Discover the Best Food Trucks in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a true food lover's paradise, and its vibrant street food culture reflects the city’s diversity and creativity. Food trucks in Los Angeles have become a beloved staple, offering gourmet dishes that range from Mexican tacos and Korean BBQ to New England lobster rolls and Italian pasta—all served curbside. What makes these food trucks so appealing is their mobility and accessibility; they park at various locations throughout the city, from Downtown LA to the Westside, bringing delicious meals directly to the people. These trucks often announce their daily spots on social media, making it easy to track them down and experience a culinary adventure. Their popularity lies in the mix of innovative, high-quality food at affordable prices, all with the convenience of grabbing a quick bite on the go. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the best food trucks in Los Angeles is an essential part of getting to know the city's dynamic food scene.
1. Kogi BBQ
Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Kogi BBQ is a groundbreaking food truck that revolutionized street food by fusing bold Korean flavors with Mexican street food staples. Their most famous item, the short rib taco, features caramelized Korean BBQ beef, salsa roja, and a crisp slaw. For those seeking something adventurous, the kimchi quesadilla blends the tang of kimchi with melted cheese and crispy tortillas.
Where to find it: Kogi trucks roam across the city. The most reliable spot is Palms, but it's best to check their social media or website for the daily location of one of their four trucks. If you’re hunting for Korean BBQ tacos or fusion street food, Kogi is a must-visit.
2. Mariscos Jalisco
Cuisine: Mexican Seafood
Known for its unbeatable shrimp tacos, Mariscos Jalisco is an East LA institution. The crunchy tacos dorados are stuffed with succulent shrimp, paired with a zesty salsa, making them a fan favorite. The truck also serves fresh ceviche tostadas and seafood cocktails that bring the flavors of the Mexican coast to the heart of LA.
Where to find it: Mariscos Jalisco can often be found on Olympic Boulevard in East LA. It’s a staple for those in search of the best seafood tacos in the city.
3. The Lobos Truck
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
The Lobos Truck offers a variety of hearty dishes, with their signature being the "Wachos" (waffle fries loaded with nacho toppings). Imagine a pile of crispy waffle fries covered in gooey cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of toppings like pulled pork or beef. Their burgers and mac & cheese dishes also attract a loyal following.
Where to find it: The Lobos Truck frequents popular spots around LA, often appearing at food truck festivals or events. Follow them online to track their next location. For loaded nachos and gourmet comfort food, The Lobos Truck is a crowd-pleaser.
4. Tacos Y Birria La Unica
Cuisine: Mexican (Birria Tacos)
Birria tacos are all the rage in LA, and Tacos Y Birria La Unica serves some of the best. Their birria is slow-cooked, offering tender, flavorful beef or goat served in crispy tacos, accompanied by a rich consommé for dipping. The quesatacos, which add melted cheese to the mix, elevate the taco experience even further.
Where to find it: This truck parks in Boyle Heights and Mid-City, catering to birria enthusiasts from across Los Angeles. Searching for birria tacos in LA? This is one of the top spots.
5. Cousins Maine Lobster
Cuisine: New England Seafood
For a taste of the East Coast, Cousins Maine Lobster brings authentic Maine-style lobster rolls to LA. The buttery rolls stuffed with sweet, tender lobster meat are offered either "Maine style" (with a touch of mayo) or "Connecticut style" (served warm with butter). Their lobster bisque and clam chowder are equally tempting.
Where to find it: This truck moves around frequently, so it’s best to check their social media for the latest location. If you’re craving a lobster roll, Cousins Maine Lobster delivers some of the best seafood in LA.
6. Love Bird
Cuisine: Fried Chicken
Love Bird specializes in fried chicken sandwiches that are bursting with flavor. Their signature "Farm Bird" sandwich features perfectly crispy chicken, while the "Fire Bird" adds a spicy kick. Each sandwich is brined and battered to perfection, served with fresh pickles and house-made sauces that keep customers coming back.
Where to find it: Love Bird often parks at local markets and food truck events. Their fried chicken is a must-try for anyone seeking the best chicken sandwiches in LA.
7. SUGO Italiano
Cuisine: Italian-American
SUGO Italiano brings the warmth and flavor of Italy to LA’s streets, serving up hearty homemade pasta dishes, calzones, and meatball sandwiches. Their standout King Sugo sandwich combines juicy meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese in a fresh roll. Whether you’re craving pasta or a satisfying Italian sandwich, this truck has you covered.
Where to find it: Check their social media for current locations, as they regularly attend food festivals and park near popular LA venues.
8. El Chato Taco Truck
Cuisine: Mexican
El Chato Taco Truck is a late-night favorite for authentic Mexican tacos, with options like carne asada, al pastor, and lengua. Their tacos are simple yet packed with flavor, making it the perfect spot for those craving real Mexican street food. For something heartier, try their burritos, which are just as famous.
Where to find it: This truck parks in Mid-Wilshire, making it a go-to for those looking for the best tacos in Los Angeles after dark.
9. Mariscos Mar-Es
Cuisine: Mexican Seafood
Mariscos Mar-Es serves a new-school take on Mexican seafood with a mix of traditional and innovative dishes. Try their octopus con papas or smoked marlin tacos, or dive into their signature shrimp aguachile. Their Peruvian-inspired ceviche blanco is another standout dish.
Where to find it: You can find them in the Downtown Arts District, but be sure to check their Instagram for updates as they sometimes close for catering gigs or relocate.
10. Simón
Cuisine: Mexican Seafood
Simón offers some of the most creative mariscos in LA, with a menu driven by seasonal ingredients. Their soft-shell crab taco and enchilada suiza are fan favorites, packing intense flavors like habanero lime crema and grilled shrimp. Their colorful, fiery salsas add an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
Where to find it: Typically found in Silver Lake’s Sunset Triangle Plaza, Simón is also known to pop up in the Westside. Follow their social media to track their movements.
These food trucks are just a taste of what makes Los Angeles a street food paradise. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, seafood, fried chicken, or fusion cuisine, there's a truck waiting to serve you something unforgettable.
