling potatoes, chopping them, and frying them on the griddle.
These crispy potatoes are then stuffed into a tortilla padded with cheddar cheese, lightly charred for extra flavor. Served hot, these tacos offer a satisfying audible crunch, boasting a delightful mix of textures.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 5303 W Pico Blvd Suite #01, Los Angeles, CA 90019
7. Bar Amá
The place to go for Tex-Mex fusion. Bar Amá’s relaxed, walk-up cantina vibe is a rare find in the upscale landscape of Downtown Los Angeles. Offering some of the best Mexican tacos in the area, its menu features authentic Tex-Mex dishes made with premium ingredients and innovative twists.
With its emphasis on genuine cuisine, this L.A. taco restaurant brings a piece of Mexico to the heart of the city. Embracing the messy, flavorful nature of its dishes, the restaurant invites guests to savor a playful and memorable culinary journey.
💲 Price range: $50-$100
📍 Location: FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK BUILDING, 118 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
8. Mochomitos Asador
The place to go for handmade flour tortillas. Nestled in a dimly lit corridor in Whittier, Mochomitos stands out as a beacon of authentic Los Angeles tacos, serving up flavorful carne asada options piled high on their signature tortillas.
Whether you opt for the juicy arrachera, flavorful costilla, or tender sirloin, each bite exemplifies Mochomitos’ unwavering pursuit of excellence.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 12252 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602
9. Los Dorados
Your golden ticket to flavor land. Los Dorados is renowned for serving some of the best tacos in Los Angeles, with their flautas boasting an astonishingly crisp texture. While all options are noteworthy, the potato flauta offers a quintessential Los Dorados experience.
Alternatively, the lamb barbacoa flauta, dressed in a rich salsa borracha akin to mole, is an absolute culinary gem.
💲 Price range: $10-$15
📍 Location: 5373 Alhambra Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032
10. Evil Cooks
A devilish taste of Mexican food. Evil Cooks power-slid onto the scene with a screaming metal guitar solo, starting off with one black trompo, now they’re up to three, each bearing different meats.
The “Three From Hell” comes with three tacos from every one of these trompos: beef, pork, and octopus. Each protein is rubbed with recado negro, a Yucatán-style adobo paste made from charred spices and chiles.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 2461 N Eastern Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032
11. Tacos Tamix
For your late night cravings. Tacos Tamix stands out as one of the best street taco vendors in Los Angeles, particularly renowned for their al pastor offerings. One taste is all it takes to understand why.
The crispy yet juicy al pastor slices are a testament to their mastery, ensuring a flavor-packed experience in every bite.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Locations:
- 1998-1982 S Hoover St. Los Angeles, CA 90007
- 3801 S Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90037
- 1510 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90021.
12. Tacos Los Cholos
A California favorite and the winner of Taco Madness 2023. If you haven’t ventured beyond Long Beach since 2019, you might not know that it’s quite popular in Orange County. Los Cholos, after establishing several stands across the OC, expanded to a two-story location in Huntington Park with a focus on smoked cuisine.
Their menu boasts an array of tantalizing options, from classic street tacos filled with juicy meats to innovative creations featuring their signature smoked flavors.
💲 Price range: $15-$25
📍 Location: 7127 Pacific Blvd, Huntington Park, CA 90255
13. Tacos El Cachetón
Forget the dictionary definition, “cachetón” in Los Angeles takes on a whole new meaning. With two locations, this L.A. taco spot, offers a compelling argument for your next taco fix.
Firstly, their stellar reputation speaks volumes. Both locations garner impressive ratings online, with customers raving about the flavorful meats, fresh tortillas, and generous portions. Whether you crave classic adobada tacos, hefty California burritos, or cheesy quesadillas, their diverse menu caters to various appetites and dietary preferences.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Locations:
- 4518 Rosecrans Ave, Compton, CA 90221
- 7045 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90805
14. Carnitas El Artista
The name just says it all. In Inglewood, Carnitas is rewriting the taco rule book. Their slow-cooked Michoacán pork is this Los Angeles taco spot, official signature.
Whether you cradle this flavor fiesta in tacos, a burrito, or a rice and beans platter, the carnitas are the undisputed star. They’re even breakfast-worthy atop chilaquiles! This isn’t your average carnitas, but an experience that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about this classic dish.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 510 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
15. Chichen Itza
Mythical tacos in L.A. Named after the ancient Mayan site, this stall inside Mercado La Paloma, led by acclaimed chef Gilberto Cetina Jr., specializes in providing authentic and affordable Yucatán cuisine.
While offering a range of options including tortas, full plates, tamales, and breakfast items, their tacos stand out as a highlight.
💲 Price range: $15-$25
📍 Location: 3655 S Grand Ave c6, Los Angeles, CA 90007
16. Villa’s Tacos
As seen on Netflix’s taco chronicles. Crafted from cherished family recipes, these “Los Angeles-style tacos” rank among the city’s best, complemented by a choice of seven distinct salsas and delectable guacamole, always included at no additional charge.
Villa’s culinary expertise extends to three robust vegan taco options, enhancing the menu’s appeal.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 5455 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
17. Avenue 26 Taco Stand
The perfect spot for street tacos in L.A. this exceptional taco stand played a pivotal role in the inception of the wildly popular Avenue 26 Night Market, and still thrives with locations in Little Tokyo and Eagle Rock.
Recognizable by the lively atmosphere, complete with music and a diverse crowd ranging from late-night revelers to families, these spots are synonymous with some of the finest tacos in the city. Al pastor reigns supreme on their menus, and every offering comes at an affordable price.
