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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Authentic Mexican food in South LA

The craving for traditional Mexican flavors is specific and persistent.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Clemenโ€™s Kitchen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 1
Clemenโ€™s Kitchen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 2
Clemenโ€™s Kitchen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ image 3
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Mexican restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with 70s era Mexico City music playing softly. Outdoor seating includes a small garden that adds comfort and charm. The vibe feels warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel at ease.

Food features fresh ingredients and is made from scratch with authentic Mexican flavors.

Handmade tortillas and taco shells are made fresh in front of you, perfectly balanced in thickness. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like chicharrรณn prensado gordita, tacos de birria, and chilaquiles en mole topped with sunny side up eggs.

People are saying

"The handmade tortillas here make the Mexican food amazing."

"I loved the tacos, especially the birria."

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

Good to know

1

It is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

The restaurant offers vegetarian options for diverse diets.

3

They close at 7 pm on some days, so plan accordingly.

02
El Ranchito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with generous portions of tacos, burritos, and barbacoa. Atmosphere stays comfortably quiet and welcoming with simple, well-maintained surroundings. Cash-only policy and reasonable prices shape the experience.

Mexican flavors here taste very close to home cooking. The dishes deliver authentic spices and traditional recipes that stand out.

Tacos stand out with fresh carnitas and come with beans and rice. Burritos, especially the tongue and barbacoa, pack a lot of flavor. The torta Asada also offers a solid option.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were fresh and full of flavor."

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

"I found the most authentic Mexican flavors here."

Good to know

1

El Ranchito Restaurant accepts only cash payments.

2

The prices at El Ranchito Restaurant are reasonable.

3

Their portions are very generous.

03
Chicharroland image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with fresh tortillas and phenomenal chicharron tacos. The vibe is friendly and welcoming in a compact space. It serves basic Mexican dishes with a focus on quality carnitas and chicharron.

The spot serves authentic chicharron with a taste that matches traditional Mexican flavors. The atmosphere feels like Mexico, making it a solid choice for carnita cravings.

Carnitas stand out with rich, intense flavors that impress consistently. Chicharron tacos and homemade tortillas offer warm, fresh textures that complement dishes like pozole and menudo well.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"You have to try the chicharron; it's amazing Mexican food."

"I loved the authentic taste of chicharron here."

Good to know

1

They have parking in the back off the alley.

2

There is street parking in front of the restaurant.

3

The meal cost $36, and a meal for two is $51.

04
KOMAL image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean food hall with shared tables creates a lively, festive atmosphere. The space draws a crowd seeking authentic Oaxacan flavors unified by fresh blue corn tortillas. Energy stays steady with a focus on natural, high-quality ingredients and gluten-free options.

Mexican dishes feature vivid, balanced flavors and come with warm, homemade tortillas made from fresh maize dough. The food hall setting adds a festive, authentic vibe that complements the street food style.

Fresh, flavorful tortillas stand out, especially in tacos and quesadillas. Dishes like molotes with black mole and quesadilla de chorizo offer rich, authentic Mexican street food flavors.

People are saying

"The squash blossom quesadilla is a star, with sweet corn and tender tortillas."

"The Mexican food's tortillas are so fresh and delicious."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be vivid and balanced."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight, especially during lunch; arrive early.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

The menu features a small selection focused on corn-based dishes.

05
Chichen Itza image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food hall setup offers a lively atmosphere with colorful market vibes and a diverse crowd. The space feels intimate and friendly, blending culture and community in a casual setting. Meals focus on authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions and reasonable prices.

Food features authentic Yucatรกn flavors that are well-balanced and representative of the region. Dishes maintain a 100% authentic Mexican taste that stands out compared to other places.

Cochinita pibil features pork marinated with achiote and sour orange juice, cooked in banana leaves, topped with pickled red onions, and served with black beans, rice, and corn tortillas. Fish tacos stand out for their excellent quality and generous portions, making them a highlight among Mexican dishes here.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the flavorful cochinita pibil tacos."

"The Pollo Asado here is delicious and tender with an amazing marinade."

"The food here is delicious and has authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small free gated lot and free street parking nearby.

2

The restaurant operates on an 'order, pay, eat, and leave' basis with no constant waiter service.

3

Expect large portion sizes that are very filling.

06
Leo's Tacos Truck image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck with outdoor seating and a self-serve salsa bar creates a lively, friendly atmosphere. It stays busy and festive, attracting crowds who enjoy authentic tacos and casual dining under gazebos or at tables.

