LA stands tall as America’s taco capital – that’s just facts. The city buzzes with everything from midnight food trucks to beloved family spots that span generations. Looking for the best tacos in LA turns into an amazing food journey.
Your taste buds will thank you for the authentic flavors here. Picture perfectly smoky al pastor spinning on a trompo, rich and tender slow-cooked birria, and fresh Baja-style fish tacos that burst with flavor. We took the delicious challenge of sampling countless tortillas to bring you 10 amazing taco spots. These places make locals proud and keep visitors coming back for more.
The city’s best tacos are waiting for you. Some shine bright on Downtown LA’s busy streets while others hide in surprising spots around town. These places skip the fancy setup and focus on pure flavors that showcase LA’s amazing food culture.
Sonoratown
Image Source: www.sonoratown.com
Sonoratown brings Northern Mexican flavors to life through mesquite smoke and handmade tortillas right in Downtown LA’s Fashion District. You’ll find one of the best tacos in LA at this spot, Founded in 2016 by Teodoro Diaz-Rodriguez Jr. and Jennifer Feltham. This taqueria captures authentic Sonoran-style cooking in Los Angeles.
Sonoratown’s Signature Dishes
The menu features several standout items that will amaze your taste buds:
- Carne Asada Tacos: Salt-seasoned short ribs hit the grill perfectly, topped with salsa roja, guacamole, and cabbage
- Chivichangas: Shredded chicken or beef mingles with melted cheese and smoky Anaheim chiles
- Caramelos: Your choice of meat comes with pinto beans, cheese, and fresh avocado on top
Sonoratown’s Mesquite Grilling Technique
The tacos stand apart because of their authentic cooking methods. The meat gets its unique flavor from mesquite wood grilling. This creates a smoky taste that takes you straight to San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora. Each cut combines lean slivers with fatty pieces to deliver the perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.
Sonoratown’s Handmade Flour Tortillas
The legendary LA taco scene celebrates these impossibly thin, chewy flour tortillas. Pork lard and special Sonoran wheat flour create tortillas so thin they appear almost translucent. The owners’ commitment shows in their regular trips to San Luis Río Colorado to source their special Harina Bonfil flour.
Fresh tortillas emerge throughout the day. They receive a final touch on the mesquite grill before meeting their fillings. The combination of smoky meat and fresh toppings creates a perfect harmony of flavors. This dedication explains why Sonoratown ranks among the best authentic tacos near me spots in Downtown LA.
Mariscos Jalisco
Image Source: www.mariscosjalisco.net
A true gem awaits taco enthusiasts searching for the best tacos in LA in Boyle Heights. Raul Ortega has served up seafood magic here since 2001. His food truck Mariscos Jalisco, inspired by flavors from his hometown San Juan de Los Lagos, Mexico, has become a beloved LA institution.
Mariscos Jalisco’s Famous Shrimp Tacos
Their legendary Tacos Dorado de Cameron stands as a masterpiece that LA Weekly recognized as “The Best Taco in Los Angeles”. These tacos redefine the shrimp taco experience. The shell shatters like tempura and reveals succulent shrimp that’s slightly undercooked to keep its natural texture. Their special tomato sauce, fresh cilantro, crisp cabbage, and creamy avocado slices complete each taco.
Mariscos Jalisco’s Seafood Specialties
The menu offers an ocean of flavors beyond their famous tacos:
- Ceviche Mixto: A mountain of shrimp, octopus, and fish cooked in lime juice, garnished with fresh avocado and pico de gallo
- Poseidon Tostada: Their signature ceviche gets lifted with a spicy aguachile sauce that’ll wake up your taste buds
- Coctel Campechana: A refreshing cocktail features perfectly cooked octopus, shrimp, and avocado in a zesty tomato broth
Mariscos Jalisco’s Signature Salsas
The kitchen’s steadfast dedication to flavor shines through their house-made salsas. Their slightly spicy tomato sauce adds the perfect kick to shrimp tacos. The aguachile sauce brings heat without overwhelming delicate seafood flavors. Each sauce complements the fresh seafood and creates that perfect balance that keeps locals returning and visitors planning their next visit.
Mariscos Jalisco’s magic lies beyond just great food. Their steadfast dedication to quality and tradition sets them apart. They maintain high standards across multiple locations, which earned them a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for “good quality, good value cooking”.
Leo’s Taco Truck
Image Source: www.leostacostruck.com
The crowds gathering around the giant trompo at Leo’s Taco Truck will lead you to best street tacos in Los Angeles. The Martinez family from Oaxaca started this beloved LA institution that grew from a single truck to 13 locations in the city. Each location serves up some of the best tacos LA has to offer.
