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Taco Stands and Restaurants

4.5
·6k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

Iconic LA taco trucks serving up authentic Mexican flavors, from legendary al pastor to tender carnitas. A must-try street food experience!

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late evenings

Midnight cravings solved!

CrowdMedium
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Various Taco Stands/Restaurants - Image 1

Taco Stands and Restaurants

Best Time

Late evenings

Midnight cravings solved!

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic LA taco trucks serving up authentic Mexican flavors, from legendary al pastor to tender carnitas. A must-try street food experience!

4.5
(6k reviews)

"Leo's Tacos Truck is a real standout among its peers."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash! 💰

Many popular taco trucks, like Leo's, are cash-only or accept Zelle. Have bills ready!

Pineapple is Key 🍍

Don't forget to ask for the grilled pineapple with your al pastor tacos – it's a game-changer!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor

Leo's Tacos Truck

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, shaved thin and served with pineapple. A true LA street food icon.

TikTok
Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas Tacos

Leo's Tacos Truck

Slow-cooked, tender pork that's a favorite for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

TikTok
Lengua Tacos

Lengua Tacos

Leo's Tacos Truck

Beef tongue, slow-cooked until incredibly tender and flavorful. A must-try for adventurous eaters.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Cash is King (Mostly)

While some taco trucks are going digital, many still prefer cash. Leo's Tacos Truck, a popular spot, is cash-only or accepts Zelle. Always have some cash on hand to avoid ATM fees or disappointment. TikTok

Beat the Rush for Peak Flavor

Taco trucks are often best when fresh off the grill. Visiting during off-peak hours can mean less waiting and potentially juicier meat, as some reviews mention dryness when the truck is busy. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late evenings
Why
Midnight cravings solved!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less crowds, fresher tacos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

After 5 YEARS living in LA, I FINALLY tried @leostacostruck on La Brea and Venice in Mid City. When I arrived, there was a line of people ordering their food, plus more people at tables and others just eating in their cars 😳 Looks like this place is a MUST‼️ Where else should we go?? 👀 elite eats only! Leo’s Tacos Truck 📍1515 S La Brea Ave (Venice & La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90019 Hours: Sun-Thurs...
@chrys_no_i
277 likes • 4.9K views

Bring Cash! 💰

Many popular taco trucks, like Leo's, are cash-only or accept Zelle. Have bills ready! TikTok

Pineapple is Key 🍍

Don't forget to ask for the grilled pineapple with your al pastor tacos – it's a game-changer! TikTok

Never take Korean to taco truck 📍Leo’s Tacos Truck #mukbang #tacotruck #mexicanfood #tiktoklive #losangeles
@gun.kr
703 likes • 5.1K views
Hands down one of the best tacos al pastor out there! A piece of taco costs only $2.52. #california #losangeles #mexican #tacos
@mr.drumr
41 likes • 1.2K views

Toppings Galore! 🥕

Load up on onions, cilantro, and your favorite salsas for the ultimate taco experience. TikTok

Parking Patience 🚗

Street parking can be tight, especially when trucks are busy. Be prepared to circle or walk a bit. Reddit

Always pass this place and finally stopped #tacos #taco #tacotuesday #alpastor #la #lafood
@callmebelly
1.3K likes • 43.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash! 💰

Many popular taco trucks, like Leo's, are cash-only or accept Zelle. Have bills ready! TikTok

Pineapple is Key 🍍

Don't forget to ask for the grilled pineapple with your al pastor tacos – it's a game-changer! TikTok

Toppings Galore! 🥕

Load up on onions, cilantro, and your favorite salsas for the ultimate taco experience. TikTok

Parking Patience 🚗

Street parking can be tight, especially when trucks are busy. Be prepared to circle or walk a bit. Reddit

Try the Lengua 👌

If you're feeling adventurous, the beef tongue tacos are surprisingly tender and delicious. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Leo's Tacos Truck is a beloved LA institution, frequently praised for its legendary al pastor tacos and authentic street food experience. While many rave about the flavors and value, some find the meat can be dry at times, and parking can be a hassle. Despite minor critiques, it remains a top destination for satisfying late-night cravings and experiencing classic LA street tacos.

