From the best taquerias to the best taco stands.
Southern California has a known love affair with its taco connections. You don’t have to be Latinx to appreciate taco culture here, though. Films and shows like Letterkenny have openly embraced our famous taco culture in comical ways. Outside Hollywood, Latinx people are passionate about our culture and delicious ancestral foods. The food here tells rich stories made with sweat and sometimes tears (I mean, onions also do that a bit) that have become living legends. It is one of the many narratives contributing to America’s heartbeat and dreams.
There’s a reason why so many films and music are inspired by time eating here. You can learn so much about California’s lifestyle and way of life by tasting the symphonies of layered flavors in the stories that become unpacked with each bite. Below, you’ll find a few pathways to stories to inspire you, make your palate dance, and perhaps start your own love affair with the delightfulness that is our storied history… road trip style.
Top Picks for You
Lalo’s
WHERE: 1580 N Ventura Ave, Ventura
Start your exploration of Southern California’s taco offerings in Ventura by traveling the Avenue. While there, head yourself to Lalo’s. The quaint roadside stop is perfect for your day outdoors. There’s something special about walking up to a classic local secret and ordering fish tacos just a short trek away from the ocean. Grab yourself a treat and sit on the patio.
Juanita’s Cafe
WHERE: 20 Olvera St, Los Angeles
Across from Union Station in Los Angeles resides one of the town’s most historic places to eat. Olvera Street, home to the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Monument, has rich Latinx historical landmarks, markets, and restaurants. It is called the oldest street in Los Angeles. Some have called it a living museum because, well, it is. It is a museum of Los Angeles’ past, from its name to its tiled terra-cotta and brick grounds.
Nowadays, it’s also a popular spot to go before a Dodger game, as you can eat some amazing (and cheaper than the stadium food) food at Olvera Street before taking the bus to Union Station straight to the ball game. Outside of baseball season, the historic and central location naturally makes it very popular, especially for celebrations of history, such as Los Angeles’s birthday celebration on September 4th, and Latino holidays, such as Dia de Los Muertos, Los Posadas, and their annual blessing of the animals.
I’ve spent considerable time going here before the Dodgers games and heading to see my family further south on Sundays, which have been devoted to my son. Juanita’s has been my primary go-to spot in the area for my regular back and forth for things. It’s not just mine, either. Juanita’s has been a solid staple there for over 75 years. Oh, and if Eduardo, the owner, is there, you can ask him stories about the characters he’s met or roller derby, which he participates in!
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Cinco de Mayo
WHERE: 11204 Washington Pl, Culver City
Trek yourself out to the glittering place where folks once came screenland came to life in the Golden Era. While a lot has changed over the years, some stand steadfast against the once sundown city soaring above to success. A handful of taquerias have been a part of that rise above.
You may have heard of a different taqueria in Culver City, but Cinco de Mayo is my preferred go-to spot. It’s a small location at the corner of Washington and Sepulveda. The taqueria is a treasure for those looking to escape the crowds simply to nestle themselves with good food. It even has both parking and a bus stop in front for folks coming from ways beyond the now non-existent Red Car historical transport system that once ran across the city.
Tacos Por Favor
WHERE: 826 Hampton Dr, Venice
If you want to see some sites around Los Angeles’s romantic and curiously almost European vibes, head toward Venice for some Tacos Por Favor. I’ve gone there at night after dates in the past. It’s a great spot to grab some tacos and head to the canals or walk among the many small tiny sidestreets where you’ll find artsy residences with cozy lighting straight out of a movie like Big Fish.
Taqueria La Naranja
WHERE: 2333 Daly St, Los Angeles
If you’re around Lincoln Heights, potentially after seeing one of the semi-annual art walks at The Brewery Artist Lofts artist colony, there’s a super tasty spot not far from there that’s worth getting a bite at. Walking in, you’ll be greeted with the smell of freshly cooked carne. You often see a cocinar carving trompo away like an artist carefully constructing their own artistic masterpiece of grande juicy and deliciousio carne for your desired tacos. Get yourself some fresh tacos al pastor, and thank us later.
La Parilla
WHERE: 1300 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
La Parilla is a taqueria in another historical location- Los Angeles’s historic Wilshire Corridor. It is one of the oldest buildings in its historical location, honored by the Los Angeles Conservancy. They offer authentic molcajetes- an ages-old culinary celebration of Aztec times handcrafted with mortar and pestle. Of course, as the name implies, you might find parrilladas on your mind. You can get them there if you like… just know that you won’t be eating them in Charlie Chaplin’s old home as it is a rumor that the spot has entertained with photos of Chaplin inside.