Leo’s Al Pastor Expertise
Their al pastor tacos steal the show with thin, delicate slices of marinated pork that transport you straight to Mexico. Their special marinade creates magic – a perfect blend of pineapple, citrus, and chilies bursts with flavor in every bite. These best authentic tacos near me cost just $1.75 each, making them an incredible value.
Leo’s Trompo Technique
Skilled taqueros put on a show as they slice perfectly charred meat directly onto warm tortillas from their signature trompo (vertical spit). The spectacle peaks when they carve a slice of fresh pineapple from the large chunk sitting atop the meat tower. Each taco gets its final touch on the plancha before serving with their fiery salsa roja, diced white onions, and fresh cilantro.
Leo’s Popular Locations
Leo’s Taco Trucks serve their famous al pastor at these prime spots:
- La Brea & Venice: Their flagship location, open until 3:30 AM on weekends
- Sunset & Western: A Hollywood favorite, serving until 3 AM Friday and Saturday
- Glendale & Cortez: Perfect for late-night cravings until 3 AM on weekends
The ultimate al pastor experience awaits after 7 PM when the trompo spins in all its glory. Lines might stretch for blocks at their busiest intersections during peak hours. These best tacos downtown LA deserve every minute of your wait.
Tire Shop Taqueria
Image Source: Yelp
A hidden gem serves some of the best authentic tacos near me in South LA’s urban streets. Tire Shop Taqueria (officially Taqueria San Miguel) started in a tire shop parking lot, and their Tijuana-style tacos have become legendary in LA.
Tire Shop’s Tijuana-Style Tacos
Skilled hands press fresh corn masa into tortillas right in front of customers. These tortillas hit the hot griddle moments after pressing, creating the foundation for what many call the best tacos in LA. The stellar lineup includes:
- Carne Asada: Juicy steak grilled to perfection
- Chorizo: Rich and smoky with deep red pepper flavors
- Cabeza: Melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek
- Al Pastor: Traditional seasoned marinated pork
Tire Shop’s Grilling Methods
The authentic grilling techniques make these tacos special. The meat sizzles over mesquite charcoal to achieve perfect char while staying juicy. Taqueros chop the meat right before serving to maximize flavor and succulence. Fresh cilantro, chopped onions, spicy salsa, and generous creamy guacamole dress each taco.
Tire Shop’s House Salsas
Their house salsa packs heat that awakens taste buds. Smooth guacamole salsa with fresh avocado chunks offers cool relief from the spicy elements. The Vampiros stand out as open-faced tacos with crispy grilled tortillas that create amazing texture.
This best tacos downtown LA spot operates from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and stays closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Regular crowds prove that patience pays off. Each taco costs $2.50, offering authentic Tijuana-style flavors north of the border.
Guisados
Image Source: Guisados
Guisados brings the comfort of traditional Mexican home cooking to the best tacos LA scene from its roots in Boyle Heights. This family-owned gem has delighted locals with some of the most authentic braised tacos in Los Angeles Since 2010.
Guisados’ Braised Meat Varieties
The signature meat selections will amaze your taste buds:
- Bistek en Salsa Roja: Tender flank steak simmers with red bell peppers and tomatoes. Chile de arbol and creamy avocado complete this masterpiece
- Cochinita Pibil: Sweet red achiote spice bathes this shredded pork, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor
- Mole Poblano: Rich, nutty sauce envelops shredded chicken breast that makes other moles fade from memory
Guisados’ Handmade Tortillas
The foundation of these best authentic tacos near me starts with thick, handmade corn tortillas. Fresh batches emerge throughout the day at every location. These sturdy tortillas hold generous portions of braised goodness while adding their distinct corn flavor to each bite.
Guisados’ Signature Stews
The restaurant’s name (“guisados” means “stews” in Spanish) reflects their slow-simmered fillings. Vegetarian options shine alongside meat choices:
- Calabacitas: Queso fresco crowns this hearty mix of squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, and onions
- Hongos con Cilantro: Mushrooms simmer with cilantro and onions, finished with green serrano chile
Each taco costs USD 4.25, making these best tacos downtown LA a fantastic value. Undecided customers can sample six different mini tacos. Remember – their spice levels pack serious heat. The Chiles Toreados taco combines habanero, serrano, jalapeño, and thai chiles that only serious heat seekers should attempt.
Tacos Y Birria La Unica
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Boyle Heights’ Tacos Y Birria La Unica has become skilled at preparing traditional Mexican stew. This cash-only spot stands out as one of LA’s most authentic birria destinations.
La Unica’s Birria Specialties
Your birria journey offers exciting choices. The tender beef birria melts in your mouth, and the traditional goat version showcases expert preparation that minimizes gaminess. Both meats undergo slow braising until they reach perfect tenderness. The goat birria stands out with its rich flavor profile that will make you wonder why you haven’t explored goat meat before.
