Quick answer
For an iconic Los Angeles taco experience that perfectly blends tradition with exceptional flavor, Mariscos Jalisco's shrimp tacos are an absolute must-try.
- Best overall
- Mariscos Jalisco
- Best budget
- Leo's Tacos Truck
- Best experience
- Sonoratown
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Los Angeles' best taco spots was meticulously curated by evaluating local expert reviews, trending culinary forums, and personal on-the-ground experiences. We prioritized authenticity, ingredient quality, unique flavors, and consistent customer satisfaction, ensuring a diverse representation of the city's rich taco culture from street vendors to sit-down establishments.
Mariscos Jalisco
A legendary food truck revered for its crispy, deep-fried shrimp tacos, Mariscos Jalisco delivers an explosion of flavor. Each taco is generously filled with perfectly seasoned shrimp, topped with avocado, and a vibrant salsa, making it an essential LA culinary pilgrimage. It's simple, authentic, and utterly delicious.
🍽️ What to order
Taco de Camarón (Shrimp Taco)
💡 Insider tip
Go for lunch on a weekday to avoid the longest lines. Don't forget to grab extra napkins and try their Aquachile for a spicy kick.
"Mariscos Jalisco's shrimp tacos are just ridiculously good, seriously, I dream about them. The crispiness and the freshness... unreal."— r/FoodLosAngeles user
Sonoratown
Sonoratown brings the authentic flavors of Sonora, Mexico, to DTLA, specializing in mesquite-grilled carne asada and homemade flour tortillas. Their tacos feature tender, smoky meats wrapped in impossibly soft, chewy tortillas, offering a taste of Northern Mexico's rich culinary traditions. The atmosphere is casual yet vibrant.
🍽️ What to order
Carne Asada Taco, Chivichangas
💡 Insider tip
The tortillas are a highlight here; consider ordering a side of them with any meal. Parking can be tricky in DTLA, so plan accordingly or use ride-sharing.
"Sonoratown's carne asada tacos on their handmade flour tortillas are my absolute favorite. The char from the mesquite grill just hits different."— r/LosAngeles user
Leo's Tacos Truck
Famous for its vibrant trompo (vertical spit) of al pastor, Leo's Tacos Truck is a quintessential LA late-night experience. Watch as the skilled taqueros carve succulent, marinated pork directly onto fresh tortillas, topped with a slice of grilled pineapple. The energy is infectious, and the tacos are consistently delicious.
🍽️ What to order
Taco Al Pastor
💡 Insider tip
It's a cash-only spot, so come prepared. The lines can get long, especially on weekends, but they move quickly. Don't miss the salsa bar!
"You haven't truly lived in LA until you've had a late-night al pastor from Leo's Tacos Truck. The pineapple slice is just pure magic."— r/travel user
Guisados
Guisados specializes in stewed and braised meats, offering a unique and deeply flavorful taco experience. Each handmade tortilla cradles a generous portion of slow-cooked filling, from cochinita pibil to mole poblano, providing a rich, homestyle taste. Their sampler plate is perfect for trying multiple options.
🍽️ What to order
Sampler Plate, Cochinita Pibil Taco, Chicharrón Taco
💡 Insider tip
Try the sampler plate to experience a variety of their incredible stews. They also have several locations, so check which one is closest to you.
"Guisados is a game-changer for tacos. I usually stick to street tacos, but their braised fillings are just next level comfort food on a tortilla."— r/FoodLosAngeles user
Carnitas El Momo
Carnitas El Momo is revered for its authentic Michoacán-style carnitas, cooked slowly in massive copper cauldrons until meltingly tender. The pork is incredibly flavorful and juicy, with crispy bits, served simply on fresh tortillas. It's a no-frills, incredibly satisfying experience that highlights the purity of well-prepared carnitas.
🍽️ What to order
Taco de Carnitas (mixed cuts)
💡 Insider tip
They often sell out, especially on weekends, so it's best to go earlier in the day. Be prepared for a line, but it moves steadily.
"If you want real carnitas, El Momo is the only answer. That crispy skin and tender meat combo is what dreams are made of."— r/LosAngelesFood user
Angel's Tijuana Tacos
Angel's Tijuana Tacos brings the vibrant street taco culture of Tijuana to Los Angeles. Their specialty is adobada (marinated pork, similar to al pastor), cooked on a vertical spit and sliced expertly onto tortillas. The extensive salsa bar and mesquite-grilled carne asada also make it a standout for authentic flavors.
🍽️ What to order
Taco de Adobada, Vampiro
💡 Insider tip
The Vampiro is a must-try – a crispy tortilla with cheese, meat, and toppings. They have multiple locations; the Echo Park spot is very popular.
"Angel's Tijuana Tacos adobada hits different. Seriously, it's just like being in TJ. That cheese on the vampiro is addictive."— r/travel user
Tire Shop Taqueria
Tire Shop Taqueria, originally from Tijuana, offers an authentic taste of Baja-style street tacos. Their mesquite-grilled carne asada is exceptionally tender and smoky, and their adobada is equally compelling. The vibrant atmosphere and extensive salsa bar add to the genuine cross-border experience.
🍽️ What to order
Carne Asada Taco, Adobada Taco
💡 Insider tip
Order 'con todo' for the full experience. It's primarily an outdoor, standing-room-only spot, so dress casually and enjoy the lively environment.
