The 33 best tacos in Los Angeles

What is it? A quartet of trucks (Boyle Heights, Downtown, Pomona, La Cienega) slinging Jalisco-style seafood across the Southland. It’s one of L.A.’s most old-school taco players, and known for its deep-fried shrimp tacos, but Mariscos Jalisco also serves fresh-to-death ceviches, tostadas and oysters on the half shell. 

Why we love it: The tacos dorado de camaron ($2.75) are the best tacos in Los Angeles—at least if you can eat and appreciate shrimp. Mariscos Jalisco’s tacos live up to the hype, with flavorful and fresh shrimp folded into a corn tortilla that’s then fried to a golden brown and topped with thick slices of avocado and a vibrant and complex salsa roja. You’ll probably only need two or three half-moons to get full, but you’ll probably want more to have way more than that. Save room for their legendary tostadas—particularly the Poseidon, which comes topped with shrimp ceviche, octopus and a fiery red aguachile of shrimp.

Time Out tip: The Boyle Heights and Downtown locations are cash only, so come prepared. Speaking of prepared, if you’re eating then and there you can request the tacos be fully loaded on the truck for you; if they need to travel, assemble the components yourself so the taco shells stay perfectly crunchy until they’re ready to be eaten.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Boyle Heights, Downtown and Mid-City

Opening hours: Boyle Heights: Daily 9–6pm; Downtown: Wed–Fri 10am–4pm; Mid-City: Mon–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat, Sun 10am–5pm; Pomona: Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 10am–5pm

What is it? A fleet of 12 cash-preferred taco trucks across L.A. that serve some of the best al pastor tacos ($2.30 apiece) in the city. Though they also offer burritos, mulitas, huaraches and other Mexican street food specialties, your eyes will likely be drawn to the trompo—a rotating spit of tender, marinated al pastor topped with a shaved, juicy hunk of pineapple. 

Why we love it: Tacos on late nights! Tacos in the afternoon! Although Leo’s draws its largest crowds on weekend nights from the going out set, this isn’t just your average drunchie. Operating like a well-oiled machine, the staff at every Leo’s location deftly serves each customer’s tacos, calling out numbers in both Spanish and English. Upon receiving your order, you can ask them for pre-packaged little plastic baggies of onions, cilantro and salsa—a pandemic-era safety and hygiene upgrade. Whether eaten in open air or taken home, the thin slices of al pastor, topped with a bit of pineapple, are a beautiful sight to behold—and consume. 

Time Out tip: Though it may be tempting to only order their tacos al pastor, Leo’s is no slouch in the offal department either. To diversify your taco order, order their buche (pork), cabeza (beef) and tripas (beef).

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Mid-City, Hollywood and Pico-Union

Opening hours: Mid-City: Mon–Thu 10am–2am; Fri, Sat 10am–3:30pm; Sun 10am–2am. Check Leo’s Instagram for hours of operation at other locations

What is it? A casual Michelin-starred food stall in South L.A. offering one of L.A.’s best Mexican seafood experiences—and all at a fairly reasonable price. 

Why we love it: Housed inside food hall Mercado La Paloma, Gilberto Cetina Jr.’s Yucatecan-style mariscos counter is a profound revelation for those who enjoy spice, citrus and smoke. The Baja-style tacos at Holbox get the job done, but the smoked kanpachi tostada ($9) and taco de pulpo en su tinta ($7) are my absolute favorite tacos here. Of course, most folks spring for the freshly shucked oysters, ceviches and aguachiles, which more than hold their own against other L.A. seafood heavyweights. For a special occasion (even if that’s just a random Thursday night), you can spring for Holbox’s experimental eight-course tasting menu, which is the most delicious, inexpensive way in L.A. to enjoy the best of the Pacific. Just note that reservations for the $130 tasting menu on Wednesday and Thursday evenings drop on Resy on the first of each month at 11am—and book out almost instantly.

Time Out tip: If you’re deterred by the heavy weekend lines, it’s worth diverting to Komal, a newer stall in Mercado La Paloma launched by two former Holbox employees. The casual eatery focuses on heirloom masa and serves an excellent, extra-large taco known as the taco Sonia ($10).

Address: 3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:30am–9pm

What is it? Some of Southern California’s very best tacos—now available in Huntington Park.

