Best Mexican Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.3
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.
#2
Hermanito
8.1
A bar-forward Sawtelle spot that blends Mexican comfort with subtle Japanese neighborhood nods, anchored by excellent Sonoran-style tortillas. The cocktail program and weekend brunch make it feel like a hangout you can also take seriously for dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Pescado Tacos, Buñuelos
What makes it special: Mexican cooking with Japanese-influenced cocktail and design cues.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A straightforward Oaxacan-leaning neighborhood restaurant with a broad menu that’s strongest in homey, saucy plates. It’s a dependable option for breakfast through dinner when you want comfort without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles con Huevos, Mole Enchiladas, Burrito Juquila
What makes it special: Oaxacan comfort dishes at everyday prices.
7.7
A neighborhood sports bar that happens to serve legit Tex-Mex, with tacos and nachos that avoid the usual bar-food slump. Come for games and agave-forward cocktails, stay because the kitchen keeps pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Texas-Sized Carnitas Nachos, Skirt Steak Taco, Carnitas Taco
What makes it special: Sports-bar energy with far-better-than-expected Tex-Mex.
7.7
A long-running Sawtelle counter-serve spot that’s best at hearty, classic plates and crispy tacos. It’s the kind of place you grab a breakfast burrito or wet burrito from when you want something filling and familiar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Crispy Potato Tacos, Carne Asada Wet Burrito
What makes it special: Old-school counter spot with reliably hearty classics.
7.6
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.
#7
Taco Plus
7.5
A polished fast-casual standby with a big menu and a reputation for fresh, to-order staples. It’s a reliable pick for families and groups who want Mexican basics plus a few lighter options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Combo Plate, Al Pastor Tacos, Huevos Rancheros
What makes it special: Fresh-made staples with faster-than-sit-down convenience.