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Carne asada and salsa in Central LA

Carne asada that actually respects the meat, paired with salsa that provides a real kick rather than a watered-down afterthought.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Guelaguetza image 1
Tacos Guelaguetza image 2
Tacos Guelaguetza image 3
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Taco restaurant

Pop-up tent setup with no seating, where people eat standing or at their cars creates a casual, open-air vibe. An open sauce bar and massive toppings table offer free sauces and customization. Known for authentic, highly praised tacos, it draws a crowd despite minimal amenities.

Carne asada shows up in tacos and burritos with rich flavor and pairs well with chorizo and cheese. Tacos with carne asada and lengua offer a satisfying mix of tastes and textures.

Salsas here stand out for their pickled onions with jalapeรฑo and a flavorful habanero salsa that suits those who like heat. The overall salsa quality is consistently phenomenal.

People are saying

"I thought these were some of the best tacos I ever had."

"The pastor and salsa were 10/10."

"I thought the Carne Asada tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost just $2 each, which is an extremely good deal.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere with an endless traffic of customers.

3

The full menu is not available until 30 minutes after posted hours.

02
Tia Brigida Mexican Brunch image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic cuisine with huge portions and traditional salsas. Atmosphere stays chill and comfy, with occasional live music adding to the vibe. Parking is limited but available in a small lot behind the building.

Carne asada appears in several dishes like quesadillas, birria tacos, and chilaquiles with sunny side up eggs.** It often comes with sides like beans and can be added to meals for an extra charge.

Homemade tortillas come with charred salsa served with chips. The salsa verde is mild but flavorful, and a smoked chile salsa adds a rich touch to dishes.

People are saying

"The brunch here is delicious, especially the chilaquiles and menudo."

"I added carne asada to my chilaquiles, and it tasted homemade."

"The chilaquiles with salsa were delicious and the flavor was very good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, but it's very small.

2

Street parking can be hard to find, so plan accordingly.

3

There was no waiting when I arrived, making it easy to get a table.

03
Taco Luis Tacos Anahis image 1
Mexican restaurant

Smoke from charcoal-grilled meat fills the air, creating a strong asada aroma. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican tacos, including birria and handmade tortillas. Prices stay reasonable, and payment accepts cash or Zelle with no English spoken on site.

Carne asada fries come in a packed container and taste delicious. Carne asada nachos and tacos de tripa also stand out as flavorful options.

Salsas stand out with outstanding flavors and a variety of toppings. The avocado salsa ranks as a highlight. Portions tend to be limited when served by staff.

People are saying

"I thought these tacos were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the avocado salsa was the best."

"I found the Carne Asada nachos and tacos delicious."

Good to know

1

It's $1.25 on Taco Tuesday, perfect for takeout deals.

2

Street parking is limited, so arrive early for a spot.

3

They accept cash or Zelle as payment methods.

04
Leo's Tacos Truck image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck with outdoor seating on plastic chairs and tables in a parking lot creates a casual, comfortable vibe. Evening energy picks up as big pickup trucks arrive, adding to the street food atmosphere. Seating includes tables with umbrellas, supporting quick bites and socializing.

Carne asada tacos and California burritos stand out with great flavor and filling portions. Burritos and carne asada fries also offer solid options featuring well-prepared meat.

Salsas come on the side and offer fresh flavors that complement the tacos well. Options include cilantro, chopped onions, radish, and lemon wedges to customize each bite.

People are saying

"I found the al pastor tacos to be juicy, flavorful, and awesome."

"Their tacos and salsas never missed in flavor."

"The al pastor and carne asada tacos were amazing."

Good to know

1

The truck is only available from the afternoon until late evening, with hours that may vary.

2

Leo's Tacos Truck now accepts cards for payment.

3

The tacos are priced at $2.30 each, making them an affordable option.

05
El Carmen image 1
Restaurant

Space showcases Lucha Libre decor with festive, eclectic design inspired by Mexican cinema and masked wrestlers. Atmosphere is loud and energetic, filled with Spanish music and a busy, fun vibe. Crowd enjoys strong, creative margaritas and highly praised tacos in a lively late-night setting.

Carne asada here has a very flavorful taste and works well in tacos and quesadillas. The chiles rellenos also pair nicely with the meat.

Great salsa comes with homemade flavor and a vibrant taste. The chips, salsa, and guacamole pair well and feel fresh and lively.

People are saying

"I had the best tacos of my life; they were so delicious."

"The chips and salsa here taste homemade and vibrant."

"I can't recommend the Carne Asada enough!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available Monday to Friday from 5โ€“7pm with $8 margaritas and $3 tacos.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Street meter parking is available, but expect to walk a block or two.

06
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.

Carne asada torta stands out as a highlight with rich flavor. Large tacos feature great carne asada, while the burrito needs lime to bring out the meat's taste.

Salsas strike a perfect balance of heat and kick with a touch of pain. They complement tacos topped with nopales, cilantro, and onion, adding spicy but perfect flavor to each bite.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are juicy and flavorful."

"I enjoyed the carne asada tacos and tortas."

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.

07
Tacos Gavilan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast-food style Mexican restaurant offers spacious seating and self-serve condiment bar with unlimited garnishes. Atmosphere is clean and well-lit but can feel stifled without air conditioning. Popular for affordable tacos and burritos with quick service and easy access to fresh toppings.

Carne asada appears in several dishes like Super Burrito and Quesadilla, often paired with rice, beans, and cheese. Tacos with carne asada are usually tender and flavorful, though sometimes the meat can be dry and gristly.

Plenty of complimentary salsa and toppings come with your meal. Self-service includes beans, roasted onions, cilantro, chile peppers, lemons, and pre-packaged salsa for a cleaner experience.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food tacos were delicious."

"I loved the self-serve salsa bar with beans and roasted onions."

"The carne asada tacos were tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on-site for customers.

2

The restaurant is clean and has well-maintained facilities.

3

Prices are reasonable, with many affordable options available.

08
Tacos a cabron image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and grilled meat over coals, delivering authentic, flavorful bites true to traditional recipes. The atmosphere can be busy with lines, and some ingredients like lemons and cilantro may run out early. Prices are notably high compared to typical taco stands.

Carne asada sopes and wet burrito stand out as solid options. The carne asada pairs well with the salsa, but the quesadilla sometimes lacks the expected meat.

Salsa here pairs well with carne asada and adds a spicy kick to ribs when combined with lemon. It ranges from perfect to just okay depending on the dish.

People are saying

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos were amazing and very tasty."

"The salsa here is perfect with the carne asada."

"I found the carne asada sopes and wet burrito to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a 2-for-1 deal on tacos.

2

Payment via Apple Pay is accepted for convenience.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on Taco Tuesday.

09
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.

Carne asada tacos and burritos come with a strong, consistent flavor. Nachos de carne asada offer good value. Salsa pairs well with the meat, enhancing the overall taste.

Salsa Verde stands out with its unique and delicious flavor. Plenty of salsa is served free, often inside burritos or on the side, with options including a hot red salsa that adds a nice kick.

People are saying

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

"I found the salsa here to be unique and delicious."

"I enjoyed the flavor of their Carne Asada tacos."

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.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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