Tacos, those handheld bundles of joy. That first crunch of a crispy carnitas shell, that burst of salsa verde. Nothing beats it. They’re a preview of the meal ahead and, in fact, at some spots the taco is the main event. These irresistible tacos prove that North Hollywood’s most memorable bites aren’t always from entrees. Although you may need to order seconds on the spot. This is a celebration of North Hollywood’s most exciting tacos.
California Fish Grill
$ | (747) 214-0478 | WEBSITE
We’ve never had salmon like the one at California Fish Grill, a North Hollywood restaurant that serves up consistently delicious seafood dishes. The freshness of the salmon can be tasted from the first bite to the last. Its perfectly cooked flesh is complemented by bright cilantro, and it’s plated like a beautiful little masterpiece leading straight to seafood heaven.
Sandy’s Tacos
$ | (818) 503-4909 | WEBSITE
These al pastor tacos the size and weight of a small tortilla get grilled with pineapple and covered in a thin, tangy salsa verde. And then finished with a single slice of fresh onion resting on top. It’s all very simple-looking—until you take that first bite, coating every surface of those corn tortillas in smoky pork and bright salsa.
Tacos Soloma
$ | (213) 377-4668 | WEBSITE
Devouring these tacos piled with carne asada and fresh salsa is a carnivore’s delight. The handmade tortillas, variety of salsa options, and refreshing agua frescas have enough flavor and texture to make a three-hour food documentary titled The Ultimate Taco. For an extra $3, you can swap those agua frescas for housemade horchata.
Birrieria Familia Castro
$ | (818) 800-5098 | WEBSITE
Birrieria Familia Castro’s menu stays true to tradition, but if they ever stop serving that rich, slow-cooked birria consomé, we’ll show up with empty mugs and politely (but persistently) ask the cooks until they bring it back. It’s simmered with so much flavor it makes the steam fog up your glasses, and comes with warm tortillas for dipping. Scoop everything up in one bite and feel your senses awaken like all the spice you’re savoring.
Casita Taco Al Carbon
$ | (818) 508-8118 | WEBSITE
We love the chicken quesadilla on its own, but the warm, folded tortilla comes with anything from the taco section of the menu. So tear the tortilla in half to make pockets, and stuff them with flavorful meats, divine sauces, and whatever char grilled chicken is on the combination menu. It tastes like the ultimate comfort-food feast.
Birrieria San Marcos
$ | (818) 297-6041 | WEBSITE
Birrieria San Marcos takes classic birria tacos and fills the tortillas with tender, slow-cooked meat that’s been simmered for hours, rich consommé, and melted cheese. Then they’re served with a deeply dark and flavorful broth for dipping. The birria tacos are phenomenal, but also a great example of how Birrieria San Marcos combines authentic Mexican tradition with generous, satisfying portions.
Pobres Tacos
$ | (310) 993-9515 | WEBSITE
These golden shells of birria are filled with tender meat, accompanied by a consome of deep flavor, and come with a side of fresh cilantro and onion that resemble confetti of vibrant greenery. The taco and consome combo creates a simultaneously rich and refreshing taste as authentic and satisfying as family tradition.
L.A Auténtica Birrieria-NoHo
$ | (323) 690-0987 | WEBSITE
This rich birria is served with handmade tortillas, a kind of comfort food that’s made with tender chivo or res, guacamole, and a little drizzle of green sauce that’s like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. The generous portions make it look like a feast meant for sharing, and if you eat it with your eyes closed, you can transport to a reality where every bite is authentic, and the horchata is a main source of refreshment.
Tacos el tigre
$ | (323) 534-2319 | WEBSITE
This al pastor taco will be remembered in NoHo lore for decades to come. It’s a masterful creation that could’ve only happened here: a crispy, expertly seasoned slice of pork tucked into a fresh, handmade corn tortilla—each of which is served with a generous portion of salsa and topped with a little cilantro and diced onion.
Pablito’s Tacos
$ | (818) 966-8534 | WEBSITE
“Taco” is a humble label for what unfolds here. This assembly of mesquite-charred asada is cradled by handmade tortillas that soak up the meat’s juices like a warm embrace. Topped with fresh cilantro and onion, there’s no other taco experience in North Hollywood more compelling than this one.
Tacoseltigre1
$ | (323) 534-2319 | WEBSITE
No other late-night taco stands serve up Pastor as crispy and flavorful as Tacoseltigre1’s. These perfectly seasoned pork towers are the best companion to a cold beer. They always arrive fresh, and even though they taste incredible on their own, they were made to be topped with their great salsas. So order those, too.
Tacos El Venado
$ | (323) 944-8320 | WEBSITE
This is the taco you’d want to eat after a long night out in LA. It’s authentic but packed with so much flavor and generous portions that you’ll feel like you’re eating a full meal if you don’t share. But you should—because that’s just not fair to everyone else at the table.