Discover the 5 must-try tacos in LA with exact locations and prices. From Sonoratown to Leo's, here's where to go for a perfect taco crawl.
Los Angeles is a taco metropolis, and we've scoured the city in search of the ultimate bites. These five spots—from a century-old family recipe to a late-night truck—serve tacos that define LA's diverse culinary scene. Here's exactly where to go and what to order, with prices as of March 2025.
The 5 Must-Try Tacos in LA
We ate our way across the city to bring you this definitive list. No fluff, just real tacos at real prices.
- Sonoratown (208 E 8th St, Downtown LA) – Carne asada taco on a hand-made flour tortilla, $4.50. Open Tue–Sun, 11am–10pm.
- Guisados (2100 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Boyle Heights) – Braised beef "cochinita pibil" taco, $3.75. Their sampler platter lets you try 5 for $12.50.
- Mariscos Jalisco (3040 E Olympic Blvd, East LA) – Crispy shrimp taco with salsa roja, $2.50. A food truck legend since 1996.
- Leo's Taco Truck (multiple locations; see their Instagram) – Al pastor taco with pineapple, $1.50. Open late, especially Fri/Sat.
- Angel's Tijuana Tacos (multiple locations; flagship on Venice Blvd) – Adobada taco with grilled onions, $2.00. Known for their handmade tortillas.
Why These Spots Made the Cut
We judged each taco on three criteria: quality of meat, freshness of tortilla, and value for the price. These five consistently deliver. Sonoratown uses 100% Sonoran wheat flour imported from Hermosillo. Guisados braises their meats for 12 hours. Mariscos Jalisco's shrimp is battered to order.
Pro Tips for Your Taco Crawl
- Go early – popular spots like Leo's line up by 7pm, and some sell out.
- Bring cash – Mariscos Jalisco and Leo's are cash-only.
- Use public transit or rideshare – parking near Boyle Heights and Downtown can be brutal.
Ready to taste the best tacos in LA? Grab your friends, map out these five spots, and start your crawl this weekend. Don't forget to share your photos with #DailyBitesLA for a chance to be featured on our feed!
