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Guide to California

Unique shrimp taco spots

You want shrimp tacos that actually break the mold instead of just following the standard recipe.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Surf Up Chicken image 1
Surf Up Chicken image 2
Surf Up Chicken image 3
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Restaurant

Small space with about seven tables and some outdoor seating offers a clean, bright, and relaxed atmosphere. A sauce bar with various dips adds to the casual dining experience. The vibe is cozy and inviting, suited for quick, tasty lunches with a friendly feel.

Bite-sized chicken offers a Taiwanese flavor with a unique twist. The menu is diverse and the food carries a very authentic flavor.

Shrimp tacos come with plenty of shrimp and fresh, full flavor. Fried and crispy versions stand out as delicious and often reordered.

People are saying

"The shrimp here is perfectly cooked and delicious."

"The food has a unique, authentic flavor with a twist."

"The shrimp tacos are fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The prices at Surf Up Chicken are very affordable.

2

The dining area and restroom are nice and clean.

3

It gets busy during lunch hour, especially on weekdays.

02
MidEast Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor seating lines the sidewalk beside vibrant murals on old brick walls, creating a casual spot with people watching and views of busy streets. The atmosphere mixes lively neighborhood bustle with occasional loud traffic, offering a dynamic urban vibe. Tables face a mix of street scenes and parking lots, making it a functional but unpolished dining experience.

Fusion of Middle Eastern spices with Latin foods creates a unique taco experience. The falafel taco stands out as a distinctive flavor combination not common in Los Angeles.

Shrimp tacos have a unique flavor that stands out and makes them memorable. They come across as delectable and satisfying, often compared favorably to other well-known spots.

People are saying

"I found the falafel tacos to be out of this world and super yummy."

"The falafel taco's unique flavor twist was perfection."

"These Shrimp Tacos are perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant only has outdoor seating.

3

Parking can be a challenge if you donโ€™t arrive by foot.

03
Azafran restaurant image 1

Small, intimate space with cozy atmosphere and natural plants inside. Quiet and friendly vibe encourages easy conversation with French press coffee brewed at the table. Decor features lots of windows and a sunset view, creating a fresh, homey feel.

Small setting with beautiful presentation and bright, unique flavors. Attention to detail stands out in every dish.

Shrimp tacos stand out with extremely fresh shrimp and great flavor. They serve as a light, flavorful option that highlights fresh, quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, beautifully presented and full of flavor."

"The food here has unique flavor blends and bold, premium ingredients."

"The shrimp tacos were the real highlight, tasting like heaven."

Good to know

1

A special menu item is available only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

3

There is no wait for seating during most hours.

04
Ferchaladas birria & mariscos image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor and outdoor seating featuring colorful murals outside. Atmosphere feels lively and upbeat with good music playing, creating a friendly and festive vibe. The spot attracts people looking for authentic birria and mariscos in a casual, unassuming setting.

Dishes feature unique flavors and fresh ingredients. The octopus taco and mariscos stand out for their distinct taste and quality.

Shrimp tacos feature fresh shrimp and tortillas with a great spice that stands out. The combination of flavors makes them absolutely delicious and a highlight alongside birria.

People are saying

"The shrimp and octopus taco was overflowing with seafood."

"The shrimp tacos are overflowing with shrimp and bursting with flavor."

"I thought the mariscos here were unique and amazing."

Good to know

1

Ferchaladas birria & mariscos accepts only cash payments.

2

Expect to wait due to the busy atmosphere.

3

It is difficult to find parking.

05
Beverly Bar - Beverly Hills Restaurant image 1

Bar combines chic, upscale design with a sexy, luxurious ambiance and intimate, cozy seating. Energy stays lively with artfully crafted cocktails and a well-curated vintage Hollywood vibe. Outdoor seating with heat lamps adds comfort without losing style.

Drinks like the call me amaro and island honey come with artistic garnishes and unique flavors. The Fig and Farro salad offers a delightful flavor combination. Every dish and cocktail shows fresh, tasty, and unique qualities.

Shrimp tacos come substantial and well priced at $19. They taste delicious and stand out among mains like margarita pizza.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so nice and provides perfect service."

"The fig and farro salad had a unique, delightful flavor combination."

"I loved the shrimp tacos; they were delicious and substantial."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2 pm, offering great deals on drinks.

2

Martini Mondays feature special pricing on signature cocktails.

3

Taco Tuesdays provide a unique menu option during happy hour.

06
Carlitosโ€™ Tijuana Grill image 1

Mexican-themed decor and a salsa bar with many options create a lively and inviting atmosphere. Music, including DJ sets, adds energy while maintaining a family-friendly vibe. Freshly made tortillas and authentic Baja-style tacos stand out as key features.

Peanut oil hot sauce brings a unique regional flavor to the tacos. Personalized service from the owner adds a distinctive charm. Agua de Jamaica with canela offers a refreshingly unique twist compared to other spots.

Shrimp tacos come with fresh, flavorful shrimp that stand out on their own without extra sauces. They rank among the best tacos here, matching the quality of quesabirria and fish tacos.

