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Top picks in Lincoln Heights

Mexican taco spots

Authentic Mexican food where the taco is treated as a serious dish rather than a cheap snack.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
El Huarachito ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1
El Huarachito ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 2
El Huarachito ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 3
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Small, cozy Mexican restaurant feels like a homey neighborhood spot with a rustic, humble atmosphere. It serves authentic Jalisco-style dishes and is known for cash-only transactions. The place is packed and lively, offering a genuine taste of Mexico in a simple setting.

Homemade tortillas and homemade salsa accompany dishes like goat birria with red sauce, pozole, and menudo. Flautas de papa have crispy exteriors with smooth mashed potatoes inside, topped with guacamole, while tacos like chicharron verde feature tender stewed pork skin in mildly spicy green sauce.

Tacos feature Ensenada-style fish, carne asada, and machaca varieties. Guacamole and chicharrรณn tacos add rich flavors, while flautas and potato golden tacos offer tasty alternatives.

People are saying

"You have to try their cafe de olla; it's delicious and authentic."

"The carne asada taco was so delicious and flavorful."

"This is authentic Mexican food, I know because I've been to Mexico."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash.

2

Parking is available to the left of the building in the back.

3

The location is small and can be full on weekends depending on the time.

02
El Arco Lincoln Heights image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old style Mexican restaurant with beautiful wall art and two dining rooms creates a friendly, calm atmosphere despite loud music. Back patio and small bar add to the inviting setting. Frequented by families, it offers a mix of traditional and new elements.

Burritos stand out, especially the one known as Abby's Extra Special, a flavorful Chile Verde option. Tacos, guacamole, and steak fajitas offer solid variety, paired well with fresh lime margaritas.

Fish tacos come with tasty, crispy shrimp and shredded cabbage topped with a spicy, smoky creama. Hard shell tacos feature ground beef and the portions are generous, especially the fried shrimp taco.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing, authentic Mexican food here."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh, and the salsa doesn't taste refrigerated."

"The fried shrimp taco was huge with massive crispy shrimp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is available right up front or in a small lot in the back.

3

The restaurant can get busy, so be prepared for potential wait times.

03
Taqueria La Naranja image 1
Mexican restaurant

Street-style tacos cook on an open griddle indoors, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors. The space feels like a time capsule with affordable prices and generous portions. Music often sets a vibrant tone, drawing in those seeking genuine tastes.

Tacos stand out with authentic flavors and are freshly made right in front of you. Options like asada, chorizo, and pastor come at excellent prices and deliver a flavorful, well-crafted experience.

Tacos here are affordable at $1.90 each and packed with authentic Mexican flavors. Varieties like asada, chorizo, and pastor stand out for their well-made, flavorful taste.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be delicious and flavorful."

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is really delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices at Taqueria La Naranja are reasonable.

2

The tacos al pastor and fish burger cost just under $9.

3

There was small parking available in the back.

04
Viva Tacos La Estrella image 1
Mexican restaurant

Medium-sized stand offers grab-and-go service with no dine-in seating and accepts only cash and Zelle payments. Atmosphere is casual and efficient, with food prepared quickly and a focus on varied specials like $1 fish tacos on Tuesdays. Pricing is on the higher side, and packaging relies heavily on styrofoam containers.

Fish tacos stand out with ample size and a delicious sauce that pairs well with both red and green salsas. Burritos like the Cali and chorizo options offer solid flavor and value, especially on special deal days.

Fish tacos come in a dollar deal on Tuesdays and offer ample size with great sauce and flavor. Carne asada and street tacos also deliver authentic taste in small but satisfying portions.

People are saying

"You have to try their daily specials, especially the burritos."

"You've gotta try the fish tacos on Tuesdays; they're only a dollar."

"You've got to try the fish tacos on Tuesdays; they're only a dollar."

Good to know

1

Viva Tacos La Estrella does not offer dine-in options, only grab-and-go service.

2

On Tuesdays, fish tacos cost only $1, but they are smaller than regular ones.

3

They only accept cash and Zelle as payment methods.

05
Los Tres Cochinitos Restaurant image 1

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall feel and authentic cuisine. Atmosphere is relaxed and quaint, fitting for casual or special meals. Popular spot often has a waiting list and offers dishes like birria made with goat meat.

Birria and menudo stand out with rich, authentic flavors and excellent value. Enchiladas taste like homemade recipes, and tacos like chicharon and Chile Verde offer bold, satisfying options.

Tacos feature birria de chivo with a strong flavor and meat mixed with bones. Other notable options include chicharon, Chile Verde, cabeza, and carne asada tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and freshly made."

"The birria tacos here have great flavor."

"You have to try the birria de chivo taco; it's really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is hard to find near the restaurant.

2

Prices are affordable, with a typical meal costing around $14.

3

The menu includes rice, beans, and your choice of tortillas with all orders.