Tacos feature authentic Mexican flavors with the Carne Al Pastor standing out for its true-to-tradition taste. The food is high-quality and affordable, delivering a genuine Mexican dining experience.

Tacos al pastor stand out with their delicious Trompo of Carne Al Pastor and a Salsa Bar on point. Burritos like the carne asada California and chicken options also get solid mentions.

People are saying

"I thought the al pastor tacos were divine, especially with pineapple."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos al pastor, is divine."

"The carne al pastor tacos taste just like central Mexico."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially late at night.

2

There is plenty of parking available near the food truck.

3

The food truck is open late, catering to late-night cravings.

07
La Carreta Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic accordion music and an architectural flare outside creates a charming, lively atmosphere. Fresh handmade tortillas and a salsa bar add to the genuine dining experience. The place feels busy and focused on delivering affordable, flavorful food.

Accordion music sets a charming, authentic vibe. Tacos and mulitas deliver real Mexican street food flavor, not gringo-style. The taste stays true to tradition with great value and a warm, local feel.

Tacos come packed with fresh, juicy flavor from choices like carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, or birria. Fresh tortillas hechas a mano and grilled meats create hearty, authentic Mexican street food with big portions and bold taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is authentic and packed with flavor."

"The tortillas here are freshly made by hand and piping hot."

"I found the authentic tacos packed with fresh, savory flavor."

Good to know

1

Burritos cost only $10, making them an affordable choice.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

3

There is plenty of on-site parking available for visitors.

08
Birrieria Cardenas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Jalisco-style birria with fresh handmade tortillas and spicy salsa. Atmosphere feels welcoming and warm with a clean setting and no long wait times.

Sazon stands out with authentic Mexican flavors that capture traditional tastes. Dining here offers a truly authentic experience with dishes that feel genuine and well-prepared.

Rich, flavorful birria stands out with a Jalisco-style twist and tender meat. Fresh, soft handmade tortillas add authentic texture, while the salsa brings a spicy kick. Chilaquiles and menudo also feature as tasty options.

People are saying

"The birria here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly tender."

"The handmade tortillas here are fresh and soft."

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

Good to know

1

The total cost for a meal is around $17.70 plus tax and gratuity.

2

There was no long wait during my visit.

09
Tire Shop Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

Seating spreads across a parking lot with a casual, neighborhood vibe where music plays softly. Diverse groups gather to enjoy fresh handmade tortillas and grilled carne asada that many consider the best in the area. The spot offers self-serve grilled onions and a relaxed atmosphere for eating on-site.

Tacos here deliver a taste of Mexico with authentic street flavors. The street tacos stand out as genuine and worth the wait.

Tacos feature fresh handmade tortillas and meats with rich, smoky flavors. Carne asada stands out for its tender, juicy texture, while al pastor offers bold spices and grilled edges.

People are saying

"I thought these tacos were the best I've ever had."

"The Mexican food here, especially the carne asada tacos, is amazing."

"I found the street tacos here to be authentic and among the best in LA."

Good to know

1

The shop is only open in the evenings.

2

They accept both cash and card payments.

3

Parking can be tricky; expect to find street parking.

10
Mercado La Paloma image 1

Midsize food court with colorful, bright design and communal tables creates a family-friendly, spacious environment. Atmosphere feels like a small Mexican town market, relaxed and welcoming with a lively community vibe. Many vendors offer authentic Mexican dishes alongside artisan shops and a sports team store.

Mexican dishes feature authentic flavors and ingredients true to those in Mexico. Shrimp tacos and Yucatecan specialties showcase bold, genuine tastes similar to Guadalajara and the Yucatan region.

Black mole chicken tamales and blue corn quesadillas with mushroom stew stand out. Tacos come with slow-cooked pork or shrimp, served fresh with authentic flavors and generous portions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The chicken tamale in black mole is amazing Mexican food."

"The Mexican food here is authentic, with flavors like in Mexico."

Good to know

1

The Day of the Dead celebration features music and performances.

2

An art exhibit focusing on Palestinian women runs until May 6.

3

Free parking is available at Mercado La Paloma.

11
Taqueria Los Anaya image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with Mexican-style paper crafts and vibrantly colored walls creates a warm, authentic atmosphere. Laidback vibe suits family dinners or casual nights out. Excellent margaritas and a great bar complement the genuine Mexican dining experience.

