Californians Travel Miles Just To Get A Bite Of These 10 Iconic Taco and Burrito Spots
In California, tacos and burritos aren’t just food; they’re a way of life, and some spots have earned legendary status.
People travel for miles to taste the fresh, bold flavors, from perfectly seasoned meats to handmade tortillas and inventive fillings.
Each bite captures the spirit of the state, blending tradition, creativity, and passion. These eateries prove that when a taco or burrito reaches iconic status, it becomes a destination all on its own.
1. El Farolito — San Francisco, CA
Stumbling out of a late-night concert, you need fuel. El Farolito has been the Mission District’s savior since the 1980s, slinging massive burritos stuffed with perfectly seasoned carne asada, rice, beans, and that magical orange salsa.
Open until 3 a.m. on weekends, this place practically runs on the devotion of hungry night owls.
The foil-wrapped masterpieces are hefty enough to double as hand warmers on foggy San Francisco evenings. Cash only, no frills, just pure burrito bliss.
2. Guisados — Los Angeles, CA
Forget everything you thought you knew about tacos. Guisados brings home-style Mexican stews to handmade corn tortillas, creating flavor bombs that have spawned multiple locations across LA.
Their signature move? Braised meats like cochinita pibil and tinga de pollo, slow-cooked until they practically melt on your tongue.
Each taco arrives as a tiny masterpiece, topped simply with cilantro and onions to let the guisados shine. Lines wrap around the block, but nobody complains.
3. Al & Bea’s Mexican Food — Los Angeles, CA
Operating since 1966, this Boyle Heights institution has perfected the art of the breakfast burrito.
Regulars swear by the bean and cheese version, which sounds simple until you taste the creamy refried beans and perfectly melted cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
The green salsa alone has inspired poetry from devoted fans. Family-owned and fiercely loved, Al & Bea’s keeps things old-school with recipes passed down through generations. Get there early or prepare to wait.
4. La Azteca Tortilleria — East Los Angeles, CA
Walking into La Azteca feels like stepping into your abuela’s kitchen, if your abuela made 10,000 fresh tortillas daily.
This East LA treasure has been churning out handmade tortillas since 1951, and their tacos showcase that dedication.
Simple fillings like carnitas and al pastor shine because the tortilla steals the show with its warm, pillowy texture. People drive from Orange County just to stock up on tortillas for the week. The aroma alone is worth the trip.
5. Sonoratown — Los Angeles, CA
Sonora-style tacos hit different. At this downtown LA gem, flour tortillas are pressed to order and cooked on a scorching hot griddle until they puff up with charred spots.
The carne asada comes from prime beef cuts, sliced thin and grilled over mesquite. Top it with their fiery chiltepin salsa if you dare.
Founded by two guys obsessed with authentic Sonoran flavors, Sonoratown has become a pilgrimage site for taco purists. Small menu, massive impact.
6. Burritos La Palma — El Monte / Santa Ana / Costa Mesa, CA
Three locations, one legendary reputation. Burritos La Palma specializes in monster-sized burritos that require both hands and serious commitment.
Their Chile Verde burrito has achieved cult status, packed with tender pork swimming in tangy tomatillo sauce.
The tortillas are made fresh on-site, and you can watch them being pressed while you wait. Regulars have their orders memorized, rattling them off like secret passwords. Bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share.
7. El Tepeyac Café — Los Angeles, CA
Manuel’s Special burrito isn’t just food, it’s a five-pound challenge wrapped in foil.
This East LA landmark has been serving gut-busting portions since 1955, and the walls are covered with photos of celebrities who’ve attempted the beast.
Stuffed with eggs, ham, bacon, chili, cheese, and potatoes, this burrito requires strategic planning and possibly a nap afterward.
Regular-sized options exist for mere mortals, but where’s the fun in that? Come hungry, leave legendary.
8. Tacos El Gordo — San Diego, CA
Tijuana-style tacos crossed the border and set up shop in San Diego, bringing adobada cooked on a vertical spit that’ll haunt your dreams.
The meat gets sliced paper-thin, crisped on the griddle, and piled onto doubled corn tortillas.
Originally from Tijuana, Tacos El Gordo expanded to San Diego and now has lines snaking out the door at all hours.
The salsa bar offers about twenty different options, from mild to melt-your-face. Cash only, no regrets.
9. Las Cuatro Milpas — San Diego, CA
Since 1933, this family-run spot in Barrio Logan has been doing exactly four things: tacos, rolled tacos, beans, and rice. That’s it. No substitutions, no complaints.
The rolled tacos arrive hot and crispy, topped with lettuce, cheese, and guacamole that tastes like it was just made. Cash only, closes at 3 p.m., and the line forms before they open.
Simple menu, unbeatable execution, zero pretension. Locals guard this place like a state secret.
10. La Super-Rica Taqueria — Santa Barbara, CA
Julia Child called this her favorite taco spot, and honestly, who are we to argue with culinary royalty? This unassuming Santa Barbara gem has been slinging exceptional tacos since 1980.
The menu changes based on what’s fresh, but the rajas con crema tacos are a permanent fixture, featuring roasted poblano peppers swimming in Mexican crema.
Weekend lines stretch forever, but regulars know weekday lunches are the secret window. Worth every minute of wait time.