"Maybe I'm easy to please as a west coast native currently living on the east coast and constantly wishing there were amazing tacos in my city... but whatever the reason... Leo's was bomb. I got the al pastor tacos and ate them on the hood of my rental. I know LA has no shortage of tacos, taco trucks, taco shops, and everything taco related... but Leo's Taco Truck is a real standout among its peers."

Curtis Stone - The Realtor

"This place takes cash and Zelle only! There is an ATM in the gas station right there, but just a heads up.

I enjoyed the California burrito with Al pastor, but regret ordering it because I think I would have gotten more meat with a regular burrito. Flavor was there, but I would say this place is a little overrated especially for a $15 burrito.

Parking was a little cramped but a long street nearby for street parking.

Food filled me up and the salsa selection hit the spot. Overall 4 stars as the food was good, but definitely worse than the other reviews hyped it up to be."

Theodore Wu

"What can I say? Still showing love to Leo's Taco Truck on Venice and La Brea after so many years. Parking can be a bit difficult when it is packed. I ordered Tacos al pastor and a Sope de cabeza. It used to be cash only but you can also Zelle. I either come to this location or the one in Echo Park. Always hits the spot."

Omar

What People Like

Legendary al pastor
Authentic street food
Late-night availability

What People Dislike

Occasional dry meat
Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Leo's Tacos Truck has multiple locations, with a popular one at 1515 S La Brea Ave (corner of Venice & La Brea) in Mid-City, Los Angeles. TikTok It's accessible by car, and street parking can be found nearby, though it might be challenging during peak hours. Reddit

Parking can be a bit cramped, especially at popular spots like Leo's. Street parking is often available on nearby streets, but be prepared to search for a spot. Reddit

Look for trucks with a line – it's usually a good sign! Social media, like TikTok and Instagram, is also a great resource for discovering popular and highly-rated taco stands. TikTok

Absolutely! Many taco trucks, including Leo's, are open late, making them perfect for satisfying those midnight cravings after a night out. TikTok

For authentic flavors, look for trucks specializing in regional Mexican cuisine like al pastor, carnitas, and lengua. Leo's Tacos Truck is frequently cited for its excellent al pastor. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Many taco trucks, including Leo's Tacos Truck, are cash-only or accept payment via apps like Zelle. It's always best to have cash on hand. TikTok

No, taco stands are typically street food vendors, so there are no entrance fees. You simply pay for the food you order. TikTok

Prices can vary, but many popular trucks offer tacos for around $2.50-$4.00 each. Larger items like burritos can range from $10-$15. TikTokReddit

Hours vary greatly by truck. Some are open for lunch and dinner, while others, like Leo's, are known for their late-night service. Check their social media for the most up-to-date hours. TikTok

Pre-ordering is not common for most traditional taco trucks. It's usually a walk-up and order system, so be prepared to wait in line. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Tacos al Pastor are legendary, known for their flavorful marinade and pineapple topping. Carnitas and Lengua are also highly recommended. TikTok+2

Standard toppings include chopped onions, cilantro, various salsas (mild to spicy), and sometimes a squeeze of lime. Some trucks offer additional options. TikTok

Traditional taco trucks primarily focus on meat fillings. Some may offer cheese or bean options, but dedicated vegan or vegetarian tacos are less common. TikTok

A taco truck is a mobile food vendor, while a taqueria is a brick-and-mortar restaurant specializing in tacos. Both can offer delicious authentic Mexican food. TikTok

Visiting during less busy times can help. Some reviews suggest meat can be dry if the truck is very busy or has been serving for a long time. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for trucks with vibrant signage and a lively atmosphere. Capturing the action of the taquero preparing the tacos, especially al pastor, makes for great shots. TikTok+1

