Even on a gloomy June day in East Los Angeles, there are great street tacos on both sides of the 6th Street bridge. As one may expect, pop-ups on each side are quite different, bringing a regional tortilla flair with a wide variety of meats, salsas, and sazón.
Where 6th Street becomes Whittier on the Boyle Heights side of the bridge, you can find Tacos de Canasta every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2 PM until 11 PM. The stand is run by a husband-and-wife duo from Sinaloa. Their operation has been up and running for about eight months, and they’ve chosen their spot right at the end of the bridge and directly across from 7-11 because of the foot traffic that the bridge brings. They say business is good but they’ve seen other operations come and go.
The taco de chicharrón is the perfect blend of salty and sweet. With all fixings laid out on the roadside, you dress your taco how you like. The guacamole is spectacular, with the perfect shade of green and kick.
You can sit at a friendly table and chat with Maria Elena, who is ready with good conversation and a friendly smile. The colored tablecloths and the delicious smells wafting from Tacos de Canasta feel like a beacon in a particularly industrial spot. Maria Elena’s optimism is contagious even when a teen comes by and attempts to pay for a plate of tacos with prop money.