Tacos (and tequila). Need we say more? This National Taco Day, the SBP team is sharing their favorite LA taco spots and the dishes they can’t resist. From classic street carts serving carne asada to inventive food trucks putting creative spins on tradition, tacos have long been more than just a meal — they’re a way to experience LA, one delicious bite after another. From hidden gems to local institutions, the SBP Team Taco Map is your insider guide to tasting the city one taco (and sip) at a time.
A Bite of History: Tacos in Los Angeles
Tacos have long been a staple of life in LA, dating back to indigenous Mexican culture, where corn was first domesticated and early taco-like foods were enjoyed long before the city existed as we now know it.
In Southern California, tacos became mainstream after World War II, fueled by a growing Mexican-American population. The 1960s brought Taco Bell, popularizing the hard-shelled taco for a wider audience. But the true LA taco scene was shaped by local innovators: in 1974, Raul Martinez Sr., an immigrant from Mexico City, launched King Taco from a converted ice cream truck in MacArthur Park, serving soft, authentic tacos like tacos al pastor. King Taco’s success helped make taco trucks a citywide staple.
Meanwhile, establishments like Tito’s Tacos (1959) popularized high-volume, California-style crunchy tacos, and Yuca’s Tacos earned recognition for authentic carnitas and carne asada. Today, Los Angeles offers an endless variety — from traditional street-style tacos to fusion creations and regional specialties — making tacos a true symbol of the city’s culinary creativity and community spirit.
The SBP Team’s Taco Map: Check Out Our Go-Tos
In celebration of National Taco Day, the SBP team is sharing their fave taco spots — and the dishes they can’t get enough of. Consider this the real insider's guide to the tastes of LA, one soft shell at a time.
