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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downey's best

Taco and salsa

You need a taco spot that understands the importance of a well-made salsa.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Carniceria Los Compadres image 1
Carniceria Los Compadres image 2
Carniceria Los Compadres image 3
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Butcher shop offers premium meats including wagyu and tomahawk steaks alongside prepared items like carne asada and al pastor tacos. Atmosphere centers on quality and variety, with options for BBQ sides and flavorful salsas. Regulars appreciate the tender, clean cuts and occasional weekend ceviche.

Tacos here feature al pastor, birria, and asada varieties with very good flavor. Meat quality stands out, making these tacos a solid choice for those who enjoy traditional styles.

Salsas come in green, red, avocado, and habanero varieties with balanced flavor and spiciness. The salsa roja stands out as particularly fiery.

People are saying

"I'd make the drive just to pick up their amazing Mexican food."

"The carne asada is so tender, it's smooth like butter."

"I tried all their salsas; they all had amazing flavor and just the right spiciness."

Good to know

1

The butcher shop offers a wide selection of premium meats.

2

Prices are generally higher, reflecting the quality of the products.

3

They provide BBQ-related sides like chips, drinks, and tortillas.

02
Mariscos Choix image 1
Seafood restaurant

Live mariachi music creates a vibrant energy throughout the space, which includes a chic, recently remodeled interior with lush tropical greenery. Different areas offer varied moods, from a lively bar to a calming outdoor section and a cozy main dining room. The atmosphere feels safe and welcoming, blending festive sounds with comfortable, stylish seating.

Tacos feature tender octopus with char, juicy gobernador with crispy shell, and flavorful marlin. Chef Sergio shares the story behind the special sauce for Taco Bajas.

Salsas here come in several varieties, including salsa negra and other flavorful sauces. Chips and dishes like fajitas and tacos pair well with these delicious salsas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really well prepared."

"The octopus and marlin tacos here are tender and unforgettable."

"The salsa they provided tasted delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, up to five hours, during peak dinner hours.

2

Parking is available on the side street, but can be limited.

3

Live music is featured on Friday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

03
Seรฑor Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with small but roomy space and outdoor seating in the back. Atmosphere includes chill vibes with Spanish music playing, though noise can be overwhelming at times. Known for best birria tacos with handmade tortillas and a condiments bar featuring lemons, red salsa, and habanero onions.

Birria tacos come with perfect crispiness and a generous amount of tender meat. Pickled red onions and habanero peppers add a sharp, spicy contrast that complements the savory flavors well.

Spicy red salsa delivers a strong kick that can make you sweat but tastes good. A condiments bar offers some salsa options with limited variety.

People are saying

"The birria here is super delicious and tender."

"I found the birria tacos to be super delicious and flavorful."

"The birria here is so flavorful and generously packed."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for only $1 each.

2

Seating is limited to about 30 people, so arrive early.

3

Parking is free but can be tough to find on busy days.

04
Tacos Estilo Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Guadalajara-style tacos with excellent cabeza and pastor options. Dining space stays clean and peaceful, supporting quiet conversations despite occasional loud moments. Cash-only policy and two distinct green salsas add to the straightforward, focused experience.

Steamed tacos stand out with tender, juicy meat like cabeza, pastor, and cachete. Menudo is available on weekends, and the staff is flexible with to-go orders before closing.

Habanero salsa stands out with its great flavor and very spicy kick. Two green salsas come with tacos, one soft and mild, the other spicy, both complementing the food well.

People are saying

"I found the steamed tacos to be delicious."

"The food here has the best flavor."

"The salsa here is really spicy."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so bring cash to avoid extra fees.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially in the morning.

3

Parking is very limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

05
Fatima's Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean restaurant with cozy seating and wall-to-wall art and decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. TVs show sports, adding a laid-back vibe for casual hangouts. Space feels intimate but lively, suited for relaxed dining and socializing.

Tacos here feature deep fried birria with cheese and very tender beef. Options include shrimp, asada in lettuce shells, and street tacos, all made with halal meat and served with flavorful sauces.

Salsas here stand out with a spicy and savory green salsa served with Birria and a Lebamex salsa that adds a distinct spicy kick. Generous portions come with meals, and the salsas consistently enhance the flavorful dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"These halal tacos are the best I've ever had."

"The salsas here are delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Fatima's Grill is open late until 2am.

2

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos all day.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a surcharge may apply.

06
Mr. Menudo Oficial - Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with festive mariachi music that creates a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Space feels clean and nicely decorated despite being somewhat cramped. Micheladas and menudo stand out as notable offerings.

