Los Angeles has arguably the best taco scene in the United States—and it's not even close. With a massive Mexican-American population, endless taco trucks, and a culture that takes tacos seriously, LA is a taco lover's paradise. From $1.50 street tacos to chef-driven creations, there's a taco for every craving and budget.
Types of Tacos in LA
🥩 Carne Asada
Grilled, chopped steak
🐷 Al Pastor
Spit-roasted pork with pineapple
🍖 Carnitas
Slow-braised pulled pork
🌶️ Birria
Spiced beef with consommé
🧠 Cabeza
Beef head meat (trust us)
🐟 Fish
Baja-style battered fish
Legendary LA Taco Spots
Leo's Tacos
Al Pastor • Street Stand
The spinning trompo of al pastor is iconic. Multiple locations, all incredible. The truck on La Brea is the original.
Guisados
Braised Meats • Taqueria
Handmade corn tortillas with braised meat fillings. The cochinita pibil and tinga de pollo are must-tries.
Tire Shop Taqueria
Various • Hidden Gem
Yes, it's in an actual tire shop. Featured on countless "best of" lists. The suadero is legendary.
Teddy's Red Tacos
Birria • Trendsetter
Helped launch the birria taco craze in LA. Rich, flavorful birria with that perfect crispy shell.
Sonoratown
Sonoran Style • DTLA
Flour tortillas made fresh, carne asada grilled over mesquite. Simple, perfect, unforgettable.
Mariscos Jalisco
Seafood • Truck
The best fish tacos in LA. Their tacos dorados de camarón are crispy, shrimpy perfection.
Best Neighborhoods for Tacos
East LA & Boyle Heights
The heart of LA's Mexican food scene. Street vendors, taquerias, and authentic flavors at every corner. This is where locals go.
Highland Park
Mix of traditional spots and newer, trendy taquerias. Great for a taco crawl with craft beer.
Downtown LA
Sonoratown, Guisados, and numerous taco trucks make DTLA a solid taco destination.
The Westside
Fewer options but still solid. Tacos Por Favor in Santa Monica is a local favorite.
Street Taco Etiquette
- Double tortilla is standard - Corn tortillas come stacked for structural integrity
- Load up at the salsa bar - Cilantro, onion, lime, radish, and multiple salsas
- Red salsa = spicier - Green is usually milder (but not always!)
- Order by the taco - Not by the plate. Mix and match meats
- Bring cash - Many stands are cash-only
🏆 Must-Try LA Tacos
Best Al Pastor: Leo's Tacos - that spinning trompo magic
Best Birria: Teddy's Red Tacos - crispy, cheesy, consommé-dipped
Best Fish: Mariscos Jalisco - the tacos dorados are unreal
Best Overall: Guisados - consistent, delicious, perfect tortillas