15 Must-Try Taco Joints in Los Angeles

One thing Los Angeles is famous for is top-notch tacos. The history runs deep, thanks to a rich Mexican and Latino culinary heritage supported by countless restaurants, trucks and stands, some nearly 100 years old.

In honor of this hand-held classic, we felt it was only right to put together a list of what we consider the top must-try taco spots in Los Angeles. Below you’ll find everything from Baja-style to traditional Mayan flavors from the Yucatán just waiting to be experienced. You simply can’t visit LA without hitting any one these spots.

MARISCOS JALISCO

LOCATION: 3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

This seafood-focused Mexican food truck has been around for over 20 years. The Mariscos Jalisco legend was cemented at their first location in Boyle Heights before expanding to four additional locations throughout Los Angeles. Consistently tasty, people line up daily to get their hands on the iconic deep-fried shrimp tacos dorados.

EL RUSO 

LOCATION: 1730 Logan St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

El Ruso’s famous handmade artisanal Sonoran flour tortilla tacos have won them awards, landed them a feature in a documentary, and earned a highlight on the news. Echo Park locals and beyond frequent the trailer looking to get their hands on mesquite-grilled carne asada tacos, Sinaloan-style abodaba pork and more.

WORLDWIDE TACOS 

LOCATION: 2419 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Not your typical taqueria, Worldwide Tacos probably breaks every taco rule in the book with its wide assortment of offerings. Taco fillings include everything from jerk beef to raspberry steak, teriyaki salmon and even orange chicken. They also have a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

SONORATOWN

LOCATION: 208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Sonoratown consistently gets news coverage for its delicious eats. They serve the city their famous handmade flour tortillas, juicy tacos de costilla and more at two locations. While the lines can be long at this storefront taqueria, the food is typically served hot, flavorful and fast. Nearby residents look forward to the enticing scent of grilled meats wafting from each location.

TACOS EL VENADO

LOCATION: 11700 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

With three locations to get your Tijuana-style taco grub on, Tacos El Venado will surely hit all the right spots. The popular taco truck offers all of the classic meat options like grilled chicken and carne asada, but probably what they’re most known for is their al pastor. Hungry for more specialty options? They also serve lengua, tripa, and suadero along with a nice selection of sauces.

KATRINA’S TACOS

LOCATION: 9100 Sepulveda Blvd, North Hills, CA 91343

Few things beat the smell of charcoaled grilled meats and that’s exactly the first thing that’ll pull you into Katrina’s Tacos. Handmade tortillas made on the spot and the best pork rib tacos with a unique seasoning blend are highlights. Make sure to try the pineapple cream sauce. 

CARNITAS EL MOMO

LOCATION: 2411 Fairmount St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

The name says it all, Carnitas El Momo is probably Los Angeles’ best carnitas taco spot. This taqueria has kept Angelenos well-fed since 2015, but the undeniable family recipe was mastered over six decades. If pork is your meat of choice, you’ll have your pick of pork skin, hog maw and pork shoulder tacos here.

TACOS LA GUERA

LOCATION: 1521-1569 N Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

This top taco stand boasts six locations throughout Los Angeles. Perfect for a late night snack, Tacos La Guera serves up unique options like tasty brisket tacos and spit roasted shawarma-style al pastor. Of course they also have classics like chicken and carne asada tacos.

TACOS LOS GUICHOS 

LOCATION: 320 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90003

Conveniently located right off the 110 Freeway and operating in the parking lot of a tire shop, Tacos Los Guichos is the perfect pit-stop for hungry taco lovers. This popular truck is known for its thinly-sliced and juicy Mexican-style al pastor tacos. Just make sure you bring dollars along with your appetite, this is a cash-only joint.

BALAM MEXICAN KITCHEN

LOCATION: 11700 Long Beach Blvd, Lynwood, CA 90262

Balam is one of the more unique spots on this list, as it blurs lines and experiments with flavors and concepts. Here you’ll find a taco using a hibiscus-dyed pickled jicama as the “tortilla,” chicken tinga served with Indian masala sauce, Korean asada, fried pork trimmings in tomatillo salsa and marinated grilled chicken breast in almond mole. Clearly boundaries are non-existent at this one-of-a-kind taco joint.

ANGEL’S TIJUANA TACOS

LOCATION: 4211 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Also serving Tijuana-style tacos, Angel’s keeps loyal customers lining up for their pineapple-topped trompa al pastor tacos that’s slightly-charred and served on handmade tortillas. They also have carne asada, chicken and even keto options. The best part is their tacos come loaded with meat served in a tortilla that never tears, giving you a healthy grip of flavorful quality

TACO NAZO

LOCATION: 9516 Garvey Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733

This 40+ year old pioneer of Baja-style fish tacos has locations throughout Los Angeles. Served on corn tortillas, locals line up for their shrimp and flakey fish tacos that are considered the best in the world according to reviews. To save time, you can even place your order online in advance.

TACOS A CABRON

LOCATION: 3381 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Get great portions for a great price at this bustling taco stand. Open daily at 5PM, folks come in droves to indulge in their top-tier pork rib (costilla) tacos and housemade chorizo. 

LEO’S TACO TRUCK

LOCATION: 1515 S La Brea Ave, ​Los Angeles, CA 90019 & More

With nine locations to choose from, there’s no shortage of flavorful Leo’s Tacos right within reach. This food truck is known far and wide for their tacos al pastor at a cheap price. But be sure to try their fresh chicken and carne asada, too. It’s the perfect way to end a night out on the town, but be ready for a decent wait time.

TACOS 1986

LOCATION: 10874 Kinross Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

This Tijuana-style taco spot is a LA-staple. Get your fill of Carne Asada y Adobada tacos served on fluffy and fresh corn tortillas, along with a selection of classics. Vegans can also enjoy the Tacos 1986 experience with their mushroom option. With seven locations, no matter where you’re located, a Tacos 1986 is right around the corner.

As a major hub for Latin cuisine, Los Angeles has no shortage of delicious must-try taco restaurants. While there’s certainly more spots that could be added to this list, this selection sets you on the right path to discover more in this taco town.