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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Whittier's best

Taco and salsa spots

A taco is incomplete without the right salsa to bring the heat and acidity together.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chema's Tacos image 1
Chema's Tacos image 2
Chema's Tacos image 3
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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.

Tacos here come with plenty of meat and include standout options like cabeza, tripas, sesos, and carne asada. The flavors are authentic and fresh, with salsa that complements the tacos well.

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 food here is delicious, with great flavor and quality."

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.

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.

Quesabirria tacos come with a crispy edge and soak in consomรฉ for a juicy bite. Birria tacos feature slow-braised Angus beef that melts in your mouth with spicy, savory juices.

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 birria tacos are so tender and flavorful."

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

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
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.

Quesobirria tacos stand out for their addictive and delicious flavor. Fish tacos and shrimp fajitas offer fresh, tasty flavors that complement the birria tacos served at lunch.

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."

"I found the quesobirria tacos addictive and delicious."

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.

04
Uptown Taqueria Wen Chef image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a clean, beautifully designed interior. Atmosphere feels cute and charming with plenty of space to relax outside. Known for top-quality meats, varied menu options, and soft, chewy tortillas, it draws a crowd seeking authentic flavors and a refreshing dining experience.

Tacos feature top-quality meats with the alpastor standing out for its flavor similar to classic spots but better. Shrimp tacos offer perfectly fried shrimp, crisp iceberg, and tasty crema, making them a favorite alongside sopes.

Red salsa stands out with a spicy hot kick that appeals to those who like heat. Salsas are generous and flavorful, often considered better than the main dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious, like homemade."

"The house salsa was surprisingly bomb and delicious."

"I enjoyed the shrimp tacos so much, I should have ordered five."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a variety of items including tacos, tortas, and burritos.

2

Prices for three tacos, beans, and rice are $20.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.

05
Bizarra Capital image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant offers a stylish interior with roaming mariachi bands adding lively music. Atmosphere stays chill and inviting, suitable for dates and groups. Known for handmade tortillas and a variety of creative dishes, it also features a notable selection of margaritas.

Pork belly tacos stand out as incredibly amazing and delicious. Other options like fish, duck, cauliflower, and asada tacos also deliver strong flavors and variety.

Salsa here stands out with an orange-chocolate blend on the Pato, echoing Canard ร  l'Orange and topped with chopped cilantro. The cooked salsa mixes tomato sauce and finely ground chiles for a semi-sweet umami flavor, and the table salsa pairs well with chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tasty moles and salsa."

"I loved the flavorful pork belly tacos."

"The salsa here is stupidly delicious and homemade."

Good to know

1

Visit on Taco Tuesday for a $2 discount per taco.

2

Mariachi performances happen every Friday night.

3

Reservations are accepted, so it's best to book ahead.

06
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.

Tacos come with tripa, pastos, cabeza, lengua, asada pastor, and pollo fillings. Options include keto tacos with fried cheese tortillas. Tacos are prepared as requested and offer affordable, tasty choices.

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 burritos here are a true explosion of sensations."

"The salsas here are delicious and flavorful."

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.

07
Cena Vegan - Whittier image 1
Vegan restaurant

Vegan Mexican food serves as the centerpiece with authentic burritos and freshly made tortillas standing out. The setting includes a lively beer garden with live music, creating a cool, energetic vibe that can get loud. Multiple vegan protein options and flavorful salsas add variety to the menu.

Tacos come vegan and loaded with protein, including asada style options. They pair well with a glass of wine and offer a healthy, authentic taste.

Salsas here pack a smokey, tangy tomatillo richness with a clear spicy kick. The hot salsa stands out as very spicy and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"I'm obsessed with their asada tacos, the tortillas taste hand-made."

"I found the salsa to be really spicy."

Good to know

1

The menu is entirely vegan, offering a variety of plant-based Mexican dishes.

2

There is ample seating available for groups.

3

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes provided.

08
Tacos Los 7 Carnales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck offers wide salsa bar with seven or eight meat options and fresh hand-pressed tortillas. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful despite steady crowds and long lines. Popular for birria and al pastor tacos, it draws locals seeking flavorful, satisfying street tacos.

Tacos come with freshly made tortillas and well-seasoned meats like al pastor, asada, and carnitas. The tacos have a home-cooked flavor and generous servings that consistently satisfy.

A large multi-salsa bar offers fresh salsas, beans, consomรฉ, grilled onions, and jalapeรฑos. Fresh made tortillas come with the salsa selection and include complimentary sides.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best in town."