Why we love it: Tacos Los Cholos serves some of the best street meats on a tortilla I’ve ever had. Yes, I mean ever. The mesquite-grilled meats offer a wealth of flavors, from the chewy, perfectly grilled panela cheese to the ultra-tender rib eye. Three price tiers—regular ($2.99), premium ($3.99), prime ($8.29)—might seem daunting, but you can’t go wrong with almost any option. Our suggestion for first-timers? Go for mid-tier options like the costilla de res (pork ribs) and arrachera (skirt steak), which strike the balance between affordability and quality. Tacos Los Cholos’ self-serve topping station includes a creamy chipotle mayo, cucumbers and several varieties of salsa, ranging from mild to heart-stopping.

Time Out tip: Don’t live in the area? Come later in the evening to avoid the worst of traffic—Tacos Los Cholos is open until midnight most days of the week (and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays).

Address: 7127 Pacific Blvd, Huntington Park, CA 90255

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–midnight; Fri, Sat 11am–1am; Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A South L.A. tire shop taco cart located just off the freeway exit ramp with a second location inside an Orange County food hall.

Why we love it: Drawn by the sight of glistening trompos, I’ve sampled al pastor all over town, hoping for a taste of sweet, porky nirvana—and now I’ve finally found it. While Leo’s continues to offer delicious, highly accessible al pastor (the kind that’ll never fail in your time of need), Tacos Los Güichos offers the absolute best taco al pastor ($3.75) in Los Angeles, though al pastor freshly shaved off the trompo (vertical rotisserie) is only available after 5pm. Here, the beautifully charred, slightly smoky meat is served sans the pineapple and avocado salsa other taqueros rely on to compensate for not-so-great al pastor. During the day, you’ll still find great cuts of offal like lengua and tripas, but the trompo is the true star. Arrive in the evening and anoint your taco with their delicious salsa verde, or perhaps the subtly fiery salsa roja, and you won’t find a better taco al pastor in Los Angeles.

Time Out tip: Seriously, don’t come here before 5pm expecting freshly shaved al pastor. 

Address: South L.A.: 320 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90003; Orange County: 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Opening hours: South L.A.:Mon 8:30am–10pm; Tue–Thu 8:30am–11:30pm; Fri, Sat 8:30am–2:30pm; Sun 8:30am–11:30pm; Orange County: Daily 10:30am–11pm

What is it? A stall inside Mercado La Paloma specializing in Yucatecan-style dishes, including some of the best cochinita pibil in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Named after the ancient Mayan site, Chichen Itza was founded by Gilberto Cetina, the father of Gilberto Cetina Jr, who later went on to open Holbox in 2017. Located just steps away from its younger sibling,  Chichen Itza specializes in traditional, primarily meat-based Yucatecan cuisine. There are tortas and full plates and tamales and even a handful of breakfast items, but I’m sold on the tacos ($7.95 to $8.95 for two), which come buried in saucy meats and tart pickled red onions. Try the cochinita pibil, the panuchos (miniature stuffed tortillas) and the octopus tacos—though take our advice and administer the habanero sauce carefully: A single excess drop of the fiery liquid will have steam shooting out of your ears.

Time Out tip: Order the poc chuc tacos—the citrus-marinated grilled pork is  a Yucatecan specialty you won’t find at most other taco joints. 

Address: 3655 S Grand Ave, Ste C6, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Opening hours: Daily 9am–9pm

What is it? The best Michoacan-style carnitas in all of Los Angeles.

Why we love it: Since 2015, Juan “Billy” Acosta has drawn braised pork lovers from across Los Angeles with his tender, oh-so-juicy carnitas, originally served out of a Boyle Heights trailer. Now, you can find Acosta cooking at his brick-and-mortar in Monterey Park. While you can order them by the taco ($4), the commercially made tortillas aren’t the only delivery method for some of the best carnitas in the city; you can also order it by the pound, sandwiched in a cheesy mulita or tucked into a hefty torta. Choose from carne (shoulder), buche (belly) and cuero (skin), a slightly gelatinous, ultra-fatty cut, but we suggest ordering a mix of all three for best results. This is one of the hands-down best spots in town to pig out on pig. 

Time Out tip: Make sure you don’t stop by too late—the small family-run operation often sells out well before closing time, especially on weekends.

Address: 1470 Monterey Pass Rd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10:30am–5pm

What is it? A Long Beach-adjacent taquería specializing in Sonoran-style grilled tacos. 

