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16 Best Al Pastor Tacos in Los Angeles

For those craving authentic Mexican flavors in the heart of Los Angeles, look no further than the iconic al pastor tacos. This classic dish, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, has become a staple in LA's vibrant food scene.

Whether you're a local looking to satisfy a late-night craving or a visitor eager to experience the city's culinary delights, discovering the best al pastor tacos in Los Angeles is a must. From family-owned taquerias to trendy food trucks, there are endless options to choose from in this taco paradise.

Embark on a delicious journey through Los Angeles as you explore the 16 Best Al Pastor Tacos in the city. Each bite is a celebration of tradition and taste, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape that makes LA a food lover's dream.

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Chosen for expertise, reputation, complete information and location within Los Angeles.

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#1
Leo's Tacos Truck
4.55,595 reviews
#2
Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana
4.62,549 reviews
#3
Tacos El Pecas
4.61,445 reviews

Full list

Compare 16 local options

Leo's Tacos Truck, Los Angeles#1
What stands out

  • Delicious Al Pastor taco with a side of flavorful salsas

  • Quick service, perfect for a late-night bite

  • Affordable prices and generous portions

  • Comfortable and casual atmosphere

Leo's Tacos Truck

4.55,595 reviews
1515 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019, United States

Leo's Tacos Truck is a renowned taco restaurant located in Los Angeles. The business offers a variety of service options like takeaway and dine-in for customers to enjoy. Known for its fast service, the truck is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Customer reviews rave about the flavorful and affordable tacos, with particular praise for the Al Pastor variety. The salsas they offer are highly regarded, adding an extra layer of taste to the dishes. Visitors often mention the speedy service, even during busy times, as a standout feature of Leo's Tacos Truck.

Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana, Los Angeles#2
What stands out

  • This is my first time coming back to this tacos stand in over 7 years and it did not disappoint at all. The tortillas are handmade and delicious. I like that they have a limited amount of meats, meaning that whatever you get will be delicious.

  • We are from out of town and did a taco tour of our own. We tried 5 different taco places today, these were the best. They hit the spot and you can't beat the handmade tortillas. As my kids said 1000/10!!

  • Atmosphere? It's all about perspective. Through my lens? I was enjoying tacos on a clear day, on a sunny beach with a bunch of friends. Atmosphere was perfect

  • Came here in 2020 and again in 2023. This is a mandatory stop if I'm in LA. The signature guacamole differentiates this taco spot from others visually. But taste-wise, this has to be one of your stops if you're doing a taco tour in LA.

Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana

4.62,549 reviews
5821 Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011, United States

Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana is a popular Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. Known for its delicious handmade tortillas and a variety of mouthwatering fillings, this place has garnered a remarkable 4.6-star ranking from 2549 reviews. Customers rave about the authentic taste and quality of the food. Some highlight reviews include:

With service options like outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in available, Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana offers a fantastic dining experience for all guests. So, if you're craving authentic Mexican flavors, make sure to visit this gem in Los Angeles!

Tacos El Pecas, Los Angeles#3
What stands out

  • Rich and flavorful tacos with perfect cooking

  • Excellent variety of tacos and other Mexican dishes

  • Simple menu with good and affordable options

  • Authentically Mexican feel with delicious offerings

Tacos El Pecas

4.61,445 reviews
1001-1021 S Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90023, United States

Tacos El Pecas is a popular taco restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in for their customers' convenience. Known for their comfort food and late-night food, Tacos El Pecas is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Customer reviews highlight the delicious al pastor tacos, tacos de asada, and tacos al pastor offered at Tacos El Pecas. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere add to the overall dining experience. Some reviewers mention that the tacos are on the smaller side but well worth the wait.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

El Chato Taco Truck, Los Angeles#4
What stands out

  • One of the best taco trucks in LA, always a good experience.

  • Amazingly flavored meats and overall great tacos.

  • Family-owned and run, offering affordable prices and delicious options.

  • The best spot in LA for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, with exceptional eats.

El Chato Taco Truck

4.7639 reviews
5300 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

El Chato Taco Truck is a renowned Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. This food truck offers a variety of service options, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in experiences. Known for its comfort food, organic dishes, and late-night food, El Chato Taco Truck ensures a satisfying dining experience for every customer.

With a stellar ranking of 4.7, it's no wonder why this taco truck has garnered 639 reviews from delighted customers. Some key points from the reviews include:

Whether you're a local or a tourist, El Chato Taco Truck is a must-visit spot for delicious Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles. Make sure to stop by and indulge in their mouthwatering offerings!

Avenue 26 Tacos, Los Angeles#5
What stands out

  • Customers love the authentic street-style tacos and fantastic horchata.

  • Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and very tasty food.

  • Rad taco spot with free potatoes boiled in meat juices, extraordinary caramelized onions, and an abundant salsa bar.

Avenue 26 Tacos

4.51,141 reviews
353s Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Avenue 26 Tacos is a popular taco restaurant in Los Angeles known for its authentic street-style tacos and casual yet trendy atmosphere. Customers have praised the delicious food, friendly staff, and inexpensive prices. The restaurant offers takeaway, dine-in, and is popular for lunch and solo dining.

