Where You Should Eat: Tacos in LA 2021

Only 4? I know, damn near impossible to narrow it down to just 4 but I am going to attempt. And don’t worry, I will add on some honorable mentions in case you want more than 4 ;)

If you are visiting LA though, and one of your goals is to hit up a handful of the Iconic Tacos that cover the LA basin, you have come to the right place. I will walk you through the most important and influential tacos on the worlds greatest taco stage, Los Angeles.

TOP 4 - Must Eat

Mariscos Jalisco

Hands down the best taco in LA, and therefore one of the best tacos in the world. These things SLAP…on a level that is hard to explain. If you are in LA, this needs to be an absolute priority!! One of my top 3 food experiences in all of LA and I do not say this lightly, I would die for these tacos.

So what is all the talk about? Well, my pictures do it no justice; it’s hard to capture such excellence, and something that is fried shut! BUT just know they only make one thing at this truck, because you do NOT need anything else. (I would suggest ordering at least 4 per person, and even then, it will never be enough.)

Each taco has a home made perfectly crunchy fried tortilla, filled with shrimp, potato and herbs that join together to create a symphony of flavor and a creaminess that will blow you away. The beauty of these though is that the filling is put in the tortillas, then they are folded shut and fried to perfection creating a perfect little crust around the edge. I cannot stress enough how unique and satisfying these Tacos are! Then you add the house salsa filled with chunks of fresh veggies and seafood, an entire avocado, limes galore and you are set for the best meal out of a truck that money can buy. You cannot find a better bang for your buck in Los Angeles; these things are legendary!

Guerrilla Taco

I talk about Guerilla frequently on this blog, and I have NO shame about that. This is one of the great Taco places, but also restaurants in Los Angeles. Creative, Innovative, consistent, and the flavors are hitting. Though ownership has switched over, the ladies in control now have held true to Chef Wes Avila'‘s original vision; fresh ingredients, masterful technique, and thoughtfully experimental ways to enjoy one of the true classics that is a taco.

Be sure to get an assortment of different options (the menu is small), and a box or 2 of the Potato Taquitos. These simple little rolled tortillas provide equally opposing textures; softness from the potato filling and perfect crunch from the tortillas, which are married together by the most important ingredient, the Salsa Verde. A simple salsa that has stolen my heart a dozen times over, so much depth of flavor, smoky, spicy, herbaceous; you could drink this stuff and die happy!!

Teddys Red Tacos

If you have never had Birria tacos I would suggest moving these to the top of the list, BUT please be smart about where you go as the popular style has opened the door for a lot of posers in the LA area. As in most cases, your first impression is very important, and Birria can be the greatest bite on earth, or a big flavorless let down. The guys at Teddys Red Tacos are some of the originals to blaze the trail of Birria in southern Cal and across the US, so you can bet your ass this Consume’, these Tortillas and that perfect Beef that’s been marinating for hours are going to explode through your taste buds! There are truly few things more delicious and so damn flavorful.

Make sure you check out one of their trucks cruising around the greater LA area.

*Disclaimer: all Birria is not created equal, please do your research if you aren’t going to a Teddys.

Tacos Los Guichos

From a convenience point of view, any of the amazing taco trucks up and down Slauson are terrible for parking, but may also hold the closest density of world class taco trucks and taquerias that exists anywhere. So, come prepared to drive a few laps while your friends procure the goodies, or be prepared to walk a few blocks once you finally do find somewhere to park.

Tacos Los Guichos is known for having the best Carnitas in LA and you can rest assured they live up to that billing. Their quesadillas have also become something of legend in my circle, so make sure you grab one of these meat heavy ‘half moon’ delights!

My list of Honorable Mentions, All Of Which Are Phenomenal! (Favorites **)

• Sonoratown

• Cielito Lindo**

• Tacos Y Birria La Unica

• Tire Shop Taqueria**

• Tacos 1986

• Mariscos El Primo Taco Truck

• Holbox

• Guisados

• Ave 26 Taco Stand

• Carnitas El Momo**

• Chuy’s Tacos Dorados

• Barbacoa Estilo Taxco

• Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana

• Chiquis Tacos

• El Cholo**

• Chicas Tacos**