Los Angeles's love for tacos has flourished beyond the principal asada, carnitas, and tripa tacos. The city now specialises in making a variety of taco treats, which even surpasses the flavours from Texas, New York, and San Francisco combined.
People say it is the best time to have tacos in the city, where you can explore several luscious flavours brimming out of the tortilla. Los Angeles's unparalleled taco expertise is due to the immigrant population that brings traditional flavours and making processes to the city.
Melding traditional recipes with modern culture, the taco spots in the city promise an unforgettable experience for taco lovers. From tucked-away spots to prominent landmarks, know where you will find the best tacos in Los Angeles and get lost in the amusing flavours.
7 Places To Savour The Best Street Tacos In LA
1) Sonoratown
Image Credit: Sonoratown
Sonoratown, a warm and inviting taqueria, captures the essence of Sonoran cuisine. Their menu boasts regional tacos like the lorenza, caramelo, and carne asada, all wrapped in thin Sonoran wheat flour tortillas. But what truly sets them apart? The mesquite-grilled goodness! Instead of the usual flap meat, they use a unique rib cut—extra juicy and crisp. Bite into their tacos with paper-thin tortillas, and savour the delicate, smoky flavours. Don’t miss the grilled green onion—a Sonoran tradition!
Location: 208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 11 am–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–10 pm
Must Try: Mesquite-Grilled Taco, Lorenza, Caramelo, And Carne Asada
Price For 2: $30 approx.
2) Tire Shop Taquería
Tire Shop Taquería, a hidden gem in LA, transports you straight to Tijuana. Their Tijuana-style tacos are a revelation which is made with handmade corn tortillas, mesquite-grilled asada, and guacamole sauce thick enough to fill the mouthful. But the real star? The cabeza taco—tender cheek meat with a hint of tongue. Their tortillas are made fresh to order, and then wrapped into paper cones that ooze green salsa. Try the smoky, tender asada made with nutty corn tortilla.
Location: 4077 Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Open Hours: Mon: 5–11 pm; Tue: Closed; Wed-Thu: 5–11 pm; Fri-Sun: 5 pm–12 am
Must Try: Cabeza Taco, Tender Asada
Price For 2: $30 approx.
3) Mariscos Jalisco
Mariscos Jalisco has been a revered taco truck gem loved by many in the city. They serve up mouthwatering shrimp tacos dorado de camarón for $2.50 each. These crispy delights are filled with fresh shrimp, avocado, and zesty salsa. Their famous Poseidon tostadas at $9.50 come loaded with shrimp, octopus, and spicy aguachile. Whether you're craving a snack or a feast, Mariscos Jalisco's tacos hit the spot every time. Indulge in LA's most iconic daytime taco experience!
Location: 3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 am–6 pm
Must Try: Shrimp Tacos Dorado De Camarón, Poseidón Tostadas
Price For 2: $30 approx.
4) Taco Nazo
For the taste of authentic Baja-style fish tacos, come straight to Taco Nazo. Founded in 1978, Taco Nazo uses wild-caught cod for a fresh flavour. With five locations across South L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley, this spot is a local favourite. For just $3.99, you can get a warm, soft corn tortilla packed with crispy deep-fried white fish, topped with rich cream and homemade roasted chilli salsa. Their famous chilli gueritos are not to be missed.
Location: 9516 Garvey Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 10 am–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am–10 pm; Sun: Closed
Must Try: Deep Fried Fish Taco, Roasted Chili Salsa, Gueritos
Price For 2: $30 approx.
5) Simón
Simón brings the flavours of coastal Mexico to their taco treats. Chef Francisco Aguilar's vibrant blue truck serves up innovative seafood delights that tantalise the taste buds. Try the fish al pastor taco, grilled to perfection with pineapple, onions, and guacamole. The crispy soft, shell crab taco with smoky chintextle aioli for a burst of Oaxacan flavour is also a must if you want to savour a satisfying feast. Spice it up with homemade salsas like the fiery habanero-garlic "no mames.”
Location: 3667 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Sun: 12–6:30 pm
Must Try: Al Pastor Taco, Soft Shell Crab Taco, Fiery Habanero-Garlic
Price For 2: $30 approx.
6) Tacos La Carreta
Head to Long Beach for a taste of Sinaloa-style tacos at Tacos La Carreta! José Morales Jr. brings the flavours of El Verde Concordia to LA, grilling up mouthwatering torito de asada that won LA Taco's Best in Show. Sink your teeth into a flour tortilla filled with mesquite-grilled carne asada, melted cheese, and roasted Anaheim chiles. Wash it down with refreshing agua de cebada. Morales's dedication to quality asada sets Tacos La Carreta apart in the bustling LA taco flair.
Location: 1471 E Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 10 am–11 pm; Fri: 10 am–12 am; Sat: 8 am–12 am; Sun: 8 am–11 pm
Must Try: Mesquite-Grilled Carne Asada, Torito De Asada
Price For 2: $30 approx.
7) Guerrilla Tacos
Guerrilla Tacos calls taco lovers for a tasty taco adventure. This restaurant redefines the innovative California-inspired cuisine. Previously a roaming food truck has now become a permanent fixture, serving up favourites like hamachi tostadas and the iconic sweet potato taco. Each bite is a burst of flavour, from crispy sweet potatoes to creamy feta and almond salsa. Don't miss their creative daily specials and crafted cocktails. Wes Avila's vision redefined taco culture, demanding respect for quality ingredients and elevating taco prices to match their worth. Indulge in these game-changing tacos—you won't regret it.
Location: 2000 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 12–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 12–10 pm
Must Try: Sweet Potato Taco, Feta And Almond Salsa, Crafted Cocktails
Price For 2: $30 approx.
If you are exploring the best street tacos in LA, make sure to start with these top places to grab an indulging bite brimming with flavours. The heaping piles of meat graced with delightful sauces sure make a taco lover’s dream come true in this city.