Why we love it: Can I be honest? I’ve never understood the hype around Sonoratown—whose flour tortillas often turn gluey and somewhat hard by the time I receive my tacos. Now that I’ve visited Tacos La Rueda, however, I  completely understand the fervor over smoky meats, flour tortillas and sinus-clearing red salsas. This Bellflower strip mall joint offers the best Sonoran-style taco experience in L.A., with buttery, pliant flour tortillas that travel well, but taste even better eaten right on the spot. The carne asada, al pastor and crispy, crackly beef tripas are all winners here, as is the tender beef cabeza (available as a daily special), whether adorning a simple taco ($3.50 to $4) or piled into a decadent caramelo ($8.75), which adds pinto beans, Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole and grilled Anaheim chiles into the mix. Stop by on the weekends for a soul-warming menudo.

Time Out tip: Be sure to make ample use of the bountiful salsa bar, which is a far cry from the setups you’ll find at most street stands and taco trucks. 

Address: 16900 Lakewood Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am–9pm; Fri, Sat 8:30am–11pm; Sun 10am–9pm

What is it? A Tijuana-style chain with L.A. roots serving one of the best new tacos al pastor ($3.95) in town.

Why we love it: Con todo? At East L.A.’s Tijuanazo, the answer should always be yes. Founded by L.A. culinary veteran Antonio Esquivel, Tijuanazo serves outstanding adobada, asada, chorizo and various types of offal, with specific house-designed salsa combinations tailored to each cut of meat. The adobada (a.k.a. al pastor) runs on the drier and more heavily spiced side compared to others I’ve had, a characteristic that pairs surprisingly well with the cilantro crema and a sliver of pineapple. Each offal cut is cooked to perfection, while the housemade chorizo offers heft and warmth in every bite. There are a half-dozen outstanding Tijuana-style taco specialists in L.A., most of which operate as streetside stands, but this sleeker brick-and-mortar competes with the very best—and in my opinion, definitely wins out over citywide favorites like Angel’s and Avenue 26. 

Time Out tip: If you love cheese, order one of the fantasmas ($6.25 to $7.25). This deconstructed taco swaps a tortilla for a crispy, well-griddled slab of queso fresco, tops the whole shebang with a tostada and even throws in a hearty side of pinto beans.

Address: 355 S Atlantic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–10pm

What is it? A taco trailer in Echo Park serving Sonora-style grilled meats during the week on excellent flour tortillas. 

Why we love it: If you’re looking for pura calidad, you’re in the right place. In fact, El Ruso operates under that slogan—and man, does it deliver, with some of the heftiest, most flavorful Sonora-style tacos in L.A. Founded in 2016 by Tijuana native Walter Soto and business partner Julia Silva, who named the business after Soto’s childhood nickname, El Ruso is one of Central L.A.’s most popular taco joints thanks to the duo’s perfectly tender mesquite-grilled meats and just-bubbled flour tortillas. Now, you can find Sonora-style meats on handmade flour tortillas every day of the week, plus a rotating weekend menu that might include birria, fish tacos or aguja (bone-in short rib). Just note the tacos are on the more expensive side ($5.25 each), though they’re much larger than the average street taco and I think the quality is commensurate with the price.

Time Out tip: The other half of the intrigue are Silva’s burritos, also known as sobaqueras ($15.50, or $16.50 for the chile relleno version). Each consists of an 18-inch flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of meat, melted cheese, beans, onions, cilantro, salsa and guacamole.

Address: 2000 Reservoir St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon, Thu–Sun 11:30am–8pm

What is it? A South L.A. taco institution, which now has a nearby slightly more late-night sibling.

Why we love it: This South L.A. institution slings Tijuana-style tacos ($2.75) absolutely dripping with avocado salsa—and now, you can also find the same excellent tacos at Tire Shop’s sibling spot, Tacos Los Poblanos, farther down Avalon Boulevard. Like most Tijuana-style taco joints, Tire Shop and Los Poblanos keep it simple with six different mesquite-grilled meats that derive flavor and texture from the smoky char. I particularly enjoy the carne asada and al pastor here. The kicker? Tortillas are made to order, then folded into little paper-wrapped cones that ooze the creamy green salsa out of one end. Of course I’m also partial to the freshly grilled chorizo and the complimentary charred onions and peppers, and the massive mulitas ($8) and, well, everything. Make your way through the line, grab your plate and take a seat at one of the large plastic tables.

Time Out tip: Parking can be a little difficult on weekend evenings, so grab an open spot if you see one within a block or two.

