Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Pico-Union

Mexican food spots

You want Mexican food that is prepared with authenticity.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Fleur Café image 1
Fleur Café image 2
Fleur Café image 3
View all

Cozy café with delicate floral arrangements, marble tables, and plush pink seating creates a quaint, romantic vibe. Soft blush exterior with cascading blooms adds an elegant touch. The atmosphere stays low-key and quiet, ideal for relaxed brunches or coffee breaks.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a reputation for being outstanding in quality and taste.

Chilaquiles with chicken stand out for their flavor and quality, especially with the red sauce. Burritos are very filling and tasty, making them a solid choice for Mexican food here.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be really delicious and fresh."

"The chilaquiles here are the best Mexican food I've had in a while."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to street parking; pay the meter.

2

The plates cost between $10 and $20, offering good value.

3

They offer a variety of breakfast and lunch options.

02
Sabor Mexicano Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with traditional Mexican artistry and modern seating creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Lively regional Mexican music plays in the background, enhancing the bright, clean atmosphere. Guests enjoy authentic Mexico City flavors in a hidden spot suited for both intimate and family meals.

Food tastes homemade with flavorful dishes from Mexico City. Portions come well sized and the menu offers a great introduction to authentic Mexican cuisine.

Chilaquiles stand out with both red and green sauces, served with steak or bolillo bread. Tacos and enchiladas come with handmade tortillas, and the chicken burrito features a grilled tortilla. Homemade tortillas, nopales, and plantains add authentic touches to the menu.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The handmade tortillas here are truly special."

"The chilaquiles here are amazing, especially the red ones."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has only three tables, so seating is limited.

2

Expect to pay around $20 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant is not open every day, so check ahead.

03
Zamora Brothers image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere that feels like a family home. The kitchen emphasizes fresh handmade tortillas and authentic flavors, especially in carnitas and birria. Parking is limited, and the space can get quite hot inside.

Food here is real authentic Mexican with dishes that taste fresh and hot. The flavors often remind of grandma's cooking, served with a smile and consistently delicious.

Carnitas stand out as very flavorful and fresh, served in tacos early in the morning. The menu includes a variety of cooked meats like chicharrón and buche, along with a flavorful asada burrito and delicious menudo.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the carnitas here to be very tender and delicious."

"The carnitas here are so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

They accept EBT, which could be beneficial for some customers.

3

The family pack is a great value for three hungry diners.

04
Casa Gish Bac Cocina Oaxaqueña image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with authentic Oaxacan cuisine and live mariachi music creating a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Tables are spread out, giving a sense of openness despite the energetic vibe. The place blends party hall energy with traditional flavors, attracting groups seeking both food and festive ambiance.

Authentic Oaxacan food shines here, prepared by people from Tlacolula de Matamoros. Dishes are delicious and savory, reflecting a small family-owned kitchen's care.

Mole negro and Coloradito stand out with their sweet, spicy, savory flavors. Tlayudas and barbacoa dishes use fresh, quality ingredients and deliver authentic, tender textures.

People are saying

"I found the Oaxacan food here to be exquisite and delicious."

"The barbacoa roja here tastes like home, just like in Tlacolula."

"The salsa here has the right amount of spicy kick."

Good to know

1

The restaurant hosts local vendor events every Sunday in the plaza.

2

Parking is plentiful and easy to find on Sundays.

3

The restroom includes a baby changing station for families.

05
Chales Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with perfectly curated decor and a relaxed, mellow vibe that feels like a trip to Mexico. Music adds to the atmosphere, which is a bit dark but comfortable. Known for excellent margaritas and fresh guacamole, it attracts those seeking generous portions and a cozy setting.

Amazing food stands out with flavors better than home-cooked meals. Service is friendly and polite, complementing the authentic, understated environment.

Fresh guacamole and rich mole stand out alongside strong margaritas. Burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and pozole offer solid variety with good vegetarian options.

People are saying

"I thought all the Mexican food dishes I tried were delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be challenging at times.

