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Downtown LA's best

Mexican food markets

Made for those who prefer to source their ingredients and enjoy their Mexican meals within the bustling environment of a local market.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Imperial Night Market image 1
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Alleyway setup with old train tracks creates a unique walking path. Lighting is good, supporting a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. Food vendors rotate often, offering a wide variety of fresh, high-quality options including standout tacos and sushi.

Tijuana-style tacos and Mexican-style sushi stand out alongside fish and shrimp tacos at El Cachanella. The market offers horchata and aguas frescas, but some items like tamales and pozole come with extra charges and higher prices.

Food and drinks focus on Hispanic and Chicano styles with options like fish and shrimp tacos, horchata, and fresh queso. The market runs in an alley with old train tracks, creating a unique but tricky layout, and features explicit posters and items that make it less family-friendly.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of good food options here."

"I found the Mexican food options here to be great and varied."

"The market has great food and drinks, especially Hispanic and Chicano style options."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $6 as of June 2023.

2

The market is not recommended for families due to explicit content.

3

The market is not accessible for someone in a wheelchair or on crutches.

02
Jose Chiquito image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Grand Central Market hosts a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with freshly brewed coffee aromas and cheerful staff creating an active vibe. The spot offers a diverse menu blending classic and Mexican breakfast dishes, standing out for its consistent quality and convenient beeper system for multi-restaurant orders.

Breakfast burritos stand out with chorizo and potatoes or a veggie option loaded with rice and beans. Chilaquiles offer a seriously authentic Mexican flavor, reflecting decades of traditional cooking.

A small spot inside a larger market offers a quiet alternative to busy, crowded places. It stands out as a notable choice among many options in the market.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is huge and delicious."

"I had to get my Mexican food fix at Jose Chiquito every time."

"I loved the chipotle aioli cheeseburger combo from this Market."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open every day from 8 AM to 9 PM.

2

Expect a wait time of about 18 minutes for food preparation.

3

Prices are surprisingly affordable, with meals averaging around $13.50.

03
Tacos Tumbras a Tomas image 1
Taco restaurant

Metal counter and handwritten signs mark a simple setup with trays of sizzling meat. Lively and bustling atmosphere fills the space, with communal tables amid a vibrant market crowd. Tacos stand out for their huge portions, fresh flavors, and great value, drawing a steady line of eager diners.

Tacos come big and loaded with meat, offering generous servings that can feed two or more. Each taco costs around $5 and delivers pure flavor with a Mexican street food style.

A Mexican food stand offers traditional dishes with a top-notch taco experience. One spot provides good value and stands out as a satisfying choice in the market.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food portions are huge; you get so much meat!"

"The tacos here are massive, packed with juicy, flavorful fillings."

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.

04
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 stand out with tacos de canasta, asada tacos Tijuana style, and unique options like Evil Cook's McSatan and Goth Tacos. Carnitas tacos and agua chile add to the variety alongside other Mexican flavors.

Free entry and plenty of parking make access easy. The market offers a variety of street foods and small shops with a lively, outdoor, farmerโ€™s market vibe.

People are saying

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

"This market has an incredible variety of delicious food options."

"I found good Mexican food like tacos and much more 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.

05
Villa Moreliana ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Taco stand offers standing dining with crowded indoor seating and some sidewalk tables facing a busy street. The atmosphere is casual and lively, attracting those seeking authentic carnitas tacos known for their rich flavor. Prices are high without menu listings, and the place features beer on tap though it can be flat.

Tacos here feature juicy carnitas that overflow with meat and come with a salsa and topping bar. The pork tacos are flavorful, cheap, and include a mix of pig varieties, often served with a free sample.

Tacos stand out with Villa Moreliana's carnitas leading the pack. Mixed tacos offer variety, and the market buzz adds to the casual eating experience.

People are saying

"I was instantly hooked on these tacos."

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be the tastiest."

"The tacos at this Market are the tastiest and most flavorful."

Good to know

1

Four tacos cost $24, which may feel pricey for some.

2

Credit card payments incur a $1 fee, which is questionable in California.

3

You can eat at the bar, inside, or outside.

06
Ana Maria's Comida Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Grand Central Market buzzes with neon glow and sizzling sounds, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Tables sit in front of a taco stand offering massive, meat-loaded tacos with fresh carnitas and al pastor. The menu blends authentic Mexican and Mexican-American dishes with generous portions and fair prices.

Tacos come with generous portions of meat like lamb, chicharron, carnitas, and buche, all served on handmade tortillas. Burritos are large and tasty, and salsas offer an authentic flavor that complements the juicy meats and crisp vegetables.

Vibrant energy fills the market with neon glow and sizzling sounds. Food options like Ana Maria's Comida Mexicana offer quick, tasty tacos amid a hustle and bustle atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is massive, loaded with meat."

"The salsa here is so fresh and tasty."

"The Market's tacos are packed with generous, fresh, juicy meats."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, and tax is included in the price.

2

Portions are generous, with one taco being enough for most people.

3

Get there early in the morning for the freshest tacos.

07
DTLA After Dark Night Market image 1

Night market offers a vibrant atmosphere with lively music and a friendly vibe that feels like a carnival. Food stalls focus on Mexican cuisine, featuring some of the best tacos and snacks. The setup is beautiful and cozy, making it a comfortable place to walk around and enjoy.

Tacos here feature handmade tortillas filled with fresh meats like asada and pastor, plus generous guacamole sauce. The salsa verde is spicy but balanced, and birria tacos come with a unique salsa blending tomato and enchilada flavors.

A fun mix of food vendors, music, and small local shops creates a lively atmosphere. Prices stay reasonable without the usual night market gouging, and the market sits conveniently near local hotels.

People are saying

"The Market's street food, like tacos and potatoes, was amazing."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is the best I've had in LA."

"Parking was five dollars if I could find any."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5 if you can find available spots nearby.

2

Restroom access costs $3.

3

Parking is $15 for less than 15 minutes.

08
Nonna's Empanadas - Grand Central Market image 1

Empanadas display in front of a baseball mural sets a casual, lively vibe. Diverse crowd gathers, often finding seating a challenge during busy times. Wide selection of sweet and savory flavors offers a filling option for market explorers.

Empanadas come in carne asada, salsa verde chicken, and beef flavors, all packed with meat. The menu also features margarita filling and sweet options like Nutella and dulce de leche.

A large selection of sweet and savory empanadas offers a taste of Buenos Aires. The market serves as a solid spot for a quick, filling bite with options that satisfy hunger effectively.

People are saying

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

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

"Their empanadas are delicious and packed with filling."

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.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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