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Tamales and tacos in Los Angeles

You do not want to choose between a quick handheld bite and a proper meal. You need a place that respects the craft of the tamale while offering the variety of a taco shop.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Oaxacan restaurant

Oaxacan restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with attentive service and a down-to-earth vibe. Regulars enjoy authentic, flavorful Mexican dishes like breakfast burritos and mole tamales that stand out for their quality and taste.

Tamales come in authentic Mexican flavors like mole and pineapple, with vegan mushroom and spinach options clearly labeled in separate trays. Orders arrive on time with clear updates, and the portions deliver strong flavor and quality.

Tacos feature rich, savory birria with perfectly tender meat and a flavor-packed consomรฉ dip. The asada tacos and Quesa Birria Taco with an egg offer strong, enjoyable flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"These tamales are so delicious and have great flavor."

"The birria tacos are outstanding with rich, savory meat."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-minute wait during peak breakfast hours.

2

Halal meat options are available upon request.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

02
Tamales Veracruz MRV image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple, cozy interior creates a friendly, casual atmosphere that suits quick meals or relaxed dining. Regulars enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with standout dishes like tamales and chilaquiles. The spot feels like a neighborhood gem with a clean, comfortable vibe.

Tamales come fresh with a good chicken to masa ratio and savory, sweet, nutty chicken mole flavor. Options include banana leaf tamales and portions are generous and satisfying.

Birria tacos stand out with a crunchy texture and good value. Taco Tuesday offers a great selection including tacos, tamales, and breakfast burritos with extra spice sauce available.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is packed with authentic, homemade flavor."

"I found the tamales here to be great and second to none."

"I kept coming back for the birria tacos; they were so darn good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

Street parking is available off Wilton for easy access.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.

03
Lupita's Tamales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with limited dine-in space and family-owned roots offers a clean, well-lit setting. The atmosphere is casual and straightforward, with generous portions of highly regarded tamales that draw long holiday lines. Service is informal, with cash accepted and inconsistent online ordering.

Tamales come packed with lots of meat and sauce and strong flavor. Chicken, pork, and cheese varieties stand out with high quality and generous portions.

Tacos come with care and love in their preparation. Options include cabeza meat tacos and others that pair well with burritos and tamales.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best tamales I ever had."

"I thought the food here was the best I had."

"I thought the tamales here were some of the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

They accept cash, but Uber Eats orders are often canceled.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early for a seat.

3

Parking is usually available near the restaurant.

04
El Gallo Giro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open kitchen design reveals food preparation in a simple, cafeteria-like space. Atmosphere stays chill and pleasant with friendly community vibes. Known for fresh, tasty bread and standout tacos, it offers a clean environment with consistent food quality.

Tamales stand out here with a delicious chicken option and consistently good flavor. Many visits focus on these as the main draw.

Fried tacos stand out for their flavor and texture. The menu offers a variety of tacos including specials served with rice, beans, and soda at a good price point.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos and tortas, is delicious."

"I really enjoyed the delicious tacos here."

"I found the tamales here to be so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for carnitas during peak lunch hours.

2

El Gallo Giro opens early and stays open late.

3

Prices are considered high, with drinks costing around $15.31.

05
La Flor De Yucatan Bakery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy bakery with authentic Yucatecan baked goods and freshly made bread fills the air with warm aromas. Casual setup includes outdoor tables but mostly favors takeout and delivery. Known for unique hojaldra and flavorful tamales, it offers a genuine taste of Yucatรกn cuisine.

Tamales come with flavorful chicken and pork fillings and have a good balance of filling to masa. Some tamales arrive frozen and very cold, but they maintain authentic taste.

Cochinita pibil tacos stand out with rich flavors. The menu includes a taco trio and a special dish called El trio Yucateco featuring a taco, panucho, and salbute.

People are saying

"I found the Yucateco food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the cochinita tacos to be delicious."

"I loved the flavorful tamales, perfectly filled."

Good to know

1

They offer both baked goods and tasty Yucateco dishes.

2

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Yucatecan breads.

3

Takeout is popular due to the small size of the bakery.

06
K Bakery image 1
Bakery

Bakery offers authentic Mexican bread and traditional Hispanic snacks in a vibrant, no-frills setting with ample seating. The atmosphere stays chill and inviting, attracting many bread lovers. It stands out for fresh, affordable options including vegan choices and savory dishes alongside sweets.

Tamales come in green chicken, red pork, and cheese with strips varieties, all very tasty. They stand out as some of the most enjoyable and savory tamales around.

Tacos come in varied styles alongside pupusas, tamales, and burritos. Options include tacos, tortas, and sandwiches with savory flavors for breakfast and lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet bread and bolillos here."

"I loved the variety of sweet breads and fresh fruit water."

