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Best of East LA

Authentic taco spots

Authentic tacos that prioritize heritage techniques over the convenience of modern shortcuts.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Los Poblanos Al Estilo Tijuana image 1
Tacos Los Poblanos Al Estilo Tijuana image 2
Tacos Los Poblanos Al Estilo Tijuana image 3
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Street-side taco truck offers authentic Tijuana-style tacos with charcoal-grilled meats and handmade tortillas. Atmosphere feels like an impromptu family picnic with ambient sounds and relaxed music. Seating is limited, encouraging casual, quick dining or takeout in a lively East L.A. neighborhood.

Tacos feature authentic Tijuana style with charcoal-grilled meats in handmade tortillas topped with thick guacamole. The food truck serves Mexican dishes made from scratch capturing true flavors.

Tacos feature authentic Tijuana style with charcoal-grilled meats and handmade tortillas. Toppings like thick guacamole match perfectly, especially on the tacos de cabeza and al pastor.

People are saying

"These Tijuana-style tacos with charcoal-grilled meats are the best I've had."

"You've got to try the handmade tortillas here; they're delicious."

"You can get authentic Tijuana-style tacos with charcoal-grilled meats here."

Good to know

1

Parking can fill up, especially on weekend evenings, so arriving early is recommended.

2

The tacos cost $3 each, making them an affordable option.

3

You can pay with cash or tap to pay at the truck.

02
Las Villanas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and limited seating. The space feels like a home-style kitchen, creating a warm, comforting vibe. Known for authentic dishes like menudo and tamales, it draws a steady crowd despite its understaffed, intimate setting.

Menudo and pozole stand out for their authentic flavors that remind many of home. The dishes offer heartfelt Mexican taste with a focus on traditional preparation.

Carnitas taco stands out as amazing. Tacos de birria and carne asada tacos also appear on the menu. An al pastor burrito offers a different take on traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is absolutely delicious."

"It's a small, cozy place, perfect for a cold day."

"I loved the carne molida tamales, they were a big hit."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in a mall next to 7-11.

2

The restaurant has only a few tables, so seating is limited.

3

They accept phone orders for takeout.

03
El Guero Tortas Ahogadas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, humble Mexican restaurant with a chill, casual vibe and clean, quiet atmosphere. Authentic tortas ahogadas and Jalisco-style salsa draw people seeking genuine flavors from Guadalajara. Offers both dine-in and takeout, with a focus on traditional dishes and delicious desserts.

Salsa carries an authentic Jalisco-style flavor. Tortas ahogadas deliver authentic, top quality taste, making this a solid choice for genuine Mexican cuisine.

Tacos offer a perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors in the sauce. Fish tacos and tacos dorados stand out, served hot and nicely toasted with options like bean, carnitas, and cottage cheese with beef.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is authentic, especially the tortas ahogadas."

"I loved the impressive taco dorado with potato or bean filling."

"I found the tortas ahogadas here to be authentic Guadalajara style."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and across the street.

2

The restaurant offers both takeout and dine-in options.

3

Combo meals include a taco dorado and a Torta Ahogada for $12.56 plus tax.

04
Tortas Ahogadas Ameca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers family-friendly atmosphere with freshly made dishes prepared by a small kitchen team. The space stays quiet, often without customers, and serves authentic tortas ahogadas and other traditional foods. Prices vary in perception but generally remain reasonable and fair.

Food offers very delicious and authentic Mexican flavors. It stands out as one of the best authentic Mexican spots around.

Tacos here come in several styles like tacos dorados de papa that are super crispy and topped with sour cream, cotija cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Other options include tacos bolteados and tacos de canasta, often enjoyed with flavorful chile on top.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and freshly prepared."

"The tortas ahogadas here are the best I've ever tasted."

"I found the tortas ahogadas to be the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant takes the last order at 6:30 PM.

2

Expect longer wait times during busy hours due to limited staff.

3

The kitchen prepares everything fresh with only two staff members.

