El Taurino - Authentic Mexican Tacos in Downtown LA

Great authentic tacos and sopes. Sometimes there’s a long wait but it’s worth it.

El Taurino is a true hidden gem in Los Angeles. The food is consistently delicious and full of flavor. I especially love their carne asada and al pastor tacos, which are always cooked perfectly. The salsas have just the right amount of heat and really bring everything together. The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality you get. It is one of those places that you end up coming back to again and again because it is just that good.

This place makes me want to tear up everytime I come out. I grew up around here and I come every so often now . This place is so delicious . Everything is so good . Especially their red salsa .

Came from Texas. My friend brought me to this hole in the wall place fr the tacos and salsa but ended up getting a Torta Cubana . Mannnn it was so goood n the meat was super soft. Definitely goink when im in Cali

I heard it is the best taco place in LA. It is!! Meats are fresh and sauce is amazing. I recommend beef suadero taco. It is my favorite!

The meat is good, but the sauce is legendary. I’m personally team Green Sauce, though my friends all love the Red. Docked one star because they missed my request for onions and cilantro on the side for my to-go order, but honestly, the food is so addicting I’ll be back regardless.

If you’re looking for a solid spot to satisfy a late-night craving in LA, El Taurino especially when it comes to their tacos al pastor. Seriously, the pastor here is flavorful, juicy, and perfectly charred. The meat is well-marinated and the balance of sweetness and spice hits just right. You can tell they’ve been doing this for a while, and they know what they’re doing with that trompo. That being said, the overall experience could definitely improve. The place feels a bit dated and cramped, especially when it gets crowded which is almost always. It has that old-school taquería vibe, but a little freshening up wouldn’t hurt. As for the salsas, they’re not terrible, but I wasn’t blown away. The red salsa in particular tastes a lot like the typical “salsa botanera” that you’d usually find paired with chips or fries in Mexico not exactly the bold, smoky salsa I expected to complement such good tacos. Overall, it’s a must-visit for the pastor alone, and if you’re in the area, definitely worth the stop. Just don’t come expecting a refined or elevated taquería experience come for the flavor and leave happy.

We've eaten here twice and it's going to be a regular place for lunch. Their meats are cooked fresh and flavorful. The service is fast and efficient. You can dine in with a large crowd or take out. Plenty of room. They sell pitchers or bottles of beer, yum! Too much parking!