Address: 4069 S Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011 / 5821 S Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011

Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 5–11pm / Mon 6–11pm; Wed–Sun 6pm–midnight

What is it? An East L.A. taco truck that specializes in tacos arabes, a unique specialty from the state of Puebla. 

Why we love it: This East L.A. taco truck run by the Villegas family provides one of the most unique tacos in the city: the taco arabe ($8). Influenced by 19th-century Lebanese immigrants who settled in Puebla, each thick flour tortilla holds curls of a distinctive shawarma-like al pastor that tastes faintly of cumin and marjoram—though the exact recipe is a deeply guarded Villegas family secret. Topped with stringy Oaxacan cheese and slices of avocado—a.k.a. especiale ($8.50)—and paired with a tangy chipotle salsa, these super-hefty, super-delicious tacos are worth going out of your way for. 

Time Out tip: Unless you’re super hungry, you very likely won’t need more than two.

Address: 3600 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 2:30pm–10pm; Fri, Sat 2:30pm–11pm; Sun 2:30pm–10pm

What is it? A widely celebrated Saturday morning sidewalk operation in Boyle Heights that still serves birria de chivo, a.k.a. the OG birria.

Why we love it: For die-hard birria fans, there’s nothing better than an excellent birria de chivo. After all, goat is the original protein of choice for the Jalisco-style barbacoa, which is traditionally served during breakfast. In a blind taste test, it’s hard to beat the version at Birria El Jalisciense, Hector Ramirez’s weekend-only taco destination in an industrial part of Boyle Heights. The northeastern Jalisco native bakes the birria de chivo into the oven at the end of the cooking process, charring the skin and rendering it slightly crisp. Starting at 8am until they sell out—and boy, do they do sell out—the no-frills operation serves both tacos suaves (soft tortillas) and dorados (deep-fried) for $2.50 apiece. Be sure to order the consommé; El Jalisciense’s version is fragrant and minestrone-like, with none of that slightly greasy aftertaste common to inferior birria consommés. 

Time Out tip: If you want to really get your goat on, you can also ditch the tortillas entirely and order a bone-in combination platter ($16).

Address: 3440 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Opening hours: Sat 8am–2pm (or until sold out)

What is it? A weekend morning curbside pop-up in the San Fernando Valley run by Gonzalo Ramirez, who raises and butchers his own lambs in Central California. He then painstakingly roasts the meat overnight in a pit in the ground.

Why we love it: Fragrant, tender and full of flavor, the Hidalgo-style lamb barbacoa at Barbacoa Ramirez is some of the best barbacoa in the city. Perhaps, like me, your first introduction to “barbacoa” was the dry, crumbly beef at Chipotle; this barbacoa is nothing like that. Look for the signs pointing to Carl Street—Barbacoa Ramirez recently moved one block over from the address posted on Google Maps—and you’ll find workers pressing tortillas and another pulling chunks of lamb out of a large soup pot. If it’s your first time, someone will probably give you a sample before you order. In addition to regular barbacoa tacos ($4), you can also order the slightly smoky, chili-stained pancita (stomach) or the moronga (blood sausage). Take a seat at the long plastic table and dress your tacos with cilantro, onions and two salsas, one fiery and another mild. Just be sure to arrive early or risk disappointment—Barbacoa Ramirez often sells out before noon.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to order a cup of chickpea consommé on the side to go along with your tacos. 

Address: 14263 Hoyt St, Arleta, CA 91331

Opening hours: Sat, Sun 7am–1pm

What is it? One of the most popular, widespread Tijuana-style street taco operations in Los Angeles.

Why we love it: There are so many Angel’s Tijuana Tacos locations around Los Angeles. No matter where you go, you’ll find tacos packed with flavor and your choice of grilled meat and then, as to be expected from the style, a sprinkling of cilantro and onions along with a hearty dollop of avocado salsa. The handmade corn tortillas—which are exactly the perfect thickness—get formed, pressed and seared down the assembly line here and the trompo-shaved al pastor proves its own bit of showmanship, making every visit not only delicious but a feast for the eyes, too. Opt for tacos ($2.50), mulitas ($8), vampiros ($4.50), quesadillas ($9–$10) and burritos ($9) in North Hollywood, Glassell Park, Echo Park, Sylmar, Van Nuys, Chatsworth and Long Beach (plus a few more in Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino).

Time Out tip: Unless you’re coming early, expect a wait at most of the L.A. outposts.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Echo Park, North Hollywood and Glassell Park

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 4pm–2am

What is it? An Inglewood carnitas specialist that will have you planning your flights to LAX around a meal here.

