Any insider tips for Sonoratown?

Order a mix of tacos and caramelos, then grab extra chiltepin salsa for a serious but flavorful burn.

What should I order at Sonoratown?

Carne asada tacos, a caramelo, and the shredded beef chivichanga.

When should I visit Sonoratown?

Weekdays 11am–2pm or early evening before peak lines.

Who should go to Sonoratown?

Taco obsessives and downtown workers craving serious flavor.

Any insider tips for Guero's Cocina Mexicana?

Look out for weekday lunch specials and aguas frescas to keep the bill extra reasonable.

What should I order at Guero's Cocina Mexicana?

Huevos rancheros, wet burrito, and the classic taco plate.

When should I visit Guero's Cocina Mexicana?

Late breakfast or early lunch before the noon rush hits.

Who should go to Guero's Cocina Mexicana?

Office groups and shoppers needing a hearty midday recharge.

Any insider tips for Alebrijes Mexican Grill?

Pair a taco plate with a caldo or soup on cooler days for extra value and warmth.

What should I order at Alebrijes Mexican Grill?

Shrimp cocktail, 2-taco plate, and a carne asada quesadilla.

When should I visit Alebrijes Mexican Grill?

Weekday lunchtime; early afternoon for shortest lines.

Who should go to Alebrijes Mexican Grill?

Downtown workers wanting a fast, filling Mexican lunch.

Any insider tips for Maple's Restaurant?

Come with cash-friendly expectations, grab a window table, and customize your plate—staff are flexible if you ask clearly.

What should I order at Maple's Restaurant?

Chilaquiles with eggs, taco plate #2, and a torta combo.

When should I visit Maple's Restaurant?

Breakfast or early lunch before the midday crowd fills in.

Who should go to Maple's Restaurant?

Hungry diners who care more about flavor than décor.

Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Downtown LA (90014)

4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Sonoratown

8.9

$$ Fashion District

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Trendy Table Hotspots Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Sonoratown is a tiny, always-busy counter spot specializing in Sonoran-style tacos, burritos, and chivichangas on housemade flour tortillas cooked over mesquite. Open since 2016, it draws constant lines from downtown workers and taco hunters for deeply smoky carne asada and vibrant salsas at friendly prices.

Must-Try Dishes: Carne Asada Taco, Caramelo (steak & cheese flour tortilla taco), Shredded Beef Chivichanga

What makes it special: Award-winning Sonoran carne asada and handmade flour tortillas cooked over mesquite.

View Full Review →

#2 Guero's Cocina Mexicana

8.5

$$ Fashion District

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Business Lunch Power Players Quick Bites Champions Outdoor Dining Oasis

Guero's is a bright Fashion District café known for all-day Mexican breakfasts, hefty wet burritos, and classic combination plates that stay mostly in the $12–$18 range. Regulars praise the huevos dishes, taco plates, and fresh juices, making it a reliable downtown stop for a sit-down Mexican meal that still feels affordable.

Must-Try Dishes: Huevos Rancheros, Wet Burrito, Taco Plate

What makes it special: A downtown staple for generous Mexican breakfasts and combo plates with full table service.

View Full Review →

#3 Alebrijes Mexican Grill

8.3

$ Historic Core

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven

Alebrijes Mexican Grill is a compact counter-service spot near 7th and Spring turning out homestyle plates, seafood cocktails, and tacos for well under $15 per person. Incorporated in 2019 and still family-run, it draws downtown regulars for shrimp cocktails, soups, and generous taco or quesadilla combos.

Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp Cocktail, Alebrijes Special 2 Taco Plate, Carne Asada Quesadilla

What makes it special: Cozy, family-run spot focused on comforting seafood, soups, and tacos at true budget prices.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#4 Maple's Restaurant

7.8

$$$$ Fashion District

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Hidden Gems Heaven

Maple's is a no-frills, long-running Mexican café on 6th Street where downtown workers start the day with big egg plates and end it with tortas and taco combos. The room is simple and a bit worn, but portions are generous and prices for plates, tortas, and burritos sit in the low-teens range.

Must-Try Dishes: Chilaquiles with Eggs, Taco Plate #2 (tacos with rice and beans), Torta Combo

What makes it special: A gritty, old-school counter café beloved by locals for hearty breakfasts and tortas.

View Full Review →