Offers authentic, home-style Mexican food with recipes passed down from father to sons. Serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a touch of Korean influence and maintains an authentic atmosphere.

Authentic Mexican dishes feature tender meats like lengua and generous portions in enchiladas. Burritos come with options like shrimp and breakfast styles, paired with fresh horchata and flavorful pozole with chicken.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is flavorful, fresh, and beautifully plated."

"The enchiladas are packed with meat and generously portioned."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to have amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Weekly specials include 90-minute bottomless mimosas for $22 per person on Sundays.

3

They offer BOGO half-off Margaritas on Mondays.

12
Cafe 23 โ€“ Indian Street Food image 1

Small space with back patio seating creates a cozy, family-like vibe enhanced by Bollywood and Shiv bhajan music. Atmosphere feels homestyle and traditional, offering authentic Indian street food with halal options popular among nearby students.

Dosas, sambar, and chole bhature taste authentic and freshly made. The menu features Mumbai street food like vada pav and samosas that stay true to their roots.

Chicken tikka masala quesadillas and chicken tikka burritos stand out with their unique blend of Indian and Mexican flavors. Burritos, including a lamb option, feature prominently and combine Indian spices with Mexican staples.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Kullad Chai gave me absolute Mumbai vibes."

"I found the Indian food here to be authentic and taste like home."

Good to know

1

Cafe 23 offers a tiffin service with delivery for convenient meals.

2

Halal food options are available, catering to dietary preferences.

3

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

13
Cocina Doรฑa Chona image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dive with classic Mexican portraits creates a family-friendly atmosphere. Food features rich seasoning and authentic Mexican flavors with standout dishes like gorditas and chilaquiles. Prices tend to be on the higher side with normal portion sizes.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with delicious dishes that capture traditional tastes.

Authentic Mexican dishes like gorditas, huaraches, and chilaquiles stand out here. The chilaquiles come spicy and pair well with steak, while the green chicharrรณn gorditas and chicken milanesa offer rich flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and authentic."

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

"I experienced authentic Mexican food and flavor here."

Good to know

1

Prices fluctuate, so check the menu before ordering.

2

Portion sizes are generally normal, but some find them small.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

14
Barbacoa Estilo Toluca. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a folksy atmosphere and authentic barbacoa. It gets very busy, especially later and on weekends, with soft, warm tortillas complementing flavorful meats like beef birria and lamb barbacoa.

Fresh authentic Mexican consomรฉ and barbacoa create a genuine Mexican atmosphere. Some dishes capture the authentic taste well, reflecting traditional flavors.

Barbacoa here is incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful, often served with fresh, authentic consomรฉ. Handmade tortillas and crispy birria tacos add to the authentic Mexican experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-tier quality."

"This Mexican food's barbacoa is tender, juicy, and flavorful."

"I loved the authentic taste of the fresh consomรฉ and barbacoa."

Good to know

1

It's a cash-only establishment.

2

Parking can be hard to find.

3

It gets very busy, especially on weekends.

15
La Barca Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with dark interior and Mexican charm creates a relaxed atmosphere ideal for conversation. Strong margaritas and authentic dishes like enchiladas and caldo de pollo define the experience. On-site parking and mariachi music add to the setting.

Bold and authentic flavors define the Mexican food here, offering a culinary journey through Mexico with exquisite presentation. The atmosphere reflects a retro Mexican Villa style, enhancing the genuine dining experience.

Colossal burritos come covered in red sauce and melted cheese. Chips and salsa serve as a solid starter. Enchiladas stand out as a top-quality choice. The food leans toward authentic Mexican cuisine with a fine dining touch.

People are saying

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

"Parking is available in the small lot out back."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot out back, but it fills up quickly.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours on weekends.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted house margaritas and beer.

16
King Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Spacious taco restaurant with a simple, peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff. Regulars enjoy authentic street tacos and green salsa, often praising carne asada burritos and mole tamales. The place suits quiet gatherings and offers consistent taste across visits.

Food and drinks show authentic Mexico City flavors. The menu stays consistently authentic with solid tacos and traditional drinks.

Burritos here pack all meat asada with consistent flavor every time. Tacos, especially Al Pastor and chicharrรณn, come with rich, varied salsas and deliver solid, delicious taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the world's best Mexican food."

"I went back just for the green salsa."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the rear with enough space for wheelchairs.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for late-night dining.

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South Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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