Last Updated march 24, 2025 by Brady goodman-williams
Written by: Homero Rosas Navarrete
Let's Taco Bout It.
Whether you're a seasoned taco connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Los Angeles street food delights, these establishments are sure to leave your taste buds tingling. Welcome to a haven for taco enthusiasts.
From the heart of Little Tokyo to the bustling streets of East LA, explore our city's top taco joints with this curated guide.
May your taco-filled journey be a celebration of culture, tradition, and the culinary treasures that make LA's taco scene truly exceptional. ¡Buen provecho!
7127 Pacific Blvd
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Multiple locations (Including Huntington Park, Anaheim, and Fullerton)
In some ways, Tacos Los Cholos is more of a barbecue place than a straight taco spot. They just happen to use tortillas as a vessel for quality beef, pork, and chicken. Every cut is labeled either "regular," "premium," or "prime." Don't interpret these categorizations as hierarchical, necessarily—filet mignon is just pricier than chicken. The finely minced beef rib warrants its premium status with bits that crackle like Pop Rocks. As for prime cuts, the ribeye marinates in lime until it takes on the texture of butter. One of these ribeye tacos will cost you $7, but it's the best thing on the menu. When you see the pile of meat on the lightly fried tortillas, any price-related outrage goes away.
Photo: Wally Skalij
353 S Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Multiple Locations (Little Tokyo and Eagle Rock)
Avenue 26 Tacos beckons with an enticing spread of tacos that transcend the ordinary. With locations in Little Tokyo and Eagle Rock, this taco haven is celebrated for its diverse menu and vibrant atmosphere. It's the Tacos Al Pastor for us.
Photo: LA Times
1321 S Atlantic Blvd
East Los Angeles, CA 90022
Asadero Chikali in East LA stands out in the early morning hours, dishing up exceptional Mexicali-style breakfast tacos on handmade flour tortillas, featuring savory stews like shredded beef with roasted potatoes and tangy chicharron. The food truck's culinary prowess extends beyond breakfast, offering classic Norteño carne asada tacos with a delightful charcoal flavor and irresistible cheesy vampiros, complete with crisp corn tortillas loaded with melty cheese and grilled asada.
Photo: Tacos Baja
5385 Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022
This East LA spot near Citadel Outlet serves the best fish tacos, worth the occasional wait, especially with special prices on Wednesdays. The corner store offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and the fast, friendly service, along with ample parking, adds to the delightful experience.
Photo: Matthew Kang
3480 E 69th St.
Long Beach, CA 90805
Taqueros José Morales Jr. and Sr. launched La Carreta taco cart as a weekend gig for extra cash in Compton five years ago. Their mission: to share Mazatlán-style tacos with other Angelenos. Recently transitioning to a food truck in northern Long Beach, José Morales Jr. now offers traditional Sinaloan delights, including chorreadas and vampiros, becoming a rising star in LA's taco scene after losing his job during the pandemic.
Photo: Brothers Cousins Tacos
11341 National Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Venture to Brothers Cousins Tacos on National Boulevard at Sepulveda for a taco experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of West LA, this gem is renowned for its commitment to authenticity. Savor the rich flavors and expertly crafted tacos that showcase a perfect balance of traditional recipes and contemporary twists. The lines are long, but soooo worth it.
Photo: Tacos A Cabron
1017 S Atlantic Blvd
East Los Angeles, CA 90022
Head to Tacos A Cabron on South Atlantic Boulevard in East Los Angeles, where the name itself is a dead giveaway for the bold and unapologetic flavors awaiting you. This taco spot is a local favorite, celebrated for its robust and hearty tacos that pay homage to the city's vibrant Eastside culture.
Photo: Matt Gendal
5821 Avalon Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Located on Avalon Blvd, immerse yourself in the Tijuana-style taco experience, where authenticity meets innovation. From perfectly grilled meats to fresh toppings, these tacos are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Tijuana, brought to the heart of Los Angeles.