Tacos come huge with options like quesabirria and birria that stand out. The tacos de nervio offer a unique flavor, and the consomรฉ served with salsa and lemon adds a tasty touch.

Chips come nice and warm with great salsa served alongside. Tortillas, chips, and salsa are provided for free, and extra rounds are available without issue.

People are saying

"I thought the menudo was delicious and the best I had."

"The tacos here are huge and the consomรฉ is delicious."

"The salsa here has the perfect amount of spice."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

2

Free parking is available for customers.

3

Breakfast specials are offered for $9.99 before 10:30 am.

07
Tacos Don Goyo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small outdoor setup includes a salsa bar and limited bench seating. Atmosphere feels hole-in-the-wall with a focus on handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican tacos. Space and parking are tight, creating a compact, casual vibe.

Tacos feature rich, flavorful meat like al pastor and carne asada with a great tortilla base. Pickled onions add a spicy, sour kick that complements the tacos well.

Green salsa stands out with its fresh, handmade quality. The salsa bar offers a variety that complements the fresh tortillas well.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were amazing."

"You've got to try the handmade corn tortillas here."

"I thought the tacos here were delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is scarce when the body shop next door is open.

2

They prefer cash payments and offer a 4% discount for cash.

3

I was charged extra for each food item when I used my debit or credit card.

08
El Atacor #9 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant operates 24/7, offering affordable prices and consistent flavors. Atmosphere is quiet with limited space and occasional issues with air circulation. Popular dishes include Pozole and potato tacos.

Small tacos stand out with tacos de papa and alpastor with everything showing strong flavors. Some tacos like asada feel average, and pastor can be greasy and inconsistent.

Red salsa has a mild spice level and a watery texture at times. Extra salsa costs more and flavor quality varies due to inconsistent preparation.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"I highly recommend these delicious tacos."

"I found the red salsa to be delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

El Atacor is open 24 hours, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

Prices for meals at El Atacor are generally affordable.

3

There is an extra charge of $1.75 for a small container of sour cream.

09
Mariscos La Chula -Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a small indoor space and a spacious outdoor patio featuring many umbrellas. Atmosphere is lively and fun with a DJ playing music that can be loud at times. Known for fresh seafood and reasonably priced dishes.

Fish tacos stand out with Baja flavor and fresh ingredients. Taco Tuesday offers $1 tacos and pairs well with micheladas for a tasty, affordable combo.

Chips come with a roasted chile salsa that has a lot of flavor. Only red salsa is available, no salsa Verde. Heat levels vary from mild to too spicy depending on the day.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and mango ceviche tostada were delicious."

"I loved the fish tacos; they were so crispy and delicious."

"I loved their chips and salsa; it was the best part."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday features $0.99 fish tacos all day.

3

Bottomless mimosas are available for 90 minutes from ordering.

10
Xecora Downey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with modern minimalist decor and live Mariachi music on some days. Atmosphere stays busy but not noisy, featuring an indoor seating area and large terrace with umbrellas. Offers handmade tortillas and dishes like fish skin chicharon and ceviches.

Tacos here stay intact while biting, avoiding mess. Options include octopus, shrimp, and vegan battered mushroom tacos, all with fresh ingredients and solid flavors.

Chips come with spicy salsa that is addictive and hard to stop eating. Three salsas are offered, with the green salsa standing out. Complimentary chips and salsa add to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of unique flavors."

"The shrimp tacos here did not disappoint."

"Their spicy salsa with chips is addictive!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11am to 5pm with discounted drinks.

2

Mariachi performances occur every Sunday.

3

On Thursdays, there's a 2-for-1 drinks promotion.

11
El Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and hard shell tacos praised for quality. Atmosphere includes a convenient drive-thru and evening staff friendliness. Prices tend to be on the higher side compared to similar fast food options.

Hard shell tacos with pollo and beef stand out for their flavor. Meals include tacos, quesadillas, and burritos served with salsa, creating a varied taco experience.

Salsa here tends to be mild with a lack of spicy kick and often diluted flavor. It includes iceberg lettuce and tomatoes that feel out of place, making the meat taste watered down.

People are saying

"I had the best tacos I've ever had in my life."

"I loved the green quesadilla here; it's the best."

"I loved the salsa and the asada quesadilla."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru at El Taco is convenient for quick orders.

2

There are no restrooms available for customers at El Taco.

3

Tacos and flautas cost around $35.

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Downey, California

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