La Unica’s Consomé Recipe
La Unica’s extraordinary consomé defines the true birria experience. Their rich broth serves two purposes – it’s perfect to sip with your tacos and ideal to dip them in. The consomé enhances the meat’s natural flavors while adding complexity to each bite.
La Unica’s Taco Varieties
The menu offers these mouthwatering options:
- Quesatacos ($4.00): Crunchy tacos filled with your choice of meat and melted cheese
- Tacos Dorados ($3.50): Crispy-fried tacos that deliver the perfect crunch
- Mulitas ($5.00): A heartier option packed with meat and cheese
The restaurant’s attention to detail makes these tacos exceptional. The staff carefully fries homemade tortillas before adding juicy birria meat and cheese that oozes with each bite. The ultimate experience comes from their special trio: a goat birria taco, beef birria taco, and goat birria quesataco. Remember to ask about their habanero salsa if you enjoy extra heat.
Pro tip: Both meat options taste amazing, but the goat birria truly shines here. The rich consomé perfectly complements the meat’s natural flavors.
Holbox
Image Source: Chu On This
LA’s only Michelin-starred Mexican seafood restaurant sits inside the historic Mercado La Paloma. Chef Gilberto Cetina creates some of the best tacos LA has ever seen. This isn’t your typical taco spot – it celebrates Mexico’s coastal cuisines through Southern California’s finest ingredients.
Holbox’s Seafood Selection
Chef Cetina sources impossibly fresh catches directly from local fishermen. The menu features everything from delicate kanpachi to tender octopus, with each protein prepared with expert precision. Notable dishes include:
- Live Santa Barbara Sea Urchin & Scallop Ceviche ($28)
- Pata de Mula (Blood Clams) with smokey morita sauce ($13-20)
- Fresh oysters that change daily ($11-36 per dozen)
Holbox’s Unique Preparations
Chef Cetina’s masterful techniques make these best authentic tacos near me stand out. The Taco de Pulpo en Su Tinta ($7) showcases octopus that’s braised then fried, served with a rich calamari ink sofrito. Each handmade tortilla, crafted from heirloom Mexican corn, gets pressed right before meeting your perfectly cooked seafood.
Holbox’s Daily Specials
The rotating specialties add extra excitement to the regular menu. Food enthusiasts gather on Thursdays and Fridays to enjoy an exclusive eight-course tasting menu that highlights Chef Cetina’s most creative preparations. The menu changes frequently, bringing new surprises from electrifying aguachiles to vibrant ceviches.
The signature Smoked Kanpachi Taco ($7) delivers the ultimate best tacos downtown LA experience, combining house-smoked fish with melted queso chihuahua and peanut salsa macha. The Scallop Taco ($8) features pan-seared Maine diver scallops paired with Xcatic chile sauce and marinated fennel.
Holbox’s steadfast dedication to quality shows through their Michelin Bib Gourmand awards in 2019, 2021, and 2022 and Chef Cetina’s 2023 James Beard Finalist nomination for Best Chef California. Each visit offers more than just a meal – it’s an exploration of Mexico’s coastal flavors through an Angeleno perspective.
Los Cinco Puntos
Image Source: The Infatuation
Los Cinco Puntos has delighted LA locals with some of the best tacos LA for more than five decades. This Boyle Heights gem stands as a piece of LA’s culinary history since 1967, perfecting the art of taco-making with each passing year.
Los Cinco Puntos’ Carnitas
Your taco experience starts with their legendary carnitas. The tender, juicy pork braises and simmers until it reaches perfection, resulting in soft, thick chunks that set it apart from typical carnitas spots. Each bite combines crispy edges with succulent meat that has made this place famous throughout Los Angeles. The chicharrón stands out too – crispy and well-seasoned, it draws anyone searching for the best authentic tacos near me.
Los Cinco Puntos’ Salsa Bar
The fully loaded salsa bar elevates your taco experience with:
- Chunky house-made guacamole
- Zesty salsa verde
- Rich salsa roja
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Pickled nopales (cactus)
Los Cinco Puntos’ Handmade Tortillas
These best tacos downtown LA shine because of their steadfast dedication to tradition. Skilled hands create tortillas right before your eyes. They grab fistfuls of masa and shape them into perfect circles with a quick pat pat pat. These tortillas stand out – thicker and heartier than usual, they cradle generous meat portions while adding distinct corn flavor to each bite.
Magic unfolds at the back of the market as chefs work their craft next to sizzling hot griddles. Fresh, hot tortillas form the base of what many call the best street tacos in Los Angeles. The menu features tortas, sopes, and party-sized enchilada trays, but first-time visitors should start with their signature tacos.
