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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown LA

Cool taco spots

You want a taco that comes with a side of genuine character.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sincerely Yours image 1
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Restaurant

Space combines art gallery and dining areas with a live band setup and enclosed outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels eclectic and cool, with music from multiple DJs and a lively dance floor. Guests often explore art rooms while enjoying drinks, creating a unique blend of culture and social energy.

Shrimp, brisket, and beef bulgogi tacos stand out with bold flavors. Tacos come in small portions but offer a variety including butternut and beef options.

Atmosphere feels really cool with a unique design in the bar and building. It comes across as a cool little spot to hang out.

People are saying

"You can walk through the art gallery with your drinks."

"The cocktails are carefully crafted and perfectly balanced."

"I found the atmosphere and design of this place to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 4pm to 6:30pm with $9 cocktails and $3-$8 appetizers.

2

Live music or a DJ is featured on select nights.

3

Dogs are allowed in the venue.

02
Tacos La 26! (Previously Ave 26 Tacos) image 1

Outdoor taco stand in a large parking lot offers a self-serve salsa bar and standing room only setup. Atmosphere mixes club vibes with a diverse crowd, often lively and crowded late at night. Security presence and free parking support a casual, fast-moving experience.

Tacos here stand out for their el pastor variety, often considered the best in the city. Each taco costs around $2.25, offering a great deal for such unworldly good flavor.

A cool vibe comes from people eating on car hoods and truck beds. It feels like a fun late-night spot with an iconic taco scene.

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."

"It's a cool spot for late-night snacks after a party."

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.

03
District image 1
New American restaurant

Sleek and sophisticated interior with low lighting and intimate seating creates a relaxed yet professional ambiance. Large bar area offers unique drinks featuring personalized photo prints. Atmosphere suits social dinners and weekend outings with a warm, inviting vibe.

Crispy fish stands out with a unique sauce and a special tortilla that complements it well. The fish tacos appeal to pescatarians and pair nicely with drinks like a smoked Old Fashioned.

Low-lighting and comfortable seating create a modern, cool vibe throughout the space. The bar and overall atmosphere feel relaxed and stylish right in the heart of downtown.

People are saying

"The food's presentation is a visual delight."

"The fish tacos here are fantastic and phenomenal."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and chill."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity added to your bill.

2

Validated parking is available; otherwise, parking is very expensive.

3

Happy hour features limited drink options with a relaxed vibe.

04
Sonoritas - DTLA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a shaded outdoor patio and long tables for groups offers a relaxing atmosphere with reggaeton music creating good vibes. The interior feels a bit breezy and mismatched but remains clean and attractive despite nearby construction. Popular for margaritas and flavorful tacos, it closes early and does not accept cash.

Tacos come with corn tortillas and are filled with options like barbecue short rib, shrimp, and barbacoa. They arrive loaded with guacamole and offer a tasty, filling meal.

A cool vibe fills the space, making it a hip spot to watch games. Plenty of options and reasonable prices add to the appeal.

People are saying

"I loved the salmon and shrimp burritos; the Mexican food here is amazing."

"This lunch spot's barbecue burrito is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy."

"I thought the tacos were delicious and loaded with guacamole."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the alley next to the restaurant.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They do not accept cash, only credit cards and mobile payments.

05
Smorgasburg (Los Angeles) image 1

Market occupies historic industrial warehouses with vintage architecture and an open layout. Atmosphere feels like a casual neighborhood festival with live DJ music and a lively crowd. Features include outdoor bar, ample seating, and diverse vendors offering food, drinks, and merchandise.

Tacos here come in many styles, including tacos de canasta, asada Tijuana style, and soft pulpo tacos with excellent taste. Unique options like McSatan and Goth Tacos add variety to the taco selection.

A really cool vibe comes from the mix of live DJ music playing out of a VW bus bar and the presence of cool chefs serving great food. Security guards at entrances and a convenient parking garage add to the overall atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the huge variety of food available here."

"Parking was easy and free for the first two hours."

"I tried some amazing ethnic tacos here."

Good to know

1

Entry to the market is free.

2

The market is open only every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

3

Parking is free for the first two hours in a six-floor structure.

06
ÜCA image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers stunning city skyline views and a relaxed but lively atmosphere with live music enhancing the vibe. The space features a pool area and a bar with creative agave-based cocktails. Lighting is dim, creating a cozy mood but sometimes making menus hard to read.

Steak tacos feature well marinated meat with balanced seasoning. They lean toward an American style but keep great flavor.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing city views from up high."

"The tacos here are tasty with a stunning rooftop view."

"The rooftop views are really cool, especially from the heart of DTLA."

Good to know

1

Jazz night happens every Thursday with live performances starting at 8pm.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for Thursday jazz nights.

3

Parking is available at the Delphi hotel, which may validate valet parking.

07
Baar Baar - LA image 1
Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant with stylish decor and a Gatsby-inspired bar creates an elegant atmosphere. Bollywood-inspired DJ music adds lively energy and encourages dancing. The space feels open and vibrant, attracting groups for social dining and celebrations.