Overall, Avenue 26 Tacos has received a 4.5-star rating from over 1141 reviews, making it a top choice for taco lovers in the area.

Tacos Los Carnalillos Taco Truck, Los Angeles#6
What stands out

  • Tacos al Pastor, burritos al pastor, Steak Gringa, and Champurrado were all tasty and reasonably priced.

  • Asada Fries were disappointing, but the tacos received high praise.

  • Customers appreciate the loaded tacos and authentic self-serve salsas.

  • One customer had a negative experience finding plastic inside their chicken tacos.

Tacos Los Carnalillos Taco Truck

4.41,388 reviews
467 W Vernon Ave #451, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States

Tacos Los Carnalillos Taco Truck is a popular Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of delicious options such as freshly made tacos, burritos, tortas, and more. Customers can enjoy their food through outdoor seating, takeaway, or dine-in options. The atmosphere is described as casual and trendy, catering to families, groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, tourists, and university students.

With a ranking of 4.4 stars, the truck has received a total of 1388 reviews. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican street food, Tacos Los Carnalillos Taco Truck is definitely worth a visit!

Tacos La Güera, Los Angeles#7
What stands out

  • Mouthwatering tacos with a variety of meats and delicious salsas

  • Authentic Mexican flavors that make you feel like you're in Mexico

  • Friendly staff, wide range of salsas, and different types of aguas frescas to enjoy

Tacos La Güera

4.5616 reviews
1521-1569 N Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States

Tacos La Güera is a popular Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of services such as outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy comfort food, late-night food, and quick bites at this establishment.

The customer reviews speak for themselves:

Tacos Como En El D.f. Taco Truck, Los Angeles#8
What stands out

  • Excellent sazón and favorite dishes include tacos de chicharrón and arrachera.

  • Best burrito ever eaten, no need to add anything to it.

  • Delicious tostadas de tinga, res, and pata, as well as tortas de mole and cubana.

  • Great service, highly recommended champurrado and tacos de suadero.

Tacos Como En El D.f. Taco Truck

4.5396 reviews
2431 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018, United States

Tacos Como En El D.F. Taco Truck is a popular taco restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of service options including outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers rave about their delicious comfort food such as tacos de chicharrón, arrachera, and tostadas de tinga.

The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a great spot for solo dining or dining with groups. Customers appreciate their late-night food offerings and quick bite options. The truck is wheelchair-accessible and has seating available for both lunch and dinner.

Overall, Tacos Como En El D.F. Taco Truck has a solid ranking of 4.5 stars based on 396 reviews. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

With a loyal customer base and a range of tasty options, Tacos Como En El D.F. Taco Truck is a must-visit for taco lovers in the area.

El Flamin Taco - Echo Park, Los Angeles#9

El Flamin Taco - Echo Park

4.5315 reviews
2028 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

El Flamin Taco - Echo Park · Mexican restaurant · 2028 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

Tacos El Compita, Los Angeles#10
What stands out

  • Clients rave about the perfectly juicy beef cheek tacos, highlighting the quality and cleanliness of the restaurant.

  • Some patrons praise the unique approach of mixing all the burrito ingredients before rolling them up, making for a mouthwatering experience.

  • Customers appreciate the competitive prices and the spicy red salsa that adds an extra kick to their meals.

  • While most reviews are positive, some mention minor drawbacks such as warm, not hot tacos and limited parking space.

Tacos El Compita

4.4511 reviews
4477 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019, United States

Tacos El Compita is a renowned Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, known for its delicious dishes and excellent service. With a rating of 4.4 stars, this eatery has left a mark on the locals and visitors alike.

If you're looking for a Mexican dining experience that ticks all the boxes of flavor, quality, and ambiance, Tacos El Compita is the place to visit.

Tacos El Primo, Los Angeles#11
What stands out

  • This place was easy to find right on Sunset Blvd. The tacos were delicious, a bit on the greasy side but definitely delicious.

  • Great spot! Reminded me of Mexico a lot. Highly recommend it to anyone.

  • Best tacos I ever had in the US. Super generous horchata size and delicious food.

  • Sad to see my favorite taco stand take such a turn. Quality dropped a lot. Used to be guaranteed freshness, now it's just kind of meh.

Tacos El Primo

4.5249 reviews
1006-1034 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

Tacos El Primo is a popular taco restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. Known for its delicious and authentic Mexican food, this place is a must-visit for taco lovers. The restaurant offers a variety of service options including outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers praise the comfort food, late-night food, and quick bite offerings available here.

Leo's Tacos Truck, Los Angeles#12

Leo's Tacos Truck

4.4345 reviews
2400 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006, United States

Leo's Tacos Truck · Mexican restaurant · 2400 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006, United States

El Super Taco, Los Angeles#13
What stands out

  • Customers love the kind and attentive service.

  • Food is delicious, with a special mention for the fish tacos and Buche tacos.

