Any insider tips for Sonoritas Prime Tacos?

Ask for the spiciest salsa off-menu if you like heat.

When should I visit Sonoritas Prime Tacos?

Weekday lunch to beat the Sawtelle rush.

Who should go to Sonoritas Prime Tacos?

Taco seekers who want reliable Sawtelle staples.

Any insider tips for Nina's Mexican Food?

Add extra salsa and lime for a brighter bite.

What should I order at Nina's Mexican Food?

Breakfast burrito, crispy potato tacos, wet burrito.

When should I visit Nina's Mexican Food?

Morning for breakfast burritos.

Who should go to Nina's Mexican Food?

Budget-minded locals and quick lunchers.

Any insider tips for El Californio Taqueria?

Add a side of their spicier green salsa for lift.

When should I visit El Californio Taqueria?

Anytime you need a quick taco run.

Who should go to El Californio Taqueria?

Takeout regulars and nearby office lunchers.

Any insider tips for Taqueria Carrasco?

Go heavy on salsa verde—best balance with the pastor.

What should I order at Taqueria Carrasco?

Al pastor tacos, tlayuda mixta, asada quesadilla.

When should I visit Taqueria Carrasco?

After 11pm when the grill is hottest.

Who should go to Taqueria Carrasco?

Anyone needing a real bite after midnight.

Any insider tips for Tacos Barrios?

Try both red and green salsas before choosing your heat.

What should I order at Tacos Barrios?

Al pastor taco, carne asada taco, pollo burrito.

When should I visit Tacos Barrios?

Evenings when the stand is in full swing.

Who should go to Tacos Barrios?

Anyone craving late-day tacos nearby.

Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)

Q: What should I order at Sonoritas Prime Tacos?

Mar y Tierra burrito, carne asada taco, al pastor burrito.

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

Notable Picks

#1 Sonoritas Prime Tacos

8.3

$$ Sawtelle

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites Trendy Table Hotspots Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Sonoran-style tacos and burritos built around flour tortillas that are pliant, lightly chewy, and clearly housemade. The mesquite-grilled meats and punchy salsas keep this a steady favorite on Sawtelle for both quick lunches and casual dinners.

Must-Try Dishes: Mar y Tierra Burrito, Carne Asada Taco, Al Pastor Burrito

What makes it special: Housemade Sonoran tortillas paired with mesquite-grilled fillings.

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#2 Nina's Mexican Food

8.3

$ Sawtelle

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Long-running, no-fuss taquería that nails classic West LA comfort with big portions and fast counter service. The menu skews traditional—breakfast plates, hard-shell tacos, wet burritos—done with a steadiness that keeps locals coming back.

Must-Try Dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Crispy Potato Tacos, Carne Asada Wet Burrito

What makes it special: Old-school counter spot with reliably hearty classics.

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Worthy Picks

#3 El Californio Taqueria

7.9

$ West Los Angeles

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

Strip-mall taquería with a straightforward menu of tacos, burritos, and combo plates that emphasize hearty portions over frills. Reviews point to solid everyday reliability—especially for carne asada and salsa—making it an easy repeat takeout stop.

Must-Try Dishes: Carne Asada Tacos, Chile Verde Burrito, Albondigas Soup

What makes it special: Dependable neighborhood taquería for fast, filling classics.

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#4 Taqueria Carrasco

7.8

$ West LA (Santa Monica Blvd Corridor)

Vibes: Late Night Legends Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven Quick Bites Champions

A sidewalk taqueria built for post-midnight cravings, turning out properly seasoned meats and fresh-pressed tortillas until 2am. It’s simple, fast, and flavorful—exactly what you want when everything else is closing. The tlayuda is the sleeper hit.

Must-Try Dishes: Al Pastor Tacos, Tlayuda Mixta, Carne Asada Quesadilla

What makes it special: Late-night street-style tacos with a standout tlayuda.

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#5 Tacos Barrios

7.6

$ Sawtelle/West LA

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

A compact, evening-focused taco stand that delivers classic street-style tacos with clean flavors and bright salsas. No frills, just well-seasoned meat and quick service that makes it a repeat stop.

Must-Try Dishes: Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Burrito de Pollo

What makes it special: Straight-up street tacos done carefully.

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