05
Cemitas Poblanas Los Chivos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with homemade corn tortillas and beef cemitas featuring half an avocado and ample meat. Seating offers a view of Freeway 60 with a noisy atmosphere from nearby traffic. Food is authentic and flavorful, especially the cemitas, while tacos vary in quality.

Offers 100% authentic poblano flavor with a taste true to Puebla. Serves authentic street food that feels like a hidden gem in East Los Angeles.

Tacos come charcoal-grilled Tijuana-style and cost $2.50 each. Options include asada, adobada, and cecina, all with generous portions and rich flavors.

People are saying

"You have to try their cemitas; they're loaded and delicious."

"I found the cemitas and the Arab taco delicious."

"I found the authentic poblano flavor here bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of about 40-50 minutes for your order during busy hours.

2

They accept cash and Zelle; no credit cards are accepted.

3

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

06
El Gallo Giro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with fresh handmade tortillas and a renovated, beautiful interior. Atmosphere feels culturally authentic and welcoming, accompanied by good music and cabanas. The environment is generally warm, sometimes with poor ventilation.

Food tastes like homemade Mexican cooking with fresh ingredients and a family-oriented vibe. Drinks and dishes both keep a strong authentic feel.

Tacos here stand out for their crispy chorizo and well-crafted shells. The menu also features Cuban tortas and fresh salads alongside the tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has such friendly and happy service."

"I found the tacos here to be super delicious."

"I found the food to be authentic and fresh, just like grandma made it."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of affordable lunch specials.

2

El Gallo Giro is also a bakery with fresh bolillos available daily.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment during visits.

07
Tijuanazo Los Angeles image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers authentic Tijuana-style tacos with a variety of proteins beyond the usual options. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly with Mexican music playing and a slightly smokey air from cooking meats. Seating is comfortable, but expect no air conditioning and limited parking nearby.

Tacos feature authentic Tijuana style with slow roasted, marinated top cuts of meat. Tortas and sopes also follow traditional TJ recipes with generous portions and genuine flavors.

Tacos here offer authentic Tijuana style with hand-made tortillas and fresh ingredients. Unique options like the Taco Azteca use nopal instead of a tortilla, and the adobada tacos deliver amazing flavor at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here packed with flavor and made with care."

"The salsa here is excellent and spicy."

"These authentic Tijuana-style tacos are the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $4 each, with no prices listed on the menu.

2

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

3

The menu offers a variety of taco proteins beyond the usual options.

08
Guisados Las Cazuelitas image 1

Small space with only two tables creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels like a fiesta with authentic Mexican homemade food featuring freshly made corn tortillas. Family-friendly vibe with limited seating and simple furnishings.

Mexican guisados here taste homestyle and fingerlicking delicious. The food feels truly authentic and homemade.

Steak tacos have a homemade flavor and often come with fries on top. Tacos include options like taco de huevo and chicharron, with combos offering four tacos and a drink for around $10 to $12.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be homemade and delicious."

"I thought the tacos were really flavorful and delicious."

"I found the authentic Mexican homemade food to be fingerlicking delicious."

Good to know

1

There are only two tables, limiting seating options.

2

Tacos cost $10 for four and include a soda.

3

Burritos are large and can easily be shared.

09
Tamales Lilianas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual rustic space with wooden tables and a large covered patio offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting but can get crowded and loud with close tables and no air conditioning. Walls feature colorful murals and paintings, adding charm to the mom-and-pop vibe.

Food reflects authentic Mexican flavors from the Zacatecas region. Menu features traditional dishes prepared with care and genuine techniques.

Tacos dorados stand out with their crispy texture and are a common choice here. Some find the meat too fatty, and the overall price for a plate with tacos dorados and other items can be quite high.

People are saying

"The tamales here have the best tender and seasoned fillings."

"I found authentic Mexican food from the Zacatecas area."

"I enjoyed their tacos dorados."

Good to know

1

Parking can be an issue in the neighborhood, especially during busy hours.

2

They charge a 4% fee when paying by card, so cash is preferred.

3

You need to order Christmas tamales at least two weeks in advance.

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