The distinguished charm of Los Angeles invites people from all across the world to get lost in its bustling streets lighted with invigorating charm. Apart from its Hollywood attractions, beaches and theme parks, the city is also revered as the best food destination in California.
In LA, you will find some outstanding fine-dining restaurants presenting a beautiful selection of dishes taking everyone on a flavourful voyage. Beyond the city’s fine dining scene, the streets of LA tell a different story. On every corner of its streets, you will get to try several dishes coming in many forms and available at reasonable prices.
There is something for everyone, from the innumerable food trucks to the famous hot dog carts. With so many options to try, it's quite difficult to find the best among the rest. Therefore here are the top 7 street food places that you should try first and foremost to indulge in the true spirit of LA.
7 Must-Try Spots For Street Food In LA
1) Avenue 26 Family Night Market
Avenue 26 Family Night Market, with a goal of bringing the community together with food, boasts various food trucks and outlets. This weekend's food market feels like a festival with lots of music and street delights to try. It is perfect for family night outs and here you get a bunch of fun stuff to try. With an array of Mexican street food outlets, here you will get the best Tacos, Pizzas, Tamales, Mutilas and BBQ dishes. All this when paired with delicious ice cream and Dessert Crepes makes the whole experience memorable.
Location: 2277 E 15th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Timings: Fri-Sun: 5–11 pm; Mon-Thu: Closed
Must Try: Tacos, Pizzas, Tamales, Mutilas, BBQ dishes and Dessert Crepes
Price For 2: $30 approx.
2) Asadero Chikali
Asadero Chikali is a family-run restaurant serving Mexican-style tacos and Homemade flour tortillas. From breakfast to lunch, this place serves the best and freshest Mexican best sellers like Tacos, Quisados, Tender Braised and Stews which are quite popular in the locality. The handmade tortillas draw the best flavours in every dish giving off an authentic homelike taste. With numerous fillings like Steak, Potatoes, Red Salsa Chicharrones, Chorizo and Scrambled Eggs, this outlet satisfies the demands of every guest.
Location: 1321 S Atlantic Blvd, East Los Angeles, CA 90022, United States
Timings: Wed-Sun: 8:30 am–4 pm; Mon-Tue: Closed
Must Try: Tacos, Quisados, Tender Braised and Stews
Price for 2: $30 approx.
Image Credit; Asadero Chikali
3) Guatemalan Night Market
Situated at the intersection of South Bonnie Brae Street and 6th Street, Guatemalan Night Market brings together the best evening street food scene in the city. The market features numerous street vendors, each specialising in a variety of native Guatemalan cuisine with each having different signature dishes. With several options to try, you can start with Guatemalan-style Tostadas, and also try Guatemalan Chow Mein and Dobladas. Try walking around and exploring and sampling all the vendors for the best experience.
Location: 1834-1898 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 5 pm–12 am
Must Try: Guatemalan-style Tostadas, try Guatemalan Chow Mein and Dobladas
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) Salsizzle Alta California Grill
Chef Daniel Salcido's "Salsizzle Alta California Grill" has become a Sunday hotspot in Hollywood, serving Alta California cuisine with a Mexican-American twist. Salcido, influenced by his Mexican American roots, embraces Alta California cuisine, a style that blends fine dining with everyday Mexican street food. His custom-made Red Beard Santa Maria-style grill and oven play a crucial role in preparing dishes such as the popular Grilled, Achiote-Marinated Salmon Tostada and Smoked Lobster Enchiladas. The unique oven allows Salcido to offer a diverse menu while staying true to the essence of Alta California cuisine, emphasising history, seasonality, and respect for ingredients. The pop-up has gained a following, showcasing the resilience of Alta California cuisine in Los Angeles.
Location: 800 Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8 am–10 pm
Must Try: Grilled, Achiote-Marinated Salmon Tostada and Smoked Lobster Enchiladas
Price for 2: $40 approx.
5) Dollar Hits
True to its name, Dollar Hits is an iconic grocery store turned street food sensation in Historic Filipinotown offering a DIY experience with every item costing $1. This famous Filipino Street food destination serves a selection of meat skewers like Pork and Chicken. Here every dish is not only delicious but also affordable. Every skewer is served with a variety of sauces to choose from, all costing only one dollar. This place, ever since its establishment, has been a flavourful addition to LA’s street food scene.
Location: 2432 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Timings: Mon: 7 am–3 pm; Tue-Sun: 7 am–11 pm
Must Try: Skewered Pork and Chicken
Price for 2: $10 approx.
Image Credit: Dolllar Hits | Instagram
6) Corn Man
The Corn Man of Lincoln Heights, Timoteo, has been enchanting the streets for 27 years with his delectable Elotes. Operating nightly at Workman and Broadway, Timoteo brings an array of corn creations to life. While working a day job at a bodega, his evenings are dedicated to serving the community. Offering choices like sweet or regular corn, on the cob, in Elote form, or in a bowl (Esquite), each corn adventure is adorned with a lavish display of toppings, including mayonnaise, butter, parmesan cheese, chilli, and lime.
Location: 2338 Workman St, Los Angeles, CA 90031, United States
Timings: Fri: 12 pm–3 am; Sat-Thu: 11:30 pm–3 am
Must Try: Corn on the Cob, Esquite, Sweet Corn
Price for 2: $30 approx.
7) Mariscos Jalisco
Mariscos Jalisco is a celebrated Mexican food truck in LA which is often called a legendary taco place among taco lovers in the city. Originating in 2001, this food truck has expanded to many prime locations in Downtown, Pomona, and La Cienega. Its no-frills approach and exquisite menu featuring Deep-Fried Shrimp Tacos, Lime-Kissed Ceviches On Tostadas, and Shucked Oysters on The Half Shell have made it a popular food truck. Their signature Tacos Dorado De Camaron, with succulent shrimp encased in a golden-brown fried corn tortilla, adorned with avocado slices and a vibrant salsa roja, live up to the hype.
Location: 3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9 am–6 pm
Must Try: Tacos Dorado De Camaron, Deep-Fried Shrimp Tacos, Lime-Kissed Ceviches
Price for 2: $30 approx.
Image Credit : Mariscos Jalisco
With several amazing options to try, you will never get tired of exploring the best flavours on the streets of LA. Once you get tired of the fine-dine restaurants, you will find a new encouragement on the street side delights.