Tlayuda L.A. Mexican Restaurant
WHERE: 5450 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
This woman-owned Oaxacan establishment, located just outside of Los Angeles’s Larchmont area, will give you a taste of Southern Mexico. Come for breakfast and grab some tortas. Enjoy tacos made with homemade tortillas, even vegan options. Of course, your journey would not likely be complete without getting one of their tlayudas: Mexican street-style pizza made of tortillas, beans, and vegetables.
Taqueria la Mexicana
WHERE: 1490 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach
This tiny walk-up packs a set of stories about the Long Beach community. Indulge in lengua, carne asada, and so much more. This spot generally attracts more locals than tourists. Despite this, the shop still gets lines, so don’t think coming here will help you dodge them.
La Chancla Mexican Grill
WHERE: 990 Cherry Ave, Long Beach
Ask any Latino kid about stories connected to the chancla, and you will likely get a shiver and a laugh. You’ll get that from the sign here, too, which has one of those memories with our mothers, tias, and abuelitas, as not only the name but a picture of it so that those who don’t know the meaning can understand a bit.
The food at this stop is anything but a horror show, though. It’s a gem of Guadalajaran-style food served to you by owner and chef Ismael Miramontes, located between Lincoln and North Alamitos Beach in Long Beach. Their specialities are guisados, but their menu is full of other menu items from carnitas to Taco Carne De Puerco En Salsa Verde, tinga, and even chancla teased items (chancla only by name) because, of course, they would have them. Don’t worry; you’ll be safe from any mother present with a chancla when you go get your order of choice.
Tacos De Birria Estilo Guadalajara
WHERE: 23802 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills
If you’re looking for birria in the OC, stop by Tacos De Birria Estilo Guadajara for some face-melting tacos of dreams. You can eat indoors or out, depending on your mood. They have large portions here if you’re feeling incredibly indulgent. Laguna Hills is a gorgeous area in Orange County, not far from the water to go walk that off if you want to afterward.
TJ Tacos
WHERE: 802 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido
Street tacos are the focus at TJ Tacos but others there are absolutely worthy of sharing the spotlight. TJ’s is another place where pretty much everything is good, but the cabeza, adobada, and quesadillas are particularly on point. If you like this one, you’ll also probably like a different choice on our list, which is a bit further south in San Diego- Tacos El Gordo.
Las Cuatro Milpas
WHERE: 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego
Translated, it means “the four cornfields.” Nowadays, the business is far from being a cornfield. The family-owned business created in pursuit of an American Dream that persists has been in operation since the thirties. Looking at historic photos, you’ll see that it has always seemed to draw crowds.
While its menu is small, it’s mighty. The lines that show in those vintage pictures are still happening today several decades later. (My buddy Billy told me that he can confirm this with his personal regularity.) Bring cash, as cards aren’t taken. It’s only open in the early part of the day and is closed on Sundays.
El Tianguis
WHERE: 2810 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
North Park San Diego folks are spoiled with El Tianguis. If you’re looking for rolled tacos and flautas, you’re in for a treat at El Tianguis. One of my friends swears by them. I’m personally fond of the fact that they have potato taquitos.
Potato combinations don’t feel common enough to me. I’m a big fan of them where I can. When I can add them to places I’ve lived in the past to create new memories, it’s an added bonus. Unfortunately, my favorite spot for potato tacos (also endorsed by Los Angeles food legend Jonathan Gold) in Los Angeles closed, so getting the heads up about another spot that has it offered, even if it’s in San Diego, is a great plus for friend-cations back in a place I lived at when my kids were babies.
De Cabeza el Unico
WHERE: 1043 Broadway, Chula Vista
De Cabeza brings tastes from Mexico’s coastal area of Sinaloa to your palate. Chicharon, lengua, and mixed tacos are the stars of the show at De Cabeza. You’re able to get taco de sesos here, which, for those familiar with it, are made with beef or veal brains. Of course, you can also have more classic meats in your tacos, such as tripe and pork belly.
One extra fun one is to consider adding some crunch to your meal, too. Adventurous souls can also order Chapulines (grasshoppers) with their tacos, adding an extra special element to a day out with family or even a date.
Tacos El Gordo
WHERE: 556 Broadway, Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, you’re near the edge of being in Mexico. Enjoy the tastes of Tijuana at Tacos El Gordo without having to stamp your passport. The location has been there since the late 90s. It was one of the first spots I discovered in San Diego. Local friends still give it accolades because you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.