5 Best Tacos on the Westside of Los Angeles
Mexican food – a staple of Southern California cuisine. It’s almost impossible to drive a block without spotting a taco stand, taco truck, or a Taco Bell.
Although it’s not really Mexican, nor is it really food, you would be surprised at how many people consider Taco Bell traditional Mexican food (I’m looking at you my Mid-Western friends).
The point is, Mexican food is part of our culture living in Los Angeles and it’s hard to ignore. And why would you? It’s my second favorite food behind a great burger.
When Mexican food comes to mind, it’s usually in the form of carne asada tacos with onion, cilantro, and a spicy salsa; or, sometimes it’s a grilled shrimp taco with avocado, lime juice, and habañero salsa. No matter the choice, it’s always washed down with a cold beer. I prefer Dos Equis.
Although it’s not hard to find great tacos in Los Angeles, it’s tough to find a traditional taco on the Westside. With so many variations of Mexican, and too many fast food restaurants, our ability to track down a quality taco has diminished.
Fear no more. Here are the Top 5 tacos on the Westside! Play it right and you could have one of these every day of the week.
5. Fried Fish Taco from Rubio’s – Cut me some slack here. My wife would kill me if I did not include this on the list. She’s a native San Diegan (a.k.a Mexican food snob), and grew up on Rubio’s. The first store opened just down the street from where she grew up, so she has this weird connection with the place. She’s pregnant, though, so she can have whatever she wants. That means I get to have some, too. The fried fish tacos are excellent.
4. Carnitas Taco from Paco’s Tacos – Have you seen Jerry Maguire? Of course you have. Remember the scene where Cuba Gooding and Tom Cruise are having dinner by the fish tank? That’s Paco’s. Their carnitas is fantastic, which makes the carnitas tacos a favorite. They also have one of the best margaritas on the Westside, but we’ll discuss that at a later time. This is a hot-spot in Mar Vista, so be sure to get there early.
3. Sauteed Fish Taco from Frida Taqueria – This small Mexican stand is located in the Brentwood Country Mart. Before you verbally bash me for going to the Mart and not eating at Reddi Chick, I encourage you to try these tacos. They are unlike any other fish taco I’ve had — ever. These melt-in-your-mouth tacos are white fish sautéed with tomato, Serrano chile, and onion sauce. They are served HOT with a side of Spanish rice and beans. Sit outside in the courtyard at the Brentwood Country Mart; great place to enjoy fish tacos.
2. Carne Asada Taco from Tacos Por Favor – Now we’re talking authentic. It’s tough to find authentic Mexican food on the Westside, and Tacos Por Favor is just about as authentic as you’re going to get. My favorite item on the menu is the carne asada taco. Fresh meat, grilled to perfection, topped with onions and cilantro make up this delicious taco. It’s so simple, and that’s why it’s so good.
1. Shrimp Taco from La Isla Bonita Taco Truck – I agree, this taco truck craze is out of control, but this taco truck is an original. Not only that, but it sits in the same spot that it has been for years – 4th and Rose in Venice. If I told you that these tacos are perfect, would you believe me? Warm corn tortillas, shrimp, avocado, lettuce, onion, salsa, and a bit of lime juice make this my Numero Uno Taco on the Westside. That and it’s only $2.50 per taco. If you really want to jump outside your comfort zone, try the ceviche tostada for $2.00.
If you are a true taco fan and want to venture outside of the Westside “bubble” for authentic tacos, check out this blog on LA’s favorites.
I’m always looking for new places to eat, so feel free to leave suggestions in the comment section below.
Image courtesy of pheezy’s Flickr Photostream
Wheeler Coberly is an Associate Partner at Partners Trust Real Estate and community expert of Santa Monica. He is pretty much obsessed with all things food and surfing (when he can find the time.) Follow him on Twitter via @wheelercoberly.
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Great post Wheeler, that taco hunt site is unbelievable. But where is the love for Poquito Mas in Westwood?
Being the Arizona native that I am, I appreciate this information. When we first moved to LA (from San Diego), we asked David and our contractor to send us to the BEST Mexican food in town, we were sent to Casa Vega. That was a great find, but for tacos, I have found soccer tournaments have the best tacos. Tacos anyone?
Its funny. I love real estate, but not as much as food. Love the post Wheeler. And I LOVE TACOS!!! My wife is Mexican and we always say there are no good Tacos here. We will try these for sure!