[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap] have roots in the South Bay, Harbor Area, and San Pedro. For my high school prom, I drove all the way from Lynwood to Omelette and Waffle in San Pedro. Almost every Angeleno has fond memories of eating seafood at the San Pedro pier. Most of my 20s were spent working in this huge area of Los Angeles. I worked at a now-defunct taxi company that serviced the South Bay when I was in college. After that I worked as a driver delivering packages from the Amazon overlords in Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and Torrance. Then as a medical scribe in the Gundo for a few years. In other words, I have a real fondness for this part of L.A. because I spent most of my adult life here.
But I have a confession, I never got to really explore the taco scene in the area.
So this list was an investigation to find out what tacos the South Bay, Harbor area, San Pedro, and Willmington are eating. From the tacos only found in restaurants at the beach cities like Manhattan and Hermosa, to the many OaxaCalifornia taqueros in Wilmington, and the various loncheras that set up in the evening on Hawthorne or Crenshaw Boulevard. This is one of the most requested lists we get here at L.A. TACO, and I’m here to present the first comprehensive look at tacos in the South Bay. To finally plug that huge hole in our coverage, by someone who really cares about the area.
But most importantly, this is a chronicle of how vast Mexican food is in LA., from L.A.X. down to the coast, it is EVERYWHERE. As Chicano Batman says in Invisible People, “Best believe we’re taking over.”
Carson
Top Shelf Tacos is located in a plaza next to a Domino’s, Metro PCS, dollar store, and a recently built Latinx grocery store. The space is pretty large and the menu consists of general taco fare, like tacos, sopes, burritos, tortas, and asada fries. This is the kind of place that’s ideal for a quick lunch, maybe during a work break. The South Bay burrito is their take on the California burrito, heavy with meat, grilled onions, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and fries. As for tacos, the asada is a solid, chopped pellets of seasoned beef, the al pastor, while not shaved from a trompo the pork is covered in a red adobo at least. They also have a full salsa bar, filled with various salsas, the aguacate salsa is the best.
23551 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90745
El Segundo
Sausal is located in Downtown El Segundo next to a Rock n' Brews and a cupcake shop. This restaurant specializes in Mexican food and a local hang-out to grab a bite and a tamarindo margarita. The menu is full of botanas, like chips and salsa, elote, queso fundido, and empanadas. But you’re really here for the tacos, which they call “street tacos.” The crispy fish taco is formidable with an airy crunch, the kind of food that reminds you you’re close to the beach. The potato rajas taco places smashed fingerling potato, with rajas cream, repollo, and habanero salsa. Sausal is the kind of place where you might end up if you’re in the Gundo, or just dropped someone off at the airport, with not much expectations, and end up having a good time.
219 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Gardena
One of the many taco trucks parked along Crenshaw Boulevard, Doty’s Tacos is one of Gardena’s most popular taquerías. This huge lonchera with religious iconography plastered on the side serves 10 different proteins. The al pastor is cooked with onions giving it a sweetness. In addition to the various protein options, they also have birria tacos. They’re open late-night every day and the lines can get long, so be prepared.
14602-14400, Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249
Tacos El Parque has the same vibe as a Tacos Mexico shop but the tacos are much better. A short walk away from the Hustler Casino in Gardena, El Parque is a classic taquería. This local spot offers the usual taco and taco-adjacent options but they also sell mariscos. Each taco comes on a bright yellow tortilla and is stacked together on a paper plate, to simulate that taco stand feel. The perfect place to come after winning big at the casino. But let’s say you’re in the hole 6k and you’ve hit rock bottom and your wife and kids are leaving you, a taco from El Parque definitely can’t make things worse. Gamble responsibly, in other words.
