Birria Taco Favorites Everyone’s Talking About In Los Angeles

Los Angeles has become the ultimate destination for birria tacos, and food lovers can’t stop raving about them. These savory, cheese-filled tacos dipped in rich consomé have taken over the city’s food scene.

Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or weekend brunch, I’ll show you the spots that serve up the most mouthwatering birria tacos in town.

1. Birrieria San Marcos

Family recipes passed down through generations make Birrieria San Marcos stand out from newer competitors in the neighborhood. Their approach focuses on authentic Jalisco-style preparation that honors traditional cooking methods.

Each taco arrives loaded with succulent meat that’s been marinated in a complex spice blend overnight. The homemade tortillas add an extra layer of authenticity you won’t find at chain restaurants. Their consomé has a depth of flavor that comes from roasting the bones before simmering them for hours.

2. Birria Landia

Food trucks have revolutionized LA’s taco scene, and Birria Landia leads the pack with their Instagram-worthy creations. What started as a humble truck in Brooklyn expanded to Los Angeles, bringing East Coast flair to West Coast flavors.

Their mulita-style preparation sandwiches extra cheese between two tortillas for ultimate indulgence. You’ll appreciate how they torch the cheese until it gets those crispy, caramelized edges everyone loves. The portion sizes are generous, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

3. Tacos 1986

Upscale taco shops have emerged throughout LA, but Tacos 1986 maintains street food authenticity while elevating presentation. Their bright, modern locations attract both locals and tourists seeking quality over quantity.

Premium ingredients make a noticeable difference in every component of their birria tacos. The beef comes from carefully sourced cuts that ensure consistent tenderness and flavor. I recommend trying their quesabirria version, which combines the best elements of quesadillas and traditional birria tacos into one incredible dish.

4. Mexicali Taco & Co.

Fusion cuisine reaches new heights when birria meets unexpected partners at Mexicali Taco & Co. Their creative menu experiments with traditional recipes while respecting the dish’s cultural roots.

Beyond standard tacos, they offer birria ramen that combines Mexican consomé with Japanese noodles for something completely unique. The chef’s willingness to take risks results in flavor combinations that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Their regular birria tacos remain fantastic for purists who prefer classic preparations.

5. El Ruso

Street vendors represent the heart and soul of LA’s taco culture, and El Ruso has earned legendary status among birria enthusiasts. You’ll find this cart in East LA, where locals line up regardless of weather conditions.

Cash-only operations keep prices affordable without sacrificing quality or portion sizes. The no-frills approach means all attention goes into perfecting the meat’s seasoning and texture. Arriving early ensures you get tacos before they sell out, which happens almost daily.

6. Teddy’s Red Tacos

Walking past the long lines at Teddy’s Red Tacos tells you everything about how good these tacos really are. Their signature red birria gets its color from a special blend of dried chilies that pack serious flavor without overwhelming heat.

You’ll find tender beef that’s been slow-cooked for hours until it practically melts in your mouth. The crispy tortilla edges contrast beautifully with the gooey cheese inside, making every bite absolutely satisfying. I always order extra consomé for dipping because it’s that addictive.

7. Tire Shop Taqueria

Hidden gems often appear in the most unexpected places throughout Los Angeles neighborhoods. Tire Shop Taqueria operates exactly where its name suggests, serving incredible birria while mechanics work nearby.

Don’t judge this spot by its unconventional location because the flavors rival any established restaurant. Their weekend specials include extra-large quesabirria that could easily feed two hungry people. The casual atmosphere encourages conversation with fellow diners who’ve discovered this under-the-radar treasure.

8. Sonoratown

Sonoran-style cooking brings a different regional perspective to birria that many Angelenos haven’t experienced before. Flour tortillas replace corn at Sonoratown, offering a softer, chewier base for their flavorful meat.

Hand-pressed tortillas get cooked to order on a traditional comal, ensuring maximum freshness with every serving. Their birria incorporates mesquite-smoked elements that add subtle complexity to the traditional recipe. I find their approach refreshingly different from the dozens of Jalisco-style spots around town.

9. Macheen

Late-night cravings hit different when you know exactly where to satisfy them properly. Macheen stays open until the early morning hours, becoming a beacon for hungry night owls and service industry workers.

Their extended hours don’t mean compromised quality or rushed preparation techniques. Each taco gets the same attention at 2 AM as it would during dinner rush. The lively atmosphere creates a community feeling where strangers bond over shared appreciation for exceptional birria.

10. Poncho’s Tlayudas

Oaxacan cuisine adds interesting twists to familiar dishes when skilled cooks apply regional techniques. Poncho’s Tlayudas brings southern Mexican flavors to their birria interpretation, incorporating ingredients rarely seen elsewhere.

Their version includes Oaxacan cheese that melts differently than typical quesadilla cheese, creating unique texture and taste. Handmade tortillas use heirloom corn varieties that add earthy, complex notes to each bite. The restaurant’s focus on Oaxacan traditions means you’ll discover flavors that expand your birria knowledge beyond standard preparations.

11. Guisados

Braised meat specialists know how to coax maximum flavor from long, slow cooking processes. Guisados has perfected this art across multiple locations, making their birria accessible throughout Los Angeles County.

Smaller tortillas mean you can sample multiple stew options without getting too full too quickly. Their birria maintains traditional flavors while fitting into their broader menu of Mexican home-style cooking. I appreciate how they’ve scaled up without losing the homemade quality that made them popular initially.