Kashmiri Duck (Birria) Tacos stand out with perfect execution and rich flavors. The duck tacos pair well with dishes like butter chicken and lamb keema, making them a noteworthy choice on the menu.

An Indian fine dining spot with a vibrant atmosphere and night-on-the-town vibes. Appetizers come with a cool twist, and the cocktail menu features Bollywood-themed names.

People are saying

"The food here was absolutely amazing and delicious."

"The vibes here are so cool and buzzing with energy."

"The duck taco was fantastic, with flavorful duck meat."

Good to know

1

Brunch on Sundays features live music, with dancing starting around 1:30pm.

2

A special prix fixe menu is available during brunch and special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure accommodation.

08
Cara Cara image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers beautiful city views with a cool atmosphere enhanced by heated lamps and fire pits. Cocktails stand out as phenomenal, complementing the relaxed yet vibrant vibe. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the casual, comfortable setting.

Brisket wagyu tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. Shrimp tacos offer a delicious seafood twist that complements the menu well.

Rooftop patios offer direct skyline views and fire pits that add to the cool vibe. Stylish furniture and a cool backbar create a trendy atmosphere with great food.

People are saying

"The views here are amazing and breathtaking."

"The tacos here have amazing views and a vibrant rooftop vibe."

"The rooftop views here are so cool and awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

09
Chuy's Tacos Dorados image 1
Mexican restaurant

Warehouse-style space offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with self-serve kiosks for ordering. Atmosphere blends polished but approachable vibe with loud music and occasional stuffiness due to poor ventilation. Tacos stand out as generous and tasty, drawing a mix of opinions on quality.

Hard shell tacos feature a perfectly crispy shell with flavorful fillings like shredded beef that is slow-cooked with deep umami and smoky notes. The Potato Taco offers a golden crunch exterior with a creamy, silky interior and bright acid that balances the richness.

The atmosphere stays cool and relaxed with a tablet ordering system that adds a modern touch. The vibe remains laid-back while waiting for food.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's tacos are stuffed with filling and packed with flavor."

"I tasted the best crunchy hard tacos I've ever had."

"I found the tacos to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Chuy's does not accept cash; bring a credit or debit card.

2

Parking can be tricky; a validation code is available for kiosk use.

3

Expect an automatic service charge on your order.

10
Far Bar image 1

Cozy bar-restaurant with brick backdrops and string lights on a wooden patio creates a casual yet classy vibe. Ten large TVs show sporting events, drawing a crowd that cheers together. Friendly regulars and a historic setting make it feel like a neighborhood hangout.

Fish tacos come with flights of beer and offer a solid combo. Chicken wings and butter shrimp tacos are available, with the latter being halal. Shrimp tacos do not stand out as enjoyable.

Original structure creates a cozy bar-restaurant vibe with a cool atmosphere. The friendly staff and inviting patio add to the relaxed, hidden hangout feel.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and packed with flavor."

"The bartenders here are skilled and genuinely friendly."

"I had some awesome fish tacos with flights of beer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-7pm Monday to Friday and all day Monday.

2

Happy hour menu items are limited to under $20.

3

Expect a 20% service charge for groups of six or more.

11
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.

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.

Vibe feels trendy and cool throughout the space.

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."

"I found this place to be a cool, trendy spot."

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.

12
Taco Bell Cantina image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant combines modern colorful design with a bar serving beer and slushy cocktails. Loud music with heavy bass creates a high-energy atmosphere that challenges conversation. Self-service kiosks streamline ordering in a busy, compact space.

Tacos come generously filled and tasty with consistent quality. The place offers good value and a lively atmosphere that complements the food well.

Alcohol service adds a unique twist to the usual menu. Music and a sports bar vibe create a lively, cool atmosphere without the typical sports focus.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is really good and fresh."

"I found the tacos to be generously filled and tasty."

"They have alcoholic slushies, which is pretty cool."

Good to know

1

Food orders are placed at kiosks, eliminating the need for waitstaff.

2

Prices are generally $1-$3 higher than typical Taco Bell locations.

3

The Cantina serves alcoholic beverages, including slushy cocktails.

13
Casa Ipanema image 1
Restaurant

Large space with beautiful decor and a tropical vibe creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Phenomenal DJs and a fire dancer keep energy lively with top-notch house music and captivating performances. Guests enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant setting that blends dining with entertainment seamlessly.

Tacos here include a picanha steak option and a fish taco that is smaller in size. Prices can be high, with the fish taco costing around $15. Tostadas also come highly recommended.

A tropical lounge design sets a cool vibe, especially at night. The place features a DJ and fire show that adds to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The food here is really good and tasty."

"I loved the delicious picanha steak taco."

Good to know

1

Fire dance performances start at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for weekend events.

3

The fire dance show lasts about 15 minutes and is a highlight of the evening.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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