Eating in an ad hoc restaurant in some stranger’s backyard is one of the most “only-in-L.A.” experiences you can have. Whether you live here or are just visiting, it’s absolutely thrilling to partake in the hospitality offered by a nondescript house fronting a full-scale food service operation specializing in a family recipe or regional classic.
These back-and-front yard food operations can be found in almost every block of Los Angeles, helping further distinguish it as an objective contender for the most exciting food city in the world. Working quietly below the buzz of our heavy-hitting brick-and-mortar restaurants, streetside taco stands, and legions of street food vendors, these backyard restaurants are also the most low-key food establishments in L.A., typically spread through word of mouth long before they’re exposed by food writers.
These hidden culinary treasures are rare. Locating them can feel like a treasure hunt, as you follow handpainted signage dotting a neighborhood or approaching a front door you silently pray is connected to the right address.
Once you arrive, you’ll likely be greeted with a limited menu of regional dishes, from birria to grilled, whole pescado zarandeado to southern barbecue, and even third-wave coffee. Everything will be crafted from scratch and plenty of sazón. These places often escape the radar of Google or Yelp because they focus on serving their immediate communities, acting as a lifeline for underrepresented cooks, chefs, and micro-entrepreneurs.
If you’ve been lucky enough to stumble into these informal establishments, you’ve probably felt a responsibility not to burn out these precious bastions of L.A.’s food culture by telling the whole world or making viral videos. They are meant to be enjoyed in person and mindfully.
Despite many requests to publish this guide, L.A. TACO has been somewhat protective of the places herein due to this feeling. However, we wanted to share it with our small, loyal pool of paid members, as we appreciate your support (and know you to be fine, non-NARCs).