26 October 2024
Los Angeles and tacos are a love story written in salsa and fire, and the city’s storied food trucks are its greatest storytellers and richest history. Whether it’s smoky al pastor & pineapple, tender beef birria & consommé, or crispy shrimp & slaw, flawlessly tucked into a rustic, handmade corn tortilla, LA's taco trucks and carts deliver flavors as diverse and lively as the City of Angels itself.
Each truck brings its own take—some are family-owned neighborhood institutions, others are redefining street food with chef-driven menus and premium farm-to-truck ingredients. Steel thyself and get ready to dive mouth first into the must-try trucks of Los Angeles’ world-renowned taco truck scene, each bringing unique flavors and a one-of-a-kind experience to the streets of the city that made tacos a lifestyle.
#10 Leo's Taco Truck
Leo’s Taco Truck is practically LA royalty, with over ten taco trucks rolling around 500 square miles of LA County and a reputation as a go-to spot for taco lovers. Their Al Pastor Tacos, served piping hot straight from the trompo with a perfect blend of heat and sweet are the superstars here, but the adventurous eaters know you’d be missing out if you didn’t try their Lengua and Suadero Tacos too—each packing their own distinctive, savory punch.
Leo’s massive menu also covers everything from burritos and tortas to huaraches, gorditas, and more, catering to every taco whim, including vegetarian options. Locals rave about the sheer consistency and quality no matter which taco truck you hit, so you’re in for a treat wherever you find them. Leo’s is all about bringing people together over amazing tacos, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant flavors of Los Angeles.
#9 Taco Point
New on the LA taco cart landscape, Taco Point may be a recent arrival, but it's already winning hearts and stomachs with its complex, authentic flavors and family-owned charm. Their Carnitas Tacos are layered with tender, slow-cooked pork topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of zesty radish for a satisfying crunch. Their Al Pastor Tacos are a delicious twist, featuring marinated pork straight from the spit, with a hint of pineapple sweetness that cuts through the spice, finished with bright onions and herbaceous cilantro.
For carne asada lovers, their Asada Tacos offers juicy, marinated beef that’s grilled to perfection and dressed with a splash of salsa verde and freshly chopped onions. With additional options like rellenitas and refreshing horchata, Taco Point has quickly made themselves a can’t-miss stop for anyone seeking authentic street-style tacos.
#8 Tacos Y Birria La Unica
Tacos Y Birria La Unica has secured its spot as another one of LA's top taco trucks for birria lovers, offering a range of taco styles with all them classic carne options you’ve come to expect. Their Tacos Dorados—crispy en la afuera with a juicy birria filling adentro—are a money option, alongside the Tacos Vampiros, served on perfectly crisped tortillas with an absolutamente perfecto meat-to-cheese ratio.
The Tacos Suaves are another gotta-have-it for anyone craving a more traditional, soft taco experience. Beyond tacos, their menu features killer burritos, melty quesadillas, and bomb-ass tortas, with refreshing horchata to wash it all down. Known for sabores auténticos y porciones grandes, Tacos Y Birria La Unica is a taco truck that never disappoints and keeps the birria fiends coming back for más.
#7 Gracias Señor!
Gracias Señor! brings authentic Mexican flavors to the bustling Pacific Palisades area with a side of hang 10, beachy vibes and generous, satiating portions, thanks to owner and taco master Rodolfo Barrientos. This taco truck is beloved for its classic Al Pastor Tacos, but don’t miss out on their fresh Fish Tacos, a coastal go-to that’s as vibrant as its setting. Their savory Mushroom Tacos offer a brilliant option for plant-based eaters, showcasing a well-seasoned blend of mushrooms with cilantro, onion, and delectable, fiery salsa.
Besides tacos, Gracias Señor! also serves up breakfast burritos, taquitos, and even hearty birria de res, keeping locals and beach-goers well-fed all day. With its laid-back, deliciously authentic approach, Gracias Señor! is an absolute gem of LA's taco truck scene, thank you very much!
#6 Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos
Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos is where chef-driven creativity meets taco truck tradition, with Chef Javier Muñoz bringing standout flavors to every taco. Their Charred Shrimp Tacos are almost impossible to keep in stock due to their intense popularity, featuring plump shrimp grilled with just the right amount of smoky char, served on a handmade tortilla and topped with crunchy cabbage slaw, a drizzle of chipotle aioli, and a fresh squeeze of lime.
Their Beer-Battered Fish Tacos are equally irresistible, combining crispy, golden-brown fish fried to perfection with a tangy mango salsa, their creamy Baja sauce, and shredded cabbage for that perfect texture balance. For a classic touch, their Carnitas Tacos are slow-cooked pork topped with pickled red onions, cilantro, and a hint of salsa roja. With burritos, loaded fries, and fresh-pressed tortillas, Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos is an unmissable Los Angeles culinary experience on wheels.
#5 Teddy's Red Tacos
If you’re going crazy on a red hot birria hunt in Los Angeles—and why would you not be—look no further than Teddy's Red Tacos, an absolute, 100%, no-brainer birria destination. Known for its delicious, Tijuana-style beef birria and savory, satisfying consommé, this truck expertly dishes up crave-worthy Beef Birria Tacos that are juicy, spicy, and served with a side of rich consommé for dipping. Their Beef Quesatacos, with gooey cheese hugging the tender birria, and their Beef Vampiro Tacos, served on crispy, grilled tortillas, are also top picks that have locals and tourists alike straight hooked.
