From crispy shrimp tacos in South LA to Sonoran-style carne asada downtown, these five spots are where Angelenos queue up for the best bites.
Los Angeles is the undisputed taco capital of America, but with over 1,000 taco trucks and restaurants from Boyle Heights to the San Fernando Valley, finding the perfect al pastor can feel overwhelming. As the editors of DailyBites LA, we've done the hard work and narrowed it down to five must-try spots that capture the city's incredible culinary variety. From crispy seafood tacos to slow-roasted carnitas, these are the places Angelenos actually line up for.
1. Sonoratown (Downtown LA)
This tiny taqueria at 208 E 8th St serves the best flour tortillas in the city, made fresh from Sonoran wheat. The signature carne asada taco ($4.50) comes with charred beef, creamy beans, and a punchy salsa roja. Owner Jennifer Feliberti learned the craft from her grandmother in Hermosillo, Mexico, and the flavor shows.
2. Guisados (Boyle Heights)
At 2100 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Guisados has been a local favorite since 2011. Their taco sampler ($9.99) lets you try six stews—from spicy chiles rellenos to tangy pork pibil—all on handmade corn tortillas. The line moves fast, and the outdoor patio is perfect for a quick lunch.
3. Mariscos Jalisco (South LA)
This unassuming food truck at 3040 E Olympic Blvd is famous for its taco dorado de camarón ($3.50), a crispy fried shrimp taco topped with avocado and spicy slaw. It's been featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles and routinely sells out by 2 PM. Go early.
4. Tacos Los Anaya (Sherman Oaks)
With four locations, this family-run spot serves up some of the Valley's best al pastor. At 14549 Ventura Blvd, you can watch the spinning trompo and order the pirata ($5.00)—a taco wrapped around melted cheese and grilled pineapple. Open until 2 AM on weekends.
5. Angel's Tijuana Tacos (East Hollywood)
For a late-night fix, head to 401 N Western Ave. The campechano ($4.75) mixes marinated beef and pork with crispy chicharron. Their house-made habanero salsa packs serious heat, and the smashing setup keeps things authentic.
Pro Tips for Your Taco Crawl
- Bring cash—Sonoratown and Mariscos Jalisco are cash-only.
- Skip the 12–2 PM rush on weekdays; weekends open later, but arrive before 11:30 AM.
- Use the Metro E Line to easily hop between Downtown, Boyle Heights, and East Hollywood.
What to Order at Each Spot (If You Only Get One)
- Sonoratown: Carne asada taco with extra salsa verde.
- Guisados: The sampler—trust us, you want all six.
- Mariscos Jalisco: Two shrimp tacos, one to eat and one to save.
- Tacos Los Anaya: Pirata with grilled pineapple.
- Angel's Tijuana Tacos: Campechano with a squeeze of lime.
Ready to eat your way through LA? Grab your friends, hit the streets, and start with this list. For more local food coverage and hidden gems, subscribe to DailyBites LA for free—and don't forget to tell us in the comments which taco spot you think belongs on next year's list!
