How To Find Best Tacos in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city famed for its incredible array of Mexican food. From tacos to burritos, enchiladas to tepache, LA boasts some of the most authentic, mouth-watering options to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. 

Are you visiting the area and need a little guidance? Maybe you are a local looking to dive deeper into the food culture of Los Angeles. Whatever you are looking for, we’ve got the tacos for you. 

The city of angels is full of Mexican restaurants, stands, and food trucks to explore. This can make seeking out the best option for a tummy full of tacos a bit overwhelming. Though it is wonderful to have so many options, the plethora of different businesses can leave you reeling. You want to get the best bang for your buck, but taste is paramount. 

These options are scattered throughout different Los Angeles neighborhoods. Whether it’s on your plate for Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday, these LA-based tacos are worth the hype! 

Between Marina Del Rey and Pasadena, from Silver Lake through the canyons, there is no shortage of fantastic tacos. The traffic is worth the perfectly seasoned reward. 

Bumper-to-bumper honking will be the last thing on your mind as you bite into a delicious taco from some of the best spots in LA. Enough beating around the burrito: let’s dive into just how to find the best tacos in Los Angeles. 

Guisados 

Guisados has four locations throughout Los Angeles, and for good reason: the authentic, down-home feel. 

Part of what makes Guisados so unique is their pared-down menu. There are twelve different kinds of mouth-watering tacos to choose from. In addition, there are two kinds of quesadilla, some rotating specials, and an array of aguas frescas to choose from. 

Even with the seemingly simple menu, you may find yourself pondering your taco choice for a while. Guisados is truly a treat; you’ll want to try every single option. And guess what? You can! 

Guisados knows that simple ingredients, when done right, speak for themselves. The tortilla and fillings are carefully crafted to give you a spectacular experience. Guisados effortlessly creates an unforgettable LA taco experience. 

Unsure of what to order? You can’t go wrong with their Cochinita Pibil. This taco is shredded pork in a sweet red achiote sauce. If you are looking for a spicier experience, check out the Chiles Toreados. These tacos have blistered Thai chile peppers, habanero, and serrano peppers. 

Be sure to keep a refreshment, perhaps horchata or tepache, nearby in case you can’t handle the heat! 

Sonoratown 

Sonoratown pays homage to the blended cultures of the small border town in Mexico where its owner grew up, with their beloved neighborhood of downtown LA. 

The restaurant's name references the name of a small community of Mexican immigrants who settled in the area now known as Chinatown. The Mexican immigrants made this pocket of Los Angeles their home after the Gold Rush in 1850. 

Sonoratown knows just what flavors dance together just right, which makes it a popular favorite among the working crowd who frequents Sonoratown at lunch hour. 

The restaurant also takes great pride in the revitalization of its neighborhood. The restaurant aims to see locals come in to relax, socialize, and enjoy a warm meal after the working crowds of downtown head home. 

Now, just what should you order? You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. However, the Costilla, a grilled steak taco, will have your taste buds thanking you for weeks after the meal. 

Not a steak fan? The Carmelo is a fantastic vegetarian option. You can also add smoky poblano chile, which we highly recommend. 

Plus, take this insider tip and thank us later. Sonoratown sells their handmade flour tortillas by the dozen, and they are fantastic. 

A freezer full of Sonoratown tortillas supports a small business that cares about giving back to the community they occupy. It also supplies you with a million options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner cradled by a tortilla made with attention and care. 

Leo’s Taco Truck 

A list of the best tacos in Los Angeles would not be complete without a taco truck! And oh boy, does this one earn its spot! 

Leo’s Taco Truck must be doing something right, seeing that it has seven locations throughout LA. There may be long lines, but the wait is worth it. 

Wondering what to get? The tacos al pastor are a classic, tried and true by both locals and critics alike. Leo’s must be up to snuff. 

At Leo’s, be sure to load up on the toppings. They can be served right on top or on the side. 

The ingredients in their pico, salsa, and guacamole are some of the freshest in the city. They add to the taco taste ten-fold. 

Leo’s originated in the La Brea, Venice, and West Hollywood neighborhoods in 2010 and has slowly expanded across the city. They are committed to serving fresh, flavorful tacos at accessible prices. 

The Al Pastor is definitely their most popular item on the menu. It garnered much of the popularity that Leo’s now experiences. However, don’t be afraid to branch out. These tacos are flavorful and fun, no matter which version you try. 

Ricky’s Fish Tacos

Looking for tacos del mar? Ricky’s Fish Tacos is another fantastic food truck serving up sizzling, savory tacos for all. 

At Ricky’s tacos, they serve Ensenada-style tacos. Ensenada is a coastal city in Mexico. Because of Ensenada’s location, they are well known for their fish tacos. 

These fish tacos stand out thanks to their batter. The recipe was passed down from Ricky’s grandmother. The batter achieves a flaky, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth taste. These tacos will have you circling the truck like a shark waiting for your next catch! 

As if it needed to get any better, these tacos don’t skimp. Ricky’s tacos are significantly bigger than most street tacos. 

If you are looking for a fish taco that is sure to reel you in, Ricky’s is the place to go. As a pro tip, definitely get the fresh sauce and salsa! 

Taco Time 

Let one thing be known, tacos in Los Angeles are not tough to come by. The best way to decide which place is the top dog in your eyes (and mouth) is to try them out. 

There are trucks lining the beach, restaurants in every neighborhood, and pop-ups throughout the year. Thanks to these businesses and others like them, Los Angeles has kept its reputation for great Mexican food for so long. 

Whether you’re downtown and want to check out Sonoratown or are hitting Venice Beach wishing you could eat a flaky fish taco in the sand, it’ll all work out. These businesses are the best for a reason. 

But don’t simply take our word for it. Grab your taco bib and get to sampling the best tacos in town. 

Sources: 

At Sonoratown, worship at the altar of flour tortillas and mesquite-grilled beef | Los Angeles Times 

Enchilada vs. Burrito: Differences and Recipes | Greatist  

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