Harbor Area
All the food that we grew up on has a special significance that can’t be translated outside of a particular moment or place. For me, El Antojito is one of those places. I’ve had too many tacos that I’ve enjoyed and eaten too many fresas con crema to not have a soft spot for El Antojito. In the pandemic, they became a multi-pronged lonchera operation, one for food, one for antojitos, and one for drinks. Each taco comes loaded with your choice of protein, onions, cilantro, salsa, and lettuce. Yes, lettuce is an odd choice for a taco but it’s hardly noticeable. It tends to provide a hint of a vegetal presence but not enough to make a difference. Instead it’s more of a taquería quirk. The tortas cubanas at Antojito have a cult following and are my favorite in the city, with asada, al pastor, head cheese, panela, ham, lettuce, and a side of (mandatory) grilled onions. You cannot leave this place without getting an order of fresas con crema because it is absolutely the best in the city. In a clear plastic cup goes sweetened yogurt spiced with cinnamon layered in between cut strawberries. If you listen closely, Strawberry Fields Forever by the Beatles will fill the air in between each bite; and if it doesn’t you could always sing it.
16717 S Figueroa St, Gardena, CA 90248
One of the many OaxaCalifornia taquerias that dot PCH from Western to Avalon. Eddy’s sets up in a parking lot in the evening and they shave al pastor right from a trompo topped with a slice of pineapple. Eddy’s Tacos serves Oaxacan favorites like alambres, crimson sliced pork glued together with melted cheese. Along with al pastor they have tripas, buche, lengua, cabeza, and chorizo. If you’re looking for a carb supplement they also have a papa rellena which is served with tortillas, so you can make tacos at your own pace.
Hawthorne
Driving down Crenshaw, you’ll see an orange truck with a stoic steer; a signal that birria is near. This lonchera is a spin-off of Birrieria Gomez in Lennox, using the same birria sazón and adobo. If you’re pulling up physically, make sure to bring cash, otherwise, you can use Doordash to place an order. I know, didn’t make sense to me either, but don’t let that deter you from getting your taco dorado fix. The tacos dorados are the best way to experience their birria, crunchy tortillas filled with stringy birria, and a salsa that feels like a distant cousin to Tapatio. On its own, the consomé is lacking, but once you add salsa the broth really wakes up giving it a much-needed kick.
13439 Crenshaw Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250
Inglewood
Gustavo Chavez started cooking carnitas in his backyard in Hawthorne and a few months ago, they opened their first brick and mortar in Inglewood. Chavez is a 3rd generation carnitas-maker and his son Kevin is continuing that tradition while also being one of the youngest taquero stars. Besides the excellent carnitas, what is most admirable about Chavez is that he opens his space up to local vendors, giving them a place to sell. At El Artista you can get carnitas in a taco, burrito, chilaquiles, torta, quesadilla, sope, gordita, and even an empanada. Equally good is their menudo that has bouncy cuts of beef stomach and a concentrated caldo.
510 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
Lennox
Taco Dollar is an example of a taquería that deserves respect for its commitment to value and service to its communities. A reliable taquería that is known for selling $1 tacos, a handmade tortilla will cost an extra dollar. In the evening, north of the 105 freeway, you’ll see Hawthorne Blvd light up with taco trucks. Taco Dollar is one of the OG places to get tacos in Lennox, or if you’re looking to satisfy a late-night taco craving.
10909 Hawthorne Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90304
Let’s say you flew into L.A. just to try this birria thing everyone is talking about, well fret not because Birriería Gomez is a short drive away from LAX. One of the first birria de res taquerías in the South Bay, meeting this community's beefy desires. Parked curbside on La Cienega this lonchera is known for their cheesy quesatacos and quesadillas but you can get birria ramen, burritos, keto tacos, tortas, and birria plates. My go-to will always be tacos dorados, crunchy plancha-seared tortillas insulated with strands of red beef.
10670 S La Cienega Blvd, Lennox, CA 90304
This underground restaurant by Sergio Peñuelas, aka the “Snook Whisperer” is one of the best places to get mariscos in L.A. You could get tacos de marlin and be happy but the thing to get here is ceviches and aguachiles, or even a pescado or camaron zarandeado if you’re feeling real good. Peñuelas cut his teeth at Coni’Seafood and Cheko El Rey del Sarandeado after that, leaving a trail of grilled and flakey pescados everywhere he goes. His latest venture is a restaurant at his Lennox home where he serves all his specialties. Make sure to chat him up and ask if he’s serving any specials like ceviche de callo de hacha (penshell clams) or whatever fresh catch he’s got in his fridge.
