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Best of Downtown LA

Carne asada spots

Carne asada that is worth the trip, rather than the dry, uninspired versions that give the dish a bad name.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cilantro Lime image 1
Cilantro Lime image 2
Cilantro Lime image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican food court spot offers affordable dishes with a modern vibe and quiet feel. Carne asada fries are well-seasoned and fresh. Vegetarian options stand out alongside unique items like birria pizza and keto tacos.

Carne asada fries come loaded and well-seasoned, delivering a fresh and satisfying flavor in every bite. They balance richness without feeling overwhelming.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and worth the price."

"I loved the marinated meats on these nachos."

"The carne asada fries are packed with flavor and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Cilantro Lime is located inside a food court.

2

Parking isnโ€™t ideal, so plan accordingly.

3

The meal costs $23 for the 3 meat variety plate.

02
CULTURAS RESTAURANT image 1

Enjoy perfectly cooked carne asada with flavorful sides like refried pinto beans and rice. The warm ambiance features a cute tree centerpiece and live DJ music. Outdoor seating shines on a fabulous patio, while the bar serves creative drinks that complete the experience.

Carne asada comes perfectly cooked and seasoned. Plates include refried pinto beans and rice on the side, making for a solid, flavorful meal.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is authentic, fresh, and flavorful."

"The cocktails here are flavorful and perfectly balanced."

"The Carne Asada was cooked and seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 9 pm on Fridays with half-price on the second drink.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

03
Chevillos Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck offers hand-pressed tortillas and top-notch tacos with tasty carne asada topped with onion, cilantro, and guacamole. Lively music and bright LED signs create an upbeat atmosphere that draws a chill, energetic crowd. Seating and lighting add to a welcoming vibe perfect for late-night visits.

Carne asada appears in tacos and burritos, with tacos noted as really tasty and burritos containing mostly rice. Common toppings include onion, cilantro, and guacamole.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the meats and elote straight off the grill."

"I thought the tacos here were great, truly the best in the city."

"I found the carne asada tacos really tasty."

Good to know

1

The food truck is located next to Angel City Brewery in the park area.

2

Chevillos Mexican Cuisine is open late at night.

3

Prices are reasonable for tacos and other items.

04
Tacos Tumbras a Tomas image 1
Taco restaurant

Metal counter and handwritten signs set a lively scene with huge portions of juicy, well-seasoned carne asada. Tacos and tortas burst with fresh flavors and tender meat, all at great value. Communal tables add to the bustling atmosphere amid a vibrant market crowd.

Juicy, well-seasoned meat shines with a slight limey punch and a seared depth. Tacos and tortas pack in amazing flavor with tender, flavorful fillings.

People are saying

"This taco is packed with so much meat, it's huge."

"The food portions here are so generous, you'll definitely leave full."

"The carne asada is so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

One taco costs $5 and contains as much meat as four tacos from other places.

2

The portions are large enough to easily feed two people.

3

The ordering process is similar to a buffet; you order at the counter.

05
El Patroncito Mexican Cuisine image 1

Rustic design and authentic Mexican music create a cozy, home-like feel in a small space with 14 tables. Excellent Mexican food shines with standout tacos and distinct carne asada cuts. Carne asada fries are solid, though salsa can be bland and meat mix-ups happen.

Carne Asada here stands out with distinct cuts that differ in taste and appearance from milanesa. The carne asada fries offer a solid option, though some dishes come with bland salsa and occasional mix-ups in the meat served.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp, tasted incredibly fresh."

"The wet burrito with mole was awesome and tasty."

"I found the Carne Asada to be the best I have had."

Good to know

1

There is no parking nearby except for street parking or a structure two blocks away.

2

On a regular day, expect a wait of about 30 minutes.

3

The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the convention center.

06
Tacos 1986 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small spot serves perfectly seasoned carne asada and flavorful adobada tacos with a self-serve salsa bar offering spicy options like fresa habanero. Quick bites include standout Al pastor and mushrooms. Urban vibe shines with skyscraper views downtown.

Tacos feature perfect seasoning with options like carne asada paired with fresa habanero salsa or cheese. Both carne asada and adobada stand out, with some preferring the adobada for its flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best taco spot in DTLA."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and full of flavor."

"I rated the Carne Asada tacos a 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is often inconvenient and may require a short walk.

2

Tacos 1986 is open late, making it a good option for late-night food.

3

The restaurant has no bathroom facilities available for customers.

07
Nonna's Empanadas - Grand Central Market image 1

Empanadas shine with plentiful carne asada packed full of meat and bold flavor. A wide selection of sweet and savory options suits all tastes. Casual vibe with a baseball mural draws a lively, diverse crowd often filling seats quickly.

Empanadas come with a plentiful selection including carne asada packed with a lot of meat. The carne asada empanadas taste tasty and flavorful alongside other options like salsa verde chicken and cubano.

People are saying

"These empanadas are packed with flavor and have a flaky crust."

"The empanadas at this Market are fresh, hot, and flavorful."

"I found the Carne Asada empanadas packed with meat and delicious."

Good to know

1

The empanadas cost nearly $7 each, including tax.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

There is a wide range of sweet and savory empanadas available.

08
El Paseo Inn ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Massive Mexican restaurant offers a homey, peaceful vibe with rustic decor and lively music. Juicy, flame-grilled carne asada shines in fajitas and nachos. Outdoor patio and large indoor spaces provide varied seating for a relaxed meal.

Juicy, flame-grilled carne asada stands out in the nachos and fajitas. The fajitas deliver very tasty, flavorful meat with solid presentation and burrito stability.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

"I loved the authentic Mexican feel and the traditional clothing."

"The carne asada fajitas are so tender and tasty."

Good to know

1

A mariachi band performs weekly on Sundays starting in the evening.

2

The restaurant serves drinks only on the last day of the Dรญa de los Muertos event.

3

Expect high prices for food, with tacos costing around $10 each.

09
Tacos La 26! (Previously Ave 26 Tacos) image 1

Outdoor taco stand buzzes with club vibes and a lively crowd. Carne asada is tender and juicy, grilled fresh with fatty and lean cuts. Self-serve salsa bar adds flavor, while free parking and security keep it casual and safe.

Carne asada comes with both fatty and lean pieces, cooked fresh on the grill for tender, juicy flavor. It appears in tacos and burritos, paired with cheese, rice, beans, and Pico de Gallo.

People are saying

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

"I found plenty of parking available, even on a busy Monday night."

"The carne asada is loaded with juicy, tender, fatty, and leaner pieces."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2.25 each, a great deal for late-night food.

2

The place is open until 2:30am, perfect for late-night cravings.

3

Parking is available, but be cautious as cars can be towed.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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