Discover the best al pastor tacos in Los Angeles: A flavorful journey awaits

The story of tacos al pastor in Los Angeles is a tale of cultural fusion, culinary innovation, and the relentless pursuit of flavor. The journey began in 1974 when Raul Martínez founded the King Taco chain of restaurants. Martínez, inspired by the Mexico City-style al pastor, installed the first trompos at Eastside taquerías to prepare adobo-marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. This method, brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century, has since become a staple of Los Angeles’s vibrant food scene.

The opening of Leo’s Tacos in 2010 by Indigenous Mixe brothers Raul and Mario Ivan Martínez from Tamazulápam del Espíritu Santo, Oaxaca, marked a significant milestone. Their bright, shapely trompos placed outside their yellow stand on South La Brea Avenue and Venice Boulevard in Mid-City captivated Angelenos, forever changing the city’s taco culture. Today, the streets of Los Angeles teem with marinated pork tacos from trompos, a testament to the enduring popularity of this delectable dish.

The Art of Tacos al Pastor: Techniques and Variations

Tacos al pastor are a culinary marvel, characterized by thin cuts of adobo-marinated meat layered into a conical or cylindrical mound on a vertical spit. The adobo marinade, a closely guarded secret at many stands, typically features dried red chiles like guajillo and ancho, chile de árbol for a spicy punch, herbs, spices, pineapple juice, and vinegar for acidity. Some recipes also use achiote paste for color and flavor, giving the trompo its signature reddish or orange hue.

Each region in Mexico has its unique take on tacos al pastor. In Mexico City, taquerías offer spicy salsa de chile verde cruda and salsa de chile morita, along with a range of alambres, which are stir-fried meats with onions and peppers topped with melted cheese. In Tijuana, tacos de adobada come with “bandera” colors of the Mexican flag: tomato sauce, chopped onions, cilantro, and creamy guacamole. The cooking process involves high flames that char the marinated pork, resulting in a flavorful, crispy exterior.

Iconic Taquerías and Their Unique Offerings

Los Angeles boasts a plethora of taquerías, each with its distinct style and flavor profile. Leo’s Tacos, the largest al pastor chain in the city, is renowned for its complex adobo and perfectly charred pork sweetened with pineapple chunks. Their commissary prepares the trompos, which are then distributed to various stands across the city, ensuring consistency in flavor and quality.

Tacos Los Güichos, another beloved spot, offers tacos with Roman stripe blocks of flavorful pork, sweet herbal notes, and a signature crimson adobo rim. Their taqueros are skilled in the art of turning, charring, and slicing the meat, ensuring each taco is a masterpiece. Customers can add chopped onions, cilantro, and their preferred salsa, such as salsa de chile de árbol, to enhance the flavor.

Tacos Don Cuco, founded by Filemon Rios and his son Jonathan Rios, brings the flavors of Puebla to East Los Angeles. Their hefty yellow corn tortillas are handmade from fresh masa, and the adobo-marinated pork is charred to perfection. The tacos are topped with a “bandera” of red tomato sauce, chopped white onions, cilantro, and creamy guacamole, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.

The Best Al Pastor Tacos: A Culinary Adventure

Eating tacos in Los Angeles is a sport, with taco stands multiplying across city blocks and offering a variety of regional styles. The culmination of immigrants’ hustle and the decriminalization of street vending has made tacos a democratic blue-collar food that can also be sophisticated and ephemeral. From taco chains serving working communities to smoky Tijuana-style taquerías in South Central, the city’s taco scene is diverse and ever-evolving.

One standout is Tacos La Güera Pico, crowned the best al pastor taco in Los Angeles in 2022 and 2023. Their trompo is a thing of beauty, with flavorful pork sliced thinly and charred to perfection. The tacos are composed on two small corn tortillas and generously topped with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. Despite its simple street corner setting, La Güera’s dedication to quality and flavor has earned it a loyal following.

Other notable mentions include Tacos Zempoal Mixe, Tacos Tamix, and Brothers Cousins, each offering their unique take on al pastor tacos. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, embarking on a taco crawl across Los Angeles is a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to explore the vibrant taco scene in Los Angeles, we recommend starting with the iconic Leo’s Tacos and Tacos La Güera Pico. These establishments offer a quintessential al pastor experience that showcases the skill and dedication of their taqueros. For a more adventurous palate, try Tacos Don Cuco or Tacos Los Güichos, where you can savor regional variations and unique flavor combinations.

For expert travelers, consider visiting during one of the city’s many food festivals or taco crawls. These events provide an opportunity to sample a wide range of tacos from different vendors, all in one place. Additionally, don’t hesitate to venture off the beaten path and explore lesser-known taquerías, as you might discover hidden gems that offer an unforgettable culinary experience.

In conclusion, Los Angeles’s taco scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring appeal of tacos al pastor. Whether you’re a seasoned taco aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the world of tacos. So grab a friend, hit the streets, and embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of Los Angeles.