18 Unmissable Tacos In Los Angeles, California (As Recommended By Locals)
Los Angeles breathes tacos, from curbside griddles sizzling at midnight to family run institutions perfecting recipes over decades. This list comes straight from locals who chase flavor, value, and that unforgettable bite. Come hungry and curious, because each stop has a story and a signature you will want to try first. Ready to map your next taco crawl across the city we love?
1. Tacos 1986
This stand nails Tijuana style adobada, sliced hot from a spinning trompo into handmade tortillas. Expect a tangy pineapple kiss, a creamy swipe of house salsa, and a joyous crunch from the char. Order a vampiro if you love cheese melted until frico crisp.
Lines move fast, and the crew keeps energy high. Grab extra napkins because juices drip everywhere in the best way. You will return for late night cravings, chasing that smoky, slightly sweet bite.
2. Guerrilla Tacos
Come for chef driven creativity that still respects the taco soul. You might find sweet potato with almond salsa one visit, then duck carnitas with stone fruit the next. Tortillas arrive hot, fragrant, and strong enough to cradle surprising textures.
The vibe is casual but the flavors feel precise. Sit at the bar to watch the team build each taco like a tiny plate. Prices run higher than a truck, yet the seasonal punch and balance make it worth it.
3. Leo’s Tacos Truck
Leo’s is the late night al pastor legend locals swear by. Watch the taquero carve ribbons of pork from the glowing trompo, then flick pineapple like confetti. The tortillas get just enough griddle kiss to hold everything together.
Order two, then inevitably add two more. Salsa roja brings heat, while the green cools and brightens. Parking can be chaotic, but the show and the price make it a perfect after show stop.
4. Sonoratown
Sonoratown champions mesquite grilled beef and ethereal flour tortillas. The carne asada is smoky, tender, and sliced thin so every bite lands. Try the chivichanga or stay classic with tacos loaded with pico and cooling crema.
Flour tortillas here are a love letter, buttery and flexible without breaking. You will taste the fire and the craft. Keep an eye on the specials board, then snag a Mexican Coke to seal the deal.
5. Mariscos Jalisco
The crispy shrimp taco dorado defines this truck’s fame. A golden shell cradles plump shrimp, topped with avocado and a fiery, tangy salsa that wakes everything up. One bite and you understand why locals bring out of town friends here first.
Order ceviche or tostadas to round it out, but do not skip a second dorado. The crunch to saucy ratio stays magical to the last bite. Street dining means shade moves, so eat quick and happy.
6. Guisados
Guisados translates braises into taco form, served on fresh corn tortillas with toothsome heft. Sample a six pack to tour cochinita, tinga, chorizo papas, and more. Textures range from saucy to seared, with heat levels clearly marked.
The tortillas are earthy and slightly thick, perfect for juicy fillings. Add a horchata to soothe the spices. You will leave plotting your next combo because every visit reveals a new favorite.
7. Teddy’s Red Tacos
Birria lovers, this is your red stained dream. Tortillas get dunked in consommé, then crisped on the plancha before being stuffed with beef and cheese. Dip each bite back into the rich broth for maximum joy.
Weekends draw crowds, but service hums. The lime, onions, and cilantro cut the lusciousness just right. Come ready for mess and smiles, and wear a shirt you do not mind baptizing in red.
8. Ricky’s Fish Tacos
Ricky’s brings that Ensenada crunch to the heart of LA. The batter fries shatteringly light around flaky fish, then meets cool crema and pico. A squeeze of lime and a dash of salsa complete the beachy illusion.
Eat immediately so the texture sings. Two or three make a perfect lunch. If shrimp is available, grab one too, because the sweetness pairs beautifully with the crisp shell and creamy finish.
9. El Chato Taco Truck
This after hours favorite crushes al pastor, asada, and suadero on a roaring plancha. Tacos come fast, loaded with meat, onions, cilantro, and a thumping salsa. The red salsa bites, so start light and build your heat.
Expect a line of night owls and service workers swapping stories. Prices are friendly and portions generous. You will swear the city tastes better at midnight with grease on your hands.
10. Holbox
Holbox elevates seafood tacos with serious technique. Think scallops kissed by fire, octopus tender and smoky, or seasonal fish paired with bright salsas. The tortillas are delicate yet sturdy, letting pristine seafood shine.
Sit at the counter to watch the choreography. Prices match the quality, but every bite feels special. Pair with agua fresca, then stroll the market, riding that coastal flavor high long after lunch.
11. Tire Shop Taqueria
Park lot vibes, mesquite flames, and perfect carne asada. Flour tortillas puff, then get swiped with a little fat before loading smoky beef. Salsa has snap, and onions sizzle on the side for extra aroma.
The setup feels temporary yet dialed, like a secret everyone already knows. Bring cash and patience, because the grill master moves on feel. A simple taco here becomes a benchmark you judge others by.
12. Avenue 26 Tacos
Once a pop up street fair, this scene still captures the thrill of spontaneous tacos. Massive trompos spin, tortillas puff, and salsas line the table in rainbow order. Prices stay friendly, encouraging impulse rounds.
Bring friends so you can sample widely. The pastor hits, but asada and cabeza surprise with depth. Expect music, laughter, and the occasional mariachi, making every bite feel like a neighborhood celebration.
13. Tacos Los Poblanos
Fans flock for deeply charred asada and handmade tortillas that smell like warm corn. The meat gets chopped fine so every edge carries smokiness. Salsas lean bright and spicy, perfect for cutting richness.
Ask for a little extra char if that is your thing. Standing curbside while juices drip feels exactly right. You will want another round before finishing the first taco, which says everything important.
14. Carnitas El Artista
If carnitas is your love language, this stand speaks fluently. Pork simmers in its own fat until tender, then gets crisped for texture contrast. Squeeze lime, add salsa verde, and appreciate the balance of salt, fat, and brightness.
Mornings and early afternoons are best, while the cazos brim with fresh cuts. Ask for mixed textures for a complete experience. These tacos feel like a weekend ritual you will quickly adopt.
15. Cielito Lindo
Technically taquitos, but absolutely essential LA taco lore. Rolled beef tortillas arrive fried crisp, then drenched in a velvety avocado sauce with gentle heat. The combination tastes nostalgic and comforting without feeling heavy.
Eat while wandering Olvera Street’s history soaked stalls. Grab extra napkins because the sauce is generous. Sometimes simple, enduring recipes earn their fame by just tasting right, every single visit.
16. El Ruso
El Ruso celebrates Sonoran flour tortillas so soft they practically float. Order carne asada or birria, then watch the team stretch dough and griddle it to blistered perfection. Beans and salsa add warmth and zing.
The vibe is welcoming, like a backyard cookout. Portions run big, so pace yourself. You will likely leave with tortillas to go, already planning breakfast tacos tomorrow morning.
17. Aguachiles El Tamarindo
While famous for aguachiles, the shrimp tacos deliver coastal freshness. Citrus marinated shrimp pops against cool cucumber, onion, and a little heat. Tortillas stay light, letting seafood brightness lead.
Everything tastes sun splashed and zippy. Add a michelada if available to complete the seaside fantasy. Perfect for warm days when heavy meats feel too much and you crave something crisp and lively.
18. Tacos La Carreta
Here you get a balanced hit of adobada spice and plancha sear. The taqueros move fast, stacking tortillas and building tacos with intuitive rhythm. Salsas span mild to fiery, plus a creamy option for richness.
Ask what is freshest and follow their lead. Prices make it tempting to over order, which is part of the fun. You will leave smelling like grill smoke, smiling the whole ride home.
