Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown LA
46 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sonoratown
Award-winning Sonoran carne asada and handmade flour tortillas cooked over mesquite.
Notable Picks
#1
Sonoratown
8.9
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.
8.6
Operating in the Fashion District since 1982, Mex Perú Gipsy blends homestyle Mexican plates with standout Peruvian specialties like ceviche and lomo saltado. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and decades of loyal regulars keep the room buzzing from breakfast through dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lomo saltado with filet mignon, Peruvian ceviche de pescado, Street tacos with handmade tortillas
What Makes it Special: Long-running Mexican–Peruvian spot known for ceviche and lomo saltado.
8.6
Perched atop Level 8 across from Crypto.com Arena, Brown Sheep does chef-driven tacos on a rooftop terrace that runs deep into the night. Expect creative fillings like mushroom chicharron and crispy carnitas, cocktails from the adjacent bars, and a lively DJ-fueled scene that feels more night-out than taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom chicharron taco, Carnitas taco, Carne asada taco
What Makes it Special: Rooftop gourmet taco truck by chef Ray Garcia with nightclub energy.
8.6
A late-night Little Tokyo parking-lot taquería that wins on sheer repetition: buttery handmade tortillas, properly charred meats, and a salsa bar that keeps regulars rotating through. The line moves fast and the flavors stay direct and satisfying, especially for classic street tacos and mulitas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Asada mulitas, Cabeza tacos
What Makes it Special: High-volume street tacos with standout handmade tortillas.
8.6
Award-winning chef Wes Avila elevates Mexican cuisine with wood-fire cooking techniques and premium steaks at this contemporary Mexican steakhouse. The sophisticated space features an outdoor firepit and serves creative dishes that blend regional California and Mexican influences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Carne Asada, Sweet Potato Taquitos, Grilled Octopus
What Makes it Special: Wood-fire Mexican steakhouse by acclaimed chef Wes Avila
8.5
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.
8.5
This downtown outpost of LA’s 1923-born El Cholo tradition serves classic enchiladas, fajitas, and green corn tamales in a festive, margarita-fueled setting. Large portions, strong drinks, and decades of loyal fans make it a go-to for groups before or after games at LA Live.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sonora-style enchilada with fried egg, Green corn tamales, Filet mignon or mariscos enchiladas
What Makes it Special: Downtown branch of a century-old LA Mexican institution with classic plates.
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
El Patroncito is a full-service spot where breakfast burritos, wet burritos, and seafood plates all share equal billing, backed by a loyal local following and strong recent reviews. Portions are big, salsas are bright, and the all-day menu makes it a reliable stop whether you’re rolling in for eggs and chilaquiles or a molcajete and a saucy burrito dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Wet Burrito Red Salsa, Molcajete for Two
What Makes it Special: A from-scratch, all-day menu where hefty breakfast and wet burritos meet homey plates and seafood.
8.4
A high-energy modern Mexican room that blends dinner-and-a-show vibes with a cocktail-forward happy hour. The kitchen leans luxe—seafood, steaks, and bold sauces—while the bar anchors the experience with mezcal and margarita builds that keep the crowd rolling in before the nightlife spike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster enchiladas, Birria quesatacos, Signature mezcal margarita
What Makes it Special: DTLA’s nightlife-leaning Mexican happy hour with showy cocktails.
8.4
At LA Live, Sol Agave brings an upscale take on Mexican cooking with organic ingredients, polished plating, and a lively bar scene before and after games or concerts. Expect lobster enchiladas, refined tacos, and strong margaritas in a modern dining room with patio seating near the arena.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas de langosta (lobster enchiladas), Taquiza mini street taco sampler, Guacamole sampler with lobster and carnitas
What Makes it Special: Organic, polished Mexican plates steps from Crypto.com Arena.
#11
Bar Amá
8.4
Josef Centeno’s downtown Tex-Mex cantina balances comfort and craft, with puffy tacos, borracho beans, and mole-leaning plates that feel personal rather than performative. The room stays lively without losing warmth, and the menu rewards both quick bites and full dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puffy tacos with lengua carnitas, Menudo, Super nachos
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Tex-Mex with puffy tacos as the signature.
#12
Guisados
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
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.
#13
Roast To Go
8.3
A Grand Central Market veteran dating back to the early 1950s, Roast To Go focuses on roasted meats folded into tacos, plates, and big burritos. Regulars swear by the carnitas, al pastor, and cheek meats, making it a reliable counter when you want an old-school burrito more than the latest trend.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Chicken Burrito
What Makes it Special: Legacy Grand Central stall serving roasted-meat burritos since the mid-century era.