2

The restaurant does not automatically serve chips and salsa; customers need to ask for them.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

06
Taco Bravo image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small hole-in-the-wall Salvadoran restaurant with clean and simple surroundings. Serves big food like excellent pupusas and delicious duck soups. Open early to late, offering a steady, inviting vibe throughout the day.

Fresh, authentic Mexican and Guatemalan dishes stand out here. The food offers delicious flavors at good prices in a hole-in-the-wall setting.

Sopes with al pastor, salpicon, and plantains come with beans and crema. Pupusas, siete mares, tacos, and burritos offer a variety of traditional Mexican dishes.

People are saying

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

"I found some of the best Mexican food I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Taco Bravo is now open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

2

Reservations are not required but can help during peak hours.

3

Parking is available on the street, but can be limited during busy times.

07
Coffee MCO image 1
Coffee shop

Space combines modern indoor seating with shaded outdoor terraces and a colorful stained glass second floor. Atmosphere feels artistic and relaxing despite loud, energetic music inside. Frequented by people working or reading, with many outlets and reliable wifi available.

Simple menu leads to unique, well crafted coffee and food. Breakfast options include sandwiches, burritos, avocado toast, and potatoes that taste delicious.

Brisket burritos stand out with hearty fillings and flavorful taste while keeping their shape well. Breakfast options include a variety of sandwiches and burritos with avocado toast and potatoes.

People are saying

"The coffee and drinks here are so good and delicious."

"The food here is pretty good, and the drinks are excellent."

"The brisket burrito is hearty and delicious Mexican food."

Good to know

1

The kitchen is closed on Thursdays and does not serve food on Tuesdays.

2

Coffee MCO has a free outdoor parking lot attached.

3

Inside seating is not available at Coffee MCO.

08
Tacos Tamix - Downtown image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating under a tent with party-style folding tables and a large metal salsa bar creates a casual, lively atmosphere. Security guards watch the parking area, adding a sense of safety and calm. The spot draws a steady crowd looking for affordable, well-portioned tacos with fresh ingredients like avocado and pineapple.

Food stays fresh and delicious with a focus on authentic Mexican flavors. Availability late at night makes it a reliable spot for quality street food after hours.

Tacos here feature carne asada, tacos de cabeza, and al pastor cooked perfectly and served late into the night. Burritos and quesadillas also stand out for their flavor and reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The salsas here are really good and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

Tacos Tamix is open until 2am for late-night cravings.

2

Parking is available at the gas station next door with security present.

3

They accept debit and credit cards, but there's a $1.50 fee for card payments.

09
Carnitas michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant open 24 hours with a pleasant atmosphere that feels like home. Known for handmade gorditas and tortillas paired with spicy red salsa, it offers some of the best carnitas and chicharrón in the neighborhood. The menu includes authentic dishes like pupusas, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Mexican food here is authentic tasting and home-style with consistently delicious flavors. The dishes are affordable and satisfying, always prepared on point.

Carnitas stand out with great taste and affordability. Handmade gorditas and tortillas come with spicy red salsa. The food stays consistently on point and offers a home-style Mexican vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is bomb and totally delicious."

"I found the carnitas here to have a great taste."

"The carnitas here are delicious and taste great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours for all meal times.

2

The menu offers a variety of options for different tastes.

3

Carnitas Michoacan specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine.

10
Panaderia Cuscatleca image 1

Family-owned bakery offers traditional Salvadoran sweet breads and a dedicated vegan menu with pastries and tortas. The atmosphere stays busy and organized, drawing a crowd for breakfast and warm bread. Bread quality varies, but vegan options stand out for taste and variety.

Vegan food and vegan bread stand out as delicious options. The menu includes more than just pastries, offering a variety of tasty items.

Offers vegan tortas and breakfast burritos with fresh spinach and fried plantains. Includes authentic-tasting tamales and pan dulce at very low prices.

People are saying

"The vegetarian tortas and breakfast burritos are world class."

"You can get amazing vegan tortas and breakfast burritos here."

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

Good to know

1

They offer a separate vegan menu with six items and various vegan pastries.

2

Free parking is available at the door for customers.

