It’s funny how life can give you the best things so randomly.
It was the summer of 2023, and I was roaming around Centinela Avenue in the Westside LA. I was struggling to find my internet provider’s free WiFi hotspots. I gave up and decided to call the customer service for Cox en español. Just when I got through to the operator, I came across a tan building. The roof was filled with colorful flags that instantly caught my attention.
The label read Paco’s Tacos Cantina, and as fate would have it, I decided to go inside because I wanted a break from the LA sun.
It still feels surreal how life gave me the best ever tacos ever so randomly.
To honor my memory of that fateful afternoon, I am sharing my top picks from LA’s Mexican food scene below so you can have a similar association with LA food, like me.
· Alejandra’s Quesadilla Cart
Located in Echo Park, this cart has been around for a while. Like 20 years or so. Alejandra, the lady who runs the cart, started with a rickety gridle and didn’t even have a name. Her cart was initially referred to as the Blue Corn Quesadilla Cart at Echo Park. I went there because a bunch of Reddit users were raving about it.
The blue corn masa quesadillas are simply life-changing. You can choose from a bunch of fillings like chicharron made with salsa roja, squash blossoms, and the earthy huitlacoche. These fillings are intrinsically Mexican and so different from the usual chicken and beef fillings. Lastly, their red and green salsas are a game changer, poured on hot crispy quesadillas.
· Al & Bea’s
Located in Boyle Heights, this hole-in-the-wall eatery is considered a Mexican staple in LA. The eatery is more than 50 years old and has made its mark in the city. But I must warn you, it is a headache to find parking. However, once you enter the outdoor sitting area, you are instantly transported to 50 years ago. With retro music playing in the background, the place will make you feel like you are at your abuela’s.
The bean and cheese burritos are Al & Bea’s classic, but I can die for their Combo Burritos. Needless to say, all their burritos are packed with filling that will drip down your hands. Make sure you order fries to have them with the filling later. Also, their Tacos and Tostadas are worth trying too.
If you do plan on visiting, avoid going there on Mondays as they are closed.
Chiquis Taco Truck
If you go to Vine Street in the Hollywood area, you will see a funky green truck selling the best tacos ever. Specializing in Tacos al pastor, their tacos come with a variety of toppings, Pineapple, cilantro, lime, cheese, salsa, roasted peppers – you name it, they’ve got it.
I love that they shave the juicy, tender meat off the spit and cook it a bit more on the griddle to give it a little crisp. They have all the toppings lined up in front of the truck, so you can just go around and top your tacos to your heart’s content. I love their Asada fries – crispy French fries topped with carne asada and cheese – a combo to die for.
Holbox
I am not the only one who’s crazy about this particular food place. Others are too. This is the reason it made it onto to the LA Times’ 101 Best Restaurants in California. Not to mention, it has been featured in the Michelin Guide as well. What makes it so special? Well, the best ever seafood with a Mexican twist. You will find the Holbox counter inside Mercado la Paloma, in South LA.
Apart from the fact that they have tasting menu dinners with an extensive 8-course menu, Holbox also offers Mexican seafood infused with Baja Californian flavors. Their ceviches and tacos are already the talk of the town. But my favorite is their Octopus tacos and the Smoked Kanpachi Taco. Raw or cooked, seafood will tell you if it’s fresh or not, and the one available at Holbox screams freshness in the area.
However, expect a line because it is pretty popular. Plus, there is no designated seating because it is more of an order-at-the-counter vibe.
These food places can transport you to Mexico with their amazing flavors. The best part is that none of these will drain your pockets.
Feliz comiendo!