#14
Juanita's Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Four generations of the Flores family have run this Olvera Street counter since 1944, turning out handmade taquitos, tortas, and champurrado from recipes that predate most of the city's Mexican restaurant scene. It operates as a no-frills walk-up window where the food moves fast and the prices stay low—exactly the kind of place that rewards showing up hungry with cash in hand. The draw is generational consistency at a price point that makes it easy to order one of everything.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Taquitos with Green Salsa, Torta de Chorizo, Chicken Enchilada & Taquitos Combo
What Makes it Special: Four generations of the Flores family have served handmade Mexican classics from this Olvera Street counter since 1944, using recipes passed down from founder Juana Guerrero.
#15
Tacos Rojos
8.3
Tucked just off Flower Street, Tacos Rojos specializes in rich, crimson birria tacos served from a casual late-night stand that draws post-game crowds and downtown workers. The focus is on deeply flavored beef, tortillas kissed with chile-stained fat, and hot consomé that keeps lines forming until closing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Quesabirria tacos, Birria consomé
What Makes it Special: Red-stained birria tacos and consomé a short walk from L.A. Live.
A 25-year-old food truck running a tight seafood operation where the taco dorado de camarón—shrimp folded into a crispy-fried tortilla—set the template that dozens of imitators still chase across LA. The aguachile and ceviches hold their own against full-service mariscos restaurants at street-food prices, which is why the line never really stopped forming. Cash only, no frills, just precise execution on a short menu that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Dorado de Camarón, Tostada Poseidón, Aguachile Rojo
What Makes it Special: Jonathan Gold-anointed food truck turning out LA's most iconic fried shrimp taco since 2001, with seafood so fresh the ceviche and aguachile compete with sit-down mariscos spots at a fraction of the price.
8.3
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.
#18
Cilantro Lime
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucked inside a Fashion District food court, Cilantro Lime turns breakfast and lunch into a chilaquiles-and-burrito playground with big flavors and playful sauces. Loved for creative plates and carne asada fries, it delivers substantial portions at accessible prices for workers and shoppers nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles divorciados plate, Wet DTLA burrito, Carne asada fries
What Makes it Special: Food-court counter turning classic Mexican plates into bold, creative comfort.
#19
Tacos Tamix
8.2
Adobo-rubbed pork shaved to order off a spinning trompo onto palm-sized corn tortillas, served at $2 a pop from a gas station lot on Santa Fe Ave. The draw is straightforward: properly executed al pastor at a price point that makes this a nightly habit rather than a special occasion. Show up late, eat standing up, and leave with change from a ten.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Al Pastor, Carne Asada Tacos, Tortas
What Makes it Special: Adobo-rubbed pork shaved to order from a spinning trompo onto palm-sized tortillas at $2 a taco across multiple LA trucks
8.2
A Wilshire-front cantina with a real downtown happy-hour pulse, where tacos are the main event and margaritas keep the room humming. The menu leans classic-to-modern Mexican, and the taco lineup holds up whether you’re here for after-work bites or a late-night reset. Expect lively energy, steady crowds, and a bar-driven flow that suits sharing plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Quesabirria tacos, House margarita
What Makes it Special: A bar-first DTLA cantina where tacos and margaritas anchor a true happy hour.
#21
Loqui
8.2
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.
#22
Villa's Tacos
8.2
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.
#23
LA Cha Cha Chá
8.1
This vibrant Mexican rooftop brings Acapulco vibes to downtown with palm groves, string lights and a 11,600-square-foot terrace overlooking the Arts District. Weekend brunch features inventive dishes like chorizo eggs in purgatory and sope benedict alongside mezcal-forward cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Eggs in Purgatory, Sope Benedict, Tostada & Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Michelin Plate 2022 rooftop oasis with tropical Mexico City-inspired atmosphere
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A women-owned street stand in the Piñata District that flash-fries then slow-simmers Michoacán-style carnitas, pressing fresh corn tortillas to order for each taco. The operation runs tight—pick your cut at the counter, eat standing or in the car, and expect outdoor boulevard noise with occasional weekend banda music from the adjacent lot. Best early in the day when the pork is freshest and the line is short.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Costilla (Rib Cut), Cueritos (Pork Skin)
What Makes it Special: Women-owned stand that flash-fries then slow-simmers Michoacán-style carnitas and presses fresh corn tortillas to order for every taco
8.1
Family recipes from Culiacán, Sinaloa come alive at this Arts District walk-up specializing in crispy fried tacos. Hand-peeled potatoes and four-hour slow-cooked USDA beef go into every taco dorado, which arrives topped with cheddar, lettuce, and addictive lime-pickled onions. The simple menu executed with precision makes this a neighborhood staple since opening in 2018.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shredded Beef Taco Dorado, Potato Taco Dorado, Chorizo Bean & Cheese Taco
What Makes it Special: Authentic Sinaloan-style tacos dorados with family recipes spanning generations
#26
Villa Moreliana
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Food Hall Frenzy
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
A Grand Central Market stalwart specializing in Michoacán-leaning comfort: carnitas, pozole, and straightforward plates built for everyday eating. Portions are generous, flavors stay traditional, and the stall’s reliability is the real draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas plate, Pozole rojo, Tacos al pastor
What Makes it Special: Old-school Michoacán flavors in a market institution.