"They offered a variety of food options including tacos, tortas, and burritos."

Good to know

1

K Bakery offers a variety of authentic Mexican pastries and savory dishes.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be challenging.

3

Prices are not displayed on many items, so be prepared for surprises.

07
Los 5 Puntos image 1

Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.

Handmade tamales here are very delicious and come in all types. Ingredients like masa, dried chilies, and leaves are available for making tamales at home.

Meat tacos come stuffed with meat and feature handmade tortillas made without machines, highlighting traditional methods. Carnitas and tripe tacos stand out, paired well with horchata water.

People are saying

"The food's authentic Mexican taste, especially the sopes and tamales, is delicious."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they were amazing."

"These tamales are tasty and full of beef."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.

2

Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.

3

The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.

08
Ditroit Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining occupies a narrow, hidden space with a chill vibe and lovely atmosphere. The spot feels like a small taco oasis with deliciously spicy salsas at a compact salsa bar. Seating uses plasticware, and the setting offers free parking nearby.

Menu includes elevated Mexican street food with tamales among staples. The pepper and cheese tamale stands out as a notable option.

Tacos come in large portions with a focus on genuine Mexican street food flavors. Options include suadero, duck carnitas, vegetarian tacos, and fish flautas, all priced higher than typical street tacos but offering solid value.

People are saying

"You have to try the fish flauta; it's amazing."

"You have to try the fish flauta taco; it's so good."

"You have to try the pepper and cheese tamale."

Good to know

1

There is free parking at Ditroit Taqueria.

2

They have a parking lot right next to the restaurant, which provides peace of mind.

3

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

09
La Noche Buena Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a cozy, historic vibe nestled in a bustling market setting. Staff wear white shirts and caps, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The space feels crammed and intimate, creating a lively yet comfortable dining experience.

Chicken and cheese tamales appear on combos and a la carte orders. Tamales come without meat in some options. Combos include tamales with taquitos, rice, and beans for a set price.

Tacos come in carne asada, potato, and picadillo ground beef varieties, all with strong flavors. Crispy potato and shredded beef tacos offer a satisfying texture contrast.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos and tamales here are delicious."

"These tamales taste exceptional, made with fresh ingredients."

"I thought the potato tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on Olvera Street, which is a narrow market street.

2

La Noche Buena Restaurant opens at 7am, perfect for early risers.

3

A plate of beans and rice with a choice of egg costs $9-$10 per person.

10
King Taco # 9 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small cafeteria-style space offers relaxed atmosphere with chilled crowd and good energy despite occasional tension from outside noise. Open late hours accommodate those seeking a casual dining experience. Known for consistent tacos and burritos, especially al pastor and chicharrรณn varieties.

Tamales come out fluffy and soft, a quality appreciated for years especially by older folks. They take about 20 minutes for a dozen, with very good beans inside, making them solid for a taco spot.

Tacos here stand out for their chicharron, carne asada, and al pastor fillings, all served with flavorful red chile and green sauce. Burritos and sopes also match the tacos in consistency and taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos were the best Mexican food."

"I found the tacos here to be really good."

"I miss how fluffy and soft the tamales used to be."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes for food during busy hours.

2

Parking is limited and has a 1-hour time limit.

3

They charge extra for additional salsa, even with a large order.

11
King Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Spacious taco restaurant with a simple, peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff. Regulars enjoy authentic street tacos and green salsa, often praising carne asada burritos and mole tamales. The place suits quiet gatherings and offers consistent taste across visits.

Mole tamales stand out with exceptional flavor. Chicken and green chile tamales also show up well, alongside consistently delicious options like carne asada and red tamales.

Tacos here stand out for their Al Pastor and carne asada with cilantro and green sauce. The taco sauce and salsa add a great kick, and the tacos are not greasy or fatty.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the world's best Mexican food."

"I thought the tacos here were seriously so good."

"I found the mole tamales exceptionally flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the rear with enough space for wheelchairs.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for late-night dining.

12
King Taco # 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Classic Mexican restaurant with cafeteria-style seating and plentiful indoor and outdoor tables. Atmosphere blends old school East Los Angeles charm with a family-friendly vibe despite occasional high noise levels. Food truck and outdoor vendors add to the lively, traditional setup.

Juicy pork tamales feature generous, tender meat paired with two salsas. They stand out as very juicy and preferred over tacos and burritos here.

Tacos here stand out for their consistent taste and great al pastor. The spot offers fast service especially after adding an on-site taco truck.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos here were outstanding."

"The salsa roja had the perfect kick."

"I found the tacos here to be outstanding."

Good to know

1

King Taco # 2 is open until 3am, but expect long lines after 1am.

2

Parking is plentiful at King Taco # 2, making it easy to visit.

3

The location can get very busy during Dodgers game days, so plan accordingly.

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