Tacos and Los Angeles are practically synonymous. Ask anyone in this city what their favorite taco spot is and chances are they have a dedicated place they frequent religiously. I decided to ask the Secret LA team what their go-to taco spot is — and I collected their answers below! (Including some of my own.)
This is your sign to support local vendors/businesses and get yourself some tacos. Scroll on through and try not to drool!
1. Tacos Kesly
Picked by John A., Secret LA Video Producer
🌮 John’s Go-to Order: Burrito mixto con carne asada y al pastor sin queso.
🔥 Why: “Best tacos in LA! I swear they DON’T MISS. The tacos are affordable and the customer service is always great!”
📍 Location: Tacos Kesly, 5232 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA
2. Villa’s Tacos
Picked by Matthew M., Secret LA Video Producer
🌮 Matthew’s Go-to Order: Villa’s Trio — Ranchera asada, papas con chorizo, black bean con Pollo, and an agua fresca.
🔥 Why: “Family owned, started as a street vendor but got so popular they opened a storefront, on the Michelin guide — never had tacos like these anywhere else in LA.”
📍 Location: Villa’s Tacos, 5455 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
3. Carnitas El Momo
Picked by William B., Secret LA Staff Writer
🌮 Will’s Go-to Order: Three mixed-meat tacos with a Mexican Coke — their mulitas are bomb too!
🔥 Why: “Originally started by the current owner’s grandfather, the family behind Carnitas El Momo uses a decades-old recipe for their pork that I haven’t seen any other place do better. Just make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your stomach, they really load these tacos up!”
📍Locations: Carnitas El Momo
- 2411 Fairmount St, Los Angeles, CA (Original Location)
- 1470 Monterey Pass Rd, Monterey Park, CA
4. Angels Tijuana Tacos
Picked by Nestor H., Secret LA Social Media Manager
🌮 Nestors’s Go-to Order: 2 asada tacos and 1 al pastor burrito with a piece of grilled pineapple. Both con todo, of course.
🔥 Why: “The lines go by fast, and their loaded quesadillas and al pastor burritos are fire! Make sure to ask for a little piece of the grilled pineapple on your tacos or burritos.”
📍Locations: Angel Tijuana Tacos — please check their IG for an updated schedule as it changes daily. But you can sometimes find them here:
- Jurupa Valley: Pedley & Granite Hill Dr.
- NoHo: 10945 Victory Blvd.
- Sylmar: 3700 Foothill
- Van Nuys: 15700 Sherman Way
- Echo Park: 1185 W. Sunset
- Glassell Park: 4211 Eagle Rock Blvd.
5. Brothers Cousins
Picked by Sophie L., Secret LA Staff Writer
🌮 Sophie’s Go-to Order: Two tacos de al pastor, two tacos de chorizo, and you have to get a side of papas. Of course, a Mexican coke to drink!
🔥 Why: “This is a family-owned stand that often has a long line — but trust me, it’s worth the wait. The protein is braised and marinated to perfection. Prices are unbeatable and the flavor is unmatched. Make sure you get a side of their braised potatoes. Just a heads up — they’re cash only!”
📍Locations: Brothers Cousins — Please check their IG for an updated schedule.
- 2914 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
- 3118 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
6. Chemas Tacos (Bonus)
Picked by Sophie L., Secret LA Staff Writer
🌮 Sophie’s Go-to Order: Four tacos de asada.
🔥 Why: “I love tacos — so it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention Chemas Tacos. When I lived in Whittier, this was my go-to spot for years. It’s a small humble restaurant serving the local community for over a decade. They don’t need social media to promote because they have dedicated customers, which says a lot! Their menu is the usual taco offerings and drinks — simple and delicious. Again, cash only!”
📍Location: 11527 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA
7. Cena Vegan (Bonus)
Picked by Sophie L., Secret LA Staff Writer
🌮 Sophie’s Go-to Order: Four Taco Plate — two asada, two al pastor.
🔥 Why: “This one is for the veggies out there — I was vegetarian for years, so I know finding a good vegan taco can be tough, but with Cena Tacos, it’s easy. There are meat eaters who also stand by Cena Vegan. Their vegan protein is flavorful, and whether you’re a veg or not, these tacos hit the spot. I get extra spicy salsa, but be warned, it’s hot!”
📍Locations: Cena Vegan — You can find them popping up around the city. Please check out their IG for an updated schedule.
- Whittier Brewing
- Partake Collective
- Smorgasburg LA (Sundays)
8. Honorable mention: Ave. 26 Tacos (Bonus)
🔥 Why: “This is a DTLA hotspot, so chances are you’ve stopped by here after a night of dancing, after a show, after the bar, etc. They are tried and true so they deserve a mention! If you haven’t ended up here after a night out then you haven’t lived — and here’s your sign to get to it and try them out.” — Sophie
📍Location: Ave. 26 Tacos
- Eagle Rock
- 1033 Neola St., Los Angeles ,CA
- Little Tokyo
- 353 S Alameda St., Los Angeles ,CA