Lately, as I've been making stops around the Arts District, I've noticed something.
There are many taco shops promoting different regional cuisines. Then it occurred to me that it would be a great opportunity to do a homemade taco scroll with friends.
You'll find a little bit of everything here, from the best crunchy tacos in Los Angeles to a hidden taco window serving one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city.
All of these spots are located within the Arts District, making it easy to get to for a bite to eat or a taco tour.
detroit taqueria
For years we've heard stories about how great it is. detroit taqueriaa window behind something equally good Damien, owned by chef Enrique Olivera and Casamata. (The walk-up window is hidden across the parking lot, just a short walk from Malu Coffee.) When we finally trekked out for lunch, it was a moment we had been waiting for for a long time, but… The experience did not disappoint. It offers the same atmosphere as its upscale sister restaurant in taco form.
When we visited, we tried the suadero tacos, which are similar to brisket. This was one of the finest examples of this cut that we came across during our trip to Mexico City, falling in love with it. Think slightly confit protein dripping with flavor. Another of his favorites in Detroit is the vegetarian Japanese eggplant taco. The eggplant is cut lengthwise and topped with thinly sliced ​​cabbage, a dollop of pico de gallo, and cream to resemble fish his tacos. genius.
position: 2117 Violet St., Los Angeles
time: Wednesday to Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
Chuy's Tacos Dorados
Located in the busy area of ​​Willow Street, parking can be difficult to find. Chuy's Taco Dorados It's worth paying $5 for parking on private property. (If I'm lucky, I can double park and leave, as many people do.)
No matter how you get there, you'll be enjoying crunchy taco bliss in no time. Individually wrapped in foil, these hard shell tacos are loaded with your favorite protein. This time, I chose the carne molina, which is made with fried beef, fries, and ground beef with chipotle.
The tacos are stuffed with shredded lettuce and mounds of golden grated cheese, then topped with thin slices of lime-pickled white onion. Slather your tacos with salsa, act like you're not afraid of the devil, and take a bite. What happens next is the sound of fried tortillas crumbling, crust plates shifting in your mouth, and flavors trembling.
position: 1335 Willow St., Los Angeles
time: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
guerrilla tacos
A stop at Guerrilla Tacos while visiting the Arts District is almost like taking Fountain Avenue to Hollywood. We would be remiss if we didn't include this pantheon of Alta Baja cuisine, founded by Chef Wes Avila and now helmed by Brittney Valles and her partner/head chef Crystal Espinoza. Sho.
Relax at the bar, stocked with a wide selection of mezcals. From the OG taco menu to seasonal specials, we have so many options to choose from. But if you've never been here before, start with the classics.
Much has been said about Guerrilla's sweet potato tacos, as they are one of Los Angeles' most lauded dishes. Blue corn tortillas stuffed with tiny sweet potato chunks, cooked with crunchy bits of fried corn kernels, fresh crumbles of feta, and an almond and cashew salsa, are always a delight to the senses. Another favorite is the picadillo pocho his tacos. (The term “pocho” refers to a person of Mexican descent who is assimilated and does not speak Spanish.)
Filled with boar picadillo, potatoes, peas and carrots. The tacos are a perfect example of what GT does best: elevating Mexican-American home cooking and giving it the full respect it deserves.
position: 2000 E. 7th St., Los Angeles
time: Sunday to Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.
Don Polon
Just a few steps from the Detroit Taqueria is Don Polon. So the question is, what goes well with tacos? about it. The answer is ribs. Specializing in Tijuana-style tacos, his DP also specializes in authentic grilled meat dishes. With locations on the Atlantic Coast in East Los Angeles and a truck parked in Santa Fe, you'll probably find some of the best taco toppings you've never heard of, including ribs, pollo asado, and even bone marrow.
Also try the signature sauce made from barbecued habanero and the exquisite peanut salsa, which is reminiscent of the flavor of the Filipino peanut stew known as kare-kare. Even better is the fiery red salsa. This delivers a blistering heat that leaves you wanting more after a few bites of the taco. The tacos themselves are the perfect size, not too big or small, and fit perfectly in your hand, and are stuffed with your choice of chorizo ​​or al pastor. And it includes just the right amount of bark from time spent on an open mesquite grill.
loki
LOQUI was founded by two former employees of Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. We currently have locations in Playa Vista, Culver City, and the Arts District. Our walk-up counter is tucked away near Creation Juicery, just beyond the beautiful outdoor area where you place your order. You can choose between corn or flour tortillas for your tacos. We love the variety of tortillas and we love the flavor of our tortillas.
A sumptuous vegetarian menu, especially the Anaheim chili tacos with a cheese crust known as “costla,” perfectly layered with pinto beans, guacamole, white onions, cilantro, and red salsa. When you take a bite of this taco, it feels like the taco gods are smiling back at you.
position: 803 Traction Ave., #150, Los Angeles
time: Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Do you have questions about food in LA or want to tell us?
Gab Chabrán reports and edits stories about food and its place in LA's diverse cultures and communities. Are you interested in a particular local cuisine or have a favorite hidden gem recommendation? Looking for a great place to take the kids for lunch? We want to hear from you. Please contact me.