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Best of Whittier

Carne asada and salsa spots

A meal is defined by the quality of the carne asada and the heat of the salsa. You know that when these two are done right, nothing else on the plate matters.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sol 626 Mexican Restaurant image 1
Sol 626 Mexican Restaurant image 2
Sol 626 Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Elegant and cozy space with authentic Southern Mexican cuisine and live Spanish-language music that stays at a comfortable volume. Warm, inviting atmosphere supports clear conversation without loud distractions. Decor is clean and beautifully renovated, creating a charming environment for special occasions.

Carne asada comes with many toppings to customize your meal. It appears alongside dishes like Barbacoa de Borrego and enchiladas with red and green mole sauces.

Many salsas and mole flavors offer a wide range of tastes. Chips pair well with these flavorful salsas, enhancing dishes like the Tlayuda.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"The Carne Asada was so flavorful and came with many toppings."

"The mole with chicken here transported me to Oaxaca."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day from 4 to 6 PM.

2

Parking is available a little further down the road.

3

The dough for empanadas is made from scratch daily.

02
Fuego Cravings - Whittier image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, renovated Mexican restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a clean, aesthetically pleasing interior. Atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxing, enhanced by good music and a calm vibe. Board games and self-order screens add interactive elements that engage families while waiting.

Carne asada here is juicy and gristle-free, showing good quality in every dish. It pairs well with other flavors like al pastor and works great in plates, burritos, and chilaquiles.

Salsas come in green with mesquite smoky flavor and an orangy variety that lifts the tacos. Both are tasty, not too spicy, and pair well with crunchy tortillas and chipotle sauce.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here has a great flavor and adds more flavor to burritos."

"The carne asada here is juicy and full of meat."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday special is available every Tuesday with great deals.

2

The Taco Tuesday special costs around $15 and includes generous portions.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays with many patrons.

03
La Pancita Feliz image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with homemade tortillas and authentic dishes like carnitas and wet burritos. The space is clean and modest, with limited seating and a peaceful vibe. It draws a steady crowd, especially for weekend menudo and breakfast.

Carne asada features tender, flavorful meat with good quality. It appears in burritos, plates, and alongside dishes like chilequiles with rice and beans.

Fresh warm tortilla chips come with flavorful salsas, including a spicy green one. The salsa texture is delicious and complements the chips well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is super delicious and well seasoned."

"The homemade tortillas here are pretty special."

"This Carne Asada burrito is my favorite after trying many."

Good to know

1

During the week, burritos at La Pancita Feliz are buy one get one free.

2

There is plenty of parking available near La Pancita Feliz.

3

La Pancita Feliz gets packed on Sunday breakfast, so arrive early.

04
Chema's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, old-school Mexican restaurant with a cozy, lowkey vibe and limited seating. Tacos stand out as the main offering, known for flavorful meats and excellent salsa at very affordable prices. Cash-only policy and challenging parking add to the straightforward, no-frills experience.

Carne Asada tacos come with everything on them and stand out alongside al pastor and lengua options. They deliver a solid, flavorful experience that pairs well with other taco varieties.

Salsa stands out with its flavorful and complex profile and a balanced spice level that complements the meat without overpowering it. The red salsa is consistently good and visually appealing.

People are saying

"These tacos are super delicious and well balanced."

"The tacos here are flavorful, and the salsa lets you taste the meat."

"The Carne Asada tacos here absolutely slayed."

Good to know

1

Chema's Tacos is cash only; no credit cards accepted.

2

All tacos cost $2.00, tax included.

3

You can easily have a meal for under $10.

05
Zumayas Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, homestyle Mexican cantina with a cozy, old school Mexican atmosphere and soul music playing softly. Outdoor seating includes a cute, comfy patio that adds to the inviting vibe. Known for authentic Mexican food and a family-owned feel that makes it welcoming.

Charbroiled carne asada appears in tacos, burritos, and plates. Portions tend to be small, sometimes served with guacamole. Presentation varies but often lacks polish.

Chips come with spicy pepper salsa and a milder salsa that mix well together. The salsa tastes homemade and pairs perfectly with the chips and other dishes.

People are saying

"I had the best mole enchiladas of my life here."

"The salsa here is among the best tasting I've had."

"The Carne Asada here is divine and charbroiled."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy on weekends, so expect longer wait times.

2

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

3

The menu may have incorrect prices, so confirm before ordering.

06
SEร‘OR PEPPER'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT image 1

Colorful decor and handmade tortillas create a warm, inviting space with a spicy salsa bar. The atmosphere stays calm, with friendly staff and a focus on traditional Mexican dishes. Regulars enjoy free chips and salsa, adding to a welcoming vibe.

Carne asada shines in the street tacos and plates with a fresh touch of lemon added during cooking. The flavor stands out in both tacos and wet burritos, making it a solid choice here.

Salsa here is very spicy and comes with good chips. A salsa bar adds variety, and regulars get chips and salsa for free while others pay.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really good."

"I loved the carne asada street tacos."