Follow Sergio Peñuelas on Instagram and send him a DM to get the address to this underground spot.
Lawndale
For an area that’s so close to the beach, the South Bay only has a few good fish taco options and Ensenada Surf n Turf is one of those. With locations all over the South Bay, this taquería has long been the outpost to get Baja-style tacos in the area. While you could order ceviche or burritos or cóctel de camarón, the main draw at this spot is the fish and shrimp tacos. Each one comes fully garnished with golden fried fish or shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, and a crema-mayo hybrid. One of their trademarks, like many other Baja style taquerias, is the heavily seasoned blistered chiles güeros. While they could use a tortilla upgrade, they continue to be one of the few places in the South Bay to get a fish taco. On Tuesdays, their busiest days, the fish tacos are only two bucks.
4749 Artesia Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260
Alondra Park
This taquería materializes in the evening, parked on the curb of Redondo Beach Boulevard, right in front of a golf course. Their logo is an anthropomorphic trompo with a mustache carrying tacos, which invites all sorts of questions about cannibalism. The first thing you’ll notice is a roaring flame licking the trompo pork as the taquero swiftly shaves thin slices. On any given night, you might notice a mound of meat and cheese with chopped peppers and onions, some lucky person ordered an alambre. But most folks come for the simple comforts of a burrito filled with al pastor or asada which they grill over flame. But if you’re in the mood for something a little different, they have papas rellenas, a potato wrapped in foil topped with cheese and meat.
15119 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249
Manhattan Beach
Eating tacos at the beach isn’t like eating tacos anywhere in the rest of inland Los Angeles. They offer various antojitos and potent cocktails if you’re looking for a drink and a vibe. The chicken nuggets in a thin breading covered in a sweet soy sauce and sliced serranos were especially good. The pastrami taco starts with a flour tortilla, slices of pastrami, topped with slaw and a mustard sauce made with Manzano chiles. It is unconventional but worth a try. The Baja-style cod taco is crunchy and airy while the asada has a hint of smoke. This spot definitely feels a little gabacho, except without the dreaded metal taco holders. If you can get over the name of the place, the tacos were much better than expected. During the meal, you’ll be reminded, maybe after a few frozen margaritas, that you’re a short distance from the beach, all part of the taco-eating ambiance.
1129 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Another entry that’s both a chain and a restaurant where you can find decent tacos. At this busy eatery, you can see the beach and sunset while scarfing down tacos on their patio. Simmzy’s has a reputation for their burgers but the tacos were a pleasing surprise. The blackened cod is the star with meaty white fish and a taste of smoky charred spices. The grilled shrimp taco has chopped shrimp, lime crema, and red salsa, a nice alternative to a fried shrimp taco. This is the kind of taco experience that hits best after a day out at the beach, a good place to wind down from soaking in the sun.
229 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Lomita
El Jacalito is a local Lomita restaurant that specializes in Oaxacan food. The tlayudas are served on a large plate and are the size of a small pizza. Each one is topped with black beans, quesillo, avocado, tomatoes, and cabbage. The cecina is a bright red pork filet with faint scorch marks. The tacos de barbacoa is also an excellent option, fat rolled tortillas covered in a thick red sauce topped with cilantro and limes. Inside the tortillas is soft goat meat that soaks up the sauce. They also serve freshly fried chips with salsa to whet your appetite as you wait for your food. El Jacalito proves that OaxaCalifornia extends down to the South Bay.
24609 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717
Redondo Beach
This taquería has a simple concept: Tacos and ceviche. Each taco is fully dressed but all five are distinct with their own construction. The carne asada is modeled after the perron: flour tortilla with melted cheese, asada, onions, cilantro, salsa de aguacate and roja, and pinto beans. The turkey carnitas features succulent poultry on a corn tortilla with two salsas, avocado, and verde. It has a pronounced turkey flavor but with the acidity and freshness of a taco. The beer-battered swordfish taco draws inspiration from Baja with a crunchy shell and one of the best fish tacos in the South Bay. They have a sweet potato and mushroom taco if you’re looking to skip the meat, which has salsa macha made with pecans. The al pastor is shaved from a spit and topped with pineapple for that tangy-sweet contrast. This is one of the best places to get tacos in the South Bay.