"The tortillas here are homemade and always fresh."

"The fresh salsas here are amazing with the delicious meats."

Good to know

1

The food truck offers 7-8 types of meat for tacos.

2

Parking is easy and available nearby.

3

The taco truck is busy most of the time they are open.

09
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.

Crunchy chicken tacos stand out with their texture. Gorditas, sope, and tortillas for tacos offer delicious options. Machaca burritos come at a high price and lack quality.

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."

"The handmade tortillas for the tacos were delicious."

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.

10
Mi Burrito Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a festive atmosphere and newly renovated interior featuring a room with three TVs. The vibe is lively yet calm, attracting those who appreciate authentic Mexican food and a variety of menu options.

Small tacos feature tacos de asada with a delicious taste and nice presentation.

Chips and salsa come with a very tasty and addictive salsa that is consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is served quickly by a super nice staff."

"The tacos are loaded with delicious pulled roasted chicken."

"I found the salsa to be delicious and addictive."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant has its own parking lot for customers.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for a large order like asada fries.

11
Mami Felipa Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining space feels intimate and cozy with beautiful garden-inspired decor and soft Mexican music from the 1950s creating a serene atmosphere. Seating includes one to two person tables that enhance comfort despite the tight space. The place welcomes service dogs, adding to its inviting vibe.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and include options like birria and carnitas. The quesabirria tacos are larger than expected and made with good quality ingredients.

Juicy birria inside the wet burrito pairs well with salsa verde. The red salsa stands out as a favorite alongside beans and salsas that are worth trying.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the birria tacos, they're so good."

"The salsa here is a 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Food is prepared fresh when ordered, which may increase wait times.

2

The parking lot is small, so arrive early or consider take-out.

3

The restaurant has a small dining area, making it less suitable for large groups.

12
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.

Tacos here capture the essence of Tijuana-Mexicali street food with authentic flavors. The Sonora Taco and tongue taco stand out for their tenderness and perfect salsa pairing.

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."

"I loved the handmade tortillas with the tacos."

"The salsas here are fresh and spicy."

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.

13
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.

Tacos come with generous meat portions and are freshly made with quality ingredients. Varieties like chicharron, cabeza, tripas, and lengua stand out for their flavor and authenticity.

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."

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

"The salsas here are bursting with flavor."

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.

14
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.

Asada and adobada tacos stand out for being super tender and well-seasoned. The tacos offer authentic Mazatlรกn-style flavors with generous portions and come with an above-average salsa bar that enhances the experience.

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."

"I thought these tacos were the best."

"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.

15
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 street tacos stand out with handmade tortillas made by a Mexican grandmother. Tacos often have barely any meat inside, and combos like the crispy taco are common.

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.

16
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.

Tacos here deliver authentic Tijuana style with standout options like birria and queso chicken packed with flavor. The carne asada and tacos al pastor taste just like the originals from Tijuana.

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.

17
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a clean, casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating including a large patio. The space feels welcoming and relaxed, suitable for quick bites or leisurely meals. Prices are affordable, and the menu features healthy seafood options with clear photos for easy ordering.

Fish tacos stand out with classic preparation and quick disappearance. Shrimp tacos and salmon with garlic butter add variety alongside fire roasted corn and shrimp kabobs.

Salsa options lean toward mild flavors with limited freshness. The green salsa served is not spicy, while the avocado corn salsa comes at an extra cost but adds more flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and tasty."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they disappeared so fast!"

"The avocado corn salsa was well worth the extra cost."

Good to know

1

There is no parking available at this location.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but they do not accept bills larger than $20.

3

The restaurant is always clean and well-maintained.

18
Que Buena Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Indoor seating offers a dark atmosphere that feels like a dungeon with minimal lighting. The menu features excellent Mexican dishes like goat birria and menudo, served with only salsa as sides. The place maintains a low-key vibe with great prices and a variety of flavorful options.

Azteca Tacos stand out with their very flavorful taste. Fish tacos are good, and tacos come with only salsas as sides, no typical accompaniments.

Salsas come as the only sides and lack typical taco accompaniments. Heat levels vary, with some salsas being very hot and others mild.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh and authentic."

"I enjoyed the delicious breakfast burrito."

"The Azteca Tacos were so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices at Que Buena Taqueria are generally considered very good.

2

The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes beyond just tacos.

3

Salsas are provided as sides, but typical taco accompaniments are not available.

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Whittier, California

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