Beyond tacos, Teddy's menu branches into burritos, tortas, and they even a got dang birria ramen for those looking to get loco. With locations all over the city and a loyal fanbase, Teddy's Red Tacos has earned its place as a cornerstone of Los Angeles' vibrant taco scene.
#4 Mariscos Jalisco
Mariscos Jalisco is the Granddaddy Supreme of LA’s taco truck scene, celebrated for its mouthwatering seafood tacos and longevity since Raul Ortega launched it in 2002. Their Crispy Shrimp Tacos are a masterpiece, filled with seasoned shrimp, wrapped in a crispy masa shell, and topped with fresh avocado slices and a vibrant salsa roja that delivers the goods. Their Fish Tacos are equally delicious, featuring lightly fried fish paired with shredded cabbage, a tangy crema, and a hint of lime for a fresh, coastal taste explosion.
For a further ranging taste of the sea, Mariscos Jalisco also serves aguachiles, ceviche, and shrimp cocktails, all keeping loyal customers coming back for more. With multiple trucks across the city and countless culinary awards, Mariscos Jalisco is a must-stop for seafood taco lovers in Los Angeles.
#3 5 Cazuelas
At 5 Cazuelas, simplicity is key, with each taco packing a serious punch thanks to their homemade blue corn tortillas and perfectly balanced fillings. Their Cochinita Pibil Tacos are a total flavor bomb with slow-cooked pork marinated in citrus and achiote, topped with pickled red onions for a stunning, tangy contrast and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.
Their Pipian Verde Tacos bring a unique blend of shredded chicken smothered in a rich, green pumpkin seed sauce, then topped with crunchy radishes and queso fresco for extra creaminess. Their Rajas Tacos feature strips of roasted poblano peppers with onions, melted cheese, and a dash of crema for a perfect vegetarian option. With just five items on the menu, 5 Cazuelas proves that less is most definitely more when each taco is crafted to perfection.
#2 Simón
Simón is redefining the taco truck experience in Los Angeles with its chef-driven, high-end seafood offerings that turn heads, blow minds, and satisfy demanding tummies. Their Soft-Shell Crab Tacos are a standout, with crispy, golden crab served in a soft tortilla, topped with creamy avocado, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of chipotle aioli for a perfect blend of crunch and spice; Truly unique in a sea of LA taco truck options. Their Barbacoa Octopus Tacos are equally inventive, featuring tender, smoky octopus topped with tangy slaw, cilantro, and a hint of citrus to bring out the rich flavors of the sea.
Their Fish Al Pastor Tacos add a unique twist on a classic flavor, with fish marinated in al pastor spices, garnished with pineapple chunks, onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. With items like empanadas and ceviche rounding out the menu, Simón is the go-to for seafood lovers seeking gourmet tacos on the go.
#1 Del Mar Ostioneria
When a seafood lover dreams, it’s of one of the most stunning taco trucks ever conceived: Del Mar Ostioneria. They’re bringing high-quality, chef-crafted tacos to the streets of Los Angeles with a coastal flair and technique not seen outside of high-end, brick & mortar dining… until now. Their Baja Fish Tacos are a masterful blend of flavors, featuring crispy beer-battered halibut, topped with crunchy red cabbage, creamy chipotle mayo, and a squeeze of lime, all on a handmade blue corn tortilla.
The Tamarindo Shrimp Tacos are an adventure in and of themselves, with plump shrimp cooked perfectly in a tangy tamarind glaze, paired with pickled onions, avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh, clean finish. Their Surf & Turf Tacos deftly balances tierra y mar with juicy steak and tender shrimp, garnished with charred onions, fresh salsa, and a hint of garlic aioli. With ceviche, aguachiles, and oysters rounding out their menu, Del Mar Ostioneria serves up a premium seafood experience unheard of from a humble taco truck. They’ve truly elevated tacos to an art form.
FIND The Best Taco Trucks in L.A. with Best Food Trucks
Los Angeles’ taco trucks are more than just eateries; they’re part of a rich, storied tradition that has woven itself deep into the fabric of the city over decades. Taco trucks first began lining the streets of East LA in the 1970s, creating an accessible way for immigrants to sustain new lives in America and locals to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors, and they quickly became a cultural phenomenon growing to over 4000 loncheras as of 2024.
Today, each truck represents a slice of that storied history, offering everything from classic recipes to inventive new dishes that mirror the city’s enriching diversity and stunning, creative energy. These trucks aren’t just serving tacos—they’re preserving and innovating a part of Los Angeles’s culinary legacy and culture, one that unites people from all backgrounds around one of the world’s simplest yet most beloved foods: the humble taco.
So, whether you’re a seasoned taco-hunting Angelino or a tourist taco-trucking your way through the best dang city in America, these stops are Essential Los Angeles. Dive in, bring your appetite, and taste why LA is truly the premier taco capital of the world!
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