1223 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
One of the South Bay’s favorite breakfast burritos but get there early because they close at 2 PM. Located right off PCH, Phanny’s has the appeal of a local burger spot, the kind of joint where you make your first deep connections to food. Of course, they have burgers but the real reason you and everyone else are here is for the breakfast burritos. While you could certainly go with classics like bacon, ham, or sausage, they also have proteins like soyrizo and carne asada. They even serve Stumptown coffee, a detail that suggests an eye towards modernity, giving their customers a taste of specialty(ish) coffee. Each breakfast burrito includes your choice of breakfast meat, eggs, hash browns, cheese, and a mild tomato salsa. They even have croissant sandwiches if that’s your vibe. Get there early and bring cash.
1021 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Torrance
Tom’s Tacos is the South Bay’s version of Tito’s Tacos, except something about them, feels like rooting for the underdog. You won’t see the same lines as Tito’s but you will find consistently crunchy tacos with cold cheddar cheese, and three salsas: mild tomato, guacamole, and spicy verde. They have a nostalgic charm that makes you feel like you’ve been eating them your whole life. They make you imagine a South Bay existence, where you're a few crunchy bites away from satisfaction. While the other guys might have a catchy commercial, I’m the taco Don Draper and eating these tacos makes me wish I could give the world a Tom’s Taco.
4669 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Where Hawthorne Boulevard meets PCH is a birriería called Tacos El Goloso known for selling birria de res. Tacos El Goloso is one of the fastest-growing birrierías, specifically catering to the South Bay and Harbor area with four locations and one recently opened in Hermosa Beach. By far their most popular item is an order of tacos dorados which comes with a cup of consomé for dipping purposes. The cheesy and beefy birria tacos are proof that the birria boom made it all the way to the South Bay.
Multiple locations
West Carson
This taquería chain specializes in micheladas and Baja-style mariscos. The inside of the West Carson location is made to look like a beach shack in Rosarito with a fake thatched roof and blue picnic tables. The micheladas come in a giant frosty glass mug and can be made with all your favorite Constellation Brands-owned beers. Close your eyes and imagine you’re in Rosarito in between sips of the miche. Their Baja fish tacos are one of their most popular items and definitely their best taco and on Wednesdays, they’re on special for $1.69 each.
1151 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90502
Wilmington
I tend to get this Spider-sense feeling when there’s a TJ-style taquería nearby, but really I just followed the plumes of smoke. Taqueria El Compita is part of a night market in Wilmas that sets up on PCH and Fig. Like many TJ-style taquerias the line starts at the tortilleras, who will ask if you’re getting anything more complicated than a taco, like a quesadilla or vampiro, so they can press the masa fresh. On the night I visited, their flame went out but one of the taqueras whipped out a hairdryer, instantly reviving the flame. That kind of Mexican ingenuity alone is enough to earn them a spot on this list but their food is also exceptional. The lines tend to get long at this taco stand but what that communicates is a real hunger and interest for Tijuana-style tacos by the community. The vampiros feature crisp but brittle tostadas with cheese and are particularly good with mesquite-grilled asada.
799-771 Gulf Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744
The other main attraction at the night market that sets up on PCH and Fig in Wilmington is Tacos Guelaguetza. On weekends you’ll see a long line of hungry patrons patiently waiting for al pastor tacos. Along with the trompo they also have a choricera where they cook suadero and buche in a vat of simmering oil. Another Oaxacan-owned taquería proving that OaxaCalifornia extends to all corners of Los Angeles. Each al pastor taco is topped with a small slice of pineapple, the tripas are extra crunchy, and the chorizo has a nice kick of spice. Sprinkle on a bit of all four salsas and order of pineapple agua wash it all down.