Why we love it: It’s all in the name at Carnitas El Artista, where Gustavo Chavez’s tender, slow-cooked Michoacan-style cuts of pork and offal will have you second-guessing the definition of carnitas. Best mixed with ribs, lengua and cabeza (though you can also order pure carnitas), the carnitas at El Artista offers a craveworthy mix of textures, from crispy to soft and buttery, plus a seriously aromatic mix of garlic, lime and spices. Order it inside tacos ($4.65 to $4.95), tucked into a burrito, heaped onto a platter of rice and beans or paired with chilaquiles for breakfast—the vehicle matters less than the meat itself, which is among the best carnitas in the city. The squeeze of lime and trio of housemade salsas simply gild the lily.

Time Out tip: Order online and skip the line, which can get quite lengthy on the weekends. 

Address: 510 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

Opening hours: Daily 9am–6pm

What is it? A Sinaloa-style carne asada specialist with locations in Whittier and Long Beach.

Why we love it: Tacos La Carreta serves a unique type of carne asada known as chorreadas. After one asada taco ($3.25 on corn or $4.25 on flour), you’ll quickly understand why people flock from all over L.A. County for these mouthwatering tacos. Each corn or flour tortilla gets slathered with lard, then topped with asada and a hearty cabbage-thickened salsa. Add cheese to make it a vampiro ($6)—just be sure to get the grilled onions and hot peppers, too. It’s a delicious taco, and towards the center, where the meat juices and cheese have pooled and the tortilla is softer, it’s also a little like a delicious cheeseburger. You can also swap your tortilla for a baked potato, if you’d like to switch things up. Wash everything down with agua de cebada, which uses barley instead of rice for a creamy, horchata-like drink.

Time Out tip: Tacos La Carreta also offers tripa, adobada (another term for al pastor) and a mix of all three, but I still like the asada the most.

Address: Whittier: 11402 Washington Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606; Long Beach 3480 E 69th St, Long Beach, CA 90805

Opening hours: Whittier: Mon–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–9pm; Long Beach: Mon–Fri 5pm–10pm; Sat, Sun 2–10pm

What is it? A cash-only truck in Boyle Heights and Mid-City that showcases a cleaner-tasting, less greasy side of birria. 

Why we love it: Teddy’s Red and other viral birria joints may have made the dish popular citywide, but Tacos Y Birria La Unica’s Yasmany Mendoza serves a superlative version of the dish in both crowd-pleasing beef and more traditional goat varieties. The birria here is fall-off-the-bone tender. I like to order the tacos dorados ($2.75) with a side of Tacos Y Birria’s rich, salty consommé. While both meats are delicious, I prefer the mildly funky-tasting goat, which perfectly complements the vinegary adobo sauce. For even more flavor, order the deep-fried quesatacos ($3), which come with melted soft white cheese. 

Time Out tip: Tacos Y Birria La Unica also serves a few cuts of tender beef offal: cabeza (head), lengua (tongue) and hard-to-find labio (lips). These are also delicious.

Address: Mid-City: 5871 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019; Boyle Heights: 2840 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Opening hours: Mid-City: Mon, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm; Boyle Heights: Mon, Wed–Sun 8:30am–4:30pm

What is it? A family-run Boyle Heights institution known for its ultra-crispy chicharrón, juicy carnitas, huge tamales and more. 

Why we love it: For the last five decades and counting, Los Cinco Puntos has churned out juicy carnitas, ultra-crispy chicharrón and other standards all piled into thick, housemade corn tortillas. The longtime carnicería also sells spices, imported chilies and tortillas by the dozen, but the reason this place stays crowded most days of the week is the affordably priced, delicious food. In addition to tacos, Los Cinco Puntos serves cheeseburgers, tortas, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and sopes, but I suggest starting off with a few tacos if it’s your first time. Each taco runs in the $3 to $4 range, but you probably won’t need more than two or three for a satisfying lunch or early dinner. Ask for one of everything from the fully loaded salsa bar, which stocks pickled nopales, chunky guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa verde and salsa rojo. Order your food to go or take your plate to one of the high-tops or the handful of patio tables stationed outside—you’ll want to try the tacos from Los Cinco Puntos while they’re hot and fresh.

Time Out tip: Ask for a sample of the chicharrón while you wait for your order to be ready.

