Los Angeles is often hailed as the taco capital of the United States, and the Los Angeles Times recently formalized this status with all-taco.com its first-ever 101 Best Tacos in Los Angeles guide. Published as a special physical insert on July 28, 2024, the project captures a “chaotic abundance” of taco culture, from generational family stands to Michelin-recognized storefronts.

The guide highlights several “essential” establishments that have long defined the city’s palate:

• Mariscos Jalisco: Famous for its iconic tacos dorados de camarones (crispy shrimp tacos), a legendary bite in Boyle Heights.
• Holbox: The 2023 LA Times Restaurant of the Year, located in Mercado La Paloma, is celebrated for its coastal specialties like the smoked kampachi taco.
• Villa’s Tacos: Known for its blue corn tortillas and “trio” of assorted meats, this Highland Park favorite remains a top-tier destination for modern Angelenos.
• Sonoratown: A downtown mainstay focusing on the flour-tortilla-heavy traditions of Sonora, Mexico.

The 101 list dives deep into regional styles that have found a home in SoCal:

• Barbacoa & Birria: Barbacoa Ramirez in Arleta was a standout for its pit-roasted lamb. Other notable mentions include the goat birria at Birrieria El Jaliciense in Boyle Heights.
• Al Pastor: Angel’s Tijuana Tacos is highlighted for its towering trompos and expertly sheared, pineapple-topped pork.
• Creative Outliers: The guide also embraces non-traditional bites, such as the sweet potato taco at Guerrilla Tacos and the Lebanese-influenced taco árabe.

To compile the list, the LA Times Food staff, including restaurant critic Bill Addison and reporter Stephanie Breijo, visited hundreds of vendors. In some cases, reporters ate upwards of 21 tacos in a single day to ensure every regional style and neighborhood gem was properly vetted.

For those looking to explore the full 101 list, the LA Times Store offers the original 48-page special section for purchase.