Focus on the vibrant colors of the ingredients – the red of the al pastor, the green of the cilantro, and the various salsas. Natural light is usually best. TikTok

Leo's Tacos Truck, with its iconic trompo and bustling setup, is a popular subject for photos and videos. TikTok+1

Shots of people enjoying tacos on the hood of their car, the vibrant street scene, and close-ups of the delicious tacos themselves all contribute to the authentic LA vibe. TikTok

Popular hashtags include #tacos #tacotruck #lafood #losangelesfood #streetfood #mexicanfood #alpastor #carnitas #leostacostruck.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Taco trucks can be a fun and affordable dining option for families. Kids often enjoy the casual atmosphere and the familiar flavors of tacos. Leo's Tacos Truck is a great choice, offering crowd-pleasing options like al pastor and carnitas. TikTok+1 While seating might be limited, the experience of eating street food can be an adventure for children. Remember to bring cash, as many trucks don't accept cards, and consider ordering a variety of tacos to let everyone sample different flavors. TikTok

💸 Budget Travelers

For travelers on a budget, taco trucks are a goldmine. You can enjoy a hearty and delicious meal for a fraction of the cost of a restaurant. TikTok At Leo's Tacos Truck, individual tacos are priced affordably, allowing you to mix and match your favorites without breaking the bank. TikTok Bringing cash can also help you avoid potential card processing fees. Look for trucks that offer combo deals or family packs if you're traveling with a group.

🌃 Late-Night Foodies

Los Angeles is known for its vibrant nightlife, and taco trucks are the perfect companions for late-night cravings. Many trucks, including Leo's Tacos Truck, stay open well past midnight, serving up hot and fresh tacos to fuel your evening adventures. TikTok The convenience of a quick, delicious meal from a truck is unbeatable after a concert, sporting event, or a night out on the town. Just remember to have cash ready for those late-night transactions!

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Al Pastor

The Tacos al Pastor are arguably the crown jewel of many Mexican taco stands, and Leo's Tacos Truck is no exception. This iconic dish features marinated pork, traditionally cooked on a vertical spit known as a 'trompo,' similar to shawarma. The marinade, often a blend of achiote paste, chilies, and spices, gives the pork its distinctive reddish hue and complex flavor. As the meat cooks, it's shaved off directly onto warm tortillas. TikTok A crucial element often added is a slice of grilled pineapple, which provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory pork. TikTok

Many enthusiasts consider the al pastor at Leo's to be among the best in Los Angeles, drawing crowds specifically for this specialty. TikTok The visual of the rotating trompo is as much a part of the experience as the taste itself. When ordering, don't hesitate to ask for all the fixings – onions, cilantro, and your preferred salsas – to complete this quintessential street taco experience. TikTok

While the al pastor is a star, don't overlook other traditional offerings. Carnitas, slow-cooked pork that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, and Lengua, or beef tongue, are also highly praised and offer a different, yet equally authentic, taste of Mexican street food. TikTok

Navigating the Taco Truck Scene

The vibrant taco truck scene in Los Angeles is a culinary adventure in itself. These mobile kitchens offer a more affordable and often more authentic taste of Mexican cuisine compared to sit-down restaurants. TikTok Finding the best ones often involves a bit of local knowledge and a willingness to explore. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become invaluable tools for discovering hidden gems and popular spots, with creators frequently sharing their favorite finds. TikTokInstagram

When visiting a taco truck, be prepared for a more casual dining experience. Seating might be limited to picnic tables, or you might find yourself eating standing up or even on the hood of your car, which is part of the charm for many. TikTok The focus is squarely on the food. Don't be surprised by lines, especially at well-known trucks like Leo's; a crowd is often a good indicator of quality and popularity. TikTok

Understanding the payment methods is key. While some trucks have embraced digital payments, many still operate on a cash-only basis or accept payment apps like Zelle. TikTok Having cash readily available will streamline your ordering process and ensure you don't miss out. Additionally, be aware that parking can be a challenge in busy urban areas, so factor in a little extra time for finding a spot. Reddit