Address: 3300 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30am–6pm; Sat, Sun 7am–6pm

What is it? A beloved local chain that’s home to one of L.A.’s best Baja-style fish tacos. 

Why we love it: It can take a few bites to appreciate the full appeal of a Baja-style fish taco ($4.25) from Taco Nazo, which has five locations throughout South L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley. It’s a familiar concoction—a warm soft corn tortilla stuffed with deep-fried white fish—but the batter is thick, the fish is flaky and the crema is rich, rich, rich. The seasoned and roasted small yellow peppers (“famous chili gueritos”) and the roasted chili salsa made on-site add nice spice and flavor to the taco. While the original location in La Puente is still going strong, you can also snag their delicious fish tacos in Bellflower, La Habra, El Monte and Baldwin Park.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking to beef up your meal, order one of the shrimp cocktails—a small portion just costs $6.50 extra.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. El Monte, La Puente and Bellflower

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A Koreatown taco stand filling the Tijuana-style taco void in Central L.A. 

Why we love it: The quality and consistency at Tacos 1986 isn’t what it used to be—and while Angel’s has our back across much of the city, this evening-only sidewalk stand in Koreatown-inset Little Bangladesh is pretty great too. Tacos El Chino serves excellent handmade tortillas, molcajete salsas and, most importantly, a juicy, well-made adobada (al pastor). For those farther east or south, Tacos El Chino also has other locations in Arleta, Wilmington, Florence-Graham and Boyle Heights. Eduardo Arizpe, the Puebla-born taquero behind the operation, has built up a strong following on Spanish-speaking social media. The tender asada taco ($3.50) is a surefire winner, but you can also opt for chicken or chorizo stuffed into quesadillas, mulitas, burritos and even papas locas-style, where a buttery baked potato is topped with meat, salsa and of course, a dollop of creamy guacamole. 

Time Out tip: If you ask us, however, our favorite delivery method at Tacos El Chino is the vampiro ($4). The toasted tortillas offer an almost earthen crunch, and the flattened surface area lets you savor the taste of meat in every bite.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Koreatown, East L.A. and South L.A.

Opening hours: Daily 5:30pm–midnight

What is it? An excellent Tijuana-style taco stand in Eagle Rock and Little Tokyo whose social media virality once gave rise to the Avenue 26 Night Market.

Why we love it:  Though the Lincoln Heights original has since moved to Eagle Rock, Avenue 26—or Tacos La 26, as the Little Tokyo stand is now called—still makes reliably delicious, affordable street tacos ($2.25). You’ll know it when you get there because more likely than not, it’ll be a party: There’s usually music and late-night revelers, families and all other walks of life lined up for some of the city’s best tacos. Al pastor is the staple meat, but every option here is excellent—just be sure to tell them you want a free broth-soaked potato to go with it, then make your way to the serve-it-yourself salsa stations. 

Time Out tip: Unless you’re really hungry or have a huge appetite, you only need about three or four tacos to get full.

Address: Little Tokyo: 353 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; Eagle Rock: 1033 Neola St, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Opening hours: Little Tokyo: Mon–Thu 9am–4am; Fri, Sat 9am–5am; Eagle Rock: Daily 5–11pm

What is it? An eye-catching deep blue lonchera in Silver Lake’s Sunset Triangle Plaza.

Why we love it: The wait during lunchtime can be killer, but Simón serves some of the most creative mariscos in town, including a unique fish al pastor ($7). Drawing upon culinary school training, Francisco Aguilar serves a seasonally driven menu of tacos, tostadas, ceviches and aguachiles that pack acid, flavor and heat all into one delicious, beautiful package. If available, be sure to get the soft-shell crab taco ($7), but you also can’t go wrong with the fish al pastor and enchilada suiza ($7)—a mouthwatering mix of grilled shrimp, melted cheese, habanero lime crema, avocado slices and salsa verde. Best of all, Simón offers a selection of colorful, ultra-fiery salsas that add even more zhuzh to your meal.

Time Out tip: If I had to choose, however, I actually prefer the ceviches and aguachiles here, which come with tostadas on the side.

Address: 3667 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Tue–Sun noon–6:30pm

What is it? A lunch residency inside Milpa Kitchen in Boyle Heights run by self-taught L.A. native Jonathan Perez and his sister, Ana. 