  • The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it a great place for families and tourists.

  • Prices are affordable, portions are generous, and the staff is friendly.

El Super Taco

4.3468 reviews
11300 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, United States

El Super Taco is a popular taco restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of services such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Known for their delicious comfort food and quick bites, customers rave about their flavorful fish tacos and Buche tacos. The restaurant has a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for families and tourists alike.

Tacos 1986, Los Angeles#14
What stands out

  • Delivers on its promise of tasty tacos

  • Authentic Mexican fare

  • Great views of some Skyscrapers Buildings

  • Best vegan tacos with generous portions of mushrooms and flavorful salsas

Tacos 1986

4.2717 reviews
609 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Tacos 1986 is a renowned Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Downtown LA. They offer a variety of service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in to cater to all preferences. The restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Customers praise the restaurant for its tasty tacos and excellent service, giving it a ranking of 4.2.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Experience the fresh and flavorful tacos at Tacos 1986 for a delightful dining experience in Los Angeles.

Tacos Al Pastor, Los Angeles#15
What stands out

  • The meat can be a bit dry in some items.

  • The California Burrito is unique and tasty.

  • Small outdoor seating with a casual atmosphere.

  • Accepts both cash and card payments.

Tacos Al Pastor

4.2358 reviews
5179 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States

Tacos Al Pastor is a renowned Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of delicious dishes, including authentic street tacos, burritos, and more. Customers rave about their flavorful tacos, with options like carnitas, pastor, lengua, and even shrimp tacos. The California Burrito is also a favorite, featuring French fries inside a regular burrito.

With a ranking of 4.2 stars, this restaurant has gained the trust of many customers who seek authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine. If you're in the area looking for a quick and mouth-watering bite, Tacos Al Pastor is the place to be!

Tacos al pastor la, Los Angeles#16
What stands out

  • Delicious and authentic Mexican flavors

  • Great ambiance and casual atmosphere

  • Excellent customer service

Tacos al pastor la

2949 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, United States

Tacos al pastor la is a renowned Mexican restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a variety of services and features to their customers, such as takeaway and dine-in options.

Customers have praised this restaurant for several key points:

Experience the best of Mexican cuisine at Tacos al pastor la and indulge in their comfort food offerings. Don't miss out on this popular spot for a quick bite or a relaxing dinner. Good for solo dining or bringing the whole family, this restaurant has something for everyone. Visit them today and taste the flavors of Mexico right in the heart of Los Angeles.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Leo's Tacos Truck 4.55,595
#2Tacos Los Poblanos #1 Estilo Tijuana 4.62,549
#3Tacos El Pecas 4.61,445
#4El Chato Taco Truck 4.7639
#5Avenue 26 Tacos 4.51,141
#6Tacos Los Carnalillos Taco Truck 4.41,388
#7Tacos La Güera 4.5616
#8Tacos Como En El D.f. Taco Truck 4.5396
#9El Flamin Taco - Echo Park 4.5315
#10Tacos El Compita 4.4511
#11Tacos El Primo 4.5249
#12Leo's Tacos Truck 4.4345
#13El Super Taco 4.3468
#14Tacos 1986 4.2717
#15Tacos Al Pastor 4.2358
#16Tacos al pastor la——

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Map of Al Pastor Tacos in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for its diverse and thriving food scene, particularly when it comes to tacos. One of the most beloved varieties is the al pastor taco, typically made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. From food trucks to sit-down restaurants, there are countless delicious options to choose from across the city. Check out the map below to find the best al pastor tacos in Los Angeles.

How to choose al pastor tacos in Los Angeles

  1. Location.
  2. Pricing.
  3. Authenticity of flavors.
  4. Portion sizes.
  5. Reviews from other customers.

Frequently asked questions

What makes al pastor tacos special?

Al pastor tacos are special due to their unique flavor profile, which combines marinated pork with pineapple for a sweet and savory taste. The pork is typically cooked on a vertical spit called a trompo and sliced off to order, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The traditional seasonings used in al pastor tacos include a blend of spices such as achiote, guajillo chili, and garlic, which enhance the overall taste.

Where can I find the best al pastor tacos?

There are numerous establishments in Los Angeles that serve delicious al pastor tacos, ranging from food trucks to sit-down restaurants. Some popular spots known for their high-quality tacos include Leo's Tacos Truck, Tacos 1986, Guisados, and Avenue 26 Tacos. It's always recommended to explore different locations to find your personal favorite.

How are al pastor tacos traditionally served?

Traditional al pastor tacos are served on small corn tortillas and topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a slice of pineapple. Some establishments may also offer additional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges for added flavor. It's common to order multiple tacos to enjoy a complete meal.

What is the history behind al pastor tacos?

The history of al pastor tacos in Los Angeles can be traced back to the influence of Lebanese immigrants who brought the concept of shawarma to Mexico. This Middle Eastern cooking technique was adapted by Mexican chefs, leading to the creation of al pastor tacos. Over time, the dish has evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, becoming a staple of Mexican cuisine.

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