"I loved how the carne asada tasted, it was really good."

Good to know

1

They have daily lunch specials available.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect to pay around $15 for a burrito.

07
La Victoria Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with limited seating and a loud, hot atmosphere. Iconic wall mural adds character while the space feels like being inside the kitchen. Known for best tacos, variety of meats, and generous portions, it mainly serves take-out due to its size.

Carne asada stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. It pairs well with al pastor and complements dishes like nachos effectively.

Salsas here stand out for their rich flavor and pair well with dishes like chicharrรณn. They consistently deliver a delicious kick that complements the food.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and really good."

"The salsas here are bursting with flavor."

"I found the Carne Asada tacos to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Seating is very limited; expect to wait for a table.

2

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

3

The restaurant has been family owned for over 30 years.

08
El Buen Gusto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a modern interior and lovely outdoor seating creates a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The space welcomes dogs on the patio and offers affordable prices reflecting quality food and service. Music plays loudly inside, shaping a lively vibe during visits.

Carne asada quesadilla stands out with strong flavor. The carne asada dinner offers a solid, hearty option. BG chilaquiles come with green sauce and carne asada, combining well. The carne asada torta can be inconsistent.

Chips come with a house heated brown salsa that offers a unique, tasty twist. The salsa tastes homemade and pairs perfectly with the in house homemade chips.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and shrimp fajitas at this Outdoor Seating are so tasty."

"The homemade salsa here is excitingly tasty."

"The Carne Asada dinner here is stellar."

Good to know

1

Pozole and menudo are available on Saturdays and Sundays.

2

El Buen Gusto is dog friendly and allows dogs in their patio.

3

Beer and wine are only served inside the restaurant.

09
Taqueria Los Gueros #3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic street tacos with tender, flavorful meat and a full salsa bar featuring various salsas and condiments. Atmosphere is cozy and inviting despite limited seating and a compact layout. Prices remain very affordable, providing strong value for quality food.

Tender and juicy carne asada stands out here. Burritos and tacos both showcase the meat well, with tacos served with everything on the side.

Salsas come with good flavor and a spicy kick. A salsa bar offers a solid selection to choose from.

People are saying

"The tacos here are so flavorful, especially the pastor."

"The salsas here are delicious and flavorful."

"The carne asada was so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.72 each, offering great value for the quality.

2

The portions are large and filling, making it a good deal.

3

The menu includes a variety of dishes beyond just tacos.

10
Desvelados Whittier image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with Mexican tables and steel chairs creates an authentic, trendy vibe. Upbeat Mexican music plays, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Known for excellent tacos and great micheladas, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Carne asada appears in various dishes like tacos, fries, and taquitos. It can be very salty in some tacos but also pairs well with items like avocado burritos and Diablo tacos.

Salsas here are spicy and homemade, pairing well with tender meats like tongue. Tacos come loaded and served with fresh salsa that complements the flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food and drinks here were great."

"The salsas here are fresh and spicy."

"I had the best Carne Asada I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times of 1-2 hours for food and 1 hour for drinks.

2

The restaurant closes at 10 PM even on weekends.

3

Chips and salsa are not complimentary and must be paid for.

11
Taqueria El Poblano Estilo Tijuana #5 image 1

Corner taco spot with handmade tortillas and authentic Tijuana-style tacos creates a chill, lively atmosphere filled with loud music and workers singing along. Windows show signs of wear, adding to the street-style vibe. Energy feels casual and jovial despite occasional loudness.

Smoky flavor stands out in the carne asada, especially in the tacos and burrito. The mulita de carne asada combines cheesy, crispy, and meaty textures, similar to a quesadilla.

Spicy salsa in a squeeze bottle stands out with its freshness and heat. Other salsas exist but are less memorable, while portions come with generous salsa servings.

People are saying

"These tacos are bursting with flavor and so delicious."

"I found the tacos to be authentic Tijuana-style."

"These tacos are excellent, especially the al pastor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great savings and is a popular time to visit.

3

Expect a clean environment when dining here.

12
Tacos La Carreta image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers casual, welcoming atmosphere with loud music and a fresh salsa bar featuring sliced cucumbers and guacamole. Space feels cramped with limited tables for groups, creating an authentic taco stand vibe. Tacos and grilled items stand out for their delicious, hometown flavor.

Smoky, juicy, and tender meat stands out with distinct flavor layers in the quesadilla. Burritos come huge and delicious, and extra meat is often requested to take home.

Fresh ingredients define the salsa bar, featuring sliced cucumbers and authentic guacamole. Salsas are flavorful and consistently fresh, standing out above other taco spots.

People are saying

"These tacos are delicious, just like you'd find in Mexico."

"The carne asada is smoky, juicy, and tender."

"The salsa bar here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Josรฉ Moralesโ€™s Sinaloan-style tacos won Best in Show at the 2023 Taco Madness event.

2

The restaurant offers unlimited, free liquid guacamole with orders.

3

Tacos cost around $3.75 each, which some find high for the portion size.

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Whittier, California

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