Why we love it: Made with heirloom blue corn tortillas, the creative tacos at Macheen ($5 each) are complex, saucy creations with plenty of tangy, flavorful salsas for contrast. Though the menu changes regularly, Macheen’s greatest hit might be the fried chicken taco, served with guajillo ranch and hibiscus slaw, but regulars also swear by the six-hour-braised pork belly with nopales, avocado salsa, refried black beans and cotija cheese and El Chilango—a brisket confit with chorizo beans and pickled onions. The mushroom al pastor makes for a decent vegetarian taco, and I think Perez’s birria taco is one of the best of its kind in the city. Enjoy your lunch within Milpa Grille’s built-out patio parklet to enjoy the tacos in their prime. You can also find Macheen at Smorgasburg on Sundays.

Time Out tip: Macheen also serves breakfast tacos before 2pm made with scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese and your choice of protein.

Address: Boyle Heights (inside Milpa Kitchen): 2633 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033; Arts District (Smorgasburg LA): 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 

Opening hours: Boyle Heights: Mon–Sat 8am–2pm; Arts District: Sun 10am–4pm

What is it? A Chinatown taquería that specializes in northern Baja-style tacos. 

Why we love it: Head chef Esdras Ochoa’s housemade tortillas and excellent salsas are made with ingredients brought from across the border.  Each order of tacos comes with a side of traditionally prepared pinto beans, and the portions are quite generous. While you can’t go wrong with their regular tacos ($4.05) and, of course, their wonderfully crispy, crema-laden Baja-style fish taco ($5.73), the real draws here are more gluttonous dishes like the triple meat and cheese-filled Zuperman ($10.98) and the garlic-lashed vampiro ($8.93) stuffed with with hand-chopped carne asada. Then again, when everything on the menu’s a winner, it’s pretty hard to pick a true favorite.

Time Out tip: For parking, there’s usually an open meter or two along Figueroa.

Address: 702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–8pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm

What is it? A longtime Pico-Union bakery specializing in all things Yucatán.

Why we love it: Among the handful of L.A. restaurants serving Yucatecan cuisine, the cochinita pibil taco ($3.50) at La Flor de Yucatan is one of the very best. On weekdays, the bakery also serves poc chuc, a citrus-marinated grilled pork; a chirmole, a spicy black chicken stew made with charred chili peppers; and pollo en achiote, which consists of chicken marinated in a mix of orange juice and annatto. The menu expands on the weekends to include harder-to-find dishes such as rellenos negros ($11)—a type of succulent braised turkey meat—and tacos filled with blood sausage or Yucatecan-style lechón, or roast suckling pig. The friendly service often leads to enthusiastic conversations on the subject of Mayan culinary history, so feel free to speak up while you chow down.

Address: 1800 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 7am–8pm; Sat, Sun 7am–7pm

What is it? An Afro-Mexican food truck in Watts serving pozoles, tamales and phenomenal deep-fried barbacoa tacos from Mexico’s Guerrero region.

Why we love it: For close to three decades, Watts local Maria Elena Lorenzo has been vending tamales alongside her husband and five daughters. More recently, however, she made waves in the L.A. food scene once she began serving other specialties from Guerrero, a southern state known for its pozoles, moles, grilled fish and unique tamales delicately wrapped in banana leaves. Briefly, Tamales Elena y Antojitos operated as a full brick-and-mortar in Bell Gardens, but the Lorenzo family has since gone back to serving exclusively from their Watts food truck. While the truck is better known for its tamales, the just-barely-fried tacos ($3) stuffed with barbacoa are excellent as well, especially with a side of consommé. Just be sure to order at least a few tamales (as well as a sweet one, if you’re coming on the weekends), and order extra to take home with you.

Time Out tip: If you see pescadillas—a type of deep-fried fish taco—on the specials menu, add a couple to your order.

Address: Wilmington Ave & E 110th St, Los Angeles, CA 90059

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 6am–2pm (or until sold out); Sun 8am–1pm (or until sold out)

What is it? Damian’s casual daytime counterpart and a stylish destination for gourmet tacos, flautas and desserts from Enrique Olvera, best known for Mexico City’s Pujol.

Why we love it: The tacos here might come at a premium—tacos are $8 or $9 while the fish flauta rings in at $10—but each item at Ditroit is made using the same delicate, housemade tortillas and fresh salsas served at its fancier full-service sibling. This Arts District taco destination also offers a lush, greenery-filled alleyway to enjoy your meal. I like the carnitas and suadero options well enough, but my favorite is the fish flauta, which features a rotating fish filling tucked into a crisp, extra-long rolled tortilla. Each one arrives dressed with crema, salsa verde, cabbage slaw and a sprinkling of cheese. My advice? Skip the regular tacos and go for a flauta or tamal, then chase your meal with the churros con chocolate, a cup of soft-serve or one of the impeccably constructed fruity paletas.

