Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Highland Park (90042)
8 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.9
Chef Victor Villa’s Highland Park flagship turns handmade blue-corn tortillas into overloaded tacos layered with grilled meats, melted cheese, and bright salsas that regulars line up for. Recognized with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, it blends street-taco roots with destination-level execution while still feeling very neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue corn carne asada taco, Queso taco with asada or al pastor, Papa con chorizo taco
What makes it special: Hand-pressed blue corn tortillas with MICHELIN-recognized toppings.
#2
My Taco
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Opened in 1994 by the Garduño family, My Taco is a strip-mall taqueria famed for lamb barbacoa handed down from the owner’s father and for over-the-top carne asada fries. It’s a Highland Park staple where locals mix classic tacos with serious gut-buster plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de barbacoa de borrego, Chicken fajitas plate, Torta My Taco with milanesa and ham
What makes it special: Family-run barbacoa specialist with nearly three decades of history.
8.5
El Huarache Azteca has been serving Highland Park for more than two decades with Mexico City–style huaraches, chilaquiles, and an impressive menu of everyday Mexican staples. The space is humble and often packed, but the consistently crisp-edged huaraches, hefty burritos, and everyday pricing make it a go-to casual happy-hour-time stop for locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Huarache with red and green salsa, Chilaquiles rojos con carne, Burrito mojado
What makes it special: Beloved huarache specialist with big portions and everyday prices.
8.2
Next to Highland Park’s Chicken Boy statue, La Fuente runs an all-day Mexican menu heavy on chilaquiles, huevos plates, pozole, and combo platters at budget-friendly prices. Locals treat it as a reliable neighborhood dining room for both hearty breakfasts and low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles rojos with eggs, La Fuente steak plate, Taquitos con guacamole
What makes it special: Decades-old, family-run spot serving classic Mexican plates all day.
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
This Figueroa outpost of Tacos Ensenada focuses on Baja-style seafood with fish tacos, shrimp burritos, and ceviche tostadas served in a casual, counter-service setting. It’s an easy, affordable way to get crisp, hot pescado tacos without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco de pescado (fish taco), Burrito de camaron (shrimp burrito), Ceviche tostada
What makes it special: Baja-style fish tacos and shrimp burritos in a no-frills room.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Parked on York Boulevard, this longtime taco truck turns out late-night al pastor, carne asada burritos, and griddled quesadillas that draw a steady line until close. It’s classic, cash-friendly Highland Park street food with reliably fast output.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Quesadilla with al pastor
What makes it special: Classic York Boulevard taco truck slinging al pastor deep into night.
7.8
Stationed along N Figueroa, El Taco Sabroso Truck is a compact curbside operation known for sturdy tacos, hefty burritos, and a notably spicy red salsa. Regulars treat it as a convenient weeknight and late-dinner option when they want something fast but flavorful.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Al pastor burrito, Tostadas with extra carne
What makes it special: Compact roadside truck prized for bold salsas and hefty burritos.
#8
Jugos Azteca
7.7
Jugos Azteca is a juice shop–taqueria hybrid offering fresh juices, aguas frescas, breakfast burritos, tortas, and Mexican snacks from morning to night. It’s a casual counter spot where locals mix healthy-ish orders with indulgent chile relleno burritos and esquites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile relleno breakfast burrito, Torta de milanesa, Esquites cup
What makes it special: Colorful juice shop doubling as a Mexican antojitos counter all day.