8.1
A roadside mariscos operation where tacos dorados de camaron draw citywide pilgrimage—deep-fried corn tortillas stuffed with shrimp, served with diced tomato, onion, cilantro, and avocado. Multiple locations have expanded from the original truck, but the formula stays locked: crispy shells, plump shrimp, watery salsa that divides opinions. Lines form because the execution on that specific taco remains difficult to replicate elsewhere in LA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos Dorados de Camaron, Tostada Mixta, Ceviche de Camaron
What Makes it Special: Roadside stand serving crispy shrimp tacos dorados that draw lines across LA
8
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.
#29
El Rancho Grande
8
A 4th-generation women-led Mexican counter on historic Olvera Street, built around taquitos that have drawn a steady line since 1930. The format is fast, cash-friendly, and outdoor-facing—order at the window, grab a seat on the plaza, and eat well for under $15. It functions less as a destination restaurant and more as a living piece of LA's Mexican-American food history that happens to still deliver on the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taquitos, Carne Asada, Chiles Rellenos
What Makes it Special: 4th-generation women-led Mexican counter on Olvera Street, serving its famous taquitos since 1930
#30
Adrians Tacos
8
A cash-only taco truck that has held its spot on Mateo St since 2008, grilling fish, al pastor, and asada to order at prices that keep the whole meal under $20. The Arts District regulars treat it like a fixed address rather than a pop-up, and the 18-year run speaks to a kitchen that doesn't drift. Show up knowing what you want, bring cash, and eat standing up—that's the format, and it delivers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
What Makes it Special: Cash-only Arts District taco truck parked on Mateo since 2008, grilling fish, al pastor, and asada to order at under $20 a plate.
Worthy Picks
#31
Ditroit Taqueria
7.9
Enrique Olvera's casual spinoff from Damian serves Mexico City-style tacos built on house-nixtamalized tortillas made from Oaxacan heirloom corn—the fish flauta in particular shows off the kitchen's technique with a crisp blue-corn shell and rotating seasonal fish. The hidden alley location and premium pricing (expect $30-50) make it a deliberate destination rather than a quick lunch stop, landing somewhere between elevated street food and restaurant-quality prep in an outdoor Arts District patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flauta, Churro, Tamal
What Makes it Special: Enrique Olvera-connected taqueria serving Mexico City-style street food with handmade tortillas in the Arts District
#32
Mejores Tacos
7.9
A no-frills Olympic Blvd taco stand where every tortilla is pressed and griddled to order in front of you—a hands-on technique that separates it from the pre-wrapped competition nearby. The al pastor and carne asada draw taco purists who prioritize what's on the tortilla over where they're standing to eat it. Counter-service pacing, street-level pricing, and a tight menu that doesn't try to be anything beyond what it does well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Handmade Tortillas
What Makes it Special: Street-style taco stand on Olympic where every tortilla is pressed and griddled to order
#33
La Golondrina
7.9
A century-old Olvera Street institution serving straightforward traditional Mexican plates — combo platters, burritos, and house salsa — in a setting where live mariachi is part of the deal, not background noise. The draw is the location and the history more than any single dish, which makes it a natural stop for families walking the historic plaza. Expect a loud, festive atmosphere and limited parking; Metro to Union Station is the practical move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito, Combo Plate, Salsa and Chips
What Makes it Special: The oldest Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, serving traditional recipes on historic Olvera Street since 1924
#34
La Luz Del Dia
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A decades-old Olvera Street kitchen where corn tortillas are still pressed and filled by hand, turning out carnitas, tamales, and champurrado from recipes that predate most of the surrounding stalls. The draw is honest, affordable Mexican cooking in a setting that doubles as a walk through LA's oldest public space. Come hungry, order heavy, and keep expectations calibrated to a street-side counter—not a sit-down dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas, Tamales, Champurrado
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Mexican kitchen on historic Olvera Street serving handmade tortillas and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
#35
Cielito Lindo
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
A 90-year-old taquito stand on Olvera Street where hand-rolled corn tortillas and a four-generation avocado-tomatillo sauce recipe draw both tourists and locals to the same walk-up window. The format is pure street food efficiency—order at the counter, grab a spot on the plaza, and work through crispy beef taquitos doused in that signature green sauce. Functions as an LA food landmark where the history is part of what you're paying for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Taquitos with Avocado Sauce, Combo #2 (Taquitos & Tamale), Beef Tamale
What Makes it Special: LA's oldest taquito stand since 1934, still hand-rolling corn tortillas and making the signature avocado-tomatillo sauce from a four-generation family recipe
7.8
A Tijuana-style street taco operation on Hooper Ave grilling carne asada over mesquite charcoal, with hand-pressed corn tortillas shaped at a dedicated station rather than pulled from a stack. The format is smoke-and-sidewalk—no frills, no seating ambitions—built for late-night runs where you eat standing up and order by pointing. Eight Google reviews skew overwhelmingly positive, though the sample is too small to call it proven.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Chorizo Tacos, Mulitas
What Makes it Special: Tijuana-style street taco operation grilling carne asada over mesquite charcoal with hand-pressed corn tortillas made to order at dedicated stations
7.8
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.