3

Expect the bakery to be busy, especially during peak hours.

11
Leo's Tacos Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican flavors with homemade salsas and a toppings bar for customization. Atmosphere stays vibrant and bustling yet super chill, drawing a mix of locals and visitors. It gets busier later, so early visits find more space at clean, well-lit tables.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh. Staff are humble and prepare meals with care.

Tacos here feature tender al pastor and authentic tongue meat options. A homemade salsas and toppings bar lets you customize each bite, with sides like carne asada nachos and quesadillas adding variety.

People are saying

"The al pastor tacos here are tender and bursting with flavor."

"The food here is delicious and very filling."

"The al pastor tacos here are flavorful and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors."

Good to know

1

They accept Cash or Venmo ONLY.

2

The location is at the Chevron parking lot on 1907 Arlington Avenue.

3

It gets busier during peak hours, so going early is recommended.

12
El Parian Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open kitchen reveals every bit of action in a spacious, cozy setting with original arched windows and Mexican artwork on the walls. Background hum of authentic Mexican music complements the outdoor seating area ideal for warm evenings. Generous portions of birria and carnitas highlight the menu in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with exquisite taste and affordable quality. Service complements the delicious dishes well.

Birria stands out with its authentic birria de chivo and rich, meaty flavor. Huge tacos come loaded with fresh toppings, and the pozole adds to the super authentic Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The birria here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The food here is so delicious and authentic."

"I found the parking available onsite and it was ample."

Good to know

1

The place only accepts cash.

2

Parking was easily available onsite.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is in the back.

13
La Flor De Yucatan Bakery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy bakery with authentic Yucatecan baked goods and freshly made bread fills the air with warm aromas. Casual setup includes outdoor tables but mostly favors takeout and delivery. Known for unique hojaldra and flavorful tamales, it offers a genuine taste of Yucatán cuisine.

Authentic Yucatecan food stands out with delicious flavors and reasonable prices. Casual setting includes three outdoor tables to enjoy the neighborhood eatery's offerings.

Cochinita pibil tacos stand out with their rich flavor, offering a twist on traditional Mexican food. Tamales come filled with flavorful chicken and pork, while the hojaldra combines ham, cheese, and puff pastry for a unique take on empanadas.

People are saying

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

"I thought their hojaldra bread was simply the best."

"You've got to try the flavorful tamales and hojaldra here."

Good to know

1

They offer both baked goods and tasty Yucateco dishes.

2

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Yucatecan breads.

3

Takeout is popular due to the small size of the bakery.

14
El Jefe Tacos DTLA image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers well done, flavorful tacos and a great salsa bar. Prices stay excellent while some dishes like burritos stand out as delicious. Atmosphere includes some concerns about unsanitary conditions.

Food features a birria broth that stands out for its flavor and overall tasty street food offerings. Prices stay reasonable, but occasional issues with food hygiene have been noted.

Birria tacos come with a rich birria broth and minimal chewy fat. The al pastor burrito rates highly for flavor. Tacos and tortas offer solid, well-done options with a great salsa bar to customize.

People are saying

"The tacos here are spot on and flavorful."

"I found the food to be amazing and tasty."

"I found the tacos to be spot on and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices are considered excellent for street food options.

15
Dino's Famous Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small space with hard-back booths and outdoor seating offers a calm atmosphere with views of street traffic. The place has an old-school vibe with a remodeled interior that feels clean but basic. Quiet and welcoming, it suits those seeking a simple, no-frills dining experience.

Delicious food arrives quickly, often in under 10 minutes. The half chicken offers a generous portion, making it a satisfying meal with great service.

Carne asada burrito stands out as delicious, with steak tacos also favored. Chicken dishes come with rice, beans, and corn tortillas, and the breakfast burrito earns high marks.

People are saying

"The chicken and cheeseburgers here are amazing."

"The food here is really flavorful and delicious."

"I loved the chicken and favored the steak tacos."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available for customers at this restaurant.

2

Parking is limited and can be challenging to find.

3

Prices have increased significantly, with a single chicken costing almost $30.

Discover more

Pico-Union, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...