What more is there to say about Leo’s Tacos? One of the most celebrated Oaxacan-owned taquerías most known for their al pastor tacos. They have a location in Wilmington and join the various Oaxacalifornia taqueros in the city. If you’re looking for something larger in format, the alambres with protein, cheese, onions, bell peppers, and pineapple is a popular choice. Pretty soon, Leo’s will open another location on the moon.
Multiple locations
This Oaxacan style taquería sets up on Fries Avenue and PCH in Wilmington. They’re known for their al pastor tacos which they shave from a spit and grill their asada over coals. Their logo is two steers with their arms crossed with their back to a flaming trompo, like a buddy cop movie about al pastor tacos. On the plancha, you’ll see mounds of asada (which is really just 'bistec' if we're being technical since it is not over mesquite or a grill) being finished off, a flour tortilla with cheese melting, and a pool of al pastor covered in cheese for alambres. They even have loaded potatoes for those who need extra carbs. Make sure to grab some onions with habanero for an extra kick.
1400 N Fries Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744
Hidden in a residential area next to a park is a dope Mexican restaurant called Montoya’s. Montoya’s is a community favorite. The first thing you’ll notice is a mural of a mariachi group and a man in a cowboy hat drinking. Montoya’s is best known for their Oso burrito, a giant burrito filled with your choice of protein, like say chile verde, along with eggs, avocado, cheese, beans, onions, and cilantro. The kind of burrito that makes you feel like you’re a Wilmington local. To complete the ritual, grab a Screecher drink, which is highlighter green and is made by combining their agua de limón and piña.
1133 N Watson Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744
San Pedro
The Chori-Man
If you ever find yourself in San Pedro and have a craving for a breakfast burrito, Chori-Man is the place to go. Chori-Man is one of L.A.’s most celebrated chorizos, you can find it at places like Sonoratown or even local pizzeria Buratino’s, which feature it on a pizza. They offer four different types of chorizos: Zacatecano red, Tolucan green, Argentinian, and Maple Habanero. Try them in a taco, quesadilla, and, the reason why you’re probably here, breakfast burrito. The original Chori-Man breakfast burrito is classic comida casera, chorizo con papas, and eggs (add beans to complete the homey feel). You can even get a burrito stuffed with a chile relleno, and green chorizo and frijoles. If you’re looking for coffee, they’re right next door to Colossus, might as well grab a pastry too.
2309 S Alma St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Tacos Jalisco
Tacos Jalisco has two locations, one on Gaffey and one on Pacific. The one on Pacific Ave reminds me of “La Pacific” in Huntington Park. A strip filled with shops and Mexican restaurants. Next door to Tacos Jalisco is a pawn shop with several bikes and old trinkets in the window, creating an oddly comforting image of an unmistakable Latino neighborhood. The food at Taco Jalisco is classic Mexican, with 15 different signs that announce specials but have been left up so long that they become part of the menu. The tacos could use better tortillas but they’re still satisfying especially after spending a day-tripping out on all the marine creatures at the San Pedro tide pools.
740 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
1202 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
This taquería makes tasty crunchy tacos served with a thin avocado salsa that inspires a strong sense of nostalgia. The crunchy tacos are covered with lettuce and cold Colby jack and the tortillas are oily from the fry. These crunchy tacos at Muy Pronto’s are like if Taco Bell freshly fried their tortillas. The burritos are a popular choice, but they also have chiles rellenos, tamales, chilaquiles, and even tortas. It is Cal-Mex at its finest, operating from a place of nostalgia and comfort.
1432 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
Ranchos Palos Verdes
Let's say you just finished a hike in RPV and are craving Mexican food, well Tomatillo Grill is there to meet those needs. Tomatillo Grill is a Mexican restaurant in an RPV shopping plaza owned by the De Alva family. The ordering system is like a deli, where you see all the options and can add various proteins, salsas, and toppings. The taquitos, or flautas, are one of their specialties, make sure to add guacamole, cojita cheese, crema, and salsa verde. Even at the most southern point of LA, you can find Mexican food.
31218 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