Photo: Angel's Tijuana Tacos
1185 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
When it comes to street tacos, Estillo Tijuana Angel's Tacos is the GOAT. These Tijuana-inspired tacos are served with meats that are fall-off-the-bone tender and exploding with flavor. The keto tacos are so good it's a crime and the al pastor is an explosion for the tastebuds. Just about everything goes with that salsa verde.
pHOTO: Taco Nazo
Multiple Locations (Bellflower, South El Monte, La Puente, La Habra, Walnut)
Named one of the best tacos in the country by Yelp, there's no wonder why there's a constant line formed outside of Taco Nazo. Customers queue up for blocks for the world-famous fish taco. Each taco is fried to a crisp and folded in a golden tortilla filled with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a secret sauce.
pHOTO: eNCANTO
2121 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Served with four fresh corn tortillas and roasted in their Josper coal oven in temps up to a blazing 662 degrees Fahrenheit, diners can enjoy an array of scrumptious tacos at Encanto. From pork cheek and braised beef to rajas con queso and swordfish tacos, you'll get a little bit of everything at this Los Feliz taqueria.
Photo: Stephanie A.
3806 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
The only thing you’ll enjoy more than the festive backyard patio at Tacos Delta is the food that comes with it. This family-owned shop is often praised by visitors for its fast and friendly service. The fish and shrimp tacos are some of the highest-reviewed tacos around!
Photo: Yelp
4077 S Avalon Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Tire Shop Taqueria has some of the most authentic, freshly made taco offerings in the city. From the tantalizing scents of lime-infused air to the rhythmic choreography of hand-pressed corn tortillas and sizzling carne asada, this takeout-only gem transforms waiting in line into an appetizing prelude. Regulars swear by this nighttime stop and for good reason – the trick is getting there in time to beat the line! Make sure to stop by an ATM though, because they only take cash.
Photo: Chuy's Tacos Dorados
1335 Willow St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Transport yourself to taco heaven at Chuy's, where the crunchy tacos evoke the nostalgia of a certain rhyming Culver City gem. Tucked within the loading dock of an Arts District warehouse, this semi-hidden walk-up window dishes out some of the neighborhood's best affordable lunches. Don't be put off by the lack of signage or limited patio seating — join the bustling noon crowd of construction workers and security guards indulging in bagfuls of hard shells loaded with shredded beef, grated yellow cheese, and pickled onions. For the full experience, don't forget to ask for extra green salsa.
Photo: Guisados
(Multiple Locations - Boyle Heights, Echo Park, DTLA, West Hollywood, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach, Venice)
Born in Boyle Heights in December 2010, Guisados introduced a simple menu aimed at recreating a feeling of comfort and nostalgia for traditional Mexican tacos and braises all wrapped in handmade tortillas. They’ve since expanded to their flagship locations in Echo Park, West Hollywood, and most recently Burbank.
Photo: Gracias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Gracias Madre is a taco-filled haven for vegans and carnivores alike. Between their ever-expanding specials, CBD cocktails, and heavenly decor, this place is sure to fill your stomachs, hearts, and social media feed. Pictured above: The Albondiga Taco, a spicy plant-based 'meatball' taco with crispy onion, and cashew crema topped with cilantro and chipotle ranchero sauce.
Photo: Claire S.
1843 1/2 E 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Street Tacos and Grill's offerings are so affordable you can sample the whole menu without breaking the bank. Try the chicharron, barbacoa, or expand your culinary search to their highly reviewed sopes and tortas. We recommend you call this place early and order your meal for pickup.
Photo: Santa Rita Jalisco Taco Truck
3900 E 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90063
Great tacos for a great price. Santa Rita Jalisco Taco Truck is renowned for the quality and taste of its meat as well as its efficiency and quick service. This no-frills truck has drummed up a loyal customer base that keeps spreading the good word of delicious tacos.
