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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Highland Park

Taco spots

Tacos that respect the craft of the street-side stand without the hour-long wait.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Villa's Tacos #3 image 1
Villa's Tacos #3 image 2
Villa's Tacos #3 image 3
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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.

Seafood tacos like Mahi Mahi and No Soy Pulpo stand out for being fresh and full of flavor. Friendly staff accommodate preferences and offer vegetarian options like sweet potato and mushroom medley tacos.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are delicious and fresh."

"The shrimp and fish tacos here are delicious."

"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.

02
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.

Carne asada tacos stand out as a signature dish with a loyal following. Vegetarian options shine with fresh veggie tacos and a notable red salsa that complements the menu well.

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.

03
Taco Fiesta image 1
Mexican torta restaurant

Mexican torta spot with a walk-up window and a small outdoor eating area offers a friendly atmosphere and a community staple vibe. Ground beef tacos and burgers stand out as best in LA, while the pace requires patience and an open mind. The place blends casual dining with a local landmark feel.

Food features great taste and friendly service. Meals consistently deliver excellent quality.

Crunchy hard shell ground beef tacos stand out as a signature item. Tacos come with consistent great taste and quick service.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be amazing and affordable."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"I found the ground beef tacos to be the best."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect busy times during lunch and dinner.

2

Parking is limited; consider arriving early to find a spot.

3

Cash is preferred for food purchases, as some vendors may not accept cards.

04
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.

Tacos come with huge portions of meat and all the toppings. The $4 tacos pack unctuous porky goodness and offer a great deal with lots of flavor and a mix of crunchy bits and carnitas.

People are saying

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

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

"This food is so flavorful, especially the carnitas and chicharrones."

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.

05
Carnal Cocina Artesanal image 1
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.

Huge taco de chicharron comes with pickled nopales for a tangy finish. Duck taco and tuna carnitas offer explosions of flavor on handmade tortillas with creamy guacamole and crunchy chapulines.

People are saying

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

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

"These tacos are an explosion of wonderful flavors."

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.

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.

Tacos feature perfect seasoning and a variety of meats like Buche, Lengua, Cabeza, and Pastor. Salsas are delicious, and the vendors maintain a clean and friendly environment.

People are saying

"The Mexican food tacos here are really tasty."

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

"I found the tacos to be great and seasoned just right."

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
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.

Crispy tacos stand out with hard shell beef and vegetarian tacos de papas options. Beef tacos get repeated praise for their excellent flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the crispy beef tacos were the best I had ever eaten."

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.

08
HomeState image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Spacious patio with picnic tables creates a friendly, lively vibe that feels welcoming and casual. Inside seating is cozy but cramped, while outdoor areas offer a hipster atmosphere despite limited shade. Music plays loudly, adding to the energetic environment.

Food offers many options for dietary restrictions and comes out tasty and prepared quickly. Service complements the delicious and varied menu well.

Tacos feature homemade flour tortillas that are chewy and toasted with butter. Brisket tacos use quality shredded meat without fat, and breakfast tacos like Blanco and Ranchero stand out for their flavor. Potato tacos offer a unique twist not commonly found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the service is super friendly."

"The tacos here have great service and ambiance."

"The food here is delicious, meaty, and incredibly flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available by street and in the city lot behind the restaurant.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The tortillas are made in-house, ensuring freshness.

09
Tacos ensenada image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant with outdated interior and a sweet ambiance featuring telenovelas and seashore vibes. The place stays packed but seating is quick even during busy hours. Known for fresh, flavorful fish tacos and self-serve pickled onions, jalapeรฑos, and limes.

Good Mexican food offers flavorful and tasty tacos. The dining environment is enjoyable, though prices feel high for the quality.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings and generous portions. Taco Tuesday offers great value with $1.50 fish tacos, making them a highlight for many.

People are saying

"The fish and shrimp tacos are stuffed full and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be really good and tasty."

"I thought their fish tacos were the best in town."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday prices are now 2 for $4.11.

3

Self-serve pickled onions, jalapeรฑos, and limes are complimentary.

10
Tacos Viva La Estrella image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with clean interior and cool wall art offers affordable tacos with fresh, crunchy toppings. Atmosphere feels quiet and awkward without music or TV, and wait times can be long even when empty. Late-night hours make it a convenient spot for satisfying hunger after bars.

