16 restaurants in Boyle Heights. Part of our Los Angeles Cheap Eats guide.
This small, family-owned spot serves authentic Mexican home cooking, with chilaquiles that are frequently called the best in Los Angeles. It's a casual, intimate space where dishes are made to order, often with handmade tortillas.
This East Los Angeles institution operates out of a humble lunch truck, serving up generous portions of remarkably fresh mariscos. Loyal patrons have been returning for decades, drawn by the consistently delicious seafood and the warm, welcoming service.
“My family and I have been coming here for 20+ years. Best mariscos there is in the city for a quick bite. 10/10 with everything”
“The mariscos were excellent. Had a xl campechana and a shrimp ( empanizados) taco that was fire.”
“The most amazing people kind-hearted and perfect service every time the food is the most outstanding I've ever had to had the pleasure of eating. Justine”
This iconic Los Angeles food truck serves up deeply flavorful, crispy fried shrimp tacos that are worth trying. It's a no-frills spot that feels authentic and grounded in local culture, offering a casual vibe perfect for families and solo diners alike.
“The perfect balance between flavour and crispiness”
“I come to LA 1-5 times per year and I must have at least one meal here”
“Food Truck is clean and staff are very polite”
This unassuming taco truck serves some of LA's most flavorful birria, with a standout salsa and veggie bar. It's a go-to for locals seeking authentic Mexican flavors at unbeatable prices.
“The crunchy birria Tacos with the consome is delicious and the tacos de cabeza amazing.”
“Tacos dorados and a mazapán Chocomil hits the spot all the time”
“My go 2 place 2 eat for lunch at least once a week. Every coworker I've tooken has ended up back saying the same thing.”
This is a no-frills taco stand that serves up some of the most flavorful street tacos in East LA. The carne asada and al pastor are frequently cited as highlights, with a generous condiment bar to customize each bite. It's a casual spot that draws crowds, especially after local sporting events.
“These are by far the best street tacos. The alpastor tacos are the best. Their salsas are very good too.”
“That quesadilla was NEXT LEVEL the perfect amount of cheese, carne asada, crunch. Game changer!”
“And they couldn’t be nicer people. 11/10 would recommend. Can’t wait to go back!”
This cash-only Thai spot is a long-standing neighborhood favorite, serving generous portions of flavorful, affordable takeout. It's a no-frills operation, more hole-in-the-wall than sit-down restaurant, but the consistent quality and value keep locals coming back for decades.
“Very clean you can order by phone”
“Each dish was a masterpiece”
This food truck serves some of the most authentic birria tacos in Los Angeles, with a rich consommé that rivals those found in Tijuana. The quesatacos are a highlight, featuring perfectly crispy tortillas and generous, tender meat.
“Casual street-food spot, best eaten in car”
“Birria, the consomé, everything! Place is 🔥”
“Line moves quickly took about 15 min to order”
This corner taco stand, nestled beside an upholstery shop, serves up authentic Mexican flavors with a focus on handmade tortillas and charcoal-grilled meats. It's a family-run spot that offers a surprising variety, including plant-based options, making it a go-to for many in the neighborhood.
“Love the papa rellena, its soooo delicious. Their afua frescas are delicious. Many options to chose from im barely halfway through their menu.”
“The food was great authentic Mexican food ,best quesabirria I’ve ever ate. Homemade tortillas.”
“Full of meat and a great price at $2 each! As well as taco Tuesday deals.”
This Boyle Heights spot serves up authentic street tacos with a focus on handmade tortillas and flavorful, well-seasoned meats. It's a casual, family-friendly counter-service joint that punches above its weight in taste and quality.
“Best tacos I've had in a while!”
“Hidden gems, fun conversation with owner”
“The bros were so welcoming and kind”
This East LA spot is a renowned Mexican seafood destination, particularly celebrated for its shrimp tacos. The crispy, flavorful preparations, like the dorados and Baja style, are a major draw, offering incredible quality for the price.
“Carlos greeted us with a huge smile”
This unassuming spot serves up generous portions of teriyaki bowls and sushi rolls with a friendly neighborhood vibe. It's a casual, family-friendly destination that caters to solo diners and families alike, offering a welcome alternative in its community.
“I found hair strands between the ginger and sushi rolls”
“The place is very echoy plus screen by the cashier”
“Small hole in the wall dining! Food looks great”
This East LA corner stand serves up some of the city's most talked-about carnitas and chilaquiles, often drawing crowds eager for a taste of their signature burritos. Expect a no-frills setup where the focus is squarely on the flavorful, generously portioned food.
“The workers was helpful and nice. Location isn't the best. The meat combos you can get are awesome. It's definitely worth the try if you're in the area.”
“Fantastic value for the price! Generous, shareable portions, and the food is delicious too.”
“Some of the best carnitas I’ve ever had, flavorful, not too greasy/salty, and not dry.”
This East LA institution serves up renowned, massive Mexican staples that have been feeding families for generations. Expect a casual, old-school atmosphere where generous portions are the norm, making it a perfect spot for groups or a hearty solo meal.
“Their $15 burrito will easily feed two, maybe three people”
“Located in the heart of East.”
“Massive burritos show up at your table in two minutes”
This family-owned spot serves up authentic flavors from San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, with signature taquitos dorados and hearty tortas. It's a casual, welcoming place where the food is consistently delicious, even if the decor shows its age.
“We ought to gives a lot of credit for the owner of this great place that besides high prices, they are able to good prices and estill excellent food.”
“The best place to eat authentic rolled tacos in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco.”
“We were, however, pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding.”
This no-frills food truck serves up authentic LA street tacos, a long-standing favorite for locals and visitors alike. Expect flavorful, small tacos that are perfect for a late-night snack or a post-game bite, often enjoyed standing or in your car.
“$1.50 tacos! Can’t beat that price. There’s small but tasty. Obviously the ere are better tacos out there but for best bang for your buck…Pecas can’t be beat.”
“The staff is so friendly and kind, this us my go-to place to eat tacos and try the avocado salsa.”
“The authentic street small tacos: different meats and full of flavors, with horchata or Jamaica or piña drinks that fulfill your craving needs”
This Boyle Heights spot is a family-owned scratch kitchen that serves up authentic Mexican flavors with a creative twist. It's a cozy, unassuming place where the chef puts heart into every dish, making it a go-to for both casual meals and intimate dates.