💲 Price range: $5-$10
📍 Locations:
- 353s Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- 1033 Neola St, Los Angeles, CA 90041
18. Taco Nazo
Pioneers in fish tacos. This is a small chain with five locations scattered across LA, owned by the Romeros, the same family behind the original food truck established in 1978.
In contrast to many eateries in L.A, that opt for tilapia due to its affordability, Taco Nazo distinguishes itself by using wild-caught cod: a lighter, fresher fish with a less pronounced fishy taste. These tacos are then garnished with a creamy mayo blend, shredded cabbage, and salsa fresca.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Locations:
- 10326 Alondra Blvd Bellflower, CA 90706
- 13032 East Valley Blvd. La Puente, CA 91746
- 9516 Garvey Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733
- 121 South Beach Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631
- 1267 North Grand Ave. Walnut, CA 91789
19. Tacos La Carreta
An iconic L.A. Mexican food truck. Hailing from El Verde Concordia, Sinaloa, José Morales Jr.’s family has been cruising this taco truck through LA since 2020, dishing out delectable Sinaloa-style tacos.
Tacos La Carreta takes their corn tortillas to the next level by generously coating them with lard before layering on flavorful asada and a robust salsa thickened with cabbage. For an extra kick, opt for the vampiro option and don’t forget to request grilled onions and hot peppers to complete the experience.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 413 N Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220
20. Aquí es Texcoco
Looking for lamb tacos? Here it is. Even if you’re not typically a fan of lamb, these tacos have the power to change your mind. Aquí es Texcoco specializes in the traditional Texcoco-style
Accompanied by onions, cilantro, and salsa, these tacos are elegantly simple yet exceptionally flavorful. They can be served either soft or grilled, and for a more extensive dining experience, you can explore BBQ plates, combos, flautas, enchiladas, and more.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: 520 Broadway 5 & 6, Chula Vista, CA 91910
21. Cielito Lindo
Shine bright like a burrito. Since 1934, Cielito Lindo has been sizzling up legendary deep-fried beef taquitos. These golden corn cylinders, icons of Los Angeles tacos, boast a nostalgic crunch and flavor, generously smothered in a vibrant avocado salsa… No wonder why Anthony Bourdain loved this place!
Their hearty burritos and chile rellenos are local favorites, perfect fuel for exploring the vibrant, historic landmark.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Location: E, 23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
22. El Cholo
Providing Los Angeles with the best tacos for the last 100 years, for real. Regarded as the birthplace of Mexican cuisine in the city, this restaurant takes you back in time with their black and white photos that showcase a piece of the city’s history.
Dive into their Sonoran enchiladas, crowned with a golden fried egg. The chimichangas are considered legendary just as their green corn tamales burst with vibrant flavor.
💲 Price range: $20-$30
📍 Location: 1037 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
23. Leo’s Tacos Truck
10 years of Mexican food spread across 10 food trucks around the city. Leo’s offers pocket friendly options of juicy, marinated pork straight from the iconic trompo, sizzling with smoky goodness.
Each taco gets a sweet and spicy kick from fresh pineapple, completing the flavor fiesta. Forget fancy fusion, this is al pastor done right, the way generations of Angelenos have loved it.
💲 Price range: $10-$20
📍 Locations:
- 1515 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90019
- 9727 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331
- 986 W 1st, San Pedro, CA 90731
- 3485 S La Ciénega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
- 5525 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- 415 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
- 1748 N. Avalon Blvd. Wilmington, CA 90744
- 15421 Parthenia St Los Angeles, CA 91343
- 2400 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90019
- 1533 Vermont Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006
24. Holbox
Los Angeles tacos with a taste of the ocean. Seared scallops, bursting with ocean freshness, land on a bed of caramelized onions, their sweetness perfectly balancing the tangy bite of pickled fennel.
This taco spot in the city offers a variety of fish that takes the typical cuisine from Yucatán to you very own hands, literally.
💲 Price range: $20-$30
📍 Location: 3655 S Grand Ave c9, Los Angeles, CA 90007
25. Tacos Los Güichos
Los Angeles taco royalty. At Tacos Los Güichos, the iconic trompo isn’t just a prop, it’s a throne. Witness flames dance around marinated pork, their scent mingling with the intoxicating soundtrack of sizzling meat.
Here, al pastor is taken “so seriously,” the trompo master reigns supreme, separate from the rest. No ordinary salsa dares touch this masterpiece.
💲 Price range: $20-$30
📍 Location: 320 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90003
26. Loqui
Don’t like lamb, ground beef or fish? Loqui got you cover with chicken tacos. The San Francisco-originated chain serves one of our favorite chickens in town, rolling a surplus of tender, smoky, red-stained thigh meat inside its signature buttery tortillas.
💲 Price range: $$10-20
📍 Location: 803 Traction Ave #150, Los Angeles, CA 90013
27. Los Palomos
For a true taste of authentic Oaxaca style tacos in Los Angeles. Tacos Los Palomos is a family-owned and operated taquería that has been serving up delicious Mexican food for over 20 years.
Be sure to try the tacos al pastor, which are made with pork that is slowly roasted on a trompo. The tacos are also served with a variety of salsas, so you can customize your meal to your taste.
💲 Price range: $10-20
📍 Locations:
- 2352 Mountain View Rd, El Monte, CA 91733
- 3340-3330 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507
Hungry for more? Check out the best Mexican restaurants in L.A.