Food comes with fresh preparation and clear attention to detail, avoiding any fast food shortcuts. Dishes carry authentic Mexican flavors and offer a carefully crafted taste that stands out.

Tacos come huge and insane, especially the fish tacos. Options include asada, lengua, and shrimp, all consistently good and affordable with an amazing red salsa.

People are saying

"I thought the food was very tasty and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are huge and insane."

"I believed no other taco place could compare to this spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

The total cost for a meal is around $43 for multiple tacos and drinks.

3

The wait time is about 15 minutes, even with few customers.

11
Tacos La Estrella image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco truck offers authentic Mexican tacos with standout options like carne asada and lengua tacos paired with red salsa. Atmosphere feels casual and unassuming, located on a main street near a convenience store. Prices remain affordable, attracting a steady flow of customers seeking genuine flavors.

Food arrives quickly and tastes extraordinary with outstanding flavor. Simple dishes come with salsa and maintain good taste despite texture differences.

Carne asada tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Lengua tacos come with a red salsa that adds a bold kick. Both tacos and burritos offer authentic Mexican taste from a taco truck setting.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada tacos were among the best I've ever eaten."

"I loved the flavorful, perfectly cooked meat in their burritos."

"The food here is outstandingly flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The taco truck is located on a main street near a 7 Eleven.

2

Each taco costs $2.50, making it an affordable option.

3

They close at 10 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

12
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.

Lengua tacos stand out with good flavor. Other tacos and taquitos are solid, but hard shell tacos come cracked and soggy. Some tacos look more like nachos than traditional tacos.

People are saying

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

"I loved the delicious Mexican food here."

"The fish soup here is seasoned perfectly."

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.

13
Via-Mar Restaurant Express image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with cute booths and a pretty patio offers a great music atmosphere. Prices stay reasonable with large taco shells that hold salsa well, and specials highlight fresh shrimp and octopus dishes. Seating is available but parking is limited to street spots.

Food here is mostly fresh and delicious with good portion sizes. Some dishes vary, but overall the food is enjoyable and tasty.

Shrimp and fish tacos feature generous portions with a light, crispy batter on the fish. Tacos come with sour cream or crema instead of mayonnaise and maintain good size without sogginess.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are generously portioned and a great value."

"The fish tacos have generous portions of tasty, crispy battered fish."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to street parking only.

2

They charge a dollar to use a debit card.

3

The shrimp and octopus torta costs $11.

14
Mariscos El Faro image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant sits in front of a park with loud music and a chill vibe. It offers a full bar including a secret cocktail menu. The place serves spicy ceviche and outstanding shrimp tacos with generally solid fish tacos.

Food comes out very quickly and tastes authentic Mexican with fresh ingredients. The dishes are consistently delicious and well seasoned.

Fish tacos come with a light amount of fish but have a solid flavor. Shrimp tacos stand out as outstanding and the ceviche or plain pulpo taco with everything offers a unique off-menu option.

People are saying

"I thought the shrimp tacos were outstanding."

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

"The fish tacos here were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature special taco deals every Tuesday.

2

Street parking is available along the block.

3

Orders can take a while, so be patient.

15
Nativo image 1

Bar offers dim, cozy interior with exposed brick and candles alongside a spacious outdoor patio featuring diverse seating and a laid-back vibe. Music plays loudly during peak hours, creating an energetic atmosphere with a mixed crowd. Outdoor space stands out as a popular spot to relax and socialize.

Food comes out quickly and in abundant portions. Snacks like chips and salsa, chicken tenders, and nachos pair well with drinks.

Shrimp tacos stand out with heavenly flavor. Mole and brisket tacos offer bold, rich tastes. Mushroom tacos pair well with crispy yucca fries.

People are saying

"The food here is abundant and really tasty."

"The outdoor seating here is really spacious and has a cool vibe."

"I found their shrimp tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills during events.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, typically from 4-7pm.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

16
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.

Tacos here are flavorful and mouth-watering with options like Chicharrones available in taco, plate, burrito, or huarache form. Two tacos per person is a common serving suggestion.

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.

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Highland Park, Los Angeles

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