The high-top tables or patio seats outside provide the perfect spot to enjoy these tacos fresh and hot. Longtime locals and newcomers exploring tacos los angeles quickly understand why this institution remains the life-blood of LA’s taco scene through generations.
Carnitas El Momo
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Monterey Park holds a carnitas legacy that began with Romulo “Momo” Acosta. He learned his craft in Salamanca’s butcher shops of Guanajuato. His move to Los Angeles in the 1970s led him to reshape his father’s recipes into what many now call among the best tacos LA has to offer.
El Momo’s Pork Preparations
Traditional copper cazos create the magic as meat slowly simmers in its own fat. This process builds that signature sticky-sweet exterior while the meat stays incredibly tender. Skilled carnitas masters carefully skim impurities and add fresh lard throughout cooking. They blend secret ingredients that give El Momo’s carnitas their unique flavor.
El Momo’s Family Recipe
This carnitas operation stands as a cherished family tradition passed through generations. Momo’s sons Billy and Wicho stepped up after his heart attack and stroke. They trained cousin Chris Torres and nephews Beto Sandoval and Danny Rodriguez in the family’s time-honored methods. The same quality commitment that made Carnitas El Momo one of the best authentic tacos near me spots in Los Angeles lives on today.
El Momo’s Signature Cuts
Your taste buds will dance with these carnitas choices:
- Maciza: Succulent chopped pork shoulder
- Cuerito: Translucent slivers of pork skin
- Buche: Tender slices of pork stomach
- Migajas: Caramelized pork bits from the bottom of the copper pot
The “Aporkalypse” delivers the ultimate best tacos downtown LA experience – their famous mixta combines shoulder, belly, and skin. Each cut brings its own texture and flavor, creating perfect porcine harmony. The pork comes out caramelized and herbaceous from its lard bath, with perfect salt balance.
Weekend specials feature incredible birria de chivo alongside their famous carnitas. A simple squeeze of lime and splash of house salsa verde lets the meat’s flavors shine through. At $20 per pound, you’ll get some of the most authentic carnitas outside Guanajuato.
Angel’s Tijuana Tacos
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Head to North Hollywood to find one of LA’s most talked-about spots for best tacos LA. Angel’s Tijuana Tacos brings authentic border-town flavors to your neighborhood. Your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds – their signature tacos cost just $2.50 each.
Angel’s Al Pastor Excellence
Angel’s signature al pastor will blow you away. This family recipe comes from Guerrero but carries Tijuana’s unique seasoning. You’ll love watching taqueros slice meat from their trompo. They catch a slice of caramelized pineapple that adds the perfect sweet touch to each taco. The meat comes in generous portions with crispy edges and a juicy center.
Angel’s Handmade Tortillas
These best authentic tacos near me stand out because of their tortillas. Light brown masa transforms into perfect rounds on a wood press before hitting a large iron comal. The result? Sturdy tortillas that hold generous portions and add their distinct flavor to every bite.
Angel’s Popular Combinations
Pick from these amazing options:
- Al Pastor Queso Tacos: Their top seller features melted cheese crisped on the flat top
- Carne Asada: Smoky beef with great seasoning that never disappoints
- Cabeza: Tender, juicy, packed with flavor
- Vampiros: Crispy tortillas loaded with your choice of meat
Fresh cilantro and onions dress each taco, topped with their simple yet perfect signature guacamole. Two house salsas pack serious flavor that’ll keep you coming back. The flour quesadilla stuffed with al pastor gives you the ultimate best tacos downtown LA experience – locals can’t stop talking about it.
Angel’s serves these best street tacos in Los Angeles at multiple locations, including North Hollywood, Echo Park, and Long Beach. Here’s a tip: Their burritos are “the size of a newborn child” – perfect to share or save for later. Angel’s stands out in LA’s competitive taco scene with generous portions and authentic flavors, whether you want a quick bite or need to feed a crowd.
Conclusion
LA’s taco scene is simply the best, with options ranging from late-night street food favorites to Michelin-starred seafood spots. These 10 places show why Los Angeles stands as America’s taco capital. Each location creates its own magic through handmade tortillas and family recipes that have passed through generations.
The city’s taco scene delivers authentic tastes at every price point. You’ll find the smoky excellence of Leo’s al pastor, tender birria at La Unica, and coastal flavors of Holbox. Each spot tells a unique story – from Sonoratown’s paper-thin flour tortillas to El Momo’s copper cazo-cooked carnitas.
Your taco adventure can start at any of these beloved spots. Note that the best tacos often hide in unexpected places, from old tire shops to busy market stalls. LA’s greatest taco treasures are waiting for you to explore them with an empty stomach and adventurous spirit.