Time Out tip: While the small lot fills up quickly, there’s free parking for customers just off Violet. 

Address: 2117 Violet St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Wed–Sun noon–8pm

What is it? An L.A. taco brand whose culinary foundation is the very name of the business.

Why we love it: Armando de La Torre and his son, Armando de La Torre Jr. have built a local taco empire based on guisados, a family of braises and stews that derive their deliciousness from long hours of cooking and plenty of spices. A slightly thick, freshly pressed corn tortilla does its best to wrap around piles of fillings so good it’s impossible to choose a favorite here. Whether you’re opting for the spicy cochinita pibil with pickled onions or the vegetarian-friendly mushrooms with cilantro and queso fresco, each Guisados taco ($4.25) is full of flavor. I’m also partial to the bistek roja, but the tamales ($4.75) are also killer. Can’t decide? Get the sampler ($11.75) made of six mini tacos whether you’re dining in Boyle Heights (the OG), Downtown, Echo Park, Pasadena, Burbank, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach and Venice.

Time Out tip: To cool off on a hot day, order the Armando Palmero, which combines limeade with agua de jamaica, or hibiscus iced tea.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Hermosa Beach

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? An El Sereno restaurant specializing in flautas.

Why we love it: Is a flauta a taco? Look, I’m not here to debate you on this, but yes. Fried up perfectly inside a colorful storefront, the flautas from Los Dorados provide some of the most satisfying taco crunch in town—and come dripping with refreshing salsas for a perfect hot-to-cold sensation with every crunchy bite. Massive corn tortillas wrap around chorizo, chicken, potato, and our favorite, shredded beef, all ordered two of each variety to a pair ($9) and topped with a showering of cotija. 

Address: 5373 Alhambra Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 11am–8pm; Fri, Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–5pm

What is it? A beloved, critically acclaimed Northeast L.A. taquería known for its blue corn tacos and a stint on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles.

Why we love it: After years of popping up around Highland Park, Victor Villa has brought his critically acclaimed blue corn tortillas to three storefronts: the original strip mall outpost along Figueroa, a stall within Downtown’s Grand Central Market and a third location on Figueroa serving Baja-inspired mariscos. While I wouldn’t go out of the way for Villa’s Tacos #3, which offers serviceable fish tacos and a market-priced gourmet taco made with A5 Wagyu, the original “tacos estilo Los Angeles” served at 5455 North Figueroa and inside Grand Central Market are some of the most unique tacos in the city. Each regular taco ($3.50) consists of finely chopped meats, which you can top with seven different salsas as well as excellent guacamole, which is never extra(!). Most people opt for the quesotacos ($4.50 apiece)—think charred, crispy Monterey Jack soldered to each handmade tortilla, drizzles of fresh snow white crema and a shower of cotija cheese. Three solid vegan taco options further broaden the appeal of Villa’s cooking, but the first-timer’s go-to order is usually the sampler trio of quesotacos. Lines here usually form early, but these tacos are worth the wait.

Time Out tip: I only really recommend the Highland Park location, as I’ve found my experiences with the Downtown Villa’s to be a little inconsistent.

Address: Highland Park: 5455 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042; Downtown: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Highland Park: Daily noon–10pm; Downtown: Tue–Sun 11am–9pm

What is it? A tiny stand near Union Station known for one thing and one thing only: taquitos.

Why we love it: Since 1934, these legendary deep-fried beef taquitos ($3.60 for two) have sizzled in bubbling vats of oil on Olvera Street, the oldest street in all of Los Angeles. Smothered in a runny avocado salsa, these crunchy, corn-based cylinders are made fresh to order, as they have been since the shop opened, with a sort of nostalgic, crowd-pleasing deliciousness that once inspired the late L.A. writer Eve Babitz to extol their virtues in her autobiographical novel Eve’s Hollywood. Beyond the shop’s iconic taquitos, however, you’ll also find an extremely solid burrito ($7.50) and chile relleno ($5); all three are best enjoyed after strolling through the entirety of the touristy historical landmark.

Time Out tip: Parking in the immediate area is fairly expensive or difficult to find—I recommend taking the Metro if you can, or parking in Chinatown and walking over.

Address: 23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Daily 9am–9pm