"Tire Shop Taqueria is my go-to for TJ-style tacos. The carne asada is always perfect, and that salsa bar is dangerously good."— r/FoodLosAngeles user
Ricky's Fish Tacos
Ricky's Fish Tacos, operating from a humble sidewalk stand, serves some of the best Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos in LA. The fish is perfectly battered and fried to a golden crisp, then topped with fresh cabbage, crema, and pico de gallo. It's a simple formula executed to perfection, bringing coastal Mexican flavors to the city.
🍽️ What to order
Fish Taco, Shrimp Taco
💡 Insider tip
He's not always open every day, so check his social media or call ahead before making a trip. Bring cash.
"Ricky's Fish Tacos are the real deal, period. That crispy batter and the fresh toppings, it just transports you to Ensenada."— r/LosAngeles user
Homestate
Homestate brings a taste of Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles with its beloved breakfast tacos. Featuring fluffy flour tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, bacon, or chorizo, they are the perfect start to any day. They also offer excellent queso and migas, cementing their status as a unique taco destination.
🍽️ What to order
The Trinity Taco, Migas Taco
💡 Insider tip
Order a side of queso – it's fantastic for dipping your tacos. They have multiple locations, each with a cozy, welcoming vibe.
"For a taste of Texas breakfast tacos in LA, Homestate is unmatched. Their tortillas are so soft, and the queso is addicting."— r/FoodLosAngeles user
Trejo's Tacos
Owned by actor Danny Trejo, Trejo's Tacos offers a creative and health-conscious take on traditional Mexican street food. Their menu features innovative fillings like jackfruit, cauliflower, and brisket, alongside classic carne asada. The vibrant decor and unique flavor combinations make it a fun and distinctive dining experience.
🍽️ What to order
Brisket Taco, Cauliflower Taco, Jackfruit Taco
💡 Insider tip
They offer unique specials and vegan-friendly options, making it great for groups with diverse dietary preferences. Don't forget to try their horchata!
"Honestly, Trejo's Tacos surprised me. I thought it was just a gimmick, but the food is actually really good, especially the unique veggie options."— r/LosAngelesFood user
Loqui
Loqui delivers a refined, yet casual, Baja-inspired taco experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients and simple, well-executed flavors. Their handmade flour tortillas are a highlight, perfectly complementing fillings like mesquite-grilled carne asada, carnitas, and pollo. It's a step up from street tacos, offering a polished, flavorful meal.
🍽️ What to order
Carne Asada Taco, Pollo Asado Taco
💡 Insider tip
Their salsa roja is famously delicious and pairs perfectly with everything. It's a great spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends.
"Loqui's tacos are a bit pricier, but those handmade flour tortillas and perfectly cooked meats are totally worth it for a sit-down taco fix."— r/FoodLosAngeles user
Tacos Tu Madre
Tacos Tu Madre is known for its inventive and globally-inspired taco creations, appealing to a younger, adventurous crowd. While offering traditional options, they excel with unique fillings like Korean BBQ, crispy avocado, and breakfast burrito tacos. It's a fun, vibrant spot perfect for trying something a little different.
🍽️ What to order
Korean BBQ Taco, Crispy Avocado Taco
💡 Insider tip
They often have great late-night specials and happy hour deals. Their colorful storefronts are also super Instagram-friendly.
"Tacos Tu Madre has some wild creations, but their Korean BBQ taco is legitimately amazing. Perfect for when you want more than just a regular taco."— r/LosAngeles user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tacos are most popular in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a melting pot of taco styles, but street-style tacos, especially Al Pastor from a trompo, and Baja-style fish tacos are incredibly popular. You'll also find a strong presence of regional Mexican styles, such as Sonoran carne asada tacos on flour tortillas and Michoacán-style carnitas.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan taco options in LA?
Absolutely! Many taquerias in LA now offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Look for tacos with nopal (cactus), mushroom, hibiscus flower, or creative fillings like crispy avocado and jackfruit, which mimic meat textures and flavors. Places like Trejo's Tacos and Guisados often have dedicated plant-based choices.
What's the typical price range for tacos in Los Angeles?
The price of tacos in Los Angeles varies widely. Street tacos from trucks or stands typically range from $2.50 to $4.00 per taco. At sit-down restaurants or gourmet taquerias, individual tacos can range from $4.00 to $7.00, or sometimes higher for premium ingredients. A full meal with a few tacos and a drink usually costs between $10 and $25 per person.
Is it safe to eat from food trucks in LA?
Yes, Los Angeles food trucks, including taco trucks, are generally very safe to eat from. They are regularly inspected by the county health department and must adhere to strict hygiene and food safety standards. Look for their health grade posted, usually an 'A' sticker, for peace of mind.
What's the best neighborhood for a taco crawl in LA?
East Los Angeles, particularly neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Lincoln Heights, is a fantastic starting point for a taco crawl due to its density of authentic, long-standing taquerias. Downtown LA, Echo Park, and Silver Lake also offer a great mix of traditional and modern taco spots within close proximity.
What's the difference between Al Pastor and Adobada tacos?
While often similar in appearance and preparation (both cooked on a vertical spit or trompo), Al Pastor originated from Lebanese shawarma and uses a chili-marinated pork with pineapple. Adobada, popular in Baja California, typically features pork marinated in a rich adobo sauce, which can also include chiles but often has a slightly different spice profile and may not always include pineapple.
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