When I declared to the world that my hometown Whittier has the best tacos in L.A., I was expecting a little interest. I didn’t realize that thousands of you would be sharing it, debating it, and proclaiming your best-of-L.A. champions.
That happened when LAist 89.3’s AirTalk asked me to go on air with host Austin Cross to discuss my position. Many people, nicely, did not diss Whittier’s tacos as much as talk up their favorites. And I have to say, I know many of them, and yes, I concede that there may be plenty of greatness outside Whittier, too.
In the spirit of sharing the wealth, I thought I'd share the love for some of your favorites. Here's what some of them said. (And if you have any you’d like to share, email me at gchabran@scpr.org
Frankie from Koreatown: Taqueria Juanitas on Third and Western. “Their tortas and tacos are amazing, especially their al pastor.”
Location: Corner of South Western and West 3rd St., Los Angeles
Hours: Monday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday - Sunday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Liz from Southgate: El Asadero Prime Taqueria in Lynwood. “It has a very big taco menu, with a very good vegan meat substitute. My favorite is the taco chile poblano; it's just delicious. Everything is always so tasty and fresh.”
Location: 3837 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. #106, Lynwood
Hours: Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cam in West Hollywood: Sonoratown in Mid-City (and DTLA). “They make guisado style tacos (editor note, Sonoratown serves Sonora style tacos, not guisado style) , and cater as well.” [Austin seconded this and said that their catering makes it really easy when you have company over and want to show off.]
Location: Mid-City 5610 San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles; Downtown, 208 East 8th Street, Los Angeles
Hours: Mid-City, Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
DTLA Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kevin in Long Beach: Appu’s Turmeric Cafe [in Long Beach]. "A unique and delicious Indian take on tacos.”
Location: 3816 Woodruff Ave. and 2211 Palo Verde Ave.
Hours: (Woodruff location) Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ; (Palo Verde location) Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Omri in Beverly Hills: Lenny’s Casita on Pico and Robertson. “Has the best kosher tacos. The meat is all kosher, but their salsas that they make by hand, and their pickled vegetables really bring it to the next level.”
Location: 8823 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
Hours: Monday through Thursday, noon—3 p.m.; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
