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Best Cheap Tacos Restaurants in Downtown LA (90013)

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

Notable Picks

8.3
$ Downtown
A dependable DTLA outpost of the stewed-taco specialist, where slow-cooked fillings taste layered and intentional rather than greasy. Tortillas are sturdy, salsa is bright, and the menu has enough range to keep repeat lunches interesting.
Must-Try Dishes: Cochinita pibil taco, Mole poblano taco, Chiles toreados
What makes it special: Stewed-filling tacos with real depth and balance.
8.2
$$ Arts District
A compact counter-service taco shop with quietly excellent house-made flour tortillas and cleanly grilled proteins. The menu stays focused—tacos, bowls, and combo plates—making it an easy repeat for casual Arts District dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken taco on flour tortilla, Mushroom taco, Combo plate with guac
What makes it special: Flour tortillas made in-house set the baseline.
$$ Historic Core
A busy GCM stand built around nixtamalized blue-corn tortillas that bring extra depth to crispy, cheese-tied tacos. Expect bold, salty-savory combos and a fast counter rhythm that suits a market crawl.
Must-Try Dishes: Asada taco on blue-corn, Choriqueso taco, Quesadilla with salsa roja
What makes it special: Blue-corn tortillas give every taco a distinct edge.
$ Historic Core
A compact GCM taquería that hits hardest on slow-cooked meats and no-nonsense assembly. The tacos are clean, fatty in the right way, and built for quick repeat bites as you roam the market.
Must-Try Dishes: Carnitas tacos, Al pastor tacos, Lengua taco
What makes it special: Straight-ahead tacos with well-rendered, juicy meats.

Worthy Picks

$ Historic Core
Ana Maria is a taco stand along the Broadway side of Grand Central Market offering griddled tortillas loaded with asada, pastor, and fried fish. It’s a reliable cheap-taco stop when you want something fast and straightforward without leaving the market.
Must-Try Dishes: Huevos rancheros, Carne asada plate, Chilaquiles verdes
What makes it special: Quiet, homestyle plates that feel made for regulars.