Photo: Chicas Tacos
800 South La Brea Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
One of our favorite DTLA taco spots made the move to La Brea inside All Seasons Brewing and also has an outpost in Culver City. Luckily, we can still enjoy their tortilla-wrapped gifts of deliciousness. Definitely grab a cup of their agua fresca too.
Photo: Tacos Por Favor
(Multiple Locations - Santa Monica, Venice, West LA)
Get a bang for your buck on the Westside at Tacos Por Favor! If you’re feeling the afternoon munchies, they'll deliver tortilla-wrapped goodness right to you. Now with three locations, you have triple the opportunities to indulge here. Plus, they have all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Photo: Bar Ama
118 W 4th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
For your next Tex-Mex moment, visit Bar Amà. Inspired by the women who raised him, Josef Centeno’s bar offers some of the city’s best puffy stuffed tacos. Their cocktail menu is the perfect complement to the laidback atmosphere and crave-worthy dishes.
Photo: Best Fish Taco in Ensenada
1650 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Transport yourself to a small beach town oasis at this charming taco spot on Hillhurst. With a cozy space featuring a dried-grass roofed patio and welcoming counter servers, the fish tacos steal the show. Don't be fooled by their simplicity — turn to the salsa bar, where an array of delicious salsas, cremas, and radish relish awaits to elevate your taco experience. Make your way here for a swift and budget-friendly lunch escapade on a sunny weekend. Your tastebuds are in for a treat!
Photo: Leo's Tacos Truck
(Multiple Locations - Little Armenia, Van Nuys, Long Beach, La Brea, Pacoima, San Pedro, Baldwin Hills, Glendale, Wilmington, North Hills, etc.)
With locations all over town, Leo’s Tacos Truck has served up their famous al pastor tacos all over Los Angeles. With deals starting at just $1, you really can't go wrong. Admire mercenary taqueros crafting crimson mounds of marinated pork, artfully trimmed off vertical spits, and watch in awe as chunks of pineapple land with precision on tortillas. Leo's fleet of trucks is on a mission, spreading the traditional al pastor gospel to all of Los Angeles — prepare to savor a mouthwatering experience that transcends the ordinary.
Photo: Trejo's Tacos
(Multiple Locations - Hollywood, Santa Monica, The Grove)
In the spirit of the immortal line "Machete don't fail!" from the classic B movie franchise, Trejo's Tacos, owned by Hollywood legend Danny Trejo, emerged as a triumph in the heart of Mid-City. Despite the initial uncertainties surrounding its soft openings, closures, and re-openings over several months, the sleek and casual taco joint now commands lines wrapped around the corner at any given time of the day. With the tenacity reminiscent of Machete himself, the journey from questionable beginnings to massive success at multiple locations showcases how even the most formidable challenges are no match for a taco joint bearing the name and spirit of a Hollywood icon.
Photo: Madre
10426 National Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(Multiple Locations)
Madre features an incredible menu inspired by owner Ivan Vasquez’s mother’s recipes, bringing true Oaxacan cuisine to the city. Madre beckons with an extensive menu, featuring a culinary journey from mole bowls to pozole and chorizo memelas, enriched by the convenience of fantastic to-go cocktails. For those eager to share the experience with the whole family, Madre offers various meal kits and group packages, promising a flavorful adventure that transcends traditional dining boundaries.
Photo: Salazar
2490 Fletcher Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Frogtown's Salazar brings true Sonoran-style BBQ to LA with a menu featuring a variety of tacos served on house-made flour or corn tortillas. Guests can now sit back, relax, and enjoy margaritas and tacos at the outdoor oasis. The guacamole is to die for.
Photo: Pink Taco
8225 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
This trendy LA taco joint wants to change the world one taco at a time with its signature “Pink Taco." To serve tacos to as many people as possible, Pink Taco has recently expanded and joined the food truck game. If that isn’t enough to get your mouth watering, stop by the West Hollywood location on Sunset for their happy hour and choose from over 20 different margaritas and cocktails.
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