06
Loopy Sanchez image 1
Cannabis store

Cannabis store offers potent, well-curated strains with options from mellow hybrids to mind-bending indicas. Atmosphere stays chill and dope with a food truck serving tacos on site. Pricing includes notable discounts for first-timers and repeat visits.

Tacos stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. They deliver a satisfying taste that keeps you coming back.

Tacos come from a taco truck setup. They taste bomb and have a solid flavor.

People are saying

"I bought marijuana and the flower was fire."

"The atmosphere here is really chill and dope."

"I liked the tacos here; they were bomb."

Good to know

1

First timers receive a 40% discount on products.

2

A 10% discount is available for first-time customers.

3

Prices for edibles start at $58.

07
WENDY'S TORTAS image 1
Mexican torta restaurant

Mexican torta restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with chill music and comfortable seating. It attracts a mix of locals and city workers enjoying authentic tortas and diverse meals beyond sandwiches. TVs display visually appealing content, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Tortas and tacos dorados combo offers good portions and affordability. The birria tacos and pozole with flavorful broth stand out as especially tasty options.

Tacos here include birria with consome, shrimp, and fish tacos. The tortas and tacos dorados combo offers good portions and affordability.

People are saying

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

"I thought their Mexican food, especially the tortas, was amazing."

"The birria tacos with consomรฉ were amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited to the street and limited on-site parking.

2

Prices for food items have increased significantly, with some items costing more than expected.

3

They sell bottled water for $1.50, which is overpriced.

08
G.E Chano's Drive Thru Mexican Food image 1
Mexican torta restaurant

Drive-thru setup with walk-up window and outdoor seating creates a fast, convenient service environment. Atmosphere is minimal with no indoor dining currently available, leading to a quiet, utilitarian vibe. Most customers use the drive-thru, and the place is known for flavorful burritos and hard shell tacos.

Burritos come wrapped in paper and served in a cardboard box, showing attention to packaging. Hard shell tacos stand out with good meat, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The menu features Chili Relleno Burritos, potato tacos, and a Loco with carnitas that get consistent praise.

Hard shell tacos stand out with hamburger meat, potato filling, and beef options. Taco salad and Pico de gallo add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The Drive Thru food is huge, fresh, and always delicious."

"I thought the Mexican food here tasted great."

"I loved the potato hard shell tacos."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs $5.00.

2

There is street parking available, but the lot is small.

3

The drive-thru can take a little time, especially during busy hours.

09
Carnes Asadas Pancho Lopez, Mexican Food in Los Angeles CA ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1

Open-air Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere with live mariachi music enhancing the vibe. Small and colorful patio creates a friendly, local feel reminiscent of Guadalajara. Simple decor includes traditional clay mugs and vintage touches, making the space inviting and genuine.

Tacos and Barbacoa burst with amazing flavor and authentic taste. Chilaquiles stand out with a delicious twist, while Birria en consomรฉ offers authentic flavoring. Horchata fresa is refreshing and not too sweet.

Barbacoa tacos stand out with amazing flavor and a nostalgic touch. Other options like birria tacos, bone marrow, and Taco Dorado de papa offer variety and quality.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"I felt like I was in Mexico with these authentic tacos."

"I loved the carne en su jugo; it really hit the spot."

Good to know

1

There is no assigned parking for this restaurant and very limited street parking.

2

Expect to pay around $85 for a few small dishes with additional fees.

3

On Sundays, enjoy live mariachi music during your visit.

10
El Camaron Pelado image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with banging Ramon Ayala music and a variety of seafood options. The vibe is enjoyable but somewhat dark, creating a relaxed setting. Popular dishes include shrimp empanadas and Micheladas, drawing a crowd that appreciates flavorful, affordable seafood.

Taco dorado de camaron stands out as a memorable dish. Fish tacos and tostadas, especially the tostada aguachiles, deliver solid flavors. Green salsa adds a spicy kick to the meal.

Taco dorado de camaron stands out as a memorable and exceptional choice. Fish tacos come in good versions but vary in quality, with some not as great.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good and delicious."

"I found the fish tacos to be really good."

"I found the fish tacos to be really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front on Pasadena street.

2

There are two single bathrooms in the restaurant.

3

Expect to spend around $20 before tip for a meal.

11
The Original Carnitas Michoacan image 1

Open-air covered patio with big screen TV and enclosed seating creates a chill atmosphere where conversation flows easily. The vibe mixes historic charm with recent updates like heaters and fans, attracting a crowd that enjoys traditional Mexican food around the clock.

Carnitas tacos and burritos stand out with great tasting meat portions and house hot sauce. The menu includes menudo and nachos, all served 24/7 with fresh, fluffy rice and tasty beans.

Carnitas tacos stand out with their bold spices and authentic flavor. Tripa tacos offer a delicious, spicy punch that reflects classic Mexican street food.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best."

"I found the carne asada nachos here to be delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I'd ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24/7, making it a convenient late-night option.

2

Parking could be a bit challenging on weekends, so plan accordingly.

3

Burritos cost around $13, which some may find expensive.

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Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles

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