People are saying

"This Mexican food tastes like Tijuana, it's so authentic."

"The handmade tacos and salsas here are uniquely flavorful and fresh."

"These shrimp tacos are juicy with a perfect spicy kick."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, they offer a buy 3, get 1 free deal.

2

Parking is available in the corner store plaza.

3

The tortillas are made in house.

07
Fish Guts image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood spot with tight seating and a mix of indoor and outdoor counters creates a casual, lively vibe. Music plays well, adding to the fun atmosphere where people gather for unique fish tacos and creative margaritas with agave wine.

Tacos feature distinct flavors with unique slaw toppings that complement the fish well. Drinks include an Al Pastor Margarita offering a different twist.

Coconut shrimp tacos stand out with their unique flavor and perfect seasoning. Baja style shrimp tacos offer a taste that feels authentic and well-crafted.

People are saying

"I had the best beer battered fish tacos I ever had."

"The coconut shrimp tacos are flavorful and fresh."

"I loved the unique tacos, especially the coconut shrimp."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-45 minute wait for your tacos after ordering.

2

Seating at Fish Guts is limited, so arrive early.

3

They may run out of menu items, especially during peak hours.

08
Flor's Farm to Table image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with open market seating and plenty of outdoor patio space creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared seating in a food hall setting offers a casual vibe with some quieter indoor tables. Energy stays relaxed, making it suitable for quick, quiet meals or casual gatherings.

Tacos and other dishes deliver a unique and perfect flavor that stands out. The refresher drink offers a distinctive taste that many find memorable.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful shrimp that pairs well with the other taco options. Both the shrimp and fish tacos offer a satisfying, tasty experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the red snapper tacos."

"I fell in love with this unique place and can't wait to return."

"These shrimp tacos were so flavorful, I wish I lived here."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, making them an affordable option.

2

The restaurant is located one block off Old Town Avenue.

3

Free public parking is available across the street.

09
City Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop offers outdoor seating with gas fireplaces and a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere stays laid back and fun, featuring a DJ and fire pits that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Salsa bar adds a fresh, generous touch to the experience.

Tacos feature unique pairings and inventive flavors with multiple sauces to try. The menu includes street style tacos and a scallop taco that stands out for its distinct taste.

Shrimp tacos come with crispy shrimp wrapped in a crunchy roll-up inside a soft corn tortilla. They have a crispy texture and a delicious flavor that stands out among other tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexicali taco here is amazing and super fresh."

"The tacos here are unique with inventive pairings and delicious sauces."

"I really liked the crispy shrimp taco."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday at City Tacos includes $2.50 Mexican beer and 10% off food.

2

City Tacos offers vegan options alongside a variety of tacos.

3

Parking is convenient and generally available near City Tacos.

10
LOQUI image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dining space combines industrial design with a Mexico City vibe and gorgeous decor. Atmosphere feels cool and lively, with a bar setting that adds energy. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors paired with a stylish, modern environment.

Offers a unique take on Mexican food with cravable flavors that stand out.

Shrimp tacos come loaded with spicy garlic shrimp and strong flavors. Some versions are very spicy, while others balance heat with rice and beans on the side.

People are saying

"The flour tortillas are handmade in-house and taste amazing."

"I loved the shrimp tacos, they were loaded with shrimp and full of amazing flavor."

"I loved the unique, cravable flavors here."

Good to know

1

Parking is free, but you must scan a QR code and enter your license plate number.

2

Validated parking is available for customers who dine in.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is not.

11
Guac Daddy Cantina- West Hollywood image 1

Outdoor-only seating creates a cozy patio with market lights and heat lamps enhancing a beachside vibe. Youthful energy fills the space with vibey music setting a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The spot blends fast casual dining with a relaxed, stylish environment perfect for casual hangouts.

Offers a unique menu with a distinct selection of food and drinks. The pollo al pastor stands out as well-seasoned and different from typical versions.

Grilled shrimp tacos come with bold flavors and a fresh taste. They pair well with strawberry guava lemonade for a balanced meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is packed with fresh ingredients."

"I loved the unique selection of food and drinks."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with the Shrimp Tacos."

Good to know

1

Guac Daddy Cantina closes at 10pm on Sunday.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating only.

3

Guac Daddy has a huge patio outside and is dog friendly.

12
Sancho's Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Indoor and outdoor seating surround a space filled with colorful, edgy artwork and unique, nostalgic decor. Loud music featuring rap and metal creates a high-energy atmosphere that some find disruptive. The bar offers a variety of beers and excellent margaritas, complementing the casual, fun vibe.

Fun and unique atmosphere with great music sets the mood. Food includes unique tacos and salsas with twists on traditional recipes.

Beer battered shrimp tacos stand out with a crispy texture. Freshness comes through in the grilled shrimp options, making the shrimp tacos consistently very good and a favorite choice.

People are saying

"The tacos and burritos here are excellent."

"I thought the shrimp tacos were very fresh."

"The atmosphere here is fun and unique."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature half-price tacos on the first five menu items.

2

Salsa must be purchased separately; it's not included with tacos.

3

The special price for tacos is $2.50 each.

13
La Corriente La Jolla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space blends French cafรฉ and beach bungalow styles with beautiful decor and terrace seating. Atmosphere stays laid back and soothing, ideal for conversation. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality.

Offers unique tacos with a coastal twist and dishes like Roca shrimp that stand out for their flavor. The vibe stays elevated without pretension.

Arabes shrimp tacos stand out with a unique spicy kick and cheesy variations. Soft shell crab tacos and ceviche also complement the shrimp options well.

People are saying

"I've never had a fresher, crispier fish taco."

"I loved my unique spicy shrimp tacos and the ceviche."

"The Roca shrimp here are unique and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends promptly at 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

Parking is not available; consider alternative transportation options.

14
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar image 1

Open kitchen with transparent glass walls showcases chefs at work, creating a bright and modern space inspired by Japanese artwork. Atmosphere stays lively yet comfortable, with great music and a warm, inviting vibe. Tables sit close together, encouraging a bustling, social environment.

Different styles and flavors fuse classic Japanese noodle soup with Chinese influences, creating a unique bowl of ramen focused on prawns. Friendly staff add to the unique experience.

Shrimp tacos feature crispy shrimp with a good balance of flavors. They pair well with wonton chili oil for an added kick.

People are saying

"The seafood here has an intense, rich shrimpy flavor."

"The shrimp broth here is uniquely rich and flavorful."

"The service here is amazing, making the Shrimp Tacos experience nice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-5pm, Monday to Thursday.

2

Enjoy a buy one, get one 50% off deal during happy hour.

3

The restaurant offers a kids' meal for free with the purchase of a main entrรฉe.

15
ASI Mexican Fusion Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old fast-food building hosts a Mexican and Middle Eastern fusion with a warm, inviting atmosphere and multiple large TVs showing sports. The space features deep blue walls and a lively yet comfortable vibe with good table spacing. Music and muted TVs add to the relaxed environment.

A unique fusion blends Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors throughout the menu. The salsa and appetizers showcase this creative mix with perfectly balanced tastes.

Generous portions of flavorful shrimp tacos arrive messy and satisfying, capturing the true taco experience.

People are saying

"I loved the fusion of Mexican and Palestinian food here."

"I loved the unique fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors."

"The shrimp tacos were excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 street tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy hour offers discounted beer and sangria pitchers during weekdays.

3

The restaurant serves Halal food, catering to specific dietary needs.

16
Taco Time Cantina image 1

Bright colors and beautiful decor create an inviting space with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy patio with heaters and cover. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxing, suitable for casual dining with fresh air and friendly energy. A standout feature is the fantastic salsa bar offering a range of heat levels.

Birria Nachos stand out with a flavor you won't find elsewhere. Tacos feature a unique flavor profile that blends perfectly, offering options not available anywhere else.

Shrimp tacos feature large shrimp with a roasted poblano pepper layer that adds a rich flavor. The El Presidente shrimp taco stands out with its delicious poblano pepper complement.

People are saying

"The salsa bar is fantastic, with so many tasty options."

"The tacos have a unique flavor profile that works perfectly."

"The Presidente Shrimp Tacos have large shrimp and poblano pepper."

Good to know

1

Taco Time Cantina offers unique taco options not available anywhere else.

2

The chef makes everything daily from scratch with over 20 years of experience.

3

Expect a 2% credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.

17
Taco Land image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with Disney-themed decor and a clean, well-stocked salsa bar creates a unique and fun atmosphere. The vibe is generally friendly and comforting, suitable for families with kids. Music plays in the background, adding to the casual dining experience.

Tacos include unique creations like the Dark Vadar and Pork Belly varieties. Burritos feature unexpected twists such as Hot Cheetos and chilaquiles fillings. A Kobe mural adds a special vibe for fans.

Beer-battered shrimp tacos come out crispy and golden, standing out among the options. Grilled shrimp tacos offer amazing flavor alongside other well-made tacos like asada and birria.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The shrimp tacos here are crispy, flavorful, and possibly the standout dish."

"The birria tacos and nachos are unique and incredibly flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1.50 tacos, making it a popular event.

2

The restaurant does not accept $100 bills, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

18
Los Toxicos Mariscos image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with modern decor and handmade art creates a family-friendly and fun atmosphere. Live DJ and TVs add energy, especially during game time. Fans on the terrace help with heat, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy meals.

Menu features aguachile ribeye and other items not commonly seen elsewhere. Offers a unique selection that stands out from typical options.

Shrimp tacos come in different styles here, including Baja-style and tacos dorados. They sometimes appear as taquitos and pair well with dishes like tostadas and aguachile.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so delicious and different."

"I loved the shrimp tacos; they had great flavor and quantity."

"I discovered a unique menu with aguachile ribeye I'd never seen."

Good to know

1

Los Toxicos Mariscos closes at 9:00 pm.

2

Expect high prices; a meal for seven can cost around $400.

3

The restaurant gets busy quickly around 11 am.

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