7.8
A pre-dawn taco truck parked on a gritty stretch of the garment district, cooking full plates to order starting at 5 AM for the early-shift crowd. The draw is the range—street tacos share the board with camarones costa azul and a full huevos lineup—at prices that make it a daily stop rather than an occasional one. Expect truck-window service, industrial scenery, and food that overdelivers for what you pay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos, Camarones Costa Azul, Huevos Rancheros
What Makes it Special: Early-morning taco truck in the DTLA garment district cooking everything to order from 5 AM, with a full Mexican breakfast lineup alongside street tacos and seafood plates.
#39
LA Halal Taco
7.8
Tucked off Boyd Street, LA Halal Taco fuses halal meats with classic taco-truck style burritos, making it a useful option for diners who keep halal but still want California burrito flavors. Burritos are packed with rice, beans, and marinated meat, landing somewhere between neighborhood takeout joint and specialty fusion spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
6 Burritos w/ Fries Combo, California Burrito, Halal Carne Asada Burrito
What Makes it Special: Halal-certified Mexican-style burritos that cater to both flavor and dietary needs.
7.8
A street-side DTLA truck that’s all about fast, satisfying tacos for the post-show and post-bar crowd. The move is straightforward, well-seasoned meats on warm tortillas with salsas that carry real heat—simple, loud flavors that hit when you need a late reset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada tacos, Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos
What Makes it Special: Late-night truck tacos with no-frills DTLA street energy.
7.8
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Crazy Tacos On 9th is a no-frills taco shop in the southern Historic Core known for hefty burritos, loaded nachos, and late-night taco cravings. It’s a quick, satisfying stop for al pastor, birria, and California burritos before heading home or back out downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
California burrito with carne asada, Al pastor tacos, Loaded nachos with choice of meat
What Makes it Special: Straightforward tacos and oversized burritos serving downtown late into the night.
#42
Dona Estela
7.8
A mariscos-leaning Mexican truck turned neighborhood standby near Traction, known for punchy salsas and seafood-forward comfort. The cooking is simple and satisfying, best framed as a casual stop rather than a polished sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Ceviche tostada, Aguachile
What Makes it Special: Seafood-tilted street Mexican with bold acid-heat balance.
#43
Damian
7.8
Enrique Olvera's LA outpost centers on nixtamalized masa and Pacific Coast seafood—duck carnitas, uni tostada, carrot aguachile represent the menu's range. The $300+ per-couple price point draws sharp criticism relative to what the meal delivers, with some questioning whether a flight to Mexico City offers better value. When it hits, the modern Mexican approach satisfies; when it misses, the bill stings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Carnitas, Uni Tostada, Carrot Aguachile
What Makes it Special: Enrique Olvera's LA restaurant elevating Mexican cuisine with masa and mezcal focus
#44
Ana Maria
7.7
A low-key Grand Central Market stall doing homestyle Mexican plates with a comforting, cafeteria-style rhythm. The flavors skew traditional and filling, making it a quiet value play amid louder market options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huevos rancheros, Carne asada plate, Chilaquiles verdes
What Makes it Special: Quiet, homestyle plates that feel made for regulars.
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
A small, local taco counter that’s an easy family pit stop for affordable, no-fuss Mexican cravings. The dining is simple and quick, with straightforward tacos and plates that work well for kids and adults. Great for a budget downtown lunch between errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, chips and guacamole
What Makes it Special: Local-chain tacos with real value in a quick counter setup.
#46
Las Anitas
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Happy Hour Hotspots
Counter-service Mexican built around familiar staples—carne asada fries, taquitos, menudo—served from a stall on Olvera Street, the pedestrian plaza that has anchored LA's Mexican marketplace culture since 1930. The draw is the setting and the price point more than any single dish, making it a natural stop for families working their way through downtown's historic core. Expect cafeteria-speed service, outdoor seating on the plaza, and a check that stays well under $15 a head.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Fries, Taquitos, Enchiladas
What Makes it Special: Counter-service Mexican staples served on historic Olvera Street, LA's oldest marketplace dating to 1930