Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Highland Park

Salsa and food

You want a meal that is defined by the quality of the salsa served alongside it.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Carnal Cocina Artesanal image 1
Carnal Cocina Artesanal image 2
Carnal Cocina Artesanal image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a casual BYOB dining hall vibe and modern cozy ambiance. Dishes arrive on traditional ceramic plates, enhancing the cultural experience. The place feels like a hidden gem with unique flavors and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Bold, authentic Oaxacan flavors define the menu with traditional dishes that are beautifully presented. The food delivers rich, genuine Mexican taste that feels both satisfying and well-crafted.

Salsas here bring wonderful flavor and pair well with dishes like chilaquiles and hollandaise with salsa macha. Every salsa tastes fantastic and complements the food and earthen dishware nicely.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic with bold, unique flavors."

"The octopus here is a perfect date spot choice, tasting amazing."

"The salsa in the chilaquiles had a wonderful flavor."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 BYOB fee for bringing your own alcohol.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

Free parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant.

02
Chico's Restaurant ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Cozy Mexican diner with street art mural outside and a quiet, homey atmosphere inside. Offers authentic, flavorful dishes including standout vegetarian options and generous wine margaritas. Dining area tends to be calm and slow-paced, suitable for relaxed meals.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with consistently delicious and flavorful dishes. Quality and taste stand out as excellent and unbeatable.

Salsa comes fresh and spicy, with a smoky red variety standing out. It pairs well with chips and flour tortillas, serving as a solid appetizer included in meals.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fresh, spicy, and super yummy."

"I loved the cute diner vibe and relaxed atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options upon request.

2

Parking is available in a small lot next door.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

03
Carnitas Y Chicharrones El Gallo image 1

Humble setup with friendly staff serves generously portioned tacos and pork by the pound. Rich, smoky aroma fills the air while cooks fry pork in a large bubbling cauldron. A condiments bar offers an exceptional mix of toppings, creating a lively, authentic Mexican street food vibe.

Authentic Mexican street food shines here with standout carnitas and chicharrones. The setup is humble, serving food to go or street side with friendly staff.

A whole table of toppings and buckets of salsa offer plenty of choices. The selection includes excellent escabeche alongside nice salsas.

People are saying

"These tacos are huge and packed with flavorful carnitas."

"These carnitas are the best I've ever had."

"You have to try their carnitas; it's the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The place is only open on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times as they run out of food quickly.

3

Tacos cost $4 each and are generously portioned.

04
Villa's Tacos #3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating near train tracks features vivid murals and palm trees, creating a lively, sunlit atmosphere. Loud music fills the space, adding to the energetic vibe but making conversation challenging. Limited seating centers around a single picnic table, attracting a casual crowd who enjoy unique, seafood-focused tacos.

Food here tastes consistently great and is often described as tasty and top notch.

Green salsa and pineapple habanero salsa bring spicy heat and sweetness to tacos. Creamy cilantro salsa likely uses cashew cream for richness. Salsa macha adds extra heat and flavor to dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are delicious and fresh."

"The seafood tacos, especially the shrimp and pulpo, were so fresh and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be fantastic and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Villa's Tacos #3 specializes in seafood tacos.

2

The restaurant is only open four days a week.

3

There is limited seating with only one picnic table available.

05
El Pique Taco Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck parked next to a car wash offers affordable, filling Mexican food with a spicy red salsa that stands out. The atmosphere is casual and consistent, with a few regulars and short lines. It has a long-standing presence in the neighborhood, known for vegetarian and carnitas burritos.

Mexican food stands out with amazing flavor and fresh tacos. Generous portions come with thoughtful touches like a large plastic bag for easy carrying.

Red salsa stands out with a rich, vibrant flavor. Burritos come with lime, salsa, and radishes on the side, enhancing the taste experience.

People are saying

"Their carne asada tacos and carnitas burritos are the best."

"I loved the red salsa here."

"I couldn't get enough of their amazing food, especially the carne asada tacos."

Good to know

1

The taco truck has been parked at York and Avenue 53 for over a decade.

2

Expect minimal wait times; I never encountered a line longer than a few people.

3

During the day, ask for no lettuce when ordering the veggie quesadilla.

06
Viva Taco Azteca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers late hours with hot, fresh food and reasonable prices. The space includes a side ledge for comfortable eating and maintains a very clean environment. Meat options like Buche, Lengua, Cabeza, and Pastor stand out for quality and flavor.

Food comes out hot and fresh late into the night, perfect for late-night cravings. Staff keep it chill and the flavors hit like authentic Mexican food, with a taste that rivals homemade meals.

Salsas here are delicious and come with a cost for extra servings. They used to offer salsas outside but no longer do.

People are saying

"The Mexican food tacos here are really tasty."

"I thought the food here was delicious and great."

"I thought the tacos here were really good."

Good to know

1

Viva Taco Azteca accepts credit cards, not just cash.

2

There is parking available in the lot or on the street.

3

They are open late with hot, fresh food.

07
La Fuente Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with solid character and available parking lot behind the building. Atmosphere remains authentic despite recent management changes and menu adjustments. Known for great tacos and burritos, it offers a casual dining experience with some menu items standing out for flavor.

Mexican food comes out quickly and stays consistently good. The dishes are always delicious and prepared perfectly every time.

Pico de gallo and deep red salsa taste very good. Chips and salsa come from a bag and plastic pitcher now, and are no longer free. Waitstaff offer more salsa but charge $3.15 for a small bowl.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is seasoned perfectly and consistently amazing."

"I loved the delicious Mexican food here."

"The salsa here is very tasty and gives a good first impression."

Good to know

1

There is a parking lot behind the restaurant.

2

Prices have increased recently.

3

The old menu is soon to be revised.

08
El Huarache Azteca ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Simple, clean space with busy kitchen activity and casual, no-frills dining. Atmosphere stays relaxed despite loud radio commercials indoors and outdoor seating that some find unpleasant. Popular spot for authentic Mexican food with flavorful huaraches and tacos.

Food comes out hot and made to order, with flavors that stay authentic and delicious. Dishes like chilaquiles with steak and green sauce bring a taste that reminds of childhood meals.

Salsas offer a perfectly spiced red with real heat and a tangy green that adds nice heat without overpowering. Chips and salsa come together as a flavorful, spicy combo worth seeking out.

People are saying

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

"Their huaraches are huge, piled high with meat, beans, and cheese."

"The food here, especially the huaraches, is piled high with beans, cheese, and meat."

Good to know

1

There is only street parking available.

2

The restaurant accepted only cash.

3

